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.
The name Clark experienced a significant rise and fall in popularity over the time period listed. In the late 1800s, there was a steady increase in births with the name, peaking at 187 births in 1912. However, after this peak, there was a consistent decline until the 1930s when the number of births with the name Clark began to fluctuate more widely. The mid-20th century saw another increase, reaching a high of 879 births in 1961. Since then, the popularity of the name has declined steadily, with only 729 births recorded in 2022 and 707 in 2023, indicating that Clark is no longer among the most popular baby names.