Clark is a name of English origin that means "cleric" or "scribe". It was originally an occupational surname given to those who worked as clerics or scribes in medieval times. The name has been popular for centuries, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the 13th century in England.
The name Clark is believed to have originated from the Middle English word "clark", which evolved from the Old English word "clere". This word was used to refer to a member of the clergy or someone who could write and read, as literacy was not common during that time. Over time, the name became associated with the occupation of clerking rather than just being a member of the clergy.
The popularity of the name Clark has varied over the centuries. It was quite popular in England during the Middle Ages but fell out of favor for several centuries until it experienced a resurgence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Clark remains a popular choice among parents looking for a classic yet unique name for their sons.
Some notable people with the name Clark include American author and humorist Mark Twain (whose real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens), Canadian actor Christopher Clark (best known for his role in the television series "Smallville"), and Australian musician Keith Urban, whose birth name is Kevin Russell Poulsen but he changed it to Keith Lionel Clark when he moved to Australia.
In popular culture, the name Clark has been associated with several iconic characters. Perhaps the most famous is Superman, also known as Clark Kent, who was created by American comic book creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938. The character's secret identity as a mild-mannered reporter named Clark Kent has made the name synonymous with superheroes and pop culture.
Overall, the name Clark is a classic choice that carries historical significance and has been worn by many notable figures throughout history. Its meaning adds to its appeal, making it a strong option for parents looking for a meaningful name for their son.
The name Klark has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 126 births recorded between 1964 and 2023.
In 1964, there were 8 babies named Klark, marking the beginning of this name's presence in U.S. birth records. The following years saw fluctuations in popularity, with peaks occurring periodically:
* In 1967 and again in 1990, 5 births each year indicated a slight increase in usage.
* A notable spike occurred in 2017 when 14 babies were named Klark, nearly doubling the previous year's count of 8.
Despite this peak, subsequent years have shown a decrease in popularity:
* In 2018 and 2019, there were 9 and 8 births respectively.
* Most recently, in 2020 and 2021, Klark was given to 7 babies each year.
However, the most recent data from 2023 shows another increase with 14 births. This suggests that while Klark may not be a consistently popular name, it has experienced periods of higher usage over the decades.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate the evolving trends in naming practices, with Klark showing pockets of popularity among parents throughout different eras in recent U.S. history.