CLARKE
Also recorded as Clark E
Clarke
Origin and Meaning:
The surname Clarke is of English and Irish origin, derived from the Old English word "clerc," which means a priest or cleric. The name was originally an occupational surname given to individuals who were literate or associated with the clergy. In Ireland, the surname Clarke is often an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Ó Cleirigh," meaning descendant of Cleireach, a personal name derived from the word "cleireach," which means cleric.
Variations:
Variations of the surname Clarke include Clark, Clerk, and Clerke.
History:
The surname Clarke is one of the earliest recorded surnames in England, with documented instances dating back to the 11th century. The name was often associated with those who held clerical positions within the Church, such as priests, monks, or scholars.
Over time, the surname spread to other English-speaking countries, including Ireland, where it became particularly common. Many bearers of the surname Clarke emigrated to the United States, Canada, Australia, and other parts of the British Empire, contributing to the widespread presence of the name across the world.
Notable Individuals:
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Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008): British science fiction writer and futurist, best known for his novel "2001: A Space Odyssey."
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Victoria Clarke: English journalist and former government official, known for her work as the former spokeswoman for the United States Department of Defense.
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Sarah Clarke: British actress, recognized for her roles in television series such as "24" and "Twilight."
Trivia:
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The surname Clarke is among the top 100 most common surnames in the United Kingdom, reflecting its long-standing presence in the region.
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The name Clarke is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, wisdom, and a scholarly disposition, stemming from its historical connection with the clergy.
References:
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Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
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Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 140,673 people named Clarke in the UK. That makes it the 27th most common surname in Britain. Around 2,160 in a million people in Britain are named Clarke.
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Clark
- Clerk
- Clare
- Cleark
- Clarck
- Clarks
- Cler
- Clarken
- Clerc
- Clar
- Claire
- Klark
- Klauke
- Clerke
- Clarcke
- Clakre
- Calrke
- Clares
- Clarges
- Clarker
- Clarkes
- Clarkeson
- Clarkey
- Clarkin
- Clarkon
- Clarysse
- Cleares
- Clearke
- Clerck
- Clerken
- Clerks
- Cllark
- Clurk
- Clurken
- Claret
- Clarey
- Clarie
- Clarisse
- Clarkmead
- Clarksom
- Clarkson
- Clarne
- Claske
- Clayre
- Cleare
- Clearkin
- Cloarec
- Klerk
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.