"clerk, scholar, scribe"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Clarke
Pronunciation: [ kl-AHRK ]
Does Clarke flow with your last name?
A scholarly surname name with one-syllable punch
English
Irish
American
Classic
Strong
Sophisticated
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"cleric, church official"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
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The Story of Clarke
Clarke derives from the Old English and Latin clericus, meaning clerk or cleric, originally referring to a literate person who could read and write at a time when literacy was rare. As an occupational surname, it identified those who worked as scribes, scholars, or church officials. The -e ending distinguishes it as a surname used as a given name, lending it a distinguished, old-world feel.
Clarke as a first name gained traction partly through Superman's Clark Kent, but the Clarke spelling carries a more distinguished, surname-as-given-name feel that appeals to parents seeking literary sophistication.
The Clarke surname is one of the most common in the English-speaking world, borne by numerous historical figures in law, science, and the arts. Using it as a given name invokes that heritage of scholarly achievement.
Historical Record
Clarke first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 2,503 babies have been named Clarke in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Clarke is past its peak , currently ranked #3,358 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Clarke is the 7th most common surname in Ireland
- Arthur C. Clarke predicted geostationary communications satellites in 1945
Clarke in Other Languages
Irish
Clarke
French
Clarke
German
Clarke
Spanish
Clarke
Popularity Over Time
#3,358
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1954
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Clarke
A
Arthur C. Clarke
Writer
1917
British science fiction author who predicted communications satellites and wrote 2001: A Space Odyssey
C
Clarke Griffin Fictional
Other
Protagonist of the post-apocalyptic TV series The 100, a resourceful young leader
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #3,358
- Total SSA Count
- 35
- Cultural Origins
- English Irish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Clark
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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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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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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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
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Clarke
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Clarke is also used as a girl name, ranked #1872.
View Clarke as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clarke
What does the name Clarke mean?
"clerk, scholar, scribe" (from Old English). "cleric, church official" (from Latin). Clarke derives from the Old English and Latin clericus, meaning clerk or cleric, originally referring to a literate person who could read and write at a time when literacy was rare. As an occupational surname, it identified those who worked as scribes, scholars, or church officials. The -e ending distinguishes it as a surname used as a given name, lending it a distinguished, old-world feel.
What is the origin of the name Clarke?
Clarke has Old English, Latin, English, Irish, and American origins. In Old English, it means "clerk, scholar, scribe". In Latin, it means "cleric, church official".
Is Clarke a boy or girl name?
Clarke is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3358. As a girl name, it is ranked #1872. Clarke is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Clarke?
Clarke is pronounced kl-AHRK.
How popular is the name Clarke?
Clarke is currently ranked #3358 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Clarke?
Common nicknames for Clarke include Clark.
What are good middle names for Clarke?
Popular middle name pairings include Clarke James, Clarke Thomas, Clarke Henry, Clarke William, Clarke Edward, Clarke Benjamin, and Clarke Joseph.
What are good sibling names for Clarke?
Names that pair well with Clarke as siblings include Emmett, Fletcher, Nora, Vivienne, Winston, and Adelaide.
How many syllables does Clarke have?
Clarke has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Clarke a common or rare name?
Clarke is an uncommon name, ranked #3358 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Clarke?
About the Name Clarke
Clarke is a boy name with English, Irish, and American origins . The name means "clerk, scholar, scribe" in Old English .
Is Clarke a boy or girl name? Clarke is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,358 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,872. Clarke is more commonly used as a girl name.
Clarke is currently ranked #3,358 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Clarke has 1 syllable and is pronounced kl-AHRK, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Clarke include Clark. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Clarke include Clark, Clarence . 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