Origin and Meaning of Cleve

Cliff or hill

Origin: Old English - Derived from the Old English word 'cleofan', meaning 'to cleave' or 'slope, cliff'. The name suggests a geographic feature.

• Cleve is primarily used as a surname, but it has also emerged as a first name in some cultures.
• The name is more commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in regions with historical ties to Old English.
• Notable bearers of the name include Cleve Backster, an American polygraph expert known for his work on the field of lie detection.
• Cleve has seen limited popularity as a first name, usually ranking much lower in usage compared to more common names.
• Variations of the name include Clevedon and Cleaver, which also have historical roots related to geographical features.