Clark Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Clark come from? What does the surname Clark mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Clark and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Clark Origin: What does the last name Clark mean?
Clark is an English surname with historical ties to England, Scotland, and Ireland. It originated from the Latin word "clericus," meaning "scribe" or "scholar," indicating someone who was educated. The name evolved from "clerk" and first appeared in records in 12th-century England. Clark is the twenty-seventh most common surname in the United Kingdom and the fourteenth in Scotland. In the United States, it was the twenty-first most frequent surname in 1990 and the thirtieth in 2010, with a count of 562,679 individuals. The name has various variants and is sometimes used as a given name, such as in the case of Clark Gable.
YourRoots data reveals that the Clark surname has been present in Wales since the early 13th century, with a significant increase in the United States from the 16th century onwards. While the surname remains prevalent in the United Kingdom, particularly England, it has also spread globally to countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland. Today, the Clark surname continues to hold its ground in various regions worldwide, showcasing its enduring legacy and widespread presence across different cultures and time periods.
Clark Last Name History: Where did the last name Clark come from?
Origin of Clark Surname: Where does the last name Clark originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Clark first appeared in records from Wales, a part of the United Kingdom, around the early 13th century. This data only reflects YourRoots data for the exact ‚Äö"Clark" spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Clark: What does the Clark surname history look like in the early days?
The ‚Äö"Clark" surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom, particularly England, from the 13th through the 15th century. YourRoots data shows a significant growth in the frequency of Clark family records in the United States from the 16th century onwards, indicating a shift in the surname's prevalence.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Clark surname today?
The volume of records with the Clark surname grew remarkably in the United States from the 16th century and continued into the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Today, the ‚Äö"Clark" surname remains prominent in the United States, according to YourRoots data. Despite the shift to the United States, the Clark surname still holds its ground in the United Kingdom, and it can be found in global records in various countries, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland.
Explore Clark last name heritage and Clark surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME CLARK
Famous People With Clark Surame?
Spencer Treat Clark
Spencer Treat Clark (born Sep 24, 1987) is an American actor known for his roles in popular films such as Gladiator, Unbreakable, and Glass. He has also appeared in TV series like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Animal Kingdom. Clark's talent has been recognized in both film and television, showcasing his versatility as an actor from a young age. With a strong background in acting and a diverse range of roles, Spencer Treat Clark continues to captivate audiences with his performances.
Jim Clark
James Clark (4 Mar 1936 – 7 Apr 1968) was a British racing driver known for his dominance in Formula One during the 1960s. With Lotus, he won two World Drivers' Championship titles and held numerous records for race wins, pole positions, and fastest laps. Clark also became the first non-American to win the Indianapolis 500 in 49 years. His tragic death during a Formula Two race cut short a promising career, but his legacy as one of the greatest drivers in motorsport history lives on. Clark's versatile talent extended beyond Formula One, with successes in sports cars, touring cars, and American open-wheel racing.
Roy Clark
Roy Linwood Clark (April 15, 1933 – November 15, 2018) was an American singer, musician, and television presenter best known for hosting the nationally televised country variety show Hee Haw from 1969 to 1997. Clark was a highly influential figure in country music, skilled in guitar, banjo, and fiddle. He had hit songs as a pop vocalist and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009. Clark's career spanned decades, showcasing his talent and leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.
Wesley Clark
Wesley Kanne Clark (born Wesley J. Kanne, 23 Dec 1944) is a retired United States Army officer known for his distinguished military career. Graduating top of his class at West Point, Clark was a Rhodes Scholar and served in the Vietnam War, where he was awarded a Silver Star for his bravery. He later became the Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO, leading Operation Allied Force during the Kosovo War. Clark also ventured into politics, running for the Democratic Party presidential primaries in 2004. Post-military, he founded his own consulting firm and remains active in global business and security matters.
Candy Clark
Candace June Clark (born Jun 20, 1947) is an American actress best known for her roles in iconic films like American Graffiti and The Man Who Fell to Earth. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in American Graffiti. Clark has also appeared in popular TV series like Twin Peaks and Criminal Minds. In addition to her film and television work, she has a background in modeling and has made guest appearances on various shows. Clark's personal life has also garnered attention, including relationships with fellow actors like Jeff Bridges.
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