Discover people named Katie Cleave

The last name Cleave has its origins in England, deriving from the Old English word "cleofan," which means "to split" or "to cleave." This surname likely referred to someone who lived near a cleft or ravine, or it may have been occupational, denoting a person who worked with wood or stone, splitting materials for construction or crafting. The name is most commonly associated with the southwestern regions of England, particularly in Devon and Cornwall. Variations of the surname include Cleav, Cleaves, and Cleave, with some instances of the name appearing in different forms across other English-speaking countries. In terms of pronunciation, it typically remains consistent, though regional accents may influence its articulation. The surname Cleave is relatively rare today, but it carries historical significance, reflecting the landscape and occupational heritage of early English society.