Clarkson

“From the clay or clay person”

English origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#12567US 2023

5Births / yr

↓Falling

121All-time births

📅 Since 191500

How to pronounce Clarkson

KLAH·rksun

/ˈklɑ.rksən/ · stress on KLAH · 2 syllables

“From the clay or clay person”

English origin · Boy name

What does Clarkson mean and where does it come from?

The name Clarkson is of Old English origin and was initially used as a surname before becoming a given name. It is derived from 'Clark,' which refers to a cleric or scribe, combined with 'son,' implying 'son of Clark.' The name gained popularity during the 19th century. Famous bearers of the name in

Cultural significance

Clarkson has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the clay or clay person.

Peak popularity

Reached #3311 in 1953 — currently #12567 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Clarkson?

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

Clarkson Grace

How popular is Clarkson right now?

Falling — down 5211 spots — currently #12567 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#12567 · Top 9.3%

1915

1920

1935

1940

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#12567	5	▼ down 5211 · -55% births
2022	#7356	11	▲ up 2563 · +57% births
2021	#9919	7	▼ down 1183 · -12% births
2020	#8736	8	▼ down 4992 · +60% births
1940	#3744	5	▲ up 203
1935	#3947	5	▲ up 161 · -17% births
1920	#4108	6	▲ up 64 · +20% births
1915	#4172	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Clarkson

Best Year1940Rank #3744

Peak Count11

Average Rank#6819

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 20238 years

The story of Clarkson

Clarkson entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 121 total births recorded, Clarkson remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4172 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12567 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Clarkson in 1953:

Robert James Michael John David

Clarkson by decade

Clarkson peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	16
1920s	23
1930s	10
1940s	11
1950s	14
2010s ★	39
2020s	8

💎Clarkson has only 121 total recorded births since 1915 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Clarkson?

Common

ClaClieClyArkson

What names sound and feel like Clarkson?

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

Clarkston

Greek · A Greek name

Clayson

American · Son of Clay.

Clawson

England · Claw's hill

Carrson

English · son of Carr

Carson

American · Son of Carr

Lanson

English · from the land

Jackson

American · English

Carlson

American · son of Carl

Common questions about the name Clarkson

What does the name Clarkson mean?

Clarkson means "From the clay or clay person" — a name rooted in English 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 Clarkson?

Clarkson is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Clarkson?

Clarkson originates from English tradition. English 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 Clarkson?

Clarkson is a two-syllable name pronounced K L AA1 R K S AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Clarkson a common or rare name?

Clarkson is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.