YourRoots Logo
Sign up free
banner

Sign up to explore more

Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.

Sign up free
Extended search

Clement Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Clement Surname

The Clement surname, rooted in both French and English origins, is derived from the Late Latin name Clemens, meaning "merciful" or "gentle." This name has been borne by numerous historical figures, including at least 14 real Popes, reinforcing its significance across centuries. As a surname, Clement has become a notable marker of identity within both France and England, showcasing a rich tapestry of historical and cultural significance.

Throughout the centuries, the Clement surname has seen widespread geographical and cultural evolution. Initially emerging in England during the early 13th century, the name quickly established itself across the United Kingdom, with significant populations noted in both England and Wales. By the 14th and 15th centuries, the Clement family tree had firmly rooted itself in the British Isles, and the 16th century marked a period of flourishing as new branches developed, extending the family’s influence and connections.

YourRoots data enriches our understanding of the Clement genealogy, confirming its early presence in England and its expansion into Wales by the 14th century. The YourRoots dataset highlights the surname's migration to the United States during the 17th century, aligning with broader patterns of exploration and settlement. This expansion continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, solidifying the Clement family’s presence in the New World and illustrating their resilience and adaptability across continents.

Today, the Clement surname continues to thrive, particularly in the United States, where it has experienced substantial growth. The YourRoots database offers invaluable resources for those tracing the Clement family tree, providing a comprehensive picture of this enduring surname's legacy. Through historical insights and modern records, YourRoots supports genealogy enthusiasts in uncovering the rich history embedded within Clement genealogy and records.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Clement Family Tree

Search more Clement trees & genealogy records

Records

Search more trees & records for
Clement for free

SIGNUP

Tracing Your Clement Family Lineage

Origin of the Clement Family: Where does the Clement surname come from?

The surname Clement first emerged in the records of England, marking the beginning of its genealogy during the early 13th century. This early appearance signifies the roots of the family tree, indicating that families bearing the Clement name began to establish themselves in the United Kingdom. The connection to Wales during this time further underscores the geographical and cultural origins of the Clement lineage.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Clement

Throughout the following centuries, the Clement family began to expand, with significant populations noted particularly in Wales and England. During the 14th century, the surname saw a notable increase in Wales, and by the 15th century, families had firmly established themselves across various regions in England. These early branches of the Clement family tree began to develop distinct lineages, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the family's history.

In the 16th century, the surname flourished, especially in England, as families continued to grow and spread across the countryside. The establishment of new branches led to increased connections and relationships within and outside the family, fostering a strong sense of community among those who carried the Clement name. This period marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the family tree, laying the groundwork for future generations.

Tracing the Clement Family Tree Through the Centuries

As time progressed into the 17th century, the Clement surname experienced a significant migration to the United States, reflecting broader patterns of exploration and settlement. The 18th century saw even greater expansion in the New World, where families adapted to new environments and formed new roots. By the 19th century, the Clement name had established a considerable presence in the United States, showcasing the family's growth and resilience across continents.

In the 20th century, the Clement surname continued to thrive in the United States, while also maintaining a presence in the United Kingdom. The global spread of the surname highlights how families with the Clement name have woven themselves into diverse communities worldwide. As families evolve, so too does their genealogy, with each branch contributing to the expansive legacy of the Clement name.

Where to Find Clement Genealogy Records Today

In modern centuries, the Clement surname remains prevalent, particularly in the United States, where it has experienced substantial growth. While the 21st century sees a decrease in the surname's frequency back in the United Kingdom, the legacy of the Clement family continues to flourish across various regions. For those interested in exploring their own connections to the Clement family tree, the YourRoots database offers a wealth of genealogy records to help uncover the rich history and legacy of this enduring surname.

Famous People with Clement (and Their Family Tree)

Jemaine Clement

Jemaine Clement

Jemaine Clement, a New Zealand actor, comedian, musician, and filmmaker, is renowned for his work with Bret McKenzie in the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords. The duo's HBO series earned six Primetime Emmy nominations. Clement's filmography includes roles in Men in Black 3 and Moana, and he co-wrote and co-directed the acclaimed vampire mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows. His voice work extends to popular animated films like Despicable Me and Rio. Clement's contributions to comedy and film have established him as a versatile and celebrated figure in the entertainment industry.

Jemaine Clement was born in Masterton, New Zealand, and raised in a working-class family by his mother and grandmother. Of Māori (Ngāti Kahungunu) descent, he is a direct descendant of rangatira Iraia Te Ama-o-te-rangi Te Whaiti. His father, Robert, struggled with alcoholism and later became a stained glass artist. Clement's upbringing was shaped by strong maternal influences and a connection to his Māori heritage, although he regrets the limited use of the Māori language during his childhood.

