Clark Surname

A Fun and Fact-Filled Look at the Clark Surname

Clark Name Meaning

The Clark surname is occupational. In the Middle Ages, people who could read and write were known as “clerks” or “clarks.” Because literacy was uncommon and a valued skill, they were well-regarded members of society. 

Over time, the last name Clark was adopted by priests, teachers, court and town workers, and others who were considered studious or scholarly. 

Clark Last Name Variations

Virtually all surnames have developed phonetic and spelling variations over many centuries in many countries. A person’s last name was often spelled however it sounded to the person recording it.

When you’re researching your Clark family origin, you may find that your ancestors used one or more of these variations of the Clark surname: Clarck, Clarcke, Clarque, Clairc, Clarc, Clarcq, Clarke, Cleark, Clerk, Klarck, Klark, Klarke, Slark, Slarke, Slarks.

Clark Last Name Origin

The Clark surname has its roots in England, Scotland, and Ireland, with recordings of the name and its variations dating back to the Middle Ages.

In England, the name was first associated with Norman families who held clerical positions in the church or worked as clerks in the royal courts. Some of the earliest variations of the Clark last name recorded in England were Richerius Clericus in Hampshire in the Domesday Book of 1086, Willelm le Clerec in Somerset in 1100, and Reginald Clerc in the Curia Rolls of Rutland in 1205. The name spread throughout England during the medieval period and became one of the most common surnames in the country by the 16th century.

In Scotland, the Clark name emerged in the 13th century and was associated with families that were members of the clergy or held other positions of authority. The name initially flourished in Caithness, with notable Clark families in Edinburgh and Paisley near Glasgow. The Paisley-based Clark family, originally farmers at Dykebar, became pioneers in the cotton industry, with notable descendants such as art historian Sir Kenneth Clark and his son, MP Alan Clark.

In Ireland, the surname is typically spelled Clarke, with its origin in the Gaelic sept O’Clerigh in Galway, meaning “clerk.” Scottish and English settlers also introduced the name to Ireland. Today, the last name Clark is primarily found in Dublin and Donegal.

Clark Surname Geography

Together, the surnames Clark and Clarke are shared by approximately 995,000 people from more than 180 countries, making it the 545th most popular last name globally.

Around 72% of people with the surname Clark(e) reside in the United States, with the majority of them living in California (8%), Texas (8%), and Georgia (6%).

Clark(e) continues to be a common last name in the United Kingdom. In fact, it is the 27th most popular surname in the region with approximately 114,000 Clarks and Clarkes residing there. The greatest number live in the Leicester, Coventry, Nottingham, and Birmingham areas.

Clark Barons

A baron or baroness is a noble title in the British peerage system, ranking below a viscount and above a knight. The title can be a hereditary peerage (the title can be passed down to an heir upon the death of the holder) or a life peerage (the title becomes extinct upon the death of the holder). A baron is addressed as “Lord” and a baroness is addressed as “Lady.”

Three life barons have been created in the Peerage of the United Kingdom for people with the last name Clark:

David Clark, Baron Clark of Windermere

Created in the Peerage of the United Kingdom on July 2, 2001, for David George Clark (b.1939), a politician, former cabinet minister, and author. After stints in academia, David began his political career as a member of parliament for Colne Valley and then South Shields. In 1987, he became Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, followed by Shadow Secretary of State for Defence in 1992. In 1997, he became a member of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. 
_{Image Credit: By Roger Harris.}

Lynda Clark, Baroness Clark of Calton

Created in the Peerage of the United Kingdom on June 21, 2005, for Lynda Margaret Clark (b. 1949), known as Lady Clark of Calton. She was a Scottish judge and a former Labour Member of Parliament for Edinburgh Pentlands. Lady Clark was also Advocate General for Scotland from 1999 to 2006. 
_{Image Credit: By Scottish Law Commission.}

Katy Clark, Baroness of Kilwinning

Created in the Peerage of the United Kingdom on September 3, 2020, for Kathryn (Katy) Sloan Clark (b. 1967), known as Lady Clark of Kilwinning. As a solicitor, she successfully litigated Europe’s largest equal pay case, winning £35 million for women nurses and medical staff in North West England who had been unlawfully paid less than their male colleagues. Lady Clark was a Member of Parliament for North Ayrshire and Arran before becoming a Member of the Scottish Parliament for West Scotland in 2021.

^{Image Credit: By Scottish Parliament.}

Clark Baronets

A baronet is someone who holds a baronetcy, a hereditary title awarded by the British Crown. They rank below barons but above knights, with the exception of Knights of the Garter in England and The Order of the Thistle in Scotland. Baronets are addressed as “Sir (forename)” and their wives are addressed as “Lady (surname).”

