Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.
CLEAVER
As described in historical dictionaries
An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)
(origin: English) one who cleaves; a dweller on a cleave or cliff.
Patronymica Britannica (1860)
CLEAVER. One who cleaves wood. In forest districts, lath-cleaving is still a distinct occupation.
Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English