As described in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

(origin: Anglo-Saxon. Local) A small valley between hills, a breach; from the past of the Anglo-Saxon participle cleofian, to cleave, divide.

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.


Patronymica Britannica (1860)

CLOUGH. A ravine, glen, or deep descent between hills. N. of Eng. Cloff, Scotl. The Cloughs of Plas-Clough claim a Norman origin, from the Seigneurs de Eohan, and appeal to their name and arms for proof. B.L.G. To my e)'e, both arms and name are as English as need be.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


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

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