Four baronetcies have been created for people with the last name Clark:

Clark Baronetcy of St. George’s Hanover Square, London

Established for Sir James Clark (1788-1870) on November 11, 1837. James was a Scottish physician who found himself at the heart of the royal court. King Leopold personally appointed him as the court physician for the Duchess of Kent and the young Princess Victoria in 1834. This led to his appointment as Physician-in-Ordinary to Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1860. Although he faced a scandal involving Lady Flora Hastings, James’ dedication to the royal family remained unwavering, and he continued as their trusted medical advisor. He made lasting impacts in the field of medicine, contributing to the growth of institutions like the University of London, the Royal College of Chemistry, and the General Medical Council. In 1866, he was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB). The baronetage came to an end after the passing of the second baronet in 1910.

Clark Baronetcy of Cavendish Square, London

Established for Sir Andrew Clark (1826-1893), a distinguished Scottish physician and pathologist. In London, Andrew built a thriving medical practice, catering to the needs of many esteemed individuals of the period. He was granted a baronetcy on August 9, 1883, and was simultaneously elected President of the Clinical Society of London. In 1885, Andrew was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society, and by 1892, he had become President of the Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society. A prolific writer, he authored several books on lung diseases and explored subjects such as kidney failure, anemia, and constipation.

Clark Baronetcy of Melville Crescent, Edinburgh

Established for Sir Thomas Clark (1823-1900), a Scottish publisher and politician. He joined the family publishing firm, T&T Clark, in 1846. The company, situated in the heart of Edinburgh on George Street, primarily published law books. Thomas eventually took over as proprietor and later passed the business down to his son. Between 1883 and 1884, he held the position of Master of the Merchant Company of Edinburgh. He then became Lord Provost of Edinburgh, a position he held from 1885 to 1888. Thomas received the title Baronet of Melville Crescent on September 28, 1886. The title is currently held by Sir Edward Drake Clark, 6th Baronet (b. 1966).

Clark Baronetcy of Dunlambert in the City of Belfast

Established for Sir George Smith Clark (1861-1935), a notable businessman and politician in Northern Ireland. Born in Scotland, he co-founded the Workman, Clark and Company shipyard in Belfast, which focused on Admiralty work during World War I. This contribution earned him the Baronetcy of Dunlambert on July 6, 1917. George also served as the Member of Parliament for North Belfast and as a Unionist Senator in the Northern Ireland parliament. Upon his death, his son, Sir George Clark, 2nd Baronet, succeeded to the baronetcy.

Clark Surname History

Many people with the Clark surname are noteworthy for contributions that shaped history for better or worse. Here are a few of the more prominent Clarks in history:

Abraham Clark: Founding Father of the United States

Abraham Clark (1726-1794) was a founding father of the United States. He signed the Declaration of Independence and later served in the United States House of Representatives during the Second and Third United States Congresses. Abraham was a strong advocate for democracy and the common man, particularly farmers and mechanics. He believed they played a vital role in society. He opposed the creditor status of elite men, such as lawyers, ministers, physicians, and merchants, whom he saw as a threat to the future of republican government. Unlike other Founding Fathers who demanded deference to elected officials, Abraham encouraged constituents to petition their representatives for necessary changes.

William Clark: One-Half of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

William Clark (1770-1838) was a soldier, explorer, Indian agent and territorial governor. He served in the army in Kentucky and fought in the Northwest Indian War. After leaving the army, Meriwether Lewis hired William to share leadership of the Corps of Discovery in 1803. The expedition’s purpose was to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase, establish trade with Native Americans, and consolidate United States sovereignty. William served three years on the Pacific Coast expedition before becoming Missouri Territory governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs.

Jonas Gilman Clark: Founder of Clark University

Jonas Gilman Clark (1815-1900) was an American businessman and philanthropist. At age 16, he started his career as a carriagemaker. Five years later, he owned his own carriage shop. His business interests eventually expanded to manufacturing chairs and then tinware items. Likely inspired by his friend Leland Stanford, Jonas donated $1 million to establish Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1887. The university opened its doors in 1889 and was one of the first American universities to focus on graduate education and research. 

Alexander Clark: African-American Activist and U.S. Ambassador

Alexander G. Clark (1826-1891) was an African-American entrepreneur and activist. He gained fame for his legal battle against the Muscatine, Iowa school board in 1867, striving to ensure his daughter could attend a local public school. This battle resulted in a groundbreaking ruling by the Iowa State Supreme Court in 1868, which promoted integration. In addition, Alexander was a key figure in the push for voting rights for African-Americans in Iowa. Widely recognized for his eloquence, he earned the nickname the “Colored Orator of the West.” President Benjamin Harrison appointed Alexander as the United States Ambassador to Liberia, a position he held from 1890 until his passing in 1891.

