Clarke

Clarke is an English surname that has been adopted as a given name in recent times. The surname Clarke is derived from the occupational term "clerk", which originally referred to a scholar or someone who could read and write.

In medieval times, clerks were often associated with the clergy or church administration, as education and literacy were primarily centered around religious institutions. Over time, the term "clerk" evolved to encompass various professions that involved reading, writing, and record-keeping.

As a given name, Clarke has a more modern and gender-neutral appeal, although it is more commonly used for girls in recent years. It may be chosen for its scholarly connotations or as a nod to the influential writers or public figures who bore the surname Clarke.

While Clarke has a distinct historical background as a surname, its use as a given name brings a sense of sophistication and intellectualism, without being too overtly associated with any particular cultural or religious tradition.