Clarke

“Cleric or scholar”

United Kingdom origin · Unisex name

♂ 79% boys♀ 21% girls

#1584US 2023

132Births / yr

↓Falling

4.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 199100.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Clarke

KLAHRK

/ˈklɑrk/ · stress on KLAHRK · 1 syllable

“Cleric or scholar”

United Kingdom origin · Unisex name

What does Clarke mean and where does it come from?

Clarke is an Anglo-Saxon surname that has been used as a first name, predominantly in the UK and the US. The name signifies someone who is linked to learning and education, stemming from the Latin root 'clericus' meaning 'clerk'. It saw use in the 20th century as a given name for females, though it

Cultural significance

Clarke has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of cleric or scholar.

Peak popularity

Reached #1497 in 2020 — currently #1584 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Clarke?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Clark

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Clarke?

Clarke works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Clarke Grace

How popular is Clarke right now?

Declining — down 43 spots — currently #1584 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1995–2023#1584 · Top 1.2%

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1584	132	▼ down 43 · -5% births
2022	#1541	139	▼ down 121 · -9% births
2021	#1420	152	▲ up 77 · +8% births
2020	#1497	141	▲ up 1802 · +188% births
2015	#3299	49	▲ up 2302 · +104% births
2010	#5601	24	▲ up 3294 · +100% births
2005	#8895	12	▼ down 3578 · -43% births
2000	#5317	21	▲ up 373 · +31% births
1995	#5690	16	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Clarke

Best Year2021Rank #1420

Peak Count152

Average Rank#3872

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1995 - 20239 years

The story of Clarke

Clarke is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1991. With 4,748 total births recorded, Clarke remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5690 in 1995 to #1584 in 2023. Clarke is used for both genders: 21% female and 79% male.

Names that peaked alongside Clarke in 2020:

Olivia Emma Ava Charlotte Sophia

Clarke by decade

Clarke peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	16
1890s	11
1900s	26
1910s	206
1920s	315
1930s	356
1940s	439
1950s	491
1960s	417
1970s	232
1980s	288
1990s	466
2000s	375
2010s ★	924
2020s	186

💎With 4,748 total births, Clarke is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Clarke?

Common

ClaClieClyArke

What names sound and feel like Clarke?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clarke also consider these

Clarhe

Greek · A Greek name

Klarke

American · Derived from the

American · Variant of 'lark',

Bjarke

International · A International name

Jarke

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Harke

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Common questions about the name Clarke

What does the name Clarke mean?

Clarke means "Cleric or scholar" — a name rooted in United Kingdom tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Clarke?

Clarke is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Clarke have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Clarke?

Clarke originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Clarke?

Clarke is a one-syllable name pronounced K L AA1 R K. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Clarke sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Clarke flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Clarke ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.