Surname Clark - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling my Genetic Profile: A Deep Dive into the Surname Clark via iGENEA DNA test

My recent iGENEA DNA test has unraveled a world of fascinating information about my genetic history and the deep-rooted origins of the surname Clark. With a rich blend of Western European, Nordic, and Eastern European ancestry, the results depict a vivid tale of migration, survival, and cultural blending that painted the genetic makeup of the Clark lineage.

A. Clark

Clark: What does the surname Clark mean?

The last name Clark is of English origin and it traditionally means "clerk". The name originally comes from the Latin word “clericus” which means scholar or secretary. In medieval times, a clerk was often one of the few literate individuals in a town responsible for keeping records or accounts. Therefore, the surname Clark may have been an occupational name given to individuals who worked as secretaries, scribes or clerks. Also, as many members of the clergy worked as scholars or scribes, it could have been used to denote a clergyman or a person associated with the church. Over time, the spelling changed from "Clerk" to the modern variant "Clark". As part of the tradition of surnames reflecting a person's profession, the Clark family would have been keepers of records and written documents.

Clark: Where does the name Clark come from?

The surname Clark is of English origin and is derived from the Old English 'clerec' which means 'scholar' or 'clerk'. The term was typically used to denote someone who could read and write; a significant achievement in medieval times implying a clerical or academic occupation.

Traditionally, there were two main types of Clarks in the UK: those who were clerks in holy orders and those who were literary clerks or scribes. The latter would have served as town officials or lawyers. The great migration of the 17th century saw many people with the surname Clark move to America, leading to it becoming one of the commonly found surnames there.

Today, Clark is most common in the United States, England, Australia, and Canada. In the United States, it's the 24th most popular surname with over 800,000 bearers. In England and Wales, it's the 25th most common surname with over 100,000 bearers. Despite its seemingly conventional usage, the surname Clark is rich in history and cultural significance.

Variations of the surname Clark

The surname Clark has several variants, spellings, and related surnames due to its origins and usage in various cultures and languages. Some of these variants and spellings include Clarke, Clerk, Clerke, and Clarke. Other less-common variants include Clerc, le Clerk, and de Clerk.

Clark is originally derived from the Latin “Clericus” which means scholar or secretary. It became popular in the Middle Ages in different countries and cultures, hence the various spellings and forms. In Scotland and northern England, it was spelled as "Clark." If "e" is added at the end ("Clarke"), it indicates British or Irish origin.

It's also linked to occupational surnames that referred to a cleric, clerk, or scholar - one who can read and write. Over time, these evolved into family names. For example, in French, the term 'Clerc' was used, which essentially means the same thing as Clark. In Afrikaans and Dutch, the term 'de Clerk' was used.

Similar surnames or those derived from Clark include Clarkson and Clarkston. These are patronymic surnames incorporating “-son,” meaning “son of Clark.” Other surnames, like McClure, have different origins but can be common as anglicizations of the Gaelic Mac a' Chlerich/Cleireach; hence it can be considered as loosely tied with Clark.

Famous people with the name Clark

• Dick Clark: An iconic American radio and television personality, best known for hosting the long-running TV show "American Bandstand."
• Petula Clark: A popular British singer, actress, and composer, particularly well-known for her hit "Downtown."
• George Rogers Clark: A colonel during the American Revolutionary War.
• Arthur C. Clark: British science fiction writer, most famous for his novel "2001: A Space Odyssey."
• Wesley K. Clark: A retired U.S. Army general and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander.
• Kenneth Clark: An influential British art historian and broadcaster.
• Ramsey Clark: An American lawyer and activist who served as the 66th Attorney General of the United States.
• Marcia Clark: An American lawyer and author who is famous for being the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder case.
• Gary Clark Jr.: An American musician known for his fusion of blues, rock and soul music.
• Lewis and Clark: A team of explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who led the Lewis and Clark Expedition across the United States.
• Brenda Lee Clark: An American actress, known for her roles on sitcoms like "Reba" and "The Steve Harvey Show."
• Kelly Clarkson: An American singer-songwriter and winner of the first American Idol.

Other surnames

ClareClarkeClarksonClarkstonClary