English
The name 'Clements' originates from England. It is a patronymic of the name 'Clements' in itself of English and Dutch origin from a Middle English, Old Flemish male given name (from the Latin word 'Clemens' meaning 'Merciful', a genesis of 'Clementis') which achieved popularity firstly through having being borne by an early saint who was a disciple of St Paul, and later because it was selected as a symbolic name by a number of early popes. In Cornish it is a habitation name from the parish of St Clement, near Truro. Compiled information from Historical and Private archive's has confirmed that the surname 'Clements' and or it's variant's, dates as far back as the 13th century were a 'Eustace fil Clement', from the county of Oxfordshire, England, is recorded on the Hundred Rolls in 1273. The exact period of settlement in North America has not been definitely determined but Information extracted from Public and Civil registry archive's confirm that one of the first settlers were a family seated in the county of Kent, England, in the Protectors time, they were banished at the accession of Charles II and fled to the Netherlands. From there 'Peter Clements', immigrated to North America and settled in New Amsterdam, becoming the founder of the family. He was a reformed Church Preacher. Today, 'Clements' is the '828th' most common surname in North America.