Surname Clower - Meaning and Origin
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Clower: What does the surname Clower mean?
The last name Clower is of English origin and is believed to be derived from the Old English term 'clere', which means 'scholar'. The term was likely used as an occupational surname for a cleric in the church or a scholar or secretary serving a noble house. It points to a lineage where scholarship, education, and service were valued. Over time, the spelling of last names changed due to a variety of factors including regional accents and illiteracy; as a result, 'clere' evolved into Clower. Like many surnames, different families with the name Clower can have different origins, and not all Clowers necessarily share the same lineage or ancestry.
Order DNA origin analysisClower: Where does the name Clower come from?
The last name Clower is of English origin. It was first used as a surname in medieval England, emerging from the pre 7th century Old English word "clere", meaning clerk or scholar. In the Middle Ages, a clerk was considered one of the most educated members of a village or town, serving as the town's record keeper, and the surname would have been given to someone carrying out this role. Clower may also have variants such as Clow, Clowe, and Clougher.
Today, the surname Clower is not very common, but can primarily be found in the United States, closely followed by England. Countries like Canada and Australia also have some instances of the surname, but not as commonly. In the United States, it is more prevalent in southern states such as Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama. This could be partially attributable to immigration patterns of English and Irish immigrants moving into those particular regions.
Variations of the surname Clower
The surname Clower has several variations and can be found under different spellings which may have been the result of translation errors, dialect pronunciation, or even personal preference. Some of these variants include Clowers, Cloure, Cloe, Cloer, Clour, Clowery, Clowry, and Cloury.
The Clower family name is considered to be of English origin. It's suggested to be a topographic or occupational name deriving from the old English word "clōr" which means a claw, used metaphorically for a vine or a fork of a river, or a person who worked with machinery with claws, such as a crane.
However, other sources propose the surname could have originated from Ireland or Scotland. An Irish variation suggested is O'Cluairie or O'Clurey. In Scotland, it would be rendered in Gaelic as "MacClure," which means 'Son of Clure.'
Another variation is the German surname Klauer, which likely entered English-speaking countries as Clower. This evolution in spelling and pronunciation often occurred when families emigrated and adapted their surnames to their new environment. But one should note that even if the surnames sound similar or are spelled similarly, it doesn't always confirm a shared origin, just a potential correlation.
Famous people with the name Clower
- Jerry Clower: An American stand-up comedian who's famous for his stories about rural Southern life. He was also a popular member of the Grand Ole Opry.
- Phil Clower: He is a retired professional footballer from England who played as a goalkeeper for several football clubs throughout his career.
- Stephen Clower: He is an actor known for his roles in The Deadliest Season, Sergeant Matlovich vs. the U.S. Air Force, and The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case.
- Ashley Clower: She is an actress notable for her parts in movies such as Call Me Claus and Forces of Nature.
- Brian Clower: He is a seasoned professional actor with notable stage, TV and film credits in Hollywood.
- Howard Clower: A revered Jazz musician who played in various notable jazz ensembles. Remember, popularity may vary based on regional relevance, profession, and public exposure.