The Surname of CLARK
'Clark' as a name is derived from the same origin as Smith, Taylor, Hunter, and many others which were adapted from a trade. There is no reliable account of when it was first used as a surname, although the original possessors of the name were engaged in the trade of a
"CLARK, one who could read and plead the benefit of the clergy. Hence, Clark and Clarke."1
Later, the name was used to designate the town clerk (rhymes with 'bark'). Its great prevalence throughout the United Kingdom is because every town had its clerk. Indeed, the name is "ninth in number--if Clark and Clarke are reckoned as one name--in the Registrar General's comparative list of names."2
There is no "true" spelling of the surname, for example:
"There was no standard spelling in the century when 'Deacon' George lived, hence it is immaterial whether his surname is spelled 'Clark' or 'Clarke.' It often appears as 'Clarke' in records, but is 'Clark' in his will (dated 1678). After spelling became stereotyped, the form 'Clark' was most generally adopted by his descendents."3
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1. Baring-Gould, S. "Family Names: Their Story." J.B. Lippincott Co, Philadelphia, 1910. p. 136.
2. Lower, M.A. "Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of the Family Names of the United Kingdom." John Russell Smith, London. 1960.
3. Bryant, George Clarke. "Deacon George Clark(e) of Milford, Conn. and Some of His Descendants." Anthoensen Press, Portland, Maine. 1949. p. 17.