Surname Clapp - Meaning and Origin
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read moreClapp: What does the surname Clapp mean?
The surname Clapp has English origins and is believed to originate from the Old English word "clopp(a)" which means "rocky hill" or "lump of stone". It derived as a topographic name for someone who lived near a distinctive landscape feature, i.e., a hill or a rocky formation. This form of surname was often given based on a person's geographic location or their occupation. In some cases, "Clapp" may have evolved from the medieval name "Clop" which is a diminutive of "Nicol", a form of Nicholas. The surname has various forms such as Clap, Clapp, Clopp, Klapp, and others. Over time, individuals with the Clapp surname have migrated, leading to it being present in different countries. Nonetheless, it is most prevalent in the United States with a significant concentration in North Carolina and New England.
Order DNA origin analysisClapp: Where does the name Clapp come from?
The surname Clapp has a complex origin, deriving from Old English and possibly Germanic roots. It could have evolved from the Old English terms 'clapp,' meaning 'cliff,' denoting someone who lived near a steep hill, or 'clappe,' which translates as 'lump' or 'swelling,' referring to the geographical conditions of a person's dwelling. The name could also stem from the Germanic personal name 'Klappo' through a process known as patronymic naming, where a person's name becomes their offspring's surname. Today, Clapp is most common in the United States, particularly in North Carolina. It is also found in England, specifically in the South West region, where the name originated. Other concentrations can be found in Canada and Australia. Regardless of its exact origin, the Clapp surname carries a rich history and a link to the past for those who bear it.
Variations of the surname Clapp
The surname Clapp is of English origin, tracing back to Anglo-Saxon England. The various forms of the surname Clapp include Clap, Clapper, Clappier, and other similar variants that might occur due to regional accents and spelling inconsistencies throughout history. A less common variation is Clapps.
Some researchers suggest that Clapp could be a locational surname, relating to places called Clapton or Clapham in England. Therefore, it's plausible the surnames Clapton and Clapham could be related to Clapp.
Surnames with similar pronunciation but different spelling, like Klepp or Klaap from Dutch or German origin, may be falsely assumed as variants. However, they might not share the same origin as Clapp.
Spelling variations in different documents often occurred due to illiteracy and as a result, the name, its spelling, and meaning may have been lost or misrepresented over time. The exact variations of the surname Clapp may therefore be quite numerous and potentially intermixed with other similar surnames.
Famous people with the name Clapp
- George Shepard Clapp: A well-known industrialist and philanthropist who played an instrumental role in establishing Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering.
- John Clapp: An esteemed author and illustrator of children's books who has won several awards for his work.
- Asahel Clapp: A respected naturalist and physician in 19th century America, remembered for his studies of flora in the Ohio River Valley.
- Gordon Clapp: A Canadian-American actor, best recognized for his performance in the TV series "NYPD Blue," for which he won an Emmy.
- Margaret Clapp: An American scholar and educator who won the Pulitzer Prize for biography in 1948. She was also the first woman president of Wellesley College.
- Cornelia Clapp: A renowned biologist who contributed significantly to the field of marine biology and was one of the first women to receive a Ph.D. in biology.
- Frederick Gardner Clapp: A noted geologist who specialized in petroleum geology, he played a substantial role in the discovery of oil in Colombia.
- Priscilla Clapp: An American diplomat with a long career at the U.S. Department of State, particularly known for her experience in Burma.
- Rod Clapp: A professional football player who played in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts.