Surname Clemmons - Meaning and Origin
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Clemmons: What does the surname Clemmons mean?
The surname Clemmons is believed to be of English origin and it is a variant of the name 'Clements'. The name 'Clements' is derived from the Latin 'Clemens' which means 'merciful' or 'gentle'. Over time, the name evolved into different forms due to regional pronunciations and spellings. This surname became popular during the 12th century and was often associated with St. Clement, one of the early Christian popes who was considered a patron saint of blacksmiths and mariners. People with the Clemmons surname are found predominantly in the United States, particularly in the southern states.
Order DNA origin analysisClemmons: Where does the name Clemmons come from?
The surname Clemmons is believed to derive from an Old French personal name, Clement. The name entered England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, and gradually spread across the country. The name Clement means "merciful" or "gentle", making it popular amongst early Christians. Variations of the surname include Clemens, Clements, and Clemmence among others.
Over centuries, holders of the surname Clemmons migrated and the name is found in various countries today. However, the name is most commonly found in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2010 data, the name Clemmons ranks as the 3,766th most common surname in the United States. It's especially prevalent in North Carolina, followed by neighboring states such as Virginia, Georgia, and Kentucky. There is also a higher-than-average concentration of people with the last name Clemmons in the Midwest region of the United States, particularly in states like Indiana and Ohio. The name is less common in western U.S. states.
Variations of the surname Clemmons
The surname Clemmons has several variants which might have similar spelling and the same origin. These variations often arose from regional dialects and phonetic misspellings throughout history. Examples include Clemens, Clemons, Clemenson, Clemison, Clemonson, Clemmensen, and Clemanson.
Some surnames of the same origin are also Clemence, Clements and Clement. Surnames with similar meanings or symbolisms might include names based on the Latin "Clemens" meaning "merciful".
Clemmons primarily originates from English and Danish backgrounds, but similar surnames exist cross-culturally due to the spread of Christianity and the Latin language. It is not uncommon for surnames to be adapted and morphed to fit into the new region's language, so you may find variants of this name in many different forms and languages as well.
Some other Clemmons family names popular among African-Americans may have been originated during the slavery period when the slaves adopted their masters’ surnames. However, tracing the exact origins of a surname can be difficult due to changes in spelling and cultural adaptations over time.
Famous people with the name Clemmons
- François Scarborough Clemmons: An American actor, singer, and playwright best known for his role as "Officer Clemmons" on the PBS television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
- Gerald Clemmons: A former American basketball player who played in the American Basketball Association during the 1960s and 1970s.
- Angela Clemmons: An American recording artist who had a dance hit in the 1980s entitled "Give Me Just a Little More Time."
- Janet Clemmons: A well-known educator and politician from Ohio, who served as a county commissioner and had an education center named after her.
- Peter Clemmons: An American football player from Winston-Salem, North Carolina who played as a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears.
- Kenneth "K.C." Clemmons: A famous stuntman in Hollywood who’s worked on numerous film and TV productions, such as Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Clay Clemmons: A respected American football player who played for Tampa Bay
- Robert Clemmons Jr.: An American author known for the novel "Missing Atlanta." Few less-known or regional celebrities also sport this last name.