"clerk, scribe, learned man"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Clark
Pronunciation: [ kl-AHRK ]
Does Clark flow with your last name?
A bold surname-style name with heroic associations
American
English
Strong
Modern
Bold
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Clark
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Meaning & Origin
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Clark Kent / Superman — could be a fun or unwanted association
The Story of Clark
Clark is an English occupational surname derived from the Old English clerc, meaning clerk or scribe — someone who could read and write at a time when literacy was rare. The surname was carried by educated men who kept records for churches and nobility. As a given name for girls, Clark represents the modern trend of using surnames as first names.
Clark as a girl's name has grown steadily in the US as parents embrace strong, surname-style names for daughters. It follows the same trend as names like Blake, Quinn, and Scout — traditionally male or surname names given to girls for a bold, distinctive feel.
In American culture, Clark is indelibly linked to Clark Kent, Superman's alter ego, giving the name a heroic association. The name is also associated with explorer William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Historical Record
Clark first appeared in US Social Security records in 1957.
Over 298 babies have been named Clark in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Clark is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #6,150 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Clark Kent, Superman's secret identity, made this name synonymous with hidden strength
- William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-06) helped map the American West
Clark in Other Languages
French
Clark
English
Clark
Spanish
Clark
Popularity Over Time
#6,150
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #6,150
- Total SSA Count
- 20
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Nicknames
Cla
Cly
Clie
Clakins
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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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American 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
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Clark
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Clark is also used as a boy name, ranked #438.
View Clark as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clark
What does the name Clark mean?
"clerk, scribe, learned man" (from Old English). Clark is an English occupational surname derived from the Old English clerc, meaning clerk or scribe — someone who could read and write at a time when literacy was rare. The surname was carried by educated men who kept records for churches and nobility. As a given name for girls, Clark represents the modern trend of using surnames as first names.
What is the origin of the name Clark?
Clark has Old English, American, and English origins. In Old English, it means "clerk, scribe, learned man".
Is Clark a boy or girl name?
Clark is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #6150. As a boy name, it is ranked #438. Clark is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Clark?
Clark is pronounced kl-AHRK.
How popular is the name Clark?
Clark is currently ranked #6150 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Clark?
Common nicknames for Clark include Cla, Cly, Clie, and Clakins.
What are good middle names for Clark?
Popular middle name pairings include Clark Mae, Clark June, Clark Rose, Clark Louise, and Clark Ann.
What are good sibling names for Clark?
Names that pair well with Clark as siblings include Blake, Quinn, Scout, Reid, and Haven.
How many syllables does Clark have?
Clark has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Clark a common or rare name?
Clark is an uncommon name, ranked #6150 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Clark?
About the Name Clark
Clark is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "clerk, scribe, learned man" in Old English .
Is Clark a boy or girl name? Clark is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #6,150 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #438. Clark is more commonly used as a boy name.
Clark is currently ranked #6,150 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Clark has 1 syllable and is pronounced kl-AHRK, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Clark include Cla, Cly, Clie, and Clakins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Clark include Clara, Clare, Clarissa, Clarke, Clarice . 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