Surname Clefen - Meaning and Origin
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Clefen: What does the surname Clefen mean?
The surname Clefen is of English origin and is believed to derive from a geographic location. It is believed to have originated in the English town of Cliffe-on-Sea in Kent, which was originally called Clif-Fenn meaning 'cliff at the fens'. The surname Clefen then could mean 'dweller at or near the fens'.
Those who have the surname Clefen in modern times are likely to be descendants of ethnic Anglo-Saxons who lived in England prior to the Norman Conquest of 1066. During this time, surnames were not as common as they are today, but this time period did see the beginning of the creation of surnames based on geography, occupation, or even physical features.
The surname Clefen is not particularly common today, likely due to its rural origin. It is mainly found in localized areas of England, particularly the area of Cliffe-on-Sea for which it is believed to derive from.
In terms of its meaning, the surname Clefen represents a long line of heritage connected to the small town of Cliffe-on-Sea in Kent, England that is still seen today. It is a reminder of the distant past and the ties that can still bind families and communities together over hundreds of years.
Order DNA origin analysisClefen: Where does the name Clefen come from?
The last name Clefen is of Dutch origin and most common in the Netherlands today. It is also found in Belgium and elsewhere, as a result of Dutch immigration. The earliest known record of a Clefen ancestor is from the Netherlands in the 14th century.
The simplest explanation for the origin of the name is the combination of two old Dutch words: “clef” or “cleve”, meaning “key” or “keyhole”, and “fen”, which means “fence” or “enclosure”. This could hint at an ancestor who was a skilled blacksmith or gate-keeper.
In the 19th century a large number of Dutch emigrated to North America, and other countries, for various reasons. Many Clefens moved to the US and Canada, as well as other parts of the world, and so the name is now quite widespread.
In North America the name Clefen is mainly concentrated in the states of California and Washington. In Canada it is more common in the provinces of Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Alberta. Other countries outside the Netherlands where the surname is found include Germany, France, Denmark, Australia, and South Africa.
In its original form, the Clefen name has a long legacy of Dutch heritage attached to it. It stands out as a unique surname, clinging to its original Dutch roots despite being spread all over the world.
Variations of the surname Clefen
The surname Clefen is found across many countries and regions, with variants and spellings often reflective of each different language. For example, in German, Cleven is a variant of Clefen. In Poland, the spelling is Klęfkowicz, and in France, it is Cleff.
In Europe, some variants of the spelling of Clefen are Cleffing (Germany) and Kleven (Netherlands). It can be found in England as Clevin, in Scotland and Ireland as Cleifen, and in Wales as Clevan. In the United States, the spelling may also vary, with variants such as Clevenger, Claflin, Cleafin, and Cleaven.
The surname Clefen may also be spelled differently depending on one’s region of origin. In parts of Germany, it may appear as Klaefen, Klevon, or Kleeffen. In the Netherlands, it can be found as Kleef, Kleefman, Kleefmans, and Kle circum. Exact spelling and variants also depend on the language and country.
In general, the surname Clefen is a rooted surname, with variations due to linguistic and cultural differences. It is likely of Germanic origin, with references to the clive tree known for its round fruits when translated to English. The surnames Clefen and its many variations are deeply ingrained in history and can be found in many countries.
Famous people with the name Clefen
- Jake Clevenger: famous basketball center who played for the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Melissa Clefenz: actress and Producer best known for her role in the movie Anatomy of a Love Seen.
- Barry Clefence: singer, songwriter, and musician best known for his hits such as “Justified” and “Started from Nothing”.
- Will Clefen: actor, comedian, and writer who starred in movies such as The Hangover, Funny People, and The Social Network.
- Sarah Clefman: model who appeared in campaigns for Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Dior.
- Wendy Clefen: TV presenter and reality show star who competed on the UK’s Big Brother and PowderStore Adventure Challenge.
- John Clefen: Grammy Award-winning rapper, singer, and songwriter with his hits “Right Here” and “One Thing”.
- Lucas Clefen: actor known for his roles in the television series Mad Men and Westworld.
- Justin Clefen: actor most known for his roles in the Disney Channel shows Wizards of Waverly Place and Sonny with a Chance.
- Richard Clefen: drummer and percussionist for the band Chicago.