Surname Clinch - Meaning and Origin

Clinch: What does the surname Clinch mean?

The last name Clinch is of English origin and is believed to be derived from a geographical location. The name likely originated as a derived nickname for someone from a lakeside or marshy area, from a Middle English word meaning 'slump' or 'fold.' The name could also originate from an Anglicization of the French word 'clinche' or 'clenche', meaning 'hook.'

The name may have been given to someone with a hook-like nose or strong jawline, from Old French 'clincher.' It also shares the same root with the word 'clinch,' meaning to hold onto or take firm possession of, suggesting someone with tenaciousness or determination.

The Clinche/Clinch surname has been in use since the 12th century, and is now found throughout England and the rest of the English-speaking world. Clinch is a fairly common name, with around 8500 households in the United Kingdom today.

Clinch: Where does the name Clinch come from?

The last name Clinch is most common today in the United Kingdom, although it also has a presence in Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the United States.

According to the Forebears surname database, as of 2019, Clinch is the 1,063rd most common last name in the United Kingdom, and classified as a “very rare last name”. It is most prominent in the southwest and southeast of England, as well as the midlands. It also has a presence in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

In the United States, records of Clinch families trace back to the 1600s in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Today, according to the US Name Frequency Database, Clinch is the 5,312th most common surname.

In Australia, Clinch is the 2,722nd most common surname, according to the Ancestry DNA database.

In Canada, Clinch is the 4,847th most common surname, according to the Canadian Census.

In Ireland, Clinch was first found in County Cork, although there are now more Clinches living in Northern Ireland than in the south. Currently, it is the 1,217th most common name.

Variations of the surname Clinch

The surname Clinch, is derived from the older French term, “clinch”, which originally meant “clan” or “family”. Today, this surname is most commonly found in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the US.

Variations of the Clinch surname can vary depending on which language is being looked at, whether its French, Gaelic, or English etc. Variants of the name include “de Clinch”, “Clinck”, and “Clynch”, while alternative spellings of the surname are “Clinche”, “Clinche”, and “Clenche”.

The Clinch surname can also be found in other surnames which are derived from similar roots. These variations include “Clinchard”, “Clinckart”, “Clinkard”, “Clingard”, “Clynckart”, and “Clenches”.

Other spellings can be found among other cultures, as well as minor alterations of the same root. In Australia, they have been known to use “Clintsch” and in The Netherlands, they refer to the name as “Clinkers”.

Variations from Scottish origins include “Klynch”, “Klintsch”, and “Klyntsch”, while in Ireland they use “Clinsh” and “Clinshe”.

Personalities with the Clinch surname include Oren Clinch, a Civil War Medal of Honor recipient, as well as American actor, Derek Clinch. Moreover, Clinch is the given first name of many Hollywood actors and musicians, such as Clinch Powell, Clinch Leatherwood, and the renowned heavy metal vocalist, Ronny Clinch.

Famous people with the name Clinch

• Tom Clinch: A stage, screen, and television actor, director and playwright. He is known for his performances in the Off-Broadway productions of A Raisin in the Sun and Fences.
• Ric Clinch: A former American and Canadian Football player. He played for the Toronto Argonauts, the Ottawa Rough Riders, and the Hamilton Tiger Cats.
• Tevin Clinch: Audio engineer and music producer who has worked with many high-profile artists, including Kanye West and Drake.
• Danielle Clinch: A Canadian actress, writer, and comedian. She is best known for her roles in the television series Workin’ Moms, Kim’s Convenience, and Little Dog.
• Adam Clinch: A musician, producer, and composer from Australia. He has released several solo albums as well as film soundtracks for multiple movies.
• Myles Clinch: An American screenwriter and director. He has written and directed several short films, including White Squall and Hoy.
• Neville Clinch: A former Australian politician and member of the Liberal Party. He served as a Member of the Legislative Council of Western Australia from 1971- 1974.
• Dirck Clinch: An Irish painter of the 19th century. He is best known for his impressionist landscapes and seascapes.
• Robert Clinch: An Australian ceramic artist and sculptor. He is a visiting professor at the University of Sydney and has exhibited his work in galleries all over the world.
• Bob Clinch: An American Country-soul singer-songwriter. He has released two albums and is known for his soulful voice and unique writing style.

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