Origin & Meaning of the Clark Surname
What does the last name Clark mean?
The surname Clark carries the meaning "Occupational name for a clerk, scholar, or secretary." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 562,679 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Clark ranks as the #27 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Clark come from?
The Clark surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Clark name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Clark trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Clark |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Occupational name for a clerk, scholar, or secretary |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #27 |
| US Count (2010) | 562,679 |
| Per 100K People | 190.75 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Clark
According to the US Census, the Clark surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 562,679 Americans with the Clark last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 74.65% |
| Black | 19.02% |
| Hispanic | 2.58% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 1.01% |
| Two or More Races | 2.19% |
Popularity of Clark Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Clark surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Clark surname increased by 14,310 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Clark Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Clark ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Clark Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Clark
- ✓ The Clark coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Clark families live today
- ✓ Notable Clark bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Clark
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Clark.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Clark.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clark
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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