clinger

Clinger is a surname that appears in English-language records and is borne by individuals in several countries, particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The precise etymology of the name is uncertain; it may derive from Germanic or English roots and could be occupational, locational, or descriptive in origin. Over time, it has produced several variants in spelling and pronunciation, including Klinger and Cling, among others.

In modern usage, Clinger is primarily encountered as a family name. People with this surname have been active in a range of fields, including politics, science, arts, and sports, though no single figure dominates the name’s recognition. In fiction, Clinger has been used as a plausible surname for characters in novels, films, and television, reflecting its neutral, Anglo-European timbre.

The name is related to other surnames with similar phonetic forms, such as Klinger, Kling, and Cling, which may share historical origins or regional associations. See also entries for those variants for readers seeking related genealogical or onomastic information.