Clarke
Clarke is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Clerk, scribe, or scholar.
Origin and history
Clarke is a traditional English name derived from an occupational surname meaning clerk or scholar. While historically used as a surname, it has long been established as a masculine given name in the United States. It remains a relatively rare but steady choice for boys.
Popularity in the United States
3,910 babies in the United States have been named Clarke since 1880. It ranks #2036 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1707.
States where it is most popular
- CA (40.6 %)
- NY (20.4 %)
- TX (9.5 %)
- PA (8 %)
- IL (4.5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 16 |
| 1890-1900 | 11 |
| 1900-1910 | 26 |
| 1910-1920 | 206 |
| 1920-1930 | 315 |
| 1930-1940 | 356 |
| 1940-1950 | 439 |
| 1950-1960 | 491 |
| 1960-1970 | 417 |
| 1970-1980 | 232 |
| 1980-1990 | 288 |
| 1990-2000 | 306 |
| 2000-2010 | 212 |
| 2010-2019 | 375 |
| 2020-2029 | 220 |
Famous people named Clarke
- Clarke Peters: Actor, Singer
Fun facts
- The name originally denoted a person who could read and write, often working as a clerk or record keeper in medieval England.
- The addition of the silent final 'e' distinguishes it visually from the more common spelling, Clark.