NameCensus.

UK surname

Clement

A surname derived from the Latin "clemens," meaning mild, merciful, or gentle.

In the 1881 census there were 2,983 people recorded with the Clement surname, ranking it #1,497 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 3,544, ranked #1,913, down from #1,497 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), London parishes and Edinburgh. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Rhondda Cynon Taf, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Clement is 3,683 in 1891. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 18.8%.

1881 census count

2,983

Ranked #1,497

Modern count

3,544

2016, ranked #1,913

Peak year

1891

3,683 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Clement had 2,983 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #1,497 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 3,544 in 2016, ranked #1,913.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 3,683 in 1891.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Clement surname distribution map

The map shows where the Clement surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Clement surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Clement over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 2,228 #1,318
1861 historical 2,702 #1,088
1881 historical 2,983 #1,497
1891 historical 3,683 #1,299
1901 historical 3,567 #1,566
1911 historical 3,680 #1,418
1997 modern 3,489 #1,858
1998 modern 3,556 #1,897
1999 modern 3,557 #1,910
2000 modern 3,534 #1,917
2001 modern 3,480 #1,904
2002 modern 3,567 #1,901
2003 modern 3,481 #1,907
2004 modern 3,502 #1,894
2005 modern 3,435 #1,896
2006 modern 3,427 #1,900
2007 modern 3,424 #1,915
2008 modern 3,448 #1,924
2009 modern 3,570 #1,911
2010 modern 3,632 #1,921
2011 modern 3,625 #1,895
2012 modern 3,499 #1,931
2013 modern 3,617 #1,894
2014 modern 3,607 #1,906
2015 modern 3,577 #1,907
2016 modern 3,544 #1,913

Geography

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Where Clements are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), London parishes, Edinburgh, Lambeth and Llangafelach. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Rhondda Cynon Taf, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) Glamorganshire
2 London parishes London 3
3 Edinburgh Edinburgh
4 Lambeth London (South Districts)
5 Llangafelach Glamorganshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Rhondda Cynon Taf 009 Rhondda Cynon Taf
2 Rhondda Cynon Taf 013 Rhondda Cynon Taf
3 Neath Port Talbot 016 Neath Port Talbot
4 Swansea 014 Swansea
5 Neath Port Talbot 013 Neath Port Talbot

Forenames

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First names often paired with Clement

These lists show first names that appear often with the Clement surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Clement

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Clement, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Rural Amenity

Nationally, the Clement surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Rural Amenity, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Clement household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group comprises older parents or retirees, with no resident dependent children, and with the lowest residential densities in this Supergroup. Predominantly UK-born, residents typically live in detached houses, although others do live in semi-detached and terraced properties. The level of multiple car ownership is the highest in this Supergroup. Most houses are owner occupied although social renting is also present. Many concentrations occur in high amenity rural locations, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Clement is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Clement is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Clement falls in decile 10 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

10
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Clement is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Clement, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Clement

The surname Clement has its origins in England, dating back to the 11th century. It is derived from the Latin word "clemens," meaning "mild" or "merciful." The name was likely first used as a nickname for someone with a gentle or compassionate disposition.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of lands and properties in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The Domesday Book mentions a landowner named Clement in Gloucestershire.

In the 12th century, the name Clement appeared in various historical records, such as the Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire, which documented a Clemens de Areci in 1166. The spelling variations at that time included Clements, Clemence, and Clementson.

The surname Clement is also associated with several place names in England, such as Clementhorpe in Yorkshire and Clements Inn in London. These places likely derived their names from individuals bearing the surname Clement who lived or owned property there.

Notable individuals with the surname Clement throughout history include:

1. Jacques Clement (c. 1567-1589), a French Roman Catholic monk who assassinated King Henry III of France in 1589.

2. Sir Clement Edmondes (1567-1622), an English diplomat and Secretary of State during the reign of King James I.

3. John Clement (1594-1572), an English landowner and politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Gloucestershire in the 16th century.

4. René Clement (1913-1996), a French film director and screenwriter known for films such as "Forbidden Games" and "Purple Noon."

5. Ray Clement (1922-2008), an American businessman and philanthropist who co-founded the Hooters restaurant chain.

Throughout its history, the surname Clement has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, including royalty, politicians, artists, and entrepreneurs. Its enduring presence reflects the rich cultural heritage and diversity associated with this name.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Clement families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Clement surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Glamorgan leads with 472 Clements recorded in 1881 and an index of 9.21x.

County Total Index
Glamorgan 472 9.21x
Middlesex 291 0.99x
Lancashire 195 0.56x
Surrey 188 1.31x
Durham 163 1.86x
Yorkshire 155 0.53x
Kent 144 1.43x
Somerset 99 2.09x
Devon 95 1.55x
Westmorland 90 13.92x
Sussex 74 1.49x
Hampshire 73 1.21x
Warwickshire 73 0.98x
Carmarthenshire 71 5.73x
Ayrshire 65 2.95x
Staffordshire 64 0.64x
Perthshire 52 3.94x
Lanarkshire 43 0.45x
Essex 42 0.72x
Midlothian 40 1.01x
Fife 39 2.24x
Wiltshire 37 1.42x
Channel Islands 33 3.79x
Gloucestershire 33 0.57x
Kirkcudbrightshire 32 7.51x
Lincolnshire 30 0.64x
Berkshire 29 1.31x
Dunbartonshire 28 3.54x
Nottinghamshire 26 0.66x
Northumberland 25 0.57x
Angus 20 0.73x
Cheshire 16 0.25x
Clackmannanshire 14 5.76x
Hertfordshire 14 0.69x
Worcestershire 14 0.36x
Derbyshire 12 0.26x
Dumfriesshire 12 1.85x
Stirlingshire 12 1.11x
Flintshire 11 1.39x
Norfolk 10 0.22x
Leicestershire 9 0.28x
East Lothian 8 2.05x
Monmouthshire 7 0.33x
Buckinghamshire 6 0.34x
Renfrewshire 6 0.26x
Herefordshire 5 0.41x
Suffolk 5 0.14x
Northamptonshire 4 0.14x
Oxfordshire 4 0.22x
Rutland 4 1.85x
Shropshire 4 0.16x
Brecknockshire 3 0.51x
Cumberland 3 0.12x
Aberdeenshire 2 0.07x
Cornwall 2 0.06x
Argyllshire 1 0.12x
Caernarfonshire 1 0.08x
Cambridgeshire 1 0.05x
Dorset 1 0.05x
Roxburghshire 1 0.19x
West Lothian 1 0.23x
Wigtownshire 1 0.26x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Swansea Town in Glamorgan leads with 84 Clements recorded in 1881 and an index of 20.00x.

