Clark is a popular name with an interesting history and meaning. The name has English and French origins and is derived from the Latin word “clericus,” meaning “clerk” or “scholar.” The name was traditionally given to those who worked as scribes, secretaries, or in religious orders. Today, the name Clark is appreciated for its short and strong sound, and it is often used for baby boys.
The name Clark has a rich history and has been used as both a surname and a given name. It is the twenty-seventh most common surname in the United Kingdom and was the twenty-first most frequently encountered surname in the United States in 1990. Clark is also an occasional given name, as seen in the case of the famous actor Clark Gable. The name has a classic and timeless feel, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a traditional yet modern name for their child.
Overall, the name Clark is a great choice for parents who want a name that is both strong and scholarly. Its rich history and meaning make it a classic name that will never go out of style. Whether used as a first or last name, Clark is a name that will make a lasting impression.
Origin of the Clark Name
The Clark surname is an occupational name for a cleric, clerk, or scholar – one who can read and write. The name originated from the Old English cler(e)c, meaning “priest.” It is also derived from the Gaelic Mac a’ Chlerich/Cleireach, meaning “son of the cleric or, sometimes, clerk.”
The name Clark is a common surname in the United Kingdom, ranking twenty-seventh in popularity, including placing fourteenth in Scotland. In the United States, it was the twenty-first most frequently encountered surname, accounting for 0.23% of the population.
The Clark name has various spellings, including Clarke, Clerk, and Clerc. It is also an occasional given name, as in the case of Clark Gable, the famous American actor.
The table below shows the distribution of the Clark surname in different countries.
| Country | Percentage of Population |
|---|---|
| USA | 0.23% |
| UK | 0.33% |
| Canada | 0.15% |
| Australia | 0.11% |
| New Zealand | 0.12% |
Overall, the Clark name has a rich history and is associated with scholarly pursuits and religious orders.
Meaning of Clark
Clark is a name that has its roots in Old English and Gaelic languages. The name is derived from the word “cleric” or “clerk,” which means a person who can read and write. The name was originally given to people who worked as secretaries, scholars, or clerics in religious orders.
Clark is a name that is associated with intelligence, education, and knowledge. It is a name that is often given to boys who are expected to excel academically. People with the name Clark are often seen as analytical, logical, and detail-oriented.
The name Clark has become more popular in recent years, and it is now considered a classic name with a modern edge. It is a name that is associated with strength, power, and confidence. Many parents choose the name Clark because of its association with the famous actor Clark Gable, who was known for his charisma and charm.
Overall, the name Clark is a strong and meaningful name that is associated with intelligence, education, and success. It is a name that is perfect for parents who want to give their child a name that is both classic and modern, and that will set them up for success in life.
Popularity of the Clark Name
Clark is a popular name, especially in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration, Clark was the 396th most popular name for baby boys in the US in 2021. It has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past few years, ranking at 230 on Nameberry’s popularity chart for 2023 and projected to reach 248 in 2028.
The name Clark has been associated with many famous personalities, including Clark Gable, the iconic Hollywood actor from the 1930s and 1940s, and Clark Kent, the fictional alter ego of Superman. As a result, the name has become a popular choice for parents who are looking for a classic and timeless name for their baby boy.
Interestingly, the name Clark has also been used for baby girls, although it is much less common. According to BabyCenter user data, only 0.5% of Clarks are girls, while 99.5% are boys.
Overall, the popularity of the Clark name can be attributed to its simplicity, classic sound, and association with well-known figures in popular culture. Whether you’re looking for a traditional name or a unique one, Clark is a great choice that will stand the test of time.
Famous People Named Clark
The name Clark has been used by many notable people throughout history. Here are a few examples of famous people named Clark:
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Clark Gable: One of the most iconic actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood, Clark Gable starred in many classic films such as “Gone with the Wind” and “It Happened One Night.” He won an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1934 for his role in “It Happened One Night.”
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Clark Kent: Although a fictional character, Clark Kent is one of the most recognizable names associated with the name Clark. He is better known as Superman, the superhero created by DC Comics.
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Clark Terry: An American jazz trumpeter, Clark Terry was a member of Duke Ellington’s orchestra and played with many other jazz legends throughout his career.
