Surname Clough - Meaning and Origin

Unearthing Ancestral Ties and Shaping Identity: My Insightful Journey with iGENEA DNA Test

My decision to delve into my ancestry through the iGENEA DNA test unearthed surprising insights about my family origins and the roots of the Clough surname. The connection to the brave Anglo-Saxon tribe and the journey across different lands significantly changed my perspective on my lineage and strengthened my family identity.

O. Clough

Clough: What does the surname Clough mean?

Clough is a surname of Old English and Northern Irish origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'clōh', which means a steep hill or a ravine. This implies that it was likely a topographic surname initially given to individuals who resided near a steep hill or a ravine. The name started to be used as a family name, passed on from one generation to the other, to identify different branches of the same family, especially in England and Northern Ireland. Variations of the name Clough include Clow, Clowe, Cluff, Clufe, and Cluffe. As with many surnames, the meaning of the name Clough can vary slightly depending on geographical regions and historical context. However, the connection with a landscape feature, specifically a steep hill or ravine, is the most widely accepted interpretation.

Clough: Where does the name Clough come from?

The surname Clough is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English 'clōh' which refers to a 'steep hill' or 'ravine.' The surname thus likely marks geographical origin, denoting individuals who lived near a hill or a ravine. Various locations within England, such as Lancashire, Cheshire, and Yorkshire, feature places named Clough, adding to the possibility of deriving the surname from such localities.

Today, the surname Clough continues to be common in England, particularly in the North. According to Forebears, a genealogical data website, the name is most common in England, particularly in regions such as Lancashire, West Yorkshire, and Greater Manchester. Outside of England, the name is found commonly in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, regions where British emigrants have historically settled. The surname does not appear to be overly common globally, but these regions have the most concentration of individuals named Clough.

Variations of the surname Clough

The surname Clough originates from England, specifically Northern England and is derived from an Old English term for a steep hill or cliff. Over time, it has taken on many variations, spellings and similar surnames due to regional dialects, translations, and even simple recording errors.

Alternate spellings of the surname Clough include Cluff, Cluffe, Clug, Clow, and Clowe. Surnames that potentially share the same origin and are closely related in sound or spelling include Cleugh, Clowes, and Cluse.

Another like-sounding name, Cluff, is most common in America, while in Britain, the surname Clough is more prevalent. There are also variants such as Clougher, though this may also refer to a location. One may find the spelling "Clough" has distinct lineages in different geographical locations, creating additional variations and spelling possibilities.

Other related surnames could be those derived from similar geographical or topographical roots such as Cliff, Clifford, Clifton which signifies a steep hill or a rocky ascent. This commonly reflected the individual's residence.

Given the complexities of surname origins and transformations over time, genealogical or heritage studies would provide a more definitive conclusion.

Famous people with the name Clough

• Brian Clough: A famous English football player and manager, Brian Clough is widely known for his accomplishments with Nottingham Forest F.C.
• Nigel Clough: The son of Brian Clough, Nigel also followed in his father's footsteps and became a professional football player and manager.
• Arthur Hugh Clough: A distinguished English poet, he was associated with the 19th-century Victorian literary movement.
• Blanche Athena Clough: An English social reformer and advocate for women's higher education, she was also the niece of Arthur Hugh Clough.
• Paul Clough: A current English rugby player, currently for Bradford Bulls.
• Andy Clough: An accomplished cricket player, Andy played for teams such as Derbyshire and Gloucestershire in the 1980s and 1990s.
• Anita Clough: An English actress who has featured in shows such as "The Bill" and "Doctors".
• Amy Clough: A popular British YouTuber known for her beauty and lifestyle content.
• Thomas J. Clough: An American architect known for designing several notable buildings in Honolulu, Hawaii.
• Ben Clough: A British entrepreneur who founded the organic food brand, Bounce Foods.
• Anne J. Clough: An English suffragist and promoter of higher education for women, sister of Arthur Hugh Clough.

Other surnames

Cloughessy