Arts & LiteratureAmerican1906 – 1963
Clifford Odets
Playwright, 'Awake and Sing!' and 'Waiting for Lefty'
Biography
An influential American playwright and screenwriter of the 1930s-1950s, known for socially conscious dramas that captured the struggles of working-class Americans during the Great Depression.
Quick Facts
Category
Arts & Literature
Nationality
American
Born
1906
Died
1963
Thinking about the name
Clif
English origin
“A shortened form of Clifford derived from Old English 'clif' (cliff) and 'ford' (river crossing), Clif is punchy and direct. The name evokes natural landscapes while maintaining efficient, mid-century American practicality. It appeals to parents seeking a classic-yet-brief alternative to longer forms.”