An English, Irish and Scottish surname the Clarke family name comes from the Latin term ‘clericus’ which refers to a person handling religious or scholarly papers such as a secretary.

Spelling variations for Clarke include Clerke and Clark.

In England the Clarke families began in the Kent region. The families resettled in Essex, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Lancashire and in Devon. Many Clarke families also move to Canada, New Zealand and Australia. In Scotland Clarke families cover all of the country. The greater percentages live in Lanarkshire, Midlothian and Angus.

Clarke families in the United States live primarily in New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, Georgia, Illinois and California.

Famous: Jackie Clarke (singer and comic from New Zealand), Arthur Charles Clarke (science fiction writer and inventor from England), Jeremiah Clarke 17th century baroque music composer), Matt Clarke (footballer from England), Stanley Clarke (composer and musician), Susanna Clarke (novelist) and Bobby Clarke (ice hockey player from Canada).