Clements History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

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Clements is a name that dates far back into the mists of early British history to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. It is derived from the given name Clement which means the son of Clement. The name is from Latin origin and applies to a mild or merciful individual. It gained popularity in Medieval Europe when it was borne by an early saint who was a disciple of St. Paul, and later when the name was used by several early popes.

Early Origins of the Clements family

The surname Clements was first found in Brecknock, in the Welsh princedom of Powys, located in the border country between Wales and England. A bearer of Clement is said to have arrived in the Norman Conquest of England with Bernard Newmarche. Together they later fought in Brecon where they conquered the Lordship of Caron; after this battle Clement was given land at Llangorse Lake and at Cathedine.

There is a record of a grant of these lands to Geoffrey Clement made at Westminster by Edward 1 on the 10th February 1290. There has also long been a family of this name in Oxfordshire, where record of the Knights Templar show William and Richard Clement in 1153, and Robertus Clemens in 1155. 1

The name was "enormously popular in the 13th century. Hence as a surname itself and its variants will be immortalized in our directories." 2

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included: Eustace filius Clement, Oxfordshire; Hugh Clement, Cambridgeshire; Richard Clemence, Huntingdonshire; Matthew Clemens, Oxfordshire; Peter filius Clement, Salop (Shropshire); and Clemens Janitor, Norfolk. 2

Later the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed: Clemens Alius Elenoe; Johannes Clement; and Petrus Clementson as all holding lands as that time. 2

In Scotland, "the following spellings all occur in 1684 (Parish): MacClymont, McClamont, McClamot, McClemen, McClement, MeClemin, McClymon, McCIymond, and McLymond, and Clymont. McClymonts are mentioned as farmers in Ayrshire in 1613. James McClymont, witness in Carrick, 1687." 3 The name is thought to have been "from Gaelic MacLaomuinn, 'son of Lamont.' In the Dean of Lismore's Book we find McClymont along with Clynelymyn (i.e. Clan Lamont). M'Lagmanid 1358, MacLagmayn 1410, Mc Laiman 1802, M'Lawmane c. 1353." 3

Early History of the Clements family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Clements research. Another 166 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1162, 1210, 1233, 1258, 1273, 1379, 1489, 1508, 1570, 1572, 1594, 1626, 1660, 1685, 1742, 1797 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Clements History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Clements Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Clements are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Clements include: Clements, Clement, Clemens, Climer and others.

Early Notables of the Clements family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

Clements World Ranking

In the United States, the name Clements is the 922nd most popular surname with an estimated 32,331 people with that name. 5 However, in Australia, the name Clements is ranked the 591st most popular surname with an estimated 6,583 people with that name. 6 And in New Zealand, the name Clements is the 579th popular surname with an estimated 1,230 people with that name. 7 The United Kingdom ranks Clements as 397th with 16,288 people. 8

Migration of the Clements family to Ireland

Some of the Clements family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 123 words (9 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Clements migration to the United States +

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Clements or a variant listed above:

Clements Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Clements Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Clements Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Clements migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Clements Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Clements Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Clements migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Clements Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Clements migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Clements Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Clements migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 17
Clements Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Clements (post 1700) +
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