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Clark Johnson: A Canadian actor and director, Clark Johnson is best known for his roles in the TV shows “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “The Wire.” He has also directed episodes of many popular TV shows, including “The Shield” and “Homeland.”
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Clark Rockefeller: A notorious con artist, Clark Rockefeller gained notoriety in 2008 when he was arrested for kidnapping his daughter. It was later revealed that he was not actually a Rockefeller, but rather a German immigrant named Christian Gerhartsreiter.
These are just a few examples of famous people named Clark. The name has been used by many other notable individuals throughout history, including athletes, politicians, and musicians.
Variations of Clark
The name Clark has several variations, including Clarkson, Clarke, and Clerk. Let’s take a closer look at each of these variations.
Clarkson
Clarkson is a variation of the name Clark that is believed to have originated in England. The name is derived from the Old English words “cleric” and “tun,” which mean “clergyman” and “settlement,” respectively. The name Clarkson was often used to refer to someone who lived near a church or who worked as a clergyman.
Clarke
Clarke is a variation of the name Clark that is commonly found in England, Ireland, and Scotland. The name is derived from the Latin word “clericus,” which means “clergyman.” Clarke was often used to refer to someone who worked as a clerk or a scribe.
Clerk
Clerk is another variation of the name Clark that is commonly found in England and Scotland. The name is derived from the Latin word “clericus,” which means “clergyman.” Clerk was often used to refer to someone who worked as a clerk or a scribe.
Overall, the variations of the name Clark all have similar meanings and origins. They are all derived from the Latin word “clericus,” which means “clergyman.” Whether you prefer the traditional spelling of Clark or one of its variations, the name is a great choice for anyone looking for a strong, classic name with a rich history and meaning.
Clark in Different Languages
The surname Clark has various spellings and meanings in different languages. Here are some examples:
- In English, Clark is an occupational name for a clerk or scholar.
- In Gaelic, Mac a’ Chlerich/Cleireach means “son of the cleric or clerk.”
- In French, the name is spelled Clarke, and it means “scholar” or “clerk.”
- In German, the name is spelled Clark or Clarke, and it means “scribe” or “notary.”
- In Spanish, the name is spelled Clark or Clarke and is pronounced as “klark.” It has the same meaning as in English.
It’s interesting to note that the name Clark has a similar meaning in many different languages, emphasizing the importance of education and knowledge. The surname has been passed down through generations, and it continues to be a popular name choice for parents looking for a classic and timeless name.
Overall, the name Clark has a rich history and meaning in different languages and cultures. It’s a name that represents education, knowledge, and scholarship, making it a great choice for parents who value these qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Clark name has a rich history and meaning that has evolved over time. From its origins as an occupational name for a cleric or scholar to its occasional use as a given name, Clark has remained a popular name choice for many parents.
According to the 1990 United States Census, Clark was the twenty-first most frequently encountered surname, accounting for 0.23% of the population. It is also the twenty-seventh most common surname in the United Kingdom, including placing fourteenth in Scotland.
The name Clark has a strong and simple sound that appeals to many parents looking for a short, strong boy’s name. Its English origin meaning “scribe, secretary, cleric, scholar, clerk” gives it a scholarly and professional connotation that can be appealing in today’s society.
Overall, the Clark name has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice for many families. Whether you are considering it as a given name or a surname, the Clark name is a classic choice that is sure to make a lasting impression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Clark mean in Hebrew?
The name Clark does not have a Hebrew origin, and therefore, it does not have a meaning in Hebrew.
What is the origin of the name Clark?
The name Clark has an English origin, and it comes from the Old English word “clerec,” which means “clergyman” or “scribe.” It was originally a surname, but it has become a popular given name as well.
Is Clark a strong name?
Yes, Clark is considered a strong name because of its short and straightforward sound. It also has associations with famous figures like Clark Gable and Clark Kent (Superman), which adds to its strength.
How popular is the name Clark?
The name Clark is not as popular as it once was, but it still ranks in the top 500 names for baby boys in the United States. It was more popular in the 1920s and 1930s but has since declined in popularity.
Who was Clark in the Bible?
There is no figure named Clark in the Bible. The name Clark does not have a biblical origin.
What does the name Clark mean?
The name Clark means “clergyman” or “scribe” in Old English. It is a name that is associated with intelligence and scholarship.