Search 1950 US Census & Historical Records for "Clark"
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Clark
Meaning: Scribe, clerk, scholar, literate person
Ancestral homeland: England / United States (Europe (Western & Northern)). Starting letter: C.
The surname "Clark" is of English origin, meaning "Scribe, clerk, scholar, literate person". In the United States, it ranks #27 in frequency with an estimated 562,000 individuals, predominantly living in California, Texas, Florida. Historically, From Old English "clerec" and Latin "clericus", designating a member of a religious order or a rare literate scribe capable of keeping municipal accounts in medieval towns.
Historical Roots & Etymology
From Old English "clerec" and Latin "clericus", designating a member of a religious order or a rare literate scribe capable of keeping municipal accounts in medieval towns.
As an Occupational surname, the patronymic or occupational title reflects cultural traditions preserved across centuries. Ancient parish registers, civil census returns, and municipal tax rolls document early branches of the Clark family adapting their spelling and pronunciation across migrations.
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How Common is the Surname Clark in the US?
#27
Top US Surnames562,000
American residents1687.7
per 1 Million people+14.2%
US Census cycleTop US States by Clark Population Density % of all US bearers
American Immigration Manifests & Ports of Arrival
Immigration records at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) trace primary waves of Clark families arriving in the United States during the Puritan Migration to New England (1630s).
Global Geographic Distribution & Diaspora
Historical records trace prominent lineages of the Clark family across these major worldwide regions:
Notable Historical Figures & Bearers of "Clark"
Celebrated individuals carrying the surname Clark with distinction across civic governance, literature, science, and industry:
Historical Spelling Variants
Before standardized spelling conventions in the 19th century, civil census enumerators recorded multiple phonetically related variants:
Frequently Asked Questions about Clark
Expert answers to common questions about names, origins, and naming traditions
The surname Clark originates from English heritage and traditionally translates to "Scribe, clerk, scholar, literate person". Historically, it was adopted as an occupational marker to signify clan lineage, professional craft, or geographic homeland.
According to United States Census Bureau records, Clark ranks as the #27 most common surname in America, carried by an estimated 562,000 people (1687.7 occurrences per million residents). The highest concentrations are found in California (12.5%), Texas (10.8%), Florida (8.4%), New York (7.9%), Pennsylvania (6.2%).
Major waves of families carrying the name Clark arrived in North America during the Puritan Migration to New England (1630s). The primary historical ports of entry recorded in immigration manifests include Boston, New York, Philadelphia.
Notable individuals with the surname Clark include Arthur C. Clarke (Sci-Fi Visionary), Jim Clark (Formula One World Champion), Mary Higgins Clark (Novelist), recognized for their contributions in history, governance, arts, and science.
Recorded historical spelling variations and regional cognates of Clark include Clarke, Clerk.
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Surname Fast Facts
- Origin / Demonym
- English
- Ancestral Nation
- 🏴 England / United States
- Classification
- Occupational
- US Frequency Rank
- #27
- Est. US Population
- ~562,000
- Primary US State
- California
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