Surname Clover - Meaning and Origin
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Clover: What does the surname Clover mean?
The last name Clover has many possible origins. It may be derived from either an occupational name referring to a cloth trader or a nickname derived from the English word for a flower.
The occupational name likely originates from the Middle English word "clovere" or clovereman, which means a person who sells and trades cloth. The clovereman likely wore a velvet cap as a sign of their trade. In the Middle Ages, the clovereman was an important occupation, since clothing was an expensive and highly sought-after commodity. The surname Clover may have been given to a cloth trader in homage to their occupation.
Alternatively, the last name Clover may be a nickname derived from the English word for a flower, clover. In the Middle Ages, nicknames were commonly given to people to describe some physical feature or characteristic. It is possible that a person in this era with a particularly bright smile or cheerful personality (perhaps due to their occupation as a cloth trader) was dubbed "Clover" in reference to the flower, which is known for its four leaves which symbolize luck.
In either case, the last name Clover likely originated in the Middle Ages and may have been used as either an occupational or a nickname. The surname has since spread to many parts of the world and is now a common last name.
Order DNA origin analysisClover: Where does the name Clover come from?
The last name Clover is most common today in the United States, particularly in the American South. It is an English surname, likely deriving from the Old English word for a clover plant. In the US, people with the last name Clover are most commonly found in Tennessee, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Arkansas.
Clover families have lived in America since the 1600s, with some records indicating that the surname immigrated to America along with British settlers. By the mid-nineteenth century, many Clovers had moved to the American South. Today, many large Clover families are concentrated in the South, in towns and cities such as Nashville (TN), Charlotte (NC), and Tupelo (MS).
The Clover name is also quite common in the British Isles, notably in Ireland and Scotland. Clovers in these countries often trace their roots back to Norman families. Since the late nineteenth century, the name has also spread to other parts of the world, such as Argentina and Australia.
Despite the commonality of the Clover name, its exact origin is unknown. While it is believed to be derived from a plant, this is a matter of speculation. Over the centuries, the name has evolved and changed, with new variations emerging. Whatever its origin, it is clear that the last name Clover is now a prominent feature of many countries, especially in the United States.
Variations of the surname Clover
The surname Clover is derived from the Old English word cloefre, meaning “meadow” or “meadow land.” The origin of the surname is thought to date back to the mid-14th century, when the area of the Middle Ages was characterized by large estates and farms. This name is most commonly found in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Variant spellings of Clover include Cloever, Cloover, Clovver, Cleever, and Cleevers. Surnames of similar origin include Cleaver, Clare, Cleary, and Cleaver.
Clover is one of the most common surnames in England, and is thought to have originated in the north or the south of the country. It is a relatively rare name in Ireland, where it has been used for hundreds of years by families with connections to feudal and tribal clans. In Scotland, the surname is assumed to have been adopted by immigrants who arrived in the 18th century.
In Wales, the surname is associated with the ancient Welsh kingdom of Powys, in the east of the country. It is relatively rare in this part of the British Isles. The name is more common in the United States, as it is believed to have initially been brought to the country by settlers from Ireland and Scotland during the 18th century.
Clover is also found as a given name, with variations in spelling such as Clovar, Clovier, and Clovert. As a given name, it was first used by the family from which it originated. Today, it is still seen as a popular surname as well as a given name in various regions.
Famous people with the name Clover
- Connor Clover, professional snowboarder and mountain biker
- Charlotte Clover, singer-songwriter
- William Clover, actor and voice actor
- Christopher Clover, politician and environmentalist
- Bob Clover, professional woodworker
- Monty Clover, comedian
- Cooper Clover, entrepreneur and philanthropist
- Shane Clover, professional skateboarder
- Edwin Clover, trailblazer in editing and visual effects
- Josh Clover, rapper and musician