Place Total Index
Swansea Town 84 20.00x
Clase 46 24.15x
Lambeth 41 1.60x
St John Near Swansea 37 58.41x
Kendal 36 30.42x
Llanelly 35 12.53x
Birmingham 33 1.33x
Camberwell 33 1.76x
Elford 33 767.44x
Swansea St Thomas 30 58.30x
Islington London 28 0.98x
Llansamlet Lower 26 56.06x
Leeds 24 1.46x
Llandilo Talybont 23 85.50x
Ochiltree 23 151.82x
Walcot 23 9.12x
Swanscombe 22 48.78x
Croydon 21 2.64x
St George Hanover Square 21 4.05x
Bermondsey 19 2.17x
Chelsea London 19 2.14x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 19 1.20x
Gateshead 19 2.90x
Leslie 19 43.08x
West Ham 19 1.48x
Aston 18 0.88x
Bishops Tawton 18 94.24x
Crieff 17 34.62x
Lyncombe Widcombe 17 13.71x
Aberavon 16 33.94x
Eastbourne 16 7.01x
Holybourne 16 268.91x
Shoreditch London 16 1.25x
Barnstaple 15 15.60x
Battersea 15 1.39x
Levens 15 157.56x
Llangyfelach 15 78.17x
Perth East Church 15 12.05x
Brighton 14 1.40x
Dundee 14 1.38x
Kingston On Thames 14 4.07x
Mile End Old Town London 14 2.24x
Newchurch 14 4.90x
Blackburn 13 1.40x
Clapham 13 3.53x
St Giles In Fields London 13 9.01x
Stockton On Tees 13 3.08x
Swansea Higher 13 24.36x
Alton 12 26.40x
Barforth 12 882.35x
Barony 12 0.50x
Glasgow 12 0.71x
Great Little Marsden 12 7.50x
Michaelstone Super Avon 12 21.64x
Old Kilpatrick 12 12.84x
Oldham 12 1.07x
Portsea 12 1.02x
Preston 12 1.28x
Reynoldston 12 382.17x
West Derby 12 1.17x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 11 2.02x
Chatham 11 3.98x
Colne 11 10.58x
Haswell 11 17.54x
Llansamlet Higher 11 28.78x
Loughor 11 40.44x
Maidstone 11 3.68x
Merthyr Tydfil 11 2.23x
Paddington London 11 1.02x
Pembrey 11 19.29x
Preston 11 12.70x
Publow 11 203.70x
St Marylebone London 11 0.70x
St Pancras London 11 0.46x
Wantage 11 31.24x
Wrotham 11 33.08x
Dartford 10 9.74x
Llannon 10 58.82x
Tranmere 10 4.19x
Wigan 10 2.05x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Clement surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 195
Elizabeth 112
Sarah 80
Jane 58
Margaret 57
Ann 48
Annie 39
Ellen 38
Eliza 35
Emily 33
Hannah 33
Emma 30
Alice 27
Charlotte 20
Harriet 20
Catherine 18
Edith 17
Anne 16
Ada 15
Florence 15
Louisa 14
Maria 14
Lucy 13
Susan 13
Martha 12
Caroline 11
Fanny 11
Elizth. 9
Kate 9
Rachel 9
Frances 8
Harriett 8
Isabella 8
Julia 8
Matilda 8
Agnes 7
Clara 7
Eleanor 7
Esther 7
Rose 7
Susannah 7
Lydia 6
Minnie 6
Sophia 6
Georgina 5
Isabel 5
Laura 5
Rebecca 5
Ruth 5
Helen 4

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Clement surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 169
William 159
Thomas 102
George 96
James 67
Charles 57
Henry 49
Joseph 34
Richard 32
David 30
Edward 30
Robert 28
Alfred 26
Frederick 24
Albert 19
Arthur 19
Samuel 18
Walter 15
Frank 12
Harry 10
Edwin 8
Francis 8
Herbert 7
Philip 7
Wm. 7
Isaac 6
Leonard 6
Stephen 6
Jas. 5
Jno. 5
Mark 5
Thos. 5
Benjamin 4
Christopher 4
Daniel 4
Ernest 4
Fredk. 4
Fredrick 4
Percy 4
Abraham 3
Alexander 3
Andrew 3
Clifford 3
Fred 3
Geo. 3
Hugh 3
Phillip 3
Reuben 3
Willie 3
Clement 2

FAQ

Clement surname: questions and answers

How common was the Clement surname in 1881?

In 1881, 2,983 people were recorded with the Clement surname. That placed it at #1,497 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Clement surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 3,544 in 2016. That gives Clement a modern rank of #1,913.

What does the Clement surname mean?

A surname derived from the Latin "clemens," meaning mild, merciful, or gentle.

What does the Clement map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Clement bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.