Surname Clearke - Meaning and Origin

Clearke: What does the surname Clearke mean?

The last name Clearke is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from "Clerke", a medieval English surname of occupational origin. This surname is thought to have derived from the old Norman French word "clerc", which translates to “scribe” or “secretary”. Thus, a surname of Clearke would have denoted one who performed clerical duties during the Middle Ages.

The spelling of Clearke suggests that the original surname would have been spelled Clerk or Clerk, which is still a relatively popular last name in England today. Records indicate that this surname was most frequently used in Hampshire, Surrey, and Devon, although there are now occurrences elsewhere.

Because of its occupational origin, it is likely that the Clearke surname was adopted by someone who was employed in a clerical role by a nobleman, cleric, or official. It is possible, however, that it could also have been a nickname given to someone who was thought to possess good organizational and clerical skills, or someone who liked to carry out their duties meticulously.

Clearke is not a particularly common last name, but those who bear it may be proud to know that its Anglo-Saxon roots are linked to a long and honorable history of labor and dedication.

Clearke: Where does the name Clearke come from?

The surname Clearke is most commonly found today in Germany, particularly the Rhineland region in the west of the country, and various other parts of Europe. In the United States, this surname is found mainly in Pennsylvania and Ohio, likely due to the large number of German immigrants who settled in those areas in the 1700s and 1800s.

In Germany, the surname is quite common, with around 1,000 people currently bearing the name. Records from the mid-19th century have shown that the name was particularly common in cities such as Aachen, Cologne, and Bonn, and it can still be found in these areas today.

The surname Clearke is found in other countries as well, such as Austria, Switzerland, and France. Additionally, it can be found in small numbers in the United Kingdom, especially in Ireland where the name may have been adopted by some people of German ancestry.

Given its origins, the surname Clearke is likely of Germanic or German-Jewish origin. It may have been derived from a personal name, such as Virgil or Conrad, or from something related to clarity or bright. Therefore, the surname is likely to have originated in Germanic territories or among families of German-Jewish descent.

Variations of the surname Clearke

Clearke is a rare surname that has origins in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Its spelling can vary depending on the region where it was found.

In England Clearke is most commonly spelled “Clayke”, sometimes “Clayk”. This spelling is also sometimes found in Scotland.

In Ireland the surname is spelled Clearke or Cleark, and is usually found in the country's northern and eastern regions.

The surname also has a few variants, which are clusters of surnames that emerged from the same source. One of the variants is “Cleary”, which is a more common Irish name. Another variant is “Clarkson”, which is found in both the United States and England.

Clearke is a rare and unique surname, but it is still possible to trace its origins and variants. Its widespread distribution across countries and regions suggests it is an old and well-established surname. Clearke is a unique name with a strong and interesting history.

Famous people with the name Clearke

• Lea Clerke: American actress and singer who has appeared in the films A Christmas Story and Bill & Ted Face the Music.
• Kelsey Clarke: British television presenter and former co-host of Big Brother UK.
• Emma Clarke: British actress, writer and voice-over artist.
• Chad Clearker: actor and comedian, best known for his roles on the comedy shows The Upright Citizens Brigade and The Chris Gethard Show.
• Stephen Clearke: British-Australian actor and composer, best known for his roles in The Legend of the Seeker and Into the Badlands.
• Jeremy Clearker: Australian model and fashion journalist.
• Simon Clearke: British singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.
• Terry Clearke: English rugby player, who played on the wing for the England and British Lions teams.
• John Clearke: American actor, singer and songwriter, who has appeared in films such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
• Nathan Clearke: Queensland politician who served as the Minister for Education in the 2000s.

Other surnames

CleareCleary