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Show ContentsClements History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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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

  • Margaret Clements or Clement (1508-1570), was a learned lady, whose maiden name was Giggs, was born in 1508, being daughter of a gentleman of Norfolk. "She was a kinswoman of Sir Thomas More, who brou...
  • John Clement or Clements (d. 1572), was President of the College of Physicians and probably a native of Yorkshire. 4

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

Ireland 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.

United States 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
  • Elizabeth Clements, who landed in Jamestown, Va in 1611 9
  • Jeremiah Clements, who landed in Virginia in 1617 9
  • John Clements, who arrived in Virginia in 1622 9
  • William Clements, who landed in Virginia in 1622 9
  • Thomas Clements, aged 30, British settler who arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Abraham" 9
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Clements Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Ernst Clements, who landed in New York in 1709-1710 9
  • Jane Clements, who arrived in Virginia in 1714 9
  • Elizabeth Clements, who arrived in Georgia in 1738 9
  • Harris Clements, who landed in America in 1765 9
  • John Michael Clements, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1773 9
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Clements Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Andrew Clements, who emigrated from Ireland to New York in 1803
  • David Clements, aged 22, who landed in New York, NY in 1803 9
  • Francis Clements, who was naturalized in North Carolina in 1806
  • Margaret Clements, who landed in New York, NY in 1812 9
  • James Clements, who landed in New York, NY in 1816 9
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Canada Clements migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Clements Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Capt. Peter Clements U.E. born in New York, USA who settled in Fredericton, New Brunswick c. 1783 he was Captain in King's American Regiment 10
Clements Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Jamie Clements, aged 26, a farmer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Leslie Gault" in 1833
  • Mary Clements, aged 26, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Leslie Gault" in 1833

Australia 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
  • Mr. Henry Clements, English convict who was convicted in London, England for life, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 11
  • Mr. William Clements, English convict who was convicted in Berkshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Baring" in December 1818, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 11
  • Mr. John Clements, (b. 1800), aged 19, English farm labourer who was convicted in Essex, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Dromedary" on 11th September 1819, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land), he was executed in 1833 12
  • Mr. William Clements, British Convict who was convicted in Northhampton, Northamptonshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Caledonia" on 5th July 1820, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 13
  • Mr. James Clements, (Dowling), English convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Claudine" on 20th May 1821, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 14
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand 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
  • Mr. Edwards G Clements, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Spray of the Ocean" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 1st September 1859 15
  • Fanny Clements, who arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand aboard the ship "Ambrosine" in 1860 16
  • Fanny Clements, aged 28, who arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand aboard the ship "Ambrosine" in 1860 16
  • Jane Clements, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Nimroud" in 1864
  • Robert Clements, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Asterope" in 1865
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

West Indies 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
  • Mr. Ezechell Clements, (b. 1614), aged 20, British settler travelling from London, UK arriving in St Christopher (St. Kitts) on 5th January 1634 9
  • Elizabeth Clements, who settled in Barbados in 1681

Contemporary Notables of the name Clements (post 1700) +

  • Christine Clements (1979-2023), professionally known as Vaccine, an American dubstep record producer based in California
  • George Harold Clements (1932-2019), American Roman Catholic priest who in 1981 became the first Catholic priest in the Chicago area to adopt a child
  • Rita Crocker Clements (1931-2018), American Republican Party organizer, First Lady of the U.S. state of Texas (1987-1991)
  • Frederick Edward Clements (1874-1945), American plant ecologist
  • Andrew Clements (b. 1949), award-winning American author of children's books
  • William Perry "Bill" Clements (1917-2011), American Governor of Texas from 1979 to 1983 and 1987 to 1991
  • Vassar Clements (b. 1937), prominent American fiddler
  • Earle C Clements (1896-1985), American senator
  • James Franklin "Jim" Clements (1927-2005), American ornithologist and author
  • Donald C. Clements, American fighter pilot and flying ace in the U.S. Navy, during World War II, credited with 5 aerial victories
  • ... (Another 59 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. Robert H. Clements (d. 1914), Canadian Third Class Passenger from Port Hope, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 18
HMS Dorsetshire
  • John Clements, British aboard the HMS Dorsetshire (1945) when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he survived the sinking 19
HMS Hood
  • Mr. Thomas W Clements (b. 1921), English Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Bulwell, Nottinghamshire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 20
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. Thomas Charles Clements, British Ordnance Artificer 1st Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and died in the sinking 21
  • Mr. Samuel Clements, British Stoker 1st Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 21
HMS Royal Oak
  • Frederick S. Clements, British Leading Cook with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 22
  • Ernest Frank James Clements (d. 1939), British Marine with the Royal Marine aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 22
North Sea Flood
  • James Clements, British traveler aboard the ferry "Princess Victoria" who survived the North Sea Flood, a major storm surge in 1953
  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  4. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  5. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  6. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  7. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  8. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  9. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  10. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  11. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
  12. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/dromedary
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/caledonia
  14. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 17th February 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/claudine
  15. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  16. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  17. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  18. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 16) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  19. Force Z Survivors HMS Dorsetshire Crew List, (Retrieved 2018, February 13th), https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listdorsetshirecrew.html
  20. H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
  21. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  22. Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
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