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Last Name Clower

What is the origin of the last name Clower?

The surname "Clower" is of English origin. It is derived from a nickname for a person with close-set eyes or a short-sighted person, derived from the Old English word "clifre," which means "obscure." Another possible origin suggests it was an occupational name for someone who worked as a clover-grower or a collector of clover seeds. As with many surnames, its exact origin may vary and can be difficult to pinpoint due to the historical record's limitations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Clower

The meaning and origin of the last name Clower

The surname Clower is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "clif," meaning "cliff" or "steep slope." It was originally used as a topographical name for someone who lived on such a site, or as an occupational name for a quarryman or someone who built or maintained defensive structures on cliffs. The name may also have been acquired by a metonymic transfer from the Old Norse term "klofr," meaning "a cleft" or "fissure," suggesting that the original bearer may have lived near such a geographical feature. Over time, variations in spelling include Clawer, Clouwer, and Clover, with these alternative forms arising due to dialectical differences within England and the influence of other languages, particularly Dutch and Scandinavian.

Geographical distribution of the last name Clower

The last name Clower is primarily concentrated in the United States, particularly in states with strong Southern and Appalachian influences such as Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina. It also has a notable presence in other Southern states like Georgia, Alabama, and Virginia. Additionally, smaller clusters of individuals bearing the surname can be found in other regions across the U.S., indicating potential migration patterns from the South. Limited occurrences of the Clower name can also be detected outside the United States, including in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, likely due to historical events such as emigration or colonial expansion. The geographical distribution of the Clower surname primarily reflects its origins and migration patterns within the Anglo-Saxon world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Clower

The surname "Clower" has several variations and spelling derivatives due to transcription errors, regional dialects, and individual preferences over time. Some of these variations include: Clowers, Clouser, Clowse, Clouse, Closs, Claus, Clawes, and Clowess. These variants may also be found with different suffixes such as Jr., Sr., III, etc., depending on family lineage. Additionally, the name could potentially have other forms if the original spelling was misspelled or altered during historical migrations or record-keeping processes. It's essential to consider these variations when conducting genealogical research related to this surname.

Famous people with the last name Clower

The Clower family has produced several notable figures across various fields. Notably, Jeff Clouser, an American actor and comedian, is known for his work on "The Daily Show" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." In the realm of academia, Robert Clowers, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), has made significant contributions in the field of computational biology. Another renowned figure is Dana Clower, an American attorney who served as the Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division in the Department of Justice during the George W. Bush administration. In the world of music, J.J. Clower, a jazz and swing musician, was active in the 1930s and 1940s and performed with bands led by Ben Pollack and Glenn Miller. These are just a few examples of the accomplished individuals bearing the surname Clower.

Genealogical research on the last name Clower

The surname Clower is primarily of English origin and is thought to be an occupational name for a maker or seller of cloves, a type of spice. The name is derived from the Middle English word "clove," meaning "clove." Variations in the spelling of the name include Clowes, Clouwer, and Clover.

One notable individual with the surname Clower is John Clower (1756-1840), an American pioneer who settled in Kentucky in 1792. Another prominent member was William Henry Clower (1838-1909), a Union Army soldier during the American Civil War and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Missionary Ridge.

The Clower family can be traced back to the 16th century in England, with records indicating that the name was primarily concentrated in counties such as Kent, Essex, and Norfolk. Today, there are estimated to be around 3,000 people worldwide who bear the surname Clower, with a significant number of them residing in the United States, particularly in states like Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Texas.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 10 June 2025

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