Origin & Meaning of the Clem Surname
What does the last name Clem mean?
The surname Clem 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 8,107 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Clem ranks as the #4,384 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Clem come from?
The Clem 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 Clem name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Clem 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 | Clem |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,384 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,107 |
| Per 100K People | 2.75 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Clem
According to the US Census, the Clem surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,107 Americans with the Clem last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.91% |
| Black | 1.47% |
| Hispanic | 1.78% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.43% |
| Native American | 0.86% |
| Two or More Races | 1.55% |
Popularity of Clem Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Clem surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Clem surname increased by 20 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Clem Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Clem ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Clem Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Clem Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Clem
- ✓ The Clem coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Clem families live today
- ✓ Notable Clem 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 Clem
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Clem.
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 Clem.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clem
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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