Surname van Cleff - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'V'
van Cleff: What does the surname van Cleff mean?
The last name Van Cleff is of Dutch origin and comes from the city of Cleve in North Rhine–Westphalia, Germany, which was known as Cleves in the Old Dutch language. The meaning of the name is derived from an Old Dutch word referring to a type of cliff or rock formation.
The topographic name Van Cleff is used by people who lived near a small cliff which has been historically known as the Cleff or Van Cleff. The name originates from the late Middle Ages, when the name first appears in records. The Van Cleffs were a prominent family of Dutch nobility and landowners who established businesses in the city of Cleve and neighboring towns.
Van Cleff is a surname that carries a sense of pride and tradition. It symbolizes a family’s roots in the Dutch region and is associated with the people who originated from there. The surname continues to be passed down through generations of Van Cleffs and has come to define the ongoing family heritage.
Today, people of Dutch ancestry who bear the surname Van Cleff still feel a strong connection to their family’s roots and the region from which their ancestors once called home. They see it as a reminder of their connection to the Netherlands and cleave to the values of their ancestors, such as hard work, community, and family.
Order DNA origin analysisvan Cleff: Where does the name van Cleff come from?
The last name van Cleff is believed to have originated in the Netherlands. It was common in the Netherlands until the 18th century, when its prevalence began to decline. Today, van Cleff is mainly found in a handful of European countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
In the United States, van Cleff is much less common. The first known instance of the name arriving in America was in 1821, when Jacob Van Cleve settled in Belmont County, Ohio. Since then, the name has spread to multiple states, although there is no single area in the US where it is especially concentrated.
Despite its relative obscurity, the van Cleff name is still in use today. According to genealogy records, people with van Cleff surname were born as recently as 2019 in the United States. In Europe, too, the name is still found among the living.
In short, the last name van Cleff is still in use today, although its fame and prevalence have faded over time. It is found among a handful of countries in Europe, and has also spread to the United States. Given its low numbers, it is likely that a person with this last name is related to their ancestors through a long lineage of van Cleffs.
Variations of the surname van Cleff
Van Cleff is a Dutch surname derived from the words for "from the cliff". The main variants and spellings of this surname include Van Cleef, Van Kleef, Van Cleeve, Van Clief, Van Cleave, Van Clef, Van Kleeff, Karn Klief, and Van Cleeff.
The spelling variations are due to the fact that early documents were written by hand or by various recording methods, resulting in variant spellings that could be distorted over time. Other surnames derived from this one include Van Cleave, Cleef, Van Cleven, and Clean.
Van Cleef is the most common spelling of the surname. It is a regional Dutch name derived from a place or kin group. It is also a common Dutch surname in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Northern France, and England. It is also quite common in countries throughout the former Dutch Empire.
In the United States and Canada, Van Cleef is one of the most frequently found Dutch surnames. It is especially common on the East Coast of the United States in states such as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Van Cleef is a well-known surname in Europe, particularly in Germany. It is particularly common in western Germany, especially in rural areas around the Rhine. The surname is also quite common in other parts of the world such as South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Van Cleef is also found among African-American people who trace their ancestry to the Netherlands.
Famous people with the name van Cleff
- Carol Van Cleef: Founding partner of Morrison & Foerster’s blockchain technology and digital currency industry practice.
- Matthew Van Cleef: Award-winning composer, conductor, and cellist.
- Sarah Van Cleef: Executive assistant to the mayor and civic innovator.
- Chris Van Cleef: Actor known for his roles in 13 Reasons Why, Hot in Cleveland, and Robot Chicken.
- Erika Van Cleef: Actress known for her roles in Step by Step and National Lampoon's Vacation.
- Aimee van Cleeff: Professional dancer and choreographer.
- Jack Van Cleef: Puzzlesmith and creator of the game Zimbu.
- Renee van Cleef: Professional photographer known for her portraiture and landscape work.
- Paul van Cleef: Retired Dutch politician and former Minister of Education, Culture and Science.
- Yuri van Cleeff: Professional violinist and chamber musician.
- Gus van Cleef: Veteran actor and movie producer best known for his roles in such films as High Noon and Rio Bravo.
- Ellen van Cleef: Actress best known for her roles in The Fifth Element and The School for Wives.
- Tyler van Cleef: Musician and songwriter best known for his work “Blessed Be the Name of the Lord” and “Halfway Home”.
- Tracey van Cleef: Director of Development and Programming for the National Women's Law Center.
- Teun van Cleeff: Journalist and editor-in-chief of the Dutch newspaper De Pers.