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 seen a fluctuating number of births over the years, with notable peaks in 2006 (20 births) and steady declines since then, culminating in recent years with only 5 births each in 2017 and 2023.