Last Name Clemson

Learn more about the origin of the last name Clemson

The meaning and origin of the last name Clemson

The surname Clemson is of English origin, derived from a geographical location or a place name. It is believed to have originated from the town of Clemsford in Suffolk, England, where the family's ancestral home was located. The name is thought to be derived from the Old English elements "clēos" meaning "cliff" and "ford" meaning "crossing place". Over time, it evolved into the modern spelling of Clemson. As with many surnames, it was often a sign of local or regional affiliation during the Middle Ages when people were identified by where they lived or worked. The name Clemson eventually spread beyond England and is now found in various parts of the world, including the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Clemson

The surname Clemson is predominantly found in the United States, particularly in the southeastern states, with South Carolina being its historical epicenter. The name has deep roots in this region, where it originated from an early settler named Arthur Clemson, who immigrated to America in the 18th century and settled in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Today, a significant number of people bearing the name Clemson can be found across various parts of South Carolina, as well as neighboring states like Georgia and Florida, reflecting their migration and expansion over generations. The name is less prevalent outside these regions, but minor occurrences have been recorded in other parts of the United States and even internationally, such as in Canada and the United Kingdom, due to diaspora or historical connections with South Carolina.

Variants and spellings of the last name Clemson

The surname Clemson has several variations and alternate spellings. Some of these include:

1. Clemson (most common)
2. Clemson
3. Climson
4. Klemson (occasionally found in German-speaking communities due to a similar pronunciation)
5. Klemeson (a Scandinavian variation)
6. Clymson (less frequent, but still existing)
7. Cleamon (a phonetic variant that may be encountered occasionally)
8. Climsone (female form of the surname in some countries)
9. De Clemson (French-style patronymic variation)
10. Van Clemson (Dutch-style patronymic variation)

Famous people with the last name Clemson

Notable individuals with the surname Clemson include:

1. John C. Calhoun Clemson (1836-1914), an American educator and agriculturalist, who served as president of Clemson Agricultural College of South Carolina from 1893 until his death. The college was later renamed Clemson University in his honor.

2. Thomas Green Clemson (1807-1888), a prominent Southern planter and Confederate States Army officer, who bequeathed his plantation to establish the agricultural school that would become Clemson University.

3. Trevor Lawrence (born 2000), an American football quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Clemson University, where he won a national championship and was awarded the Heisman Trophy in 2018.

4. William R. Clemson (1836-1917), an American lawyer and politician who served as a United States Senator from Alabama from 1885 until his death.

These individuals have made significant contributions to education, agriculture, politics, and sports in the United States.

Genealogical research on the last name Clemson

The Clemson surname originates from the British Isles and is believed to have derived from various locations in England and Scotland, such as Clempson (Yorkshire) and Clemson (Northumberland). The name is an Anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic Mac Shamhraidh or Clan Chlammieson. Early records show that the family migrated to America during the 17th century, with John Clemson arriving in Virginia in 1635. Later, Thomas Clemson immigrated to South Carolina in the 18th century and is credited as one of the founders of Clemson University. Notable individuals bearing the Clemson name include Thomas Green Clemson, a prominent plantation owner and education advocate, and his son John C. Calhoun Clemson, who founded Clemson Agricultural College in 1893, which would later become Clemson University.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Clemson"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 23 July 2025