This is a locational name of Olde English and Saxon origins from the pre 7th century, although there does not appear to be any such place name now recorded either in the modern gazettes or the English Place Name Dictionary. This suggests that it is one of the seven thousand now lost medieval place names which abound in the British Isles. The earliest recording appears to be as Clempton, Elizabeth Clempton being found in London in 1627, but there does not appear to be a 'Clempton' village recorded either. However this spelling would suggest the meaning to be 'one who dwelt at the farm (tun) of the metal worker (klempner)'. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William Clempton. which was dated 1684 (Married) Ann Saunders at St. Mary Le Bone, London. during the reign of King Charles II 'The Merry Monarch' 1660-1685. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.