Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Cleary

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Clerk

      Variations

      Hilleary, Cezary, Cherry
      The name Cleary has its origins in the English language and is derived from the word clerk, which referred to a literate person or a keeper of records. This occupational name was commonly given to individuals who worked as clerks or scribes in medieval England. The name Cleary can be traced back to the Middle Ages when written records became increasingly significant, and the role of a clerk was highly valued in administration and record-keeping.

      Throughout history, the name Cleary has been recorded in various forms and spellings such as Clearey, Cleverley, and Clerey. It was primarily found in the southwestern counties of England, particularly Staffordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire. In these areas, Clearys were often found working in positions of prominence within the church or the legal system due to their literacy skills.

      In modern-day usage, the name Cleary still retains its English heritage, although it is less common than it once was. It continues to be associated with individuals who have a background in clerical, administrative, or legal professions. While not as prevalent as some other names, the name Cleary still maintains a sense of heritage and identity among those who bear it.

      Based on our records...

      Williams

      Williams

      This is the most common surname associated with Cleary.
      Herbert

      Herbert

      This is the most common name of those married to a Cleary.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1887 is when there were the most people born with the first name Cleary.

      Explore the origins of another name.