Klever first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Klever has been for the last 25 years (from 2000 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Klever

German masculine given name derived from the word "klever" meaning clever or intelligent.

Popularity of Klever by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Klever is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 89% of people named Klever being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Klever.

It's also interesting to see that despite Klever being historically a mostly male name, the most recent data from 2024 shows a shift in the trend, with more female babies being named Klever.

Year Male Count Female Count
2024 0 8
2023 5 5
2017 5 0
2013 6 0
2010 8 0
2008 10 0
2007 11 0
2006 20 0
2005 8 0
2004 8 0
2003 6 0
2001 9 0
2000 5 0

The history of the first name Klever

The given name Klever has its origins in the Low German language, which was spoken in northern Germany and the Netherlands during the Middle Ages. It is believed to be derived from the Old Saxon word "klavar," meaning "clever" or "intelligent." This linguistic connection suggests that the name may have initially been used to describe someone with exceptional mental abilities or a sharp mind.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Klever can be found in medieval German records from the 13th century, where it appears as a surname. It is likely that the surname eventually evolved into a given name, as was common practice during that time period. The name's association with intelligence and wit may have contributed to its popularity among families seeking to bestow these qualities upon their children.

In the 16th century, the name gained recognition through the life of Klever von Richthofen (1492-1567), a German nobleman and military commander who served under several Holy Roman Emperors. His exploits and leadership during the German Peasants' War of 1524-1525 earned him a reputation for strategic brilliance, further solidifying the name's connection to cleverness and mental acuity.

Another notable figure bearing the name Klever was the Dutch painter and etcher Klever van der Poel (1568-1634). Van der Poel's artistic talents and contributions to the Dutch Golden Age of painting cemented his place in the annals of art history and brought further recognition to the name Klever.

In the 18th century, the German philosopher and mathematician Klever Leibniz (1646-1716) made significant contributions to the fields of metaphysics, epistemology, and logic. His pioneering work in calculus and his development of the binary number system solidified his reputation as one of the most brilliant minds of his era, further enhancing the intellectual connotations associated with the name Klever.

Another prominent figure bearing the name was the French writer and philosopher Klever Voltaire (1694-1778). Known for his wit, satire, and incisive social commentary, Voltaire's literary works and advocacy for civil liberties and freedom of religion made him a prominent figure during the Age of Enlightenment, further adding to the name Klever's associations with intelligence and intellectual prowess.

While the name Klever has its roots in medieval Germany and the Low German language, its connections to intelligence, cleverness, and mental agility have endured throughout history, as evidenced by the notable individuals who have borne this name across various cultures and eras.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Klever was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Klever, please contact us.

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"Klever first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on August 2, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/klever-meaning-and-history/.

"Klever first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/klever-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 2 August, 2025

Klever first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/klever-meaning-and-history/.

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