Clark is a popular given name of American origin. It is derived from the English surname Clarke, which has its roots in the Old English word "cleric" meaning "priest". This surname was originally given to clergymen or people who were considered learned.
The name Clark gained significant popularity during the mid-20th century, largely due to its use by notable figures such as actors Clark Gable and Clark Duke. Today, it is still a widely recognized name in English-speaking countries.
One interesting aspect of the name Clark is that it has been used both as a first name and a surname throughout history. In some cases, people with the last name Clark may have been given the first name Clark to honor their family tradition.
There are no specific stories or legends associated with the name Clark, but its meaning "priest" or "learned person" suggests a strong connection to education and knowledge. This association could make Clark an appealing choice for parents who value intelligence and learning.
In terms of popularity, Clark has been consistently used as a given name in the United States since the 1920s. According to the Social Security Administration's data on baby names, it peaked in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, ranking among the top 20 most popular boy names during those decades.
Overall, Clark is a classic American name with a meaningful origin that has been passed down through generations. It may not be associated with specific holidays or personality traits, but its connection to wisdom and learning makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a traditional yet significant name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Clark in the United States from 1880 to 2023, it can be observed that there has been a significant fluctuation in its popularity over time.
From 1880 to around 1950, the number of births with the name Clark ranged between approximately 40 to 70 per year. However, starting from 1954, there was a notable increase in its popularity, with over 600 births per year consistently until the late 1970s.
The peak period for the name Clark was from 1982 to around 2013, during which it experienced a significant surge in popularity. In 1982, there were approximately 305 births with the name Clark, reaching its peak in 2013 with 813 births. This trend suggests that the name Clark was particularly popular among parents during this period.
However, after the mid-2010s, there has been a slight decrease in the popularity of the name Clark. As of 2022 and 2023, the number of births with the name Clark has decreased to around 700 births per year.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Clark has fluctuated over time, it has remained relatively consistent throughout history, with periods of notable increase in its popularity.