Last Name Clark

The surname Clark is of Old English origin. It is derived from a nickname for someone who was a scribe or secretary, from the Middle English clerk, which comes from the Old English clerc, meaning 'cleric' or 'scholar'. This name was common among early Christian settlers in England and was later brought to North America by English and Scottish immigrants.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Clark

The meaning and origin of the last name Clark

The surname Clark is an Anglo-Saxon name derived from the Old English word "clerc," which means "cleric" or "priest." It was originally used as a nickname for someone who worked for a clergy member, such as a scribe or a lay assistant in a church. The surname Clark first appeared in England during the Middle Ages and was one of the earliest hereditary names to emerge during this period. Over time, it became a common name throughout England and was later brought to North America by English settlers. Today, Clark is a widely used surname in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Clark

The surname Clark is widely distributed across various regions globally due to its Anglo-Saxon origins. In England, it ranks among the most common surnames and can be found predominantly in northern and western counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cornwall, which were historically Viking settlements and areas with significant Anglo-Saxon influence. The name also has a strong presence in Scotland and Ireland due to historical migration and cultural assimilation. In North America, Clark is especially prevalent in the United States and Canada, particularly in the eastern regions that were settled by British colonists. In Australia, it's one of the most common surnames, reflecting the country's British convict and settler heritage. Additionally, the name can be found in South Africa as a result of Dutch colonialism and immigration from Britain. Overall, Clark is a globally dispersed surname with significant concentrations in regions with Anglo-Saxon or Dutch historical influences.

Variants and spellings of the last name Clark

The surname Clark has various spelling variations and regional differences. Some common variations include Clarke, Clarck, and Claerk. These variations may arise due to historical transcription errors, regional dialects, or individual preference. The name is an English and Scottish occupational name for a scribe or secretary, derived from the Old Norse word 'klækr' meaning 'writer'. It has also been used as a nickname for someone who was considered clever or cunning. In Gaelic cultures, it originated as MacLachlainn, which means son of the steward or viceroy. Another variant, Clerk, is more commonly used in English-speaking countries to denote a person employed as a clergyman or assistant to a judge or lawyer. These variations demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of the Clark surname throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Clark

Notable individuals sharing the surname Clark include:

1. Neil Armstrong (nee Richard Gary Neil Aldrich Clark), an American astronaut who became the first man to walk on the moon as the commanding Apollo 11 mission's lunar module pilot in 1969.

2. Walter Dean Myers, an acclaimed African-American author known for his young adult novels tackling themes of race and war, such as "Fallen Angels" and the "Ghost Soldiers" series.

3. Christopher Clark (politician), a British politician who served as Member of Parliament for the constituency of Calder Valley from 2015 to 2017.

4. Kevin Joseph Clark, an American musician best known as the guitarist and co-lead vocalist of the band Interpol.

5. Lee Falk, a cartoonist and writer who created the comic strip character Mandrake the Magician in 1934 and later the popular detective Phantom.

6. Christopher Latham Sholes, an American printer, inventor, and journalist who, along with Samuel W. Soule, Carlos Glidden, and Ottmar Mergenthaler, developed the first practical typewriter in 1867.

7. Clark Gable (William Clark Gable), a famous American film actor known as "The King of Hollywood" during the Golden Age of cinema. He won an Academy Award for his role in "It Happened One Night" in 1934.

Genealogical research on the last name Clark

The surname Clark is of Old English origin, derived from the nickname 'clerc', meaning 'cleric' or 'scholar'. It was originally used as an occupational name for a member of the clergy, but over time it became a hereditary surname.

The Clark family can be traced back to the 11th century in England, with notable members appearing throughout history. One of the earliest known Clarks was Robert le Clerc, who lived during the reign of King William I (William the Conqueror). The name spread across Britain and eventually reached North America with early settlers.

In colonial America, the Clark family played significant roles in various regions. John Clarke, a Puritan clergyman, was one of the founders of Rhode Island in 1636. George Rogers Clark, a Revolutionary War hero, led several successful campaigns against British forces and played an essential role in securing the American West for the new nation.

Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved to include variations such as Clarke, Clairk, Clarc, and others, but all are generally considered derivatives of the original Old English name 'clerc'.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Clark"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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