The distinguished surname Cleugh is of ancient
Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English "cloh," meaning "ravine" or "steep-sided valley," and was first used to refer to a "dweller in the hollow."
Early Origins of the Cleugh family
The surname Cleugh was first found in
Denbighshire, where the most prominent branch of the family held a
family seat from the 13th century. The original bearers of the name were granted lands by Duke William of
Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.
Early History of the Cleugh family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cleugh research.
Another 143 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1270, 1570 and 1730 are included under the topic Early Cleugh History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Cleugh Spelling Variations
The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason,
spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Cleugh has been recorded under many different variations, including Clough, Cluf, Cluffe, Cluff, Cloughe, Clow, De Clue and many more.
Early Notables of the Cleugh family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Cleugh Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Cleugh family to the New World and Oceana
To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in
England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Cleughs were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Humphrey Clough, who arrived in Virginia in 1623; Hannah Cluff, who came to Maryland in 1626; Richard Clough, who arrived in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630.
The Cleugh Motto
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Sine macula
Motto Translation: Without spot.
Cleugh Family Crest Products
See Also