Clark
Meaning of Clark
Clark began life as an occupational surname in medieval England, derived from the Old English “clerc,” itself a descendant of the Latin “clericus,” meaning scribe or scholar. Over time the term broadened from denoting a literate churchman to anyone trusted with keeping the books, and its transformation into a first name carried that aura of steady competence with it. Pronounced klark (/klɑrk/), the name’s single syllable feels brisk and self-contained—one reason it has never drifted far from the mid-range of U.S. popularity charts; for the past decade it has hovered comfortably between ranks 350 and 400. Cultural associations add a touch of drama: cinematic icon Clark Gable, frontier explorer William Clark, and, of course, mild-mannered reporter-turned-superhero Clark Kent, for parents who like their classic Americana served with a discreet cape. Altogether, Clark projects quiet intelligence, reliability, and just enough silver-screen swagger to keep life interesting.
Pronunciation
American English
- Pronunced as klahrk (/klɑrk/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
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Notable People Named Clark
| Clark Gable was an American actor known as the King of Hollywood, starring in over 60 films during a 37 year career and ranked seventh greatest male screen legend by the American Film Institute. |
| Clark Ashton Smith was an influential American writer, poet, and artist in fantasy, horror, and science fiction, celebrated as a West Coast Romantic and praised by peers, whose vivid worlds inspired HP Lovecraft, Ray Bradbury, Stephen King, and George RR Martin. |
| Clark Terry was an American jazz trumpeter in swing and bebop, a pioneering flugelhorn player, composer, and educator. |
| Robert Clark Gregg Jr. is an American actor, director, and screenwriter best known for portraying and voicing Phil Coulson across Marvel films, TV, animation, and video games from 2008 to 2024. |
| Clark Brian Howard is an American author and consumer advocate who has hosted The Clark Howard Show since 1989. |
