"clerk, scribe, secretary"
Origin: Old English/Old French
Language: English
Clark
Pronunciation: [ kl-AHRK ]
Does Clark flow with your last name?
One syllable, superhero strength
English
American
Scottish
Strong
Modern
Classic
Bold
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"one who is learned"
Origin: Latin (clericus)
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Clark Kent/Superman, which most parents consider a positive
The Story of Clark
Clark derives from the Old English and Old French clerc, meaning 'clerk' or 'cleric,' referring to someone who could read and write — a rare and valuable skill in medieval Europe. The word itself traces to the Latin clericus and Greek klērikos, relating to the clergy. As surnames go, Clarke and Clark were among the most common occupational surnames in medieval England, given to scribes, secretaries, and clergymen. As a first name, Clark carries a crisp, professional quality.
Clark has experienced a revival as a first name in the 2010s-2020s, riding the wave of popularity for one-syllable surname names. The Superman connection (Clark Kent) gives the name a heroic dimension that many parents find appealing rather than limiting.
In American culture, Clark is indelibly linked to Clark Kent, the secret identity of Superman, created in 1938. The name carries connotations of hidden strength, reliability, and all-American integrity. Historically, explorer William Clark (of Lewis and Clark fame) gave the name an adventurous, pioneering legacy.
Historical Record
Clark first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 34,385 babies have been named Clark in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Clark is a steady classic , currently ranked #438 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Clark Kent, Superman's alter ego, was named after actors Clark Gable and Kent Taylor by creators Siegel and Shuster
- Explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark mapped much of the American West in 1804-1806
Clark in Other Languages
French
Clarke
German
Clark
Spanish
Clark
Japanese
クラーク
Popularity Over Time
#438
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Steady Classic
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Clark
C
Clark Gable
Actor
1901
American film actor known as 'The King of Hollywood,' famous for his role as Rhett Butler in 'Gone with the Wind'
W
William Clark
Explorer
1770
American explorer who co-led the Lewis and Clark Expedition, mapping the western United States from 1804-1806
C
Clark Kent Fictional
Other
The mild-mannered Daily Planet reporter who is secretly Superman, DC Comics' iconic superhero
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Compare Clark with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #438
- Total SSA Count
- 725
- Cultural Origins
- English American Scottish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Nicknames
Cla
Cly
Claie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Clark
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Clark is also used as a girl name, ranked #6150.
View Clark as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
See all English names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Clark
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Old English occupational origin
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Celtic origin
"swift, alert"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clark
What does the name Clark mean?
"clerk, scribe, secretary" (from Old English/Old French). "one who is learned" (from Latin (clericus)). Clark derives from the Old English and Old French clerc, meaning 'clerk' or 'cleric,' referring to someone who could read and write — a rare and valuable skill in medieval Europe. The word itself traces to the Latin clericus and Greek klērikos, relating to the clergy. As surnames go, Clarke and Clark were among the most common occupational surnames in medieval England, given to scribes, secretaries, and clergymen. As a first name, Clark carries a crisp, professional quality.
What is the origin of the name Clark?
Clark has Old English/Old French, Latin (clericus), English, American, and Scottish origins. In Old English/Old French, it means "clerk, scribe, secretary". In Latin (clericus), it means "one who is learned".
Is Clark a boy or girl name?
Clark is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #438. As a girl name, it is ranked #6150. Clark is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Clark?
Clark is pronounced kl-AHRK.
How popular is the name Clark?
Clark is currently ranked #438 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Clark?
Common nicknames for Clark include Cla, Cly, and Claie.
What are good middle names for Clark?
Popular middle name pairings include Clark James, Clark Henry, Clark William, Clark Reid, Clark Thomas, and Clark Joseph.
What are good sibling names for Clark?
Names that pair well with Clark as siblings include Fletcher, Greer, Avery, Brooks, Sutton, and Wren.
How many syllables does Clark have?
Clark has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Clark a common or rare name?
Clark is a popular name, ranked #438 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
What boy names are similar to Clark?
About the Name Clark
Clark is a boy name with English, American, and Scottish origins . The name means "clerk, scribe, secretary" in Old English/Old French .
Is Clark a boy or girl name? Clark is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #438 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #6,150. Clark is more commonly used as a boy name.
Clark is currently ranked #438 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Clark has 1 syllable and is pronounced kl-AHRK, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Clark include Cla, Cly, and Claie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Clark include Clarence, Clarke . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis