Boy
English
1 syllable
Clark
KLARK
/klɑːrk/
"The scholar" — a name of American integrity, literary intelligence, and quiet superhero cool
Clark is an English occupational surname meaning 'scribe' or 'cleric' — someone who could read and write in an era when literacy was rare. It gained celebrity through Clark Gable, the 'King of Hollywood,' and became permanently linked to heroism as the secret identity of Superman. The name has experienced a modern revival as a sleek, one-syllable surname-style name that feels both vintage and effortlessly cool, appealing to parents who like their names to do a lot with very little.
Quick Facts
Letters5
SyllablesClark
GenderBoy
OriginEnglish
Root WordClericus
MeaningScribe, cleric, scholar
PopularityPopular
Peak Year1945
Trend
↑ Rising
Nicknames
Clarkie
About the Name Clark
Clark means 'scribe,' 'cleric,' or 'scholar,' from the Latin clericus via Old French. It was an occupational surname given to those who were literate — a rare and valued skill in medieval times.
Clark ranks around #295 in the US and is rising. It has a sleek, vintage quality that appeals to modern parents, combining classic American associations with a cool, minimal sound.
Clark suggests intelligence, reliability, and a quiet heroic quality. The Superman connection gives the name an association with hidden strength beneath a modest exterior — the thoughtful everyman who is extraordinary.
Classic names pair well with Clark's single syllable: Clark James, Clark Henry, Clark William, or Clark Elliot. Two or three-syllable middles create a satisfying, distinguished full name.
Clark is an English occupational surname from the Latin clericus, meaning a clerk or cleric. It has been used as a given name since the 19th century in the United States and became widely known through figures like Clark Gable.
Clark is short enough that nicknames are rarely needed. Clarkie is occasionally used informally. Most people named Clark simply use it in full — its one syllable is complete and punchy on its own.
Personality of Clark
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Clark
Creativity
70%
Elegance
78%
Independence
85%
Intelligence
88%
Strength
80%
Warmth
72%
Famous People Named Clark
C
Clark Kent / Superman
The mild-mannered alter ego of Superman, one of the most iconic characters in American pop culture
C
Clark Gable
Hollywood legend known as 'The King of Hollywood,' star of Gone with the Wind and It Happened One Night
W
William Clark
American explorer who co-led the Lewis and Clark Expedition across the American continent in 1804–1806
A
Arthur C. Clarke
British science fiction author who wrote 2001: A Space Odyssey and predicted communication satellites
Middle Names for Clark
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Clark
Clark James
Clark Henry
Clark William
Clark Thomas
Clark Edward
Clark Joseph
Clark Elliot
Clark Lee
Clark Grey
Clark Holden
Clark Dean
Clark Everett
Names Similar to Clark
Similar Sound
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Clark
1200s
Clark/Clarke emerges as an English occupational surname for literate clerks and scribes
1804
William Clark departs on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, embedding the surname in American legend
1901
Clark Gable is born in Cadiz, Ohio, later becoming Hollywood's greatest leading man
1938
Clark Kent appears in Action Comics #1 as Superman's secret identity, giving the name heroic resonance
2010s–present
Clark rises as a fashionable given name, appealing to parents who love its crisp, heroic one-syllable punch
Numerology & Symbolism of Clark
9
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
1
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Gemini
3
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Steel Grey
💎
Lucky Stone
Hematite
🌸
Lucky Flower
White Chrysanthemum
Clark Around the World
How Clark is written in different languages and scripts
كلارك
Arabic
クラーク
Japanese
Кларк
Russian
클라크
Korean
克拉克
Chinese
Κλαρκ
Greek
क्लार्क
Hindi
קלארק
Hebrew
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