Clappe

Clappe is a surname of relatively limited frequency in English-speaking regions. The name is often considered a variant spelling related to other surnames such as Clapp or Clapper, though precise etymology is not consistently documented in standard reference works. Historical records bearing the form “Clappe” appear in several decades from the 17th through the 19th centuries in both the British Isles and North America, after which the spelling becomes less common in contemporary usage.

Geographic distribution of the name in modern times shows its presence primarily in North America, with occurrences in the United States and Canada. Smaller clusters have been recorded in the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries, reflecting broader patterns of migration and name standardization over the centuries. As a result, Clappe is typically encountered in genealogical contexts rather than as a name associated with a particular regional hub or public figure.

Notable individuals with the surname Clappe are not widely documented in major historical or literary canons, and the name does not correspond to a single prominent person. In scholarly and genealogical resources, Clappe tends to appear alongside more common variants such as Clapp or Clapper, highlighting the ways in which spelling variations have evolved over time within families and regions. Overall, Clappe is best understood as a relatively uncommon surname with roots shared with related names and a distribution shaped by historical migration and record-keeping practices.