Clough

Clough is a surname of English and specifically Northern English origin, being most prevalent in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Derbyshire. The name is derived from the Old English word cloh, meaning a ravine or valley, indicating that the original bearers of the surname likely lived near or in such a geographical feature.

Notable Individuals

1. Brian Clough (1935-2004): Renowned English football player and manager, regarded as one of the greatest managers in English football history. Known for his successful tenure at clubs like Derby County and Nottingham Forest.

2. Billy Clough (1889-1916): A British soldier who served in World War I and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery during the war.

3. Anne Clough (1820-1892): An English suffragist and promoter of higher education for women, who played a significant role in the founding of Newnham College, Cambridge.

Distribution

The surname Clough is particularly concentrated in the North of England, with a notable presence in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, primarily through migration.

Variants: Variations of the Clough surname include Cluff, Clow, and Cluffe.

Crest: The Clough family crest often features natural elements like trees or water, reflecting the surname's meaning of a valley or ravine.

References

  • Hey, David. Family Names and Family History. London: Hambledon Continuum, 2006.
  • Reaney, P. H., and Wilson, R. M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991.

There are approximately 9,043 people named Clough in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,045th most common surname in Britain. Around 139 in a million people in Britain are named Clough.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Ann
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sally
  • 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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