Clark
Clark is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Scribe, clerk, or scholar.
Origin and history
Clark originated as an English occupational surname derived from the Latin 'clericus', meaning 'clerk' or 'scribe'. It gained popularity as a given name in the United States during the 20th century, influenced by iconic figures in cinema and comic book culture. It remains a steady, classic masculine choice with a strong modern appeal.
Popularity in the United States
50,851 babies in the United States have been named Clark since 1880. It ranks #506 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #416.
States where it is most popular
- CA (9.4 %)
- TX (6.8 %)
- PA (6.2 %)
- OH (5.5 %)
- NY (5.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 513 |
| 1890-1900 | 505 |
| 1900-1910 | 502 |
| 1910-1920 | 2,383 |
| 1920-1930 | 2,914 |
| 1930-1940 | 3,763 |
| 1940-1950 | 5,050 |
| 1950-1960 | 6,631 |
| 1960-1970 | 6,140 |
| 1970-1980 | 2,534 |
| 1980-1990 | 3,014 |
| 1990-2000 | 2,692 |
| 2000-2010 | 2,742 |
| 2010-2019 | 6,880 |
| 2020-2029 | 4,588 |
Famous people named Clark
- Clark Gable: Actor
- Clark Duke: Actor, Comedian
- Clark Kent: Fictional Character, Journalist
Fun facts
- The name is globally recognized as the alter ego of Superman, Clark Kent, introduced by DC Comics in 1938.
- Actor Clark Gable boosted the name's prominence during Hollywood's Golden Age in the 1930s and 1940s.
- It originally designated a person who could read and write, derived from the Latin word 'clericus'.