NomOrigine Background

Last Name Cloux

What is the origin of the last name Cloux?

The last name "Cloux" is primarily of French origin. It is derived from the French word "clou" meaning "nail" or "peg." The name may have originally been occupational, referring to someone who worked with nails or in a related trade. It is also possible that "Cloux" could be a locational surname, derived from a place name such as "Le Cloux" or "Clouville" in France. However, without more specific information, it is difficult to determine the exact origin or meaning of the surname "Cloux."

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cloux

The meaning and origin of the last name Cloux

The surname "Cloux" is of French origin and has multiple possible meanings. One possibility is that it originated from a place name, specifically from the French word "clou," meaning "nail." This suggests that the surname could have been originally used to indicate a person who lived near or worked with nails or had some association with them. Another possibility is that the name derived from the Old French word "cluz," meaning "diminutive of cloche," which translates to "small bell." This theory suggests that the surname could have been derived from an occupational name associated with the manufacturing or use of small bells. Alternatively, Cloux may have originated as a topographic surname, referring to someone who lived near or on a hill, as "cloux" also means "hill" in Old French. However, due to the lack of significant historical records, the exact meaning and origin of the surname "Cloux" remain speculative.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cloux

The last name Cloux is relatively uncommon and has a limited geographical distribution. It most commonly originates from France, specifically the region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. This region is situated in the eastern part of the country and is known for its picturesque landscapes, quaint villages, and historic cities. The surname may also be found in neighboring countries such as Belgium, particularly in the French-speaking region of Wallonia. Given its French origins, it is possible to find individuals with the last name Cloux residing in other French-speaking countries, including Switzerland and Canada. However, due to its rarity, the geographical distribution of the surname Cloux is relatively small, and it is unlikely to be commonly found outside of these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cloux

The last name Cloux may have several variations and spellings depending on the individual or the region. Some variations could include Clou, Cloue, Clows, Clux, or Cloe. These differences in spelling might have occurred due to various reasons such as regional language variations, phonetic adaptations, or transcription errors during record-keeping. For instance, the French pronunciation of Cloux, which means "nail" or "peg," could be spelled as Clou or Cloue. Similarly, the 'x' in Clux might have been added to represent a specific dialect or to differentiate it from other similarly sounding surnames. Additionally, the name can also appear with different prefixes or suffixes, such as De Cloux or Cloux-Manoire, to denote nobility or hereditary ties to a specific estate. The last name Cloux showcases the rich cultural and historical diversity of surnames and provides an interesting perspective on how names can evolve and adapt over time.

Famous people with the last name Cloux

There are no well-known individuals with the last name Cloux as it is relatively uncommon and does not appear linked to any significant public figures. The name Cloux does not seem to be associated with any notable actors, musicians, politicians, athletes, or renowned figures in various fields. However, it is worth mentioning that last names are not always indicative of fame or accomplishment. Many influential individuals may have made remarkable contributions to society without gaining widespread recognition. While it may be challenging to provide a list of famous people specifically with the last name Cloux, it is important to recognize that fame and impact can extend far beyond a surname, and can be found within any individual, regardless of their last name.

Genealogical research on the last name Cloux

The last name Cloux is believed to have originated in France. Genealogical research on this name suggests that it could be of French or potentially even Norman origin. It is derived from the Old French word "cloie," which means "nail" or "peg," potentially indicating a surname used to denote someone who worked with nails or had a profession involving carpentry or metalworking. The name Cloux may have been transformed from its original spelling over time, as is common with many surnames. It is also worth noting that Cloux might have variations or different spellings in other countries or regions where individuals with this name may have migrated to. Further genealogical study and analysis of historical records, such as birth certificates, marriage records, census data, and immigration records, could provide more insight into the specific origins, branches, and migration patterns of the Cloux surname.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Closet rtw (Last name)

surnames > closet-rtw

The last name "Closet RTW" appears to be of unknown origin or possibly a fabricated name. It does not correspond to any known surnames in English or any other language. It is impor...

Closs (Last name)

surnames > closs

The surname "Closs" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "klos," which means "bundle" or "parcel." This surname may have originally been a nickname f...

Clot-cot (Last name)

surnames > clot-cot

The last name "Clot Cot" is of Catalan origin. It is derived from the word "clot," which means a small or enclosed area of land. It is a locational surname, referring to someone wh...

Cloza (Last name)

surnames > cloza

The surname "Cloza" is of Spanish origin. It is a toponymic surname derived from the Spanish word "cloza" which means enclosure or paddock. This surname likely originated from a pe...