Paul Clement

Paul Clement

Paul Drew Clement, renowned American lawyer, served as U.S. Solicitor General from 2005 to 2008. He is celebrated for his extensive advocacy before the U.S. Supreme Court, having argued over 100 cases, including notable ones like Gonzales v. Raich and Hamdan v. Rumsfeld. A prominent figure in conservative legal circles, Clement has opposed gun control and defended the ban on federal recognition of same-sex marriage. He is a distinguished lecturer at Georgetown University and an adjunct professor at NYU School of Law. Clement founded his law firm, Clement & Murphy, in 2022 after leaving Kirkland & Ellis.

Paul Clement was born and raised in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, one of four children of Jean and Jerry Clement. He graduated from Cedarburg High School and pursued higher education at Georgetown University and Harvard Law School, marking the foundation of his illustrious legal career.

Ernie Clement

Ernie Clement

Ernie James Clement is an American professional baseball utility player known for his versatility and skill across multiple teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on March 22, 1996, Clement currently plays for the Toronto Blue Jays. Drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the fourth round of the 2017 MLB draft, he has also played for the Cleveland Guardians and Oakland Athletics. His amateur career was highlighted by a national title with the University of Virginia and being named the Most Valuable Player in the Cape Cod Baseball League. His professional career showcases adaptability and consistent performance across various minor and major league levels.

Philippe Clement

Philippe Clement

Philippe Clement, born on 22 March 1974 in Antwerp, is a distinguished Belgian football manager and former professional player. Renowned for his defensive skills, Clement's playing career spanned clubs like Beerschot, Genk, Coventry City, and notably Club Brugge, where he made over 300 appearances. Transitioning to management, he achieved remarkable success by leading Genk and Club Brugge to multiple Belgian Pro League titles. His international tenure with Belgium includes 38 caps and participation in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. As a manager, he has ventured abroad with Monaco and Rangers, securing a Scottish League Cup with the latter.

Dick Clement

Dick Clement

Dick Clement, born on September 5, 1937, in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, is a celebrated English writer, director, and producer. Known for his prolific writing partnership with Ian La Frenais, Clement's career spans across iconic television series such as "The Likely Lads," "Porridge," and "Auf Wiedersehen, Pet." His work extends to film and theatre, including directing "Not Only... But Also" and scripting "The Commitments," which won a BAFTA Award. Clement’s contributions to the film industry include notable projects like "The Bank Job" and the jukebox musical "Across the Universe." In 2007, he and La Frenais were honored with OBEs for their contributions to television and film.

Clement Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Clement" has its origins in both French and English contexts, derived from the Late Latin name Clemens. It has been associated with various notable figures throughout history, including religious leaders, artists, and political figures across different centuries.

VIEW MORE

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Clement

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Clement family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Clement surname to learn more.

VIEW MORE

About YourRoots

Family Tree Map

Explore your family tree geographically

Import your GEDCOM file to transform your family tree into an interactive global map. See your roots laid out visually and understand your true geographic heritage.

Powerful tools like “Trace Back To Me” instantly map your family’s migration paths from a chosen ancestor all the way back to you.

LEARN MORE
AI Genealogy Research

Discover ancestors beyond “end-of-line” automatically

Import your family tree and let AI expand it for you. AI Ancestor Finder scans “end-of-line” ancestors to uncover their parents across hundreds of family lines at once. AI Deep Research analyzes selected ancestors and family clusters, suggesting relevant records and next steps.

Turn on Auto Research Mode to get new discoveries daily or weekly, so your tree keeps growing even while you’re away.

LEARN MORE
DNA Match

Find more DNA matches across all DNA tests

Combine your DNA data with your family tree to unlock the full power of YourRoots DNA Match. Connect with relatives across major testing services — Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and more.

View your matches’ maps and trees to identify shared ancestors, and soon you’ll be able to add them directly to your own tree and map.

LEARN MORE
Ancestry Reports

Ancestry DNA analysis that goes deeper than others

Unlock exclusive reports that reveal your deeper origins.

  • Deep Ancestry Report — Analyze 130+ ethnicities, sub-regions, and 1,800+ communities in one detailed view.
  • Global & Native American Reports — Developed with Stanford researchers to uncover hidden ancestries across all 22 chromosomes.
  • Ancient DNA Series — Compare your DNA with 1,000+ ancient genomes from Viking, Celtic, and early American civilizations.
LEARN MORE