Clarke is an English surname and given name of Norman origin. It derives from the Old French word "clerc," which means "cleric" or "scribe." This term was used to refer to a person who could read and write, making it a title of respect for someone who was educated or held an important position in society.
The name Clarke became popular as a given name in the 19th century. It has since been used more commonly as a boy's name than a girl's name, although it can be given to children of either gender.
Some notable individuals with the name Clarke include Arthur C. Clarke, the British science fiction writer and futurist best known for his novel "2001: A Space Odyssey," and Kenneth N. Clarke, the British politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1993 to 1997.
Overall, Clarke is a strong, distinctive name with a rich history that has been worn by many notable individuals throughout the years. Its meaning adds to its appeal, as it signifies intelligence, education, and respectability.
The given statistics show the number of babies named Clarke born annually in the United States from 1991 to 2023. Over this period, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of the name Clarke.
From 1991 to around 2007, the number of births with the name Clarke fluctuated between single digits and low teens, ranging from a high of 25 births in 1993 to a low of 9 births in 2003. However, starting from 2008, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Clarke.
From 2008 onwards, the number of babies named Clarke born annually has consistently remained above 15 births per year, with some years seeing over 100 births. The highest recorded year for births named Clarke was in 2022, with 139 births, indicating that the name is currently at its peak popularity.
Overall, from 1991 to 2023, there have been a total of 1439 babies born in the United States named Clarke. This demonstrates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, Clarke has maintained a steady presence among baby names over the past three decades.
It's also interesting to note the trend of increasing popularity over time. This could indicate that the name Clarke is becoming more fashionable or perhaps that parents are looking for unique and distinctive names for their children. Either way, it seems that the name Clarke has found its place among popular American baby names in recent years.