Clark Last Name Origin: Unraveling the History of a Common Surname

The last name Clark is one of the most common surnames in the English-speaking world, with origins that can be traced back centuries. It is a surname that has a rich history, with numerous variations and meanings across different regions and time periods. This article explores the diverse origins of the Clark last name, delving into its various meanings and providing insights into the history and genealogy of those who bear this name.
1. **Clark:** This surname is a common English and Scottish variant of the occupational surname "Clerk," meaning "scholar, scribe, or secretary." It is derived from the Middle English word "clerc," which ultimately comes from the Latin word "clericus," meaning "clergyman."
2. **Clarke:** An alternative spelling of "Clark," this surname also derives from the occupational term "clerk" and shares the same meaning as its counterpart.
3. **Clarkson:** This surname is a patronymic, meaning "son of Clark." It is a common variation of the surname "Clark" and indicates a familial connection to the original bearer of the name.
4. **Claridge:** A surname that signifies a person who lives by or near a clearing in a forest or a place with a clear view. This surname is particularly common in England and has a connection to the geographical landscape.
5. **Clarricoats:** A surname derived from the Old English word "clere," meaning "bright" or "clear," and "cot," meaning "cottage" or "small house." It denotes a person who lived in a bright or clear cottage or in a place known for its clear views.
6. **Clarkson:** This surname is a patronymic, meaning "son of Clark," and it is a common variation of the surname "Clark."
7. **Clarkson:** This surname is a variant of "Clark" and is believed to be associated with places named "Clarkson," which are found in England, Scotland, and Canada.
8. **Clarksdale:** This surname is a habitational surname, meaning that it originated from a place called "Clarksdale." It is likely that the place was named after a person named "Clark" who settled there.
9. **Clarksburg:** Similar to "Clarksdale," this surname is a habitational surname derived from a place called "Clarksburg." It may have been named after a person named "Clark" or it could be linked to a clearing in a forest or a place with a clear view.
10. **Clarksville:** Another habitational surname, this one is derived from a place named "Clarksville." It is likely that the place was named after a person named "Clark" who settled there.
11. **Clear:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who clears land for farming or construction. It is derived from the Old English word "clere," meaning "bright" or "clear."
12. **Cleary:** An Anglicized form of the Irish surname "Ó Clérigh," which translates to "descendant of the clerk." This surname has roots in the ancient Irish tradition of scribes and scholars.
13. **Clerc:** This is the original form of the surname "Clark" and denotes a person who worked as a scribe or secretary. It is derived from the Middle English word "clerc," which comes from the Latin word "clericus," meaning "clergyman."
14. **Clerkson:** A variant of "Clarkson," this surname also indicates a familial connection to a person named "Clark."
15. **Clermont:** This surname is a habitational surname, meaning that it is derived from a place called "Clermont." The name "Clermont" is found in several countries, including France, England, and the United States.
16. **Cleve:** This surname has various origins, including a geographical reference to a place named "Cleve" and an occupational term for a person who lived near a cliff or rock face.
17. **Cleveland:** This surname is a habitational surname derived from a place called "Cleveland." It is found in England and the United States.
18. **Clever:** This surname is derived from the Middle English word "clever," meaning "skillful" or "ingenious." It is likely that this surname was given to someone who was known for their intelligence or ability.
19. **Cliff:** A surname that denotes a person who lived near a cliff or rock face. It is derived from the Old English word "clif."
20. **Clifton:** This surname is a habitational surname that indicates a person who lived near a cliff or a place named "Clifton."
21. **Clipper:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who worked as a ship's carpenter or a person who built ships. It is derived from the word "clipper," which refers to a type of fast-sailing ship.
22. **Clive:** This surname has both geographical and occupational origins. It can refer to a person who lived in a place called "Clive" or it can indicate a person who was a skilled climber or someone who lived near a cliff.
23. **Clough:** A surname that is derived from the Old English word "cloh," meaning "cliff," "hill," or "rock." It denotes a person who lived near a hill or a rock formation.
24. **Clovelly:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from a place called "Clovelly" in Devon, England.
25. **Clover:** This surname is derived from the plant name "clover," which is known for its three-leafed structure and its association with luck. It is possible that this surname was given to someone who lived near a clover field or someone who was known for their good fortune.
26. **Clyde:** This surname is a geographical name derived from the River Clyde in Scotland.
27. **Coates:** This surname is derived from the Old English word "cot," meaning "cottage." It denotes a person who lived in a cottage or a person who built cottages.
28. **Cochran:** A surname that is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname "Ó Cathraoin," meaning "descendant of Cathraon." This surname has roots in Irish history and is linked to a prominent clan.