William A. Clark: Copper King

William Andrews Clark (1839-1925), one of the three “Copper Kings,” was an entrepreneur, politician, and philanthropist. His investments in mines, railroads, banks, and newspapers made him one of the wealthiest men in the country during the late 1800s and early 1900s. In 1905, he auctioned off more than 600 lots to seed a town near one of his railroads. The town became Las Vegas, and the larger area, Clark County, Nevada, was named in his honor. In addition to his business interests, William was a U.S. senator from Montana from 1899-1900, but resigned after it was discovered that he bribed members of the Montana Legislature. Undeterred, he ran for the Senate again in 1901 and won. He served in the Senate until 1907.

Charles B. Clark: Co-founder of a Modern-Day Fortune 500 Company

Charles Benjamin Clark (1844-1891) was one of the founders of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation. At age 16, he enlisted in the Union Army’s Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, where he rose from private to first lieutenant during the Civil War. After the war, he pursued a career in banking and paper manufacturing, which eventually led to the founding of Kimberly-Clark in 1872. Today, the multinational personal care and consumer goods corporation is a member of the Fortune 500 with annual revenues of over $18 billion and more than 40,000 employees. Outside of business, Charles was a politician. He served as the mayor of Neenah, Wisconsin, and was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Dick Clark: Television and Radio Icon

Dick Clark (1929-2012) was an icon in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his work as a radio and television personality. In 1956, he began hosting the extremely popular television program “American Bandstand,” showcasing trending music acts of the era and propelling the careers of many artists. Dick hosted many other TV shows such as the “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” specials, which he co-hosted until shortly before his death. Throughout his career, Dick was recognized for his congenial on-air persona and his aptitude for engaging with audiences of all ages, establishing him as a revered personality in American popular culture.

Places Named Clark

• Clark, Colorado – unincorporated community in Routt County.

• Clark, Missouri – city in Randolph County named for John Bullock Clark Jr., a general in the Confederate States Army and five-term congressman from Missouri.

• Clark, New Jersey – township in Union County named for Abraham Clark, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

• Clark, North Carolina – city located in Haywood County.

• Clark, Pennsylvania – borough in Mercer County.

• Clark Air Base – military base on Luzon Island in the Philippines named for Harold Melville Clark, a major in the U.S. Army Signal Corps.

• Clark County, Illinois – county in the southeastern part of the state named after George Rogers Clark, a general in the northwestern frontier during the Revolutionary War.

• Clark County, Nevada – most populous county in the state comprising most of the Las Vegas area. The county is named for William A. Clark, a copper magnate and U.S. Senator.

• Clark County, South Dakota – county in the eastern part of the state named for Newton Clark, a legislator from the Dakota Territory.

• Clark County, Ohio – county in the west-central part of the state.

• Clark County, Wisconsin – county in the central part of the state named for either A. W. Clark, an early settler in the area, or George Rogers Clark, a general in the northwestern frontier during the Revolutionary War.

• Clark Mills, New York – hamlet in Oneida County named for the Clark brothers, who ran a textile mill along the Oriskany Creek in the 1800s.

• Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania – borough in Lackawanna County named for William Clark, a soldier in the Revolutionary War.

• Clark Township, Ohio – the name of four separate townships in Brown, Clinton, Coshocton, and Holmes counties.

• Clark, Wyoming – community in Park County named for William Clark, one-half of the Lewis and Clark Expedition team.

Clark DNA Project

A Clark(e) DNA Project is hosted by FamilyTreeDNA. The main goal of the project is to identify family groups using both DNA and genealogy. It is open to any male descendant with the last name Clark or Clarke. Currently, there are 497 participants.

Recommended Clark Readings

1. Burke, B. (1996). The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
2. Burke, J. (2017). Encyclopaedia of Heraldry, or General Armory of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
3. Barber, Henry. British Family Names; Their Origin and Meaning, With Lists of Scandinavian, Frisian, Anglo-Saxon and Norman Names. 2018.
4. Clark, Almon W. The Clark Family Genealogy in the United States: A Genealogical Record Showing Sources of the English Ancestors. United States, Higginson Book Company, 2000.
5. Reeves, Evelyn Clark. A Clark Family in America: Facts, Fancies, Foibles. United States, Mayes Printing Company, 1980.
6. Fisher, James. “A Forgotten Hero Remembered, Revered, and Revised: The Legacy and Ordeal of George Rogers Clark.” Indiana Magazine of History, vol. 92, no. 2, 1996, pp. 109–32. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27791915.