Clarke surname: meaning and origin
Clarke means descendant of the cleric (cléireach). It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Donegal, Galway and Cavan.
| Irish form | Ó Cléirigh |
|---|---|
| Meaning | descendant of the cleric (cléireach) |
| Home region | Donegal, Galway and Cavan (Ulster) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | Clark, Clerkin |
History of the Clarke name
The Ó Cléirigh family were historians to the O'Donnells of Donegal and compiled the Annals of the Four Masters in the seventeenth century.
More surnames from Ulster
- BoyleÓ Baoighill · descendant of Baoighill
- BradyMac Brádaigh · son of Brádach
- McBrideMac Giolla Bhríde · son of the devotee of Saint Brigid
- O'DohertyÓ Dochartaigh · descendant of Dochartach
- O'DonnellÓ Dónaill · descendant of Dónall
- McDonnellMac Domhnaill · son of Dónall
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Clarke mean?
Clarke (Irish: Ó Cléirigh) means descendant of the cleric (cléireach).
What is the Irish spelling of Clarke?
The Irish-language form of Clarke is Ó Cléirigh.
Where is the surname Clarke from?
Clarke is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Donegal, Galway and Cavan in Ulster.
What are other spellings of Clarke?
Related spellings and forms include Clark, Clerkin.