Skip to main content

Updated June 9, 2019

Family name origins & meanings

  • English : habitational name, probably from Claverley in Shropshire, which is named with Old English clǣfre ‘clover’ + lēah ‘woodland clearing’. Alternatively, it could possibly be from Cleveley in Lancashire (named with Old English clif ‘bank’, ‘slope’ + lēah), with intrusive -r- under the influence of cleverly.

Subscribe to Family Education

Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning.

Subscribe