De Clare Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname De Clare come from? What does the surname De Clare mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name De Clare and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname De Clare Origin: What does the last name De Clare mean?
The surname De Clare originates from England and is associated with the prominent Anglo-Norman noble house of Clare, which ruled various Earldoms in England and Wales. The name 'De Clare' or 'of Clare' was adopted by Richard Fitz Gilbert, Lord of Clare, in recognition of the lands he was given in Suffolk, centred around the village of Clare. The family descended from Gilbert, Count of Brionne, whose father Geoffrey, Count of Eu, was an illegitimate son of Richard I, Duke of Normandy. The De Clare family held significant estates and castles, playing a key role in the Norman invasion of Ireland.
According to YourRoots data, the De Clare surname first appeared in records from England in the early 11th century and remained closely associated with England until the 15th century. By the 20th century, the volume of records with the De Clare surname grew significantly in England, where it remains prominent today. The surname's history reflects a lineage of nobility and power, with a legacy that extends throughout England and Wales, showcasing the family's enduring influence and historical significance.
De Clare Last Name History: Where did the last name De Clare come from?
Origin of De Clare Surname: Where does the last name De Clare originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname De Clare first appeared in records from England around the early 11th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact De Clare spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name De Clare: What does the De Clare surname history look like in the early days?
The De Clare surname remained closely associated with England from the 11th to the 15th century.
Global Spread: Where can we find the De Clare surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the De Clare surname grew significantly in England. The De Clare surname remains prominent in the United Kingdom.
Explore De Clare last name heritage and De Clare surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.