Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Clarke originates from the Old English word 'clerc', meaning 'clerk' or 'scholar'. It has evolved through various linguistic stages from Old English to Modern English. The name embodies traits of literacy and intelligence. There is no significant biblical relevance. It gained popularity during the Middle Ages due to the rise of clerical positions, and it remains a respected name today.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/klɑrk/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Clarke is derived from the Old English term 'clerc', which means 'clerk' or 'scholar'. It originally referred to a person who was literate, particularly someone who could read and write, often associated with religious or administrative duties.
Meaning
clerk, scholar
Language Evolution
Old English: clerc, Middle English: clerk, Modern English: Clarke
Historical Usage
The name Clarke gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in England, as literacy became more valued and clerical roles expanded in society.
Variants & Derivatives
Clark, Clarke, Clerke
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Clarke is perceived as a traditional and somewhat classic name. It is often associated with intelligence and professionalism.
Famous People
Clarke Gable, Arthur C. Clarke, Clarke Schmidt
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 192 peak births in 2021
Geographic Spread
Popular across 23 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (3 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 3 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1304th of 7545 | 496 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1146th of 6773 | 645 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1073rd of 7552 | 937 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1734th of 10718 | 428 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2161st of 16616 | 495 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3977th of 24088 | 360 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2981st of 23106 | 484 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8631st of 27321 | 123 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 6848th of 35406 | 273 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2033rd of 30306 | 1,150 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
70.55% 999th/1416 |
91.44% 1261st/1379 |
- |
85.99% 982nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
61.84% 956th/1546 |
56.04% 872nd/1556 |
- |
49.39% 764th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
50.88% 1133rd/2227 |
40.41% 982nd/2430 |
70.66% 2016th/2853 |
36.22% 1005th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
55.90% 1947th/3483 |
- |
43.60% 1763rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
64.02% 3325th/5194 |
48.01% 3033rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
57.95% 4238th/7313 |
67.40% 5030th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
83.98% 3768th/4487 |
52.27% 3566th/6822 |
63.67% 3996th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
72.69% 5316th/7313 |
100.00% 7463rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
40.29% 1605th/3984 |
71.72% 3218th/4487 |
30.40% 2074th/6822 |
44.30% 2780th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in California across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1304th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1146th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1073rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1734th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2161st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3977th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2981st out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8631st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6848th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2033rd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.