Clarke Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Clarke come from? What does the surname Clarke mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Clarke and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Clark
Surname Clarke Origin: What does the last name Clarke mean?
The surname Clarke, meaning "clerk", has English and Irish origins, with the English version originating from Anglo-Saxon times and used to denote a scribe or secretary. The Irish version, derived from the Gaelic sept Ó Cléirigh, spread from County Galway and County Antrim to other regions. Variants like Clerk and Clark also exist, with Beauclerk and Leclerc related to the name. The surname became popular due to its association with literacy and scholarly professions, with the English spelling variations Clarke and Clark. YourRoots data indicates the surname's presence in England from the 12th century, with a significant global spread over the centuries.
According to YourRoots, the Clarke surname has historical ties to England and the United States, with a growing presence in countries like Canada, Australia, Ireland, and South Africa. The surname has evolved over time, reflecting a legacy of literacy and scholarly pursuits. Today, individuals with the Clarke surname can be found in various countries worldwide, showcasing its enduring significance and widespread adoption across diverse cultures and regions.
Clarke Last Name History: Where did the last name Clarke come from?
Origin of Clarke Surname: Where does the last name Clarke originate from?
Our YourRoots data indicates that the earliest record of the surname Clarke is found in England around the start of the 12th century. This pertains to the exact spelling of 'Clarke' and does not include variations or other record sources.
History of the Last Name Clarke: What does the Clarke surname history look like in the early days?
The Clarke surname is predominantly linked to England from the 12th through to the 15th century, according to YourRoots data. However, the data also shows a significant presence of the Clarke surname in the United States, particularly from the 18th century onwards. This hints at the global spread of the surname over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Clarke surname today?
The volume of records for the Clarke surname saw a significant rise in the United States from the 18th century onwards, even surpassing its frequency in England during the same period. Even in the 21st century, the Clarke surname appears predominantly in the United States and England, according to the YourRoots database. The surname is also prevalent in various countries globally, including but not limited to Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales, and South Africa.
Explore Clarke last name heritage and Clarke surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME CLARKE
Famous People With Clarke Surame?
Sarah Clarke
Sarah Louise Clarke (Feb 16, 1972 - ) is an American actress best known for her roles as Nina Myers on 24 and Renée Dwyer in the Twilight series. She also appeared in Trust Me and Covert Affairs. Clarke met her husband, Xander Berkeley, on the set of 24.
Melinda Clarke
Melinda Patrice "Mindy" Clarke (Apr 24, 1969 - ) is an American actress known for her roles in popular TV series like The O.C., CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and Nikita. She also appeared in films like Return of the Living Dead 3 and Spawn. Clarke has a podcast with Rachel Bilson discussing The O.C. episodes.
Gary Clarke
Gary Clarke (Clarke Frederick L'Amoreaux; August 16, 1933) is an American actor best known for his role as Steve Hill in the NBC Western series The Virginian. Clarke also had a successful career in film and television, appearing in various shows and movies throughout the years.
Lenny Clarke
Lenny Clarke (September 16, 1953) is an American comedian and actor known for his thick Boston accent. He gained fame for his role as Uncle Teddy on the series Rescue Me. Clarke was a prominent figure in the Boston comedy scene during the 1980s, alongside comedians like Steven Wright and Denis Leary.
Jackie Clarke
Jacqueline Emma Clarke (born Mar 22, 1966) is a celebrated New Zealand entertainer, singer, and comedian. Known for her roles in popular shows like Power Rangers and as a judge on New Zealand Idol, Clarke has received numerous awards for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
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