Clark is a name of English origin, derived from the Old English word "clere," which means "cleric" or "scribe." It was initially used as an occupational surname for someone who worked in a clerical capacity, such as a priest or secretary. Over time, Clark has evolved into a popular given name for boys.
The name Clark first appeared in England during the Middle Ages and was brought to America by early English settlers. In the United States, Clark became particularly prevalent in the Southern states, where many families with the surname Clark had settled. Today, Clark is still a common name throughout the English-speaking world.
Some notable individuals named Clark include American explorer William Clark, who, along with Meriwether Lewis, led the Corps of Discovery expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase territory; Scottish economist and writer John Maynard Keynes, often referred to simply as "Keynes," whose groundbreaking theories laid the foundation for modern macroeconomics; and Canadian actor Michael J. Fox, known for his roles in films such as "Back to the Future" and "Family Ties."
While Clark is traditionally a boy's name, it has also been used occasionally for girls in recent years. In 2019, Clark ranked #673 in popularity for baby girls born in the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration.
In terms of its meaning and symbolism, the name Clark is associated with intelligence, learning, and wisdom due to its origins as an occupational surname for clerics and scribes. It also has a certain air of sophistication and elegance, perhaps stemming from its association with notable figures in fields such as politics, economics, and entertainment.
Overall, Clark is a classic and timeless name that continues to be popular among parents looking for a strong and distinctive name for their sons or daughters. Its rich history and connection to prominent individuals throughout the centuries only add to its appeal and lasting appeal.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe an interesting trend regarding the number of babies named Clark born each year in the United States over a span of more than a century.
The name Clark first appeared in the early 20th century with seven births recorded in 1918. This was followed by several years with low occurrences, typically ranging from five to six births per year between 1920 and 1967. However, there was a notable increase in popularity during the late 1960s with nine births registered in 1967.
The 1980s and early 1990s saw relatively consistent numbers of babies named Clark, hovering around five to eight births per year. It wasn't until the mid-2000s that we began to see a significant resurgence in the name's popularity, with six births recorded in 2005 and seven in 2007.
Since then, the number of babies named Clark has continued to rise steadily. From 2013 onwards, there have been double-digit figures each year, reaching a peak of 26 births in 2021. Even in 2022 and 2023, despite slight decreases from the previous year's high, the numbers remain strong at 16 and 17 births respectively.
In total, over this period, there have been 316 babies named Clark born in the United States. This data shows a fascinating evolution of naming trends over time, with fluctuations in popularity but an overall upward trend since the mid-2000s. It's clear that the name Clark has maintained a steady presence among American parents' baby-naming choices throughout much of the 20th and 21st centuries.