29. **Coe:** This surname is a variant of "Cowe," which is an occupational surname for a person who worked as a cowherd or a person who raised cattle.
30. **Coffey:** An Anglicized form of the Irish surname "Ó Coifí," meaning "descendant of Coifí." This surname has roots in Irish history and is linked to a prominent clan.
31. **Coffin:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who made coffins.
32. **Cohen:** This surname is a Hebrew surname that means "priest." It is a common Jewish surname with a strong religious connection.
33. **Colby:** This surname is a habitational surname derived from a place called "Colby" in Lincolnshire, England.
34. **Cole:** This surname has various origins, including an occupational term for a person who worked as a coal merchant, a person who lived near a coal mine, and a person who was known for their dark complexion.
35. **Coleman:** This surname is a variant of "Colman," which is an occupational surname for a person who worked as a dovecote keeper or a person who raised pigeons.
36. **Coles:** A variant of "Cole," this surname shares the same origins as its counterpart and can indicate a person who worked as a coal merchant, a person who lived near a coal mine, or a person who was known for their dark complexion.
37. **Collier:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who worked as a coal miner.
38. **Collins:** This surname is a variant of "Colyn," which is a pet form of the name "Nicholas."
39. **Colt:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who raised horses or a person who worked with horses. It is derived from the Old English word "colt," meaning "foal."
40. **Combs:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who made combs. It is derived from the Old English word "camb."
41. **Conklin:** This surname is a habitational surname derived from a place called "Conklin" in New York, United States.
42. **Cook:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who worked as a cook.
43. **Cooke:** A variant of "Cook," this surname shares the same origin as its counterpart and denotes a person who worked as a cook.
44. **Cooper:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who worked as a barrel maker or a person who worked with wood.
45. **Copeland:** This surname is a habitational surname derived from a place called "Copeland" in Cumbria, England.
46. **Corbin:** This surname is derived from the Latin word "corvus," meaning "raven." It is possible that this surname was given to someone who had a raven as a pet or who was known for their black hair or dark complexion.
47. **Cordova:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from the city of Cordoba in Spain.
48. **Corder:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who worked as a cord maker.
49. **Corey:** This surname is a variant of "Corry," which is a habitational surname derived from a place called "Corry" in Ireland.
50. **Cornish:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from the region of Cornwall in England.
51. **Cortez:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from the city of Cortez in Colorado, United States.
52. **Cotton:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who worked with cotton or a person who grew cotton.
53. **Coulter:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who made or repaired plows.
54. **Courtney:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from a place called "Courtney" in Devon, England.
55. **Cowan:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who worked as a cowherd or a person who raised cattle.
56. **Cox:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who worked as a coachman or a person who drove a carriage.
57. **Craig:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from a place called "Craig" in Scotland.
58. **Crane:** This surname has both occupational and geographical origins. It can indicate a person who worked with cranes or a person who lived near a crane or a place called "Crane."
59. **Crawford:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from a place called "Crawford" in Scotland.
60. **Crenshaw:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from a place called "Crenshaw" in Mississippi, United States.
61. **Crisp:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who worked as a baker or a person who made crispbread.
62. **Crocker:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who worked as a potter or a person who made pottery.
63. **Cromwell:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from a place called "Cromwell" in Cambridgeshire, England.
64. **Crosby:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from a place called "Crosby" in Lancashire, England.
65. **Cross:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from a place called "Cross" in England.
66. **Crow:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who worked with crows or a person who lived near a crow's nest.
67. **Crowe:** A variant of "Crow," this surname shares the same origin as its counterpart and denotes a person who worked with crows or a person who lived near a crow's nest.
68. **Cullen:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from a place called "Cullen" in Scotland.
69. **Cumming:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from a place called "Cumming" in Scotland.
70. **Cunningham:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from a place called "Cunningham" in Scotland.
71. **Curry:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who worked as a currier or a person who tanned leather.
72. **Curtis:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who worked as a court official or a person who was employed in the royal court.
73. **Cutler:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who made or repaired knives or other cutting tools.
74. **Cutter:** This surname is an occupational term for a person who worked as a cutter or a person who used a cutting tool.
75. **Dalton:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from a place called "Dalton" in England.
76. **Daniels:** This surname is a patronymic, meaning "son of Daniel."
77. **Davenport:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from a place called "Davenport" in England.
78. **Davidson:** This surname is a patronymic, meaning "son of David."
79. **Davis:** This surname is a patronymic, meaning "son of David."
80. **Dawson:** This surname is a habitational surname that is derived from a place called "Dawson" in England.