Clover is a unique and charming given name of Irish origin. The name is derived from the Irish surname Clóire, which is believed to have been an anglicized form of the Gaelic personal name Clougherbhaile. Clougherbhaile is composed of two elements: cluain, meaning "meadow," and Bhaile, meaning "town or homestead." Therefore, the name Clover could be translated as "meadow town" or "meadow homestead."
The name Clover has been used throughout history in various forms. In Ireland, it was a popular surname for centuries, with many notable figures bearing the Clóire name. One example is Mary Clougherty, an Irish immigrant who played a significant role in the development of the Ladies' Catholic School in New York City during the 19th century.
While Clover has historically been more common as a surname, it began to be used as a given name in the early 20th century. Today, Clover is considered an uncommon but distinctive female given name, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. Its rarity contributes to its unique charm, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking a memorable and meaningful name for their child.
In popular culture, Clover has been used as a character name in several works of fiction. One notable example is Clover Elveswood from the fantasy series "A Dance with Dragons" by George R.R. Martin. This usage may have contributed to increased visibility and recognition of the name in recent years.
In summary, Clover is an Irish given name with a beautiful meaning derived from its Gaelic roots. With its unique origin story and uncommon usage as a given name, Clover offers parents a distinctive choice for their child's name. Its rarity ensures that a child named Clover will stand out and carry a meaningful moniker with deep historical roots.
The name Clover experienced a significant increase in popularity over time, with a total of 4570 births recorded from 1897 to 2023. While the number of births varied greatly each year, there was a notable surge starting around the late 1990s and early 2000s, reaching peak popularity in recent years, with 433 births in 2023 alone.