The distinguished surname Clloff 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 Clloff family
The surname Clloff 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 Clloff family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Clloff research.
Another 143 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1270, 1570 and 1730 are included under the topic Early Clloff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Clloff Spelling Variations
Before English spelling was standardized a few
hundred years ago,
spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Clloff include Clough, Cluf, Cluffe, Cluff, Cloughe, Clow, De Clue and many more.
Early Notables of the Clloff family (pre 1700)
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PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Clloff family to the New World and Oceana
In
England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Clloffs to arrive on North American shores: 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 Clloff 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.