Surname Clarke - Meaning and Origin

Clarke: What does the surname Clarke mean?

The last name Clarke is an English surname which has its lineage tracing back to multiple sources. Originally, Clarke might have been derived from the Latin word clerk, which translates to ‘clergyman’ or ‘scribe’. This means that many of those with the Clarke last name could be descendants of people who wrote or spoke Latin. It is also possible that the surname originated from the Olde English word ‘clerc’, which meant ‘priest’ or ‘scholar’.

The Clarke surname could also come from the Old French word ‘clerk’, which referred to a clerk or scholar in a medieval court. Another possible origin is the Old English name ‘Clare’, which means ‘bright’ or ‘clear’. In the Middle Ages, Clarke was sometimes used as a nickname for someone ‘wise’ or ‘learned’.

In the United States there are many variations of the surname, including Clark, Clarke, Clerk, and Clerk-Kleer. It is a popular name in a number of countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada.

No matter its origin, the Clarke surname is steeped in history and has been cherished by people all around the world for hundreds of years. It is a reminder of the importance of family and tradition, and it speaks to the strength and legacy of those who bear the name.

Clarke: Where does the name Clarke come from?

The last name Clarke is a relatively common name that can be found in many parts of the world, although it is most commonly associated with the British Isles. In the United Kingdom, Clarke is the 39th most common surname and can be found all around the country. It is particularly popular in Wales and Ireland, while it is one of the most common surnames in the Republic of Ireland.

Additionally, Clarke is a very popular name in the United States. It is the 132nd most common last name in America and can be found in states across the country. It is among the top surnames in both California and New York.

Elsewhere in the world, the Clarke name is also prevalent. In Australia, it is the 58th most common surname, and it is particularly popular in New South Wales. Additionally, in South Africa, Clarke is the 80th most common name.

No matter where it is, the name Clarke is a meaningful reminder of the shared heritage and links between many people throughout the world.

Variations of the surname Clarke

The surname Clarke is one of the oldest names in the English language, and a very common last name in the United States and Europe.

The variants of this surname can include Clark, Clerk, Clerke, Clarkes, Cleark, Clerck, Clarck and Climson. All of these variations are still related to the original surname, Clarke, and are a variation of the same name.

The most common variations of the name in the United States are Clark and Clerk, which have become two of the most common surnames in the United States.

Other spellings could also include Clerkery, Clerkin, Clerwick, and Clerkson.

In Ireland, two of the most common variations of the name are Clerkin and Clarke, respectively. There is also an Irish surname, Cleary, that is a variant of Clarke.

The Scottish spelling of the name is Clerk, and in Wales, the name is spelled Clergy.

In other parts of Europe, the variations Clarke and Clerc have been found, along with the German spelling of Klark and the French spelling Klerk or Clairk.

The surname Clarke can also be seen in other cultures, including India, China, and the Middle East. In India, the surname is known as Clark and in China, it can be found as Liang or Zhang. In the Middle East, it is known as Klarke or Al-Klark.

Overall, it is clear that the original surname Clark has many common variations that can be found across the globe today.

Famous people with the name Clarke

• Andy Clarke: British entrepreneur and CEO of Aldi UK and Ireland.
• Arthur C. Clarke: author, inventor, and futurist, most famous for his science fiction works.
• Robert Clerke: British explorer who surveyed and mapped much of the Arctic region.
• Michelle Clarke: female British choreographer and dancer.
• Bill Clarke: musician, known as the King of Ragtime and the Father of Stride Piano.
• Garret Clarke: Jamaican cricketer.
• Graham Clarke: British landscape painter and Royal Academician.
• Harry Clarke: Irish illustrator and stained glass artist.
• Hugh Clarke: British actor, writer, and producer.
• John Clarke: New Zealand actor, comedian, and satirist.
• Kenny Clarke: American jazz drummer and band leader.
• Kenneth Clarke: British Conservative politician and former Home Secretary.
• Tessa Clarke: British entrepreneur and CEO of OLIO.
• Warren Clarke: British actor, known for his roles in films such as A Clockwork Orange.
• Walt Clarke: American illustrator and cartoonist.

Other surnames

ClarkClarksonClarkston