Surname Clever - Meaning and Origin
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Clever: What does the surname Clever mean?
The last name Clever is of Anglo-Saxon origin and it is a topographic name, which means that it refers to a physical feature or location. The name is derived from the Middle English clevere, which means “cleft” or “ravine.” It was likely used to describe someone who lived near a ravine or a cleft in the land.
In the Middle Ages, the name was used to refer to a landowner or settler who has established themselves in a new area with a physical feature such as a ravine or cleft. It could also refer to someone who was clever and had a sharp wit or intelligence.
Today, the surname clever is used as a given name or first name to suggest attributes associated with being smart and witty. It can also indicate someone who is an expert in their field or a problem solver. It is also used as a nickname or as an honorific title, such as “Clever John” or “Clever Joe.”
The surname Clever is a reminder of those who were brave enough to blaze trails and establish new homes in the Anglo-Saxon era, and of those who have the wisdom, intelligence, and wit to approach any problem with a clever solution.
Order DNA origin analysisClever: Where does the name Clever come from?
The last name Clever is a popular surname today, both in its native Germany and throughout Europe. It is particularly common in the German states of Bavaria, Thuringia, Saxony, and Baden-Wurttemberg.
The origin of the Clever surname is likely derived from the German word "klug," meaning "wise" or "astute." This could suggest that the surname was originally used to denote a wise or intelligent person.
In the United States, the name is most commonly found in the Eastern and Mid-Atlantic states. It is also reasonably popular in parts of the Midwest, though it is less common in the western states of the U.S.
The surname Clever can also be found in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other former British colonies. It has been gaining in popularity throughout the English-speaking world in the modern era.
One notable person with the surname Clever is German actor Heinz Reincke, best known for his role in the 1937 film "Der Herrscher."
Overall, the surname Clever is still quite common today in Germany, Europe, Australia, and the United States. It remains an important part of German heritage, and serves as a reminder of the wise and intelligent people that have borne the name throughout the centuries.
Variations of the surname Clever
The surname Clever is mainly of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Olde English pre 7th century word "cleofere", which means a clerk or scribe. This was an occupational name for someone involved in the writing and keeping of records, and an official in a royal or ecclesiastical court. Variants of the surname Clever include Claver, Cleever, Cleaford, Cleavar, Clere,Clewar, Cleworth, Clievor, and Cleare.
In Scotland, the name Clever has been anglicized from the Gaelic MacLabhruinn, which is derived from the word "labhar", meaning "talkative". This family is said to have originated in sometime in the early 13th century. Variants of the name there include Laburn, Leburne, MacLever, MacLeaver, McLabhruinn, McLeaver, McLeavers, McLever, McLivers, Livers, and Levers.
In central Europe, a form of the name can be found as Klug, Kluge or Kluger, which means 'clever' or 'wise', and is derived from the Middle High German word "klug".
Additionally, the surname Clever may be a short form of the personal name Edward, which in Middle English was "Eadweard", a combination of two Olde English elements; "Ead", meaning 'prosperity' or 'fortune', and "weard", meaning 'guardian' or 'protector'. Variants of this name include Eward, Ewardes, Ewerd, Yrerewardes, Yrewerdes, and Yerwardes.
Famous people with the name Clever
- Ben Clever: an Argentinian rugby union rugby player.
- Abigail Clever: a comedian and writer.
- Emilia Clever: an American actress.
- Isaac Clever: a former professional basketball player.
- Erik Clever: a German speed skater who established three world records and won three Olympic medals.
- Nick Clever: a professional softball pitcher.
- Abe Clever: a monster-truck driver from Pennsylvania.
- Zachary Clever: a former American football player.
- Sophia Clever: a German model and fashion blogger.
- Scott Clever: a retired professional baseball player.
- Jack Clever: a career journalist and radio host.
- Sara Clever: an American singer-songwriter.
- Lola Clever: a French comedian and actress.
- Bill Clever: a former NBA player.
- Charlotte Clever: a British model.
- Hal Clever: an American basketball player from the 1940s.
- Ilse Clever: a German film and television actress.
- Marina Clever: German microbiologist and geneticist.
- Dominik Clever: an Austrian professional racing cyclist.
- Barbara Clever: an American author of children’s books.