Klever is a unique and distinctive given name of Dutch origin. Its meaning can be interpreted in two ways: one as an adjective derived from the Dutch word "kleverig," which means "sticky" or "adhesive"; and another as a shortened form of the Dutch male given name "Klevers," which is ultimately derived from the Dutch surname "Klever."
The surname Klever is believed to have originated in North Holland, specifically in the region around Haarlem. It is thought to be an occupational name for a maker or seller of glue or gum, as the word "klever" itself means "glue." Therefore, people with the surname Klever may have been involved in the production or trade of this substance.
There is no significant historical figure named Klever that has contributed to its popularity or fame. However, there are some notable individuals with the surname Klever who have made contributions to various fields:
* Dutch painter and etcher Jan van de Velde II (1620-1707) was born Johannes van der Velde but adopted the name Jan van de Velde Klever.
* American politician Henry Klever (1835-1904) served as a state representative from Ohio.
* German theologian and biblical scholar Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834) had a grandson named Karl Ludwig Heinrich Klever, who was also a theologian.
Today, Klever is an uncommon given name, but it remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for a unique name with a interesting origin story. While its meaning as "sticky" might not be immediately appealing, the Dutch occupational history and connection to art and politics through notable figures make it an intriguing option.
The name Klever has had a fluctuating presence in the United States over the past two decades. Between the years 2000 and 2023, there were a total of 101 babies born with this unique moniker.
The first year recorded was 2000, with five little Klevers making their debut into the world. The following year saw an increase to nine births. However, after two years with fewer than ten births each (6 in 2003 and 8 in 2004), there was a notable spike in popularity in 2005 with eight births.
The most significant year for Klever was 2006, during which twenty babies were named Klever. This could suggest that the name gained some momentum or perhaps that it was influenced by trends happening at the time. The years following did not reach this peak again, although there were still several births each year up until 2013.
After a dip to five births in both 2017 and 2023, we can infer that while Klever may not be a highly common name, it continues to be chosen by parents looking for something distinctive. It will certainly mark these children as individuals with unique identities within their generations.