The name ‘Clarke’ originates from England . it is derived from the occupational name for a scribe or secretary, or for a member of a minor religious order. Originally the word ‘clerc’ denoted a member of the religious order. Clergy in minor orders were permitted to marry and so found families; thus the surname could become established, In the Middle Ages it was virtually only members of the religious order who learned to read or write. Variants: ‘Clark’, ‘Clerk(e)’. Families of this name and it’s variant’s stand ninth amongst the most commonest surnames in England. Compiled information from Historical and Private archive’s has confirmed that the name ‘Clarke’ dates as far back as the 13th century were a ‘Thomas Le Clerk’, from Linconshire, England, is recorded on the Hundred Rolls in 1273. The exact period of settlement in North America has not been definately determined but Information extracted from Public and Civil registry archive’s confirm that one of the first settlers was a certain ‘Daniel Clark’, known as ‘Captain Daniel Clark’ emigrated as a youth…
Coat of arms: Argent on a bend betw…