Clark, Scottish

[CelticRadio]

Background: The term "clericus" was originally applied to someone in a religious order but it was later applied to anyone who was a secretary, scribe, scholar as well as a cleric in the church.

Variations: Claerk, Leary, Macaleerie, Maccleriche, Macclerie, Macchlerich, Macclerich, Macclurich, Macclery, Maccleary, Macclearey, Macclirie, Macchlery, Maceleary, Macinclerycht, Macinclerie, Macinclerich, Maclerie, Macleary, Maclerich, Maclear, Mackleiry, Maklearie, Macleerie, Clerk, Clerc, Cleary, Clerksoun, Clerksone, Clercsone, Clerke, Clearkson, Clarkson, Clerksson, Clarksone, Clerkson, Clarke, Clark, Clerck, Clerach, Clerie.

More Info: http://heraldry.celticradio.net/search.php?id=210

Discussion of this family is