CLITHEROW
Clitherow
Origin and Meaning: Clitherow is a surname of Old English origin, deriving from the words "clythe" meaning hill and "row" meaning rough ground. It is believed to have originated as a topographical surname referring to someone who lived near a hill with rough ground.
Historical Significance: The Clitherow surname has historical significance in England, particularly associated with the town of York. One of the most notable bearers of the surname was Margaret Clitherow (1556–1586), an English Catholic who was canonised as a martyr by the Catholic Church. She was executed for harboring and assisting Roman Catholic priests during a time of religious persecution in England under Queen Elizabeth I.
Distribution: The surname Clitherow is relatively rare and remains most commonly found in England, particularly in Yorkshire where the town of Clitheroe is located.
Variants: Variants of the surname Clitherow include Clitheroe, Clitherow, and Clytherow.
Famous Bearers: Aside from Margaret Clitherow, other notable bearers of the surname include:
- Sir John Clitherow - a prominent figure in Yorkshire history.
- Emily Clitherow - a respected artist known for her landscape paintings.
Modern Day: In modern times, the Clitherow surname continues to be found mainly in Yorkshire and other regions of England. Descendants of the Clitherow family are spread across the UK and beyond, with some having achieved notable positions in various fields.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1995). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 184 people named Clitherow in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Clitherow.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- Brian
- David
- Jason
- John
- Joseph
- Mark
- Michael
- Richard
- Simon
- Thomas
Female
- Dorothy
- Elizabeth
- Gemma
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Leah
- Lucy
- Margaret
- Sarah