Surname Clegg - Meaning and Origin

Clegg: The DNA Story Behind My Surname and Self-Identity Insights From iGENEA Test

Receiving the results of my iGENEA DNA test initiated a journey of self-realization and identity formation. The test unravelled the vast historical and cultural contexts tied to my surname – 'Clegg', adding depth and dimension to my understanding of personal heritage.

V. Clegg

Clegg: What does the surname Clegg mean?

The last name "Clegg" is of Anglo-Saxon origins and primarily found in Northern England, particularly in Lancashire and Yorkshire. The word "Clegg" is derived from the Old Norse word "kleggi," which stands for a gadfly, or horsefly, a type of fly known for biting and annoying animals. Some interpretations suggest it could refer to a person who was considered a nuisance or irritation, or it could imply a person with a stinging or sharp wit. In another perspective, it could also be a topographical name for someone living in an area plagued by a lot of horseflies. It's important to remember the meaning of surnames can often be speculative or have evolved over centuries, and literal interpretations may not accurately represent the name's true meaning or origin.

Clegg: Where does the name Clegg come from?

The surname Clegg is of English origin and derives from the Old Norse word 'kleggi' meaning 'a lump or clot'. This was potentially a nickname given to children who were stocky or overweight. The Cleggs first established themselves in Lancashire after coming from the Germanic regions of Europe with the Vikings.

In terms of geographical distribution, Clegg is most common in England, particularly in Lancashire and West Yorkshire. This is due to the significant Viking presence in these regions centuries ago. The name also spread to other parts of the British Isles and later to settler colonies like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

However, within these places, the name still remains relatively uncommon. According to the 1881 census, there were approximately 5,726 instances of the surname in England and Wales, with a high concentration in Lancashire. Today, people with the Clegg surname can be found worldwide but it is still most common in England.

Variations of the surname Clegg

The surname Clegg is of English origin, believed to be derived from the Norse-Viking words 'Kleggi' or 'Kleggr,' denoting a horse with short legs or 'stumpy'. It can also refer to geographical names connected to marshes or fens, coming from the Old Norse term 'klegg,' a type of horsefly common in such environments.

Numerous spelling variations of the name Clegg are found in records dating back centuries due to different phonetic interpretations and regional dialects. These include, but are not limited to, Cleg, Clegge, Cleag, Cleagg, Clege, Klegg, Kleg, Kleag, Klleg, Cleeg, and Klegge.

Clegg is also often seen modified into patronymic or matronymic surnames. These forms often involve the addition of suffixes like 'son' or 's,' such as Cleggson, or Cleggs.

It's not uncommon to see hyphenated variants of the surname too, combining the root name with other surnames, for instance, Clegg-Smith or Clegg-Johnson.

Some surnames may sound similar to Clegg, but aren't necessarily variants or carry the same origin, like Craig or Clagg. Always refer to genealogical resources when tracing your family's name to be sure of its lineage and historical variations.

Famous people with the name Clegg

• Nick Clegg: A renowned British politician, Nick was the Deputy Prime Minister in the UK from 2010 to 2015 and the leader of the Liberal Democrats from 2007 to 2015.
• Johnny Clegg: A famous South African musician and anthropologist, Johnny became famous for blending Western and Zulu music during the apartheid era in his band 'Savuka'.
• Ossie Clark (Clegg): Known as Ossie Clegg, he was a prominent British fashion designer in the '60s and '70s.
• Cynthia Clegg: An American philanthropist and President of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County.
• David Clegg: A Scottish journalist, currently the editor of the newspaper "The Courier".
• Edward Clegg: A well-known English cricketer who played for Northamptonshire.
• Ivy Clegg: An English actress in the 1920s and 1930s recognized for her work in silent film.
• Andrew Clegg: A famed British author best known for his contributions to the science fiction genre.
• Charles Clegg: An acclaimed American author and photographer.
• John Clegg: Prominent English actor known for his role in the sitcom 'Last of the Summer Wine'.
• Steve Clegg: Retired English canoer who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics.

Other surnames

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