Hi Chris.
Thanks for getting in touch.
I do not know the history of the name CLOUDER. But we think it was german being the english version of KLAUDER/CLAUDER. You may have heard the same. The earliest Clouder I have found in my family is Alfred b mid to late 1830's. Possibly in Middlesex or there abouts. He was on my gt grandfathers birth certificate as father and bricklayer at the time. But he is no where in records. He seems to not exist. I think perhaps my gt gt grandmother was not married and used the surname. But where would she find the name Clouder, It is not one you would just make up. So perhaps the surname is Clouder but the christian name is wrong to protect the fathes's identity. However another son was born and died soon after in the same area (Holy Trinity Monories, Whitechapel) two years after my gt grandfather Alfred John. (note the same christian name as father!) So where was he from and who was he??? Just a search I have been on for the last 6 years but still know nothing about this Alfred Clouder who was my gt gt grandfather.
My mothers maiden name was Clouder.
Perhaps you may be able to shed some light on this Chris through your research. Who is your earliest Clouder may be a connection there. You never know. Look forward to hearing from you. Until soon .SUE.