Clarkson is a surname of English origin that has become quite popular as a given name in recent years. The name is derived from the Old English word "cleric" which means "scribe" or "clerk." It was originally an occupational name given to someone who worked as a clerk or scribe.
The surname Clarkson can be traced back to the 13th century in England, where it was most commonly found in the counties of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Over time, the name has spread throughout the world, with significant populations carrying the Clarkson name today in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In some cases, Clarkson may also have been used as a given name in honour of the family surname, particularly if the family was well-known or influential in the community. However, it is not clear exactly when or how often this practice occurred.
Today, Clarkson is primarily used as a given name for boys, although it can also be used for girls. It is considered to have a strong and sophisticated sound, and may appeal to parents looking for a distinctive yet timeless name for their child.
In terms of popularity, Clarkson has never been particularly common as either a given or surname. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, the highest rank it ever reached was 982nd place for boys' names in the year 1976. Despite this, it remains a recognizable and respected name with a rich history behind it.
Overall, Clarkson is an attractive and distinctive name choice that carries with it a sense of tradition and heritage. Its origins as an occupational surname make it a practical choice for parents looking for a name with a meaningful backstory, while its strong sound and English roots give it broad appeal.
The name Clarkson has been a consistent presence in the United States over the past century, with fluctuations in its popularity from year to year. In the early 20th century, the name gained some traction, with five births recorded annually in both 1915 and 1916. This trend continued intermittently throughout the following decades, with years like 1924 and 1926 seeing six births each.
The middle of the century saw a dip in popularity for the name Clarkson, with only five births recorded between 1935 and 1940. However, it experienced a resurgence in the late 1950s, with seven births both in 1953 and 1956.
Interestingly, after several decades of fluctuating popularity, the name Clarkson began to gain significant traction again starting from 2016. That year saw eight births, followed by a record-high of sixteen births in 2019. This momentum continued into the following years, with ten births recorded in 2017 and seven in both 2020 and 2021. Most recently, in 2022, eleven babies were named Clarkson, marking another high point for this name.
In total, over the span of these statistics (from 1915 to 2023), there have been 144 births with the name Clarkson recorded in the United States. This demonstrates that while popularity may ebb and flow over time, the name Clarkson remains a timeless choice for parents looking for something distinctive yet classic.