Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Clark
BoyEnglish, Latin· “clerk, scribe”
- Meaning
- clerk, scribe
- Origin
- English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- KLAHRK
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #377
- US babies 2025
- 837
- Best rank
- #176 (1881)
- Peak year
- 1961
Meaning and origin of Clark
Clark is an English and Latin name that means “clerk, scribe”.
Clark comes from an English occupational surname for a clerk, originally a cleric or scholar who could read and write. The word descends from the Latin clericus. Clark became a first name in the nineteenth century and gained strong associations through the actor Clark Gable, the explorer William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the comic-book character Clark Kent. It has a crisp, classic, one-syllable sound that feels confident and approachable. Clark pairs well with longer middle names and works at every stage of life.
Other spellings with the same sound: Clarke.
Popularity over time
Clark has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #176 in 1881, and the most babies received it in 1961, when 879 were named Clark. In 2025, 837 babies were named Clark, and it ranked #377 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #333 in 1920, #262 in 1950, #533 in 1980, #761 in 2000, #695 in 2010, and #377 in 2025. Of the 50,851 US boys named Clark since records began, 14% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 6,631 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Clay, Rudy, Pat, Curt, and Nick.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Clark ranked highest in District of Columbia, Utah, and New Hampshire.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #126 | 7 |
| Utah | #189 | 29 |
| New Hampshire | #209 | 6 |
| Idaho | #218 | 12 |
| Oregon | #233 | 18 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Clark over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Clark is usually pronounced KLAHRK, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-rk”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Clarke.
Middle names for Clark
A few middle names that flow with Clark: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Clark
Similar names
Mark Boy
MAHRK
“probably dedicated to Mars” · Latin
#245
Jay Boy
JAY
“jay bird; short for J-names” · English
#392
James Boy
JAYMZ
“holder of the heel, supplanter” · English
#6
Sage Unisex
SAYJ
“wise; the herb” · Latin
#160
Ace Boy
AYS
“one who excels; the top card” · English
#164
Prince Boy
PRIHNS
“prince, chief” · English
#447
Creed Boy
KREED
“belief, creed” · English
#663
Vince Boy
VINS
“conquering (short for Vincent)” · English
#1,364
Paul Boy
PAWL
“small, humble” · Latin
#262
Dean Boy
DEEN
“valley; church official” · English
#125
Martin Boy
MAR-tin
“of Mars” · Latin
#335
Drew Unisex
DROO
“short for Andrew, manly” · English
#553
Lists that include Clark
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Clark mean?
Clark is an English and Latin name that means “clerk, scribe”.
What is the origin of the name Clark?
Clark has English and Latin roots. Clark comes from an English occupational surname for a clerk, originally a cleric or scholar who could read and write.
Is Clark a popular name?
Yes. Clark ranked #377 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Clark a boy or girl name?
Clark is mainly a boy's name. About 98% of US babies named Clark over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Clark?
Clark is usually pronounced KLAHRK. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings