CLARK
Clark
Origin and Meaning:
The surname Clark is a common British surname of Old English origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the Old English word 'clerc,' which means a clergyman or a literate person. Over time, the surname Clark has evolved into various spellings such as Clarke and Clerk.
Distribution and Popularity:
The surname Clark is prevalent in the United Kingdom and is among the top 50 most common surnames in England. It is also popular in other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable People:
- William Clark (1770-1838): An American explorer known for his role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition that explored the western United States.
- Mary Higgins Clark (1927-2020): An American author known for her suspense novels.
- Jim Clark (1936-1968): A British Formula One racing driver and two-time World Champion.
- Petula Clark (b. 1932): A British singer and actress known for hits like "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep in the Subway."
Coat of Arms:
The heraldic description of the Clark coat of arms typically includes symbols representing wisdom, faith, and honor. The coat of arms may vary depending on the specific family branch and its history.
Variant Spellings:
Variants of the surname Clark include Clarke, Clerk, Clerke, and Clerkson, among others.
Genealogy and Family History:
Many individuals with the surname Clark have traced their family histories through genealogical research and DNA testing. The surname may be linked to specific regions in the UK or other countries, providing insights into the migration patterns and occupations of earlier generations.
Modern Usage:
The surname Clark continues to be passed down through generations, and many individuals take pride in their familial connection to the name. In contemporary society, people with the surname Clark can be found in various professions and industries around the world.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A dictionary of English surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford dictionary of family names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
In Summary:
The surname Clark is a distinguished British surname of Old English origin, often associated with individuals of literacy or clerical professions. With a rich history and widespread distribution, the Clark name has left its mark on various fields, from exploration and literature to sports and entertainment.
There are approximately 135,984 people named Clark in the UK. That makes it the 30th most common surname in Britain. Around 2,088 in a million people in Britain are named Clark.
Surname type: Status name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jane
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Clarke
- Clerk
- Clarck
- Clar
- Clair
- Calrk
- Clare
- Clerke
- Clarcke
- Clara
- Calarco
- Calrke
- Clairs
- Clares
- Clargo
- Claric
- Clarken
- Clarker
- Clarkes
- Clarkey
- Clarkin
- Clarking
- Clarkon
- Clarks
- Clarksom
- Clarkson
- Clarn
- Claro
- Clarr
- Clear
- Cleark
- Clearke
- Clearkin
- Clears
- Cler
- Clerc
- Clerck
- Clergue
- Clerico
- Clerks
- Cllark
- Cloarec
- Clurg
- Clurk
- Clurken
- Colerick
- Collerick
- Collorick
- Cowlrick
- Galarraga
- Glurrcoe
- Klaric
- Klark
- Klauke
- Klerck
- Klerk
- Klerks
- Kolarik
- Kollarik
- Claar
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.