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.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Clarke?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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
Most popular combo · classic
Clarke Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clarke Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clarke Claire
French influence · crisp
Clarke Jane
Literary · strong
Clarke Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clarke right now?
Declining — down 43 spots — currently #1584 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
What names sound and feel like Clarke?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clarke also consider these
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.