Clemence

Clemence is a British surname that has Old French origins. It is derived from the medieval feminine given name "Clémence", which means "merciful" or "gentle" in French. The surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who displayed these qualities. The name was introduced into England after the Norman Conquest of 1066 and has since evolved into a hereditary surname.

Notable People

1. Patricia Clemence

  • An esteemed author known for her works on British history and folklore.

2. Simon Clemence

  • A renowned architect who designed several iconic buildings in London.

Distribution

The surname Clemence is still relatively rare in the United Kingdom. The majority of individuals bearing this surname can be found in regions with historical Norman influence, such as East Anglia and the South East of England.

Variants

Variants of the surname Clemence include Clements, Clementson, and Clemens.

References

"Family Names and Family History" by David Hey offers a detailed account of the origins and distribution of the surname Clemence.

In conclusion, the surname Clemence holds a place in British history as a reminder of the Norman roots that have influenced the country's culture and society.

There are approximately 483 people named Clemence in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Clemence.

Surname type: From name of parent

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

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • Daniel
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Steven
  • Terence

Female

  • Barbara
  • Elizabeth
  • Josephine
  • Lilian
  • Margaret
  • Marie
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sara
  • Sarah
  • Sheila
  • 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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