CLARKSON
Clarkson
Overview:
Clarkson is a surname of English origin that traces its roots to medieval Britain. It is a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Clark", and is derived from the given name Clark, which was a medieval nickname for a scholar, clergyman, or scribe. The name Clarkson has varied spellings over the centuries, including Clerkson and Clarkeson.
Etymology:
The surname Clarkson is a combination of the Middle English word "clerk", meaning a literate person or clergyman, and the suffix "-son", denoting "son of". The name evolved from the Old English term "clerc", which was later adopted into Middle English as "clerk".
Distribution:
The surname Clarkson is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Scotland. It has also spread to other English-speaking regions such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand due to migration.
Notable Individuals:
- Jeremy Clarkson: A prominent British television presenter, journalist, and writer known for his work on the motoring show "Top Gear" and "The Grand Tour".
- Kelly Clarkson: An American singer and songwriter who gained fame as the winner of the first season of "American Idol" and has since become a successful recording artist.
- Patricia Clarkson: An acclaimed American actress known for her work in film and television, with roles in movies such as "The Green Mile" and "Pieces of April".
Coat of Arms:
The Clarkson family can trace their ancestral Coat of Arms, which typically includes heraldic symbols such as a shield, crest, helmet, and motto. The heraldic device serves as a visual representation of the family's history and identity, passed down through generations.
Significance:
The Clarkson surname holds historical significance as part of Britain's rich tapestry of family names and genealogy. Its prevalence in various fields such as entertainment, academia, and commerce underscores the diverse pursuits of individuals bearing this surname. Today, the Clarkson name continues to be proudly carried by numerous families across the globe, honoring their heritage and connections to the past.
There are approximately 13,197 people named Clarkson in the UK. That makes it the 678th most common surname in Britain. Around 203 in a million people in Britain are named Clarkson.
Surname type: From name of parent
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
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.