Clague

Clague is a prominent British surname that has origins in the Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown Dependency located in the Irish Sea. The name Clague is of Old Norse origin, derived from the personal name Klakkr, meaning "cliff" or "rock", with the addition of the Old Norse word "logg" or "løg", signifying a cape or headland.

Origins

The Clague surname can be traced back to the Viking era, when the Isle of Man was under Norse rule. It is believed that the name originated as a descriptive surname for individuals who lived near cliffs or rocky outcrops, characteristics prevalent in the landscape of the Isle of Man.

Distribution and Popularity

The distribution of the Clague surname is primarily concentrated in the Isle of Man, as well as in certain regions of England, particularly in areas with historical connections to the Isle of Man such as Lancashire. Over the centuries, individuals with the surname Clague have migrated to various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, leading to a wider dispersal of the name.

Notable Individuals

Notable individuals with the surname Clague include:

  • Henry Clague (1862-1928): A renowned Manx artist and photographer known for his depictions of landscapes and rural life on the Isle of Man.
  • Matthew Clague (b. 1985): A contemporary British musician and composer who has gained recognition for his innovative approach to blending traditional Manx music with modern influences.

References

  1. P. C. Kermode, "A Manx Notebook - Surnames: Clague." www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook.
  2. J. J. Kneen, "The Personal Names of the Isle of Man - Clague." Manx Place-Names Survey, vol. 2, 1937, pp. 345-348.

There are approximately 805 people named Clague in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,722nd most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Clague.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Barbara
  • Catherine
  • Chantel
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Jane
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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