Clark Surname: Origin and Coat of Arms
What does Clark mean, and where does it come from? Here is a brief introduction.
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Origin of the Clark name
Clark comes from the Old English clerc, a cleric or scholar. In the Middle Ages, clerks were among the few who could read and write, working as secretaries and record-keepers. It is common in England and Scotland and ranks among the most frequent surnames in the United States.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Clark name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Clark name in England. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, Canada and Australia; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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Clark name FAQ
What does the Clark name mean?
Clerk, scholar or scribe. Common variants include Clarke, Clerk, Clerke.
Where does the Clark surname come from?
It originates in England, and is also found in the United States, Canada and Australia.
Is there a Clark coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Clark crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Clark coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: Reaney & Wilson, Dictionary of English Surnames; US Census Bureau 2010; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford).