Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Loading
        Loading
        • Register a kit
        • AncestryDNA®
        • AncestryDNA® Support
        • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
        Loading
        • Support Centre
        • Ancestry Academy
        • Community
        • Hire an expert
        • Site Status
        Loading
        • Support Centre
        • Ancestry Academy
        • Community
        • Hire an expert
        • Site Status
        Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
        • Support Centre
        • About Us
        • Ancestry Blog
        • Gift Memberships
        • Site Map
        • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
        • Updated Privacy
        • Updated Terms and Conditions
        • Cookies
        • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
        Group of people

        Meaning of the first name Cleve

        Origin

        English

        Meaning

        Derived from Clif or Cleeve

        Variations

        Clever, Cleveland, Cleme
        The name Cleve derives from the Old English words “clif” or “cleeve,” which mean cliff or slope. This suggests a geographical origin, possibly referring to a person who lived near a cliff or a steep hill. The name embodies a connection to natural landscapes and topographical features, often evoking imagery of rugged terrain.

        The name Cleve has historical roots that trace back to medieval England, where surnames often arose from physical characteristics of the land or settlements. During the Norman Conquest, the influence of Old French and Latin began to affect the English language, yet many Old English names, including Cleve, retained their presence. The name has appeared in various historical records, often associated with individuals or families that may have lived in regions characterized by cliffs or elevated landscapes.

        In contemporary times, the name Cleve is less common as a first name but occasionally appears in modern contexts as both a surname and a given name. It retains a nostalgic quality, often evoking a sense of heritage or connection to the past. Today, variations like Cleveland or Cleven are also noted, indicating a broader appeal. Cleve has also found its place in popular culture and literature, occasionally reflecting themes of resilience and strength tied to its geographical roots.

        Based on our records...

        Johnson

        This is the most common surname associated with Cleve.

        Mary

        This is the most common name of those married to a Cleve.

        Cleve

        This is the most common name for a child of a Cleve.
        Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

        What are you curious about?

        Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
        Start a free trial
        Order AncestryDNA
        Based on our records...

        Did you know?

        1885 is when there were the most people born with the first name Cleve.

        Explore the origins of another name.