Origin & Meaning of the Clary Surname
What does the last name Clary mean?
The surname Clary carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 11,139 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Clary ranks as the #3,241 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Clary come from?
The Clary surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Clary name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Clary trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Clary |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,241 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,139 |
| Per 100K People | 3.78 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Clary
According to the US Census, the Clary surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,139 Americans with the Clary last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 86.34% |
| Black | 8.44% |
| Hispanic | 2.17% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 1.91% |
Popularity of Clary Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Clary surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Clary surname increased by 221 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Clary Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Clary ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Clary Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Clary Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Clary
- ✓ The Clary coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Clary families live today
- ✓ Notable Clary bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Clary
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Clary.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Clary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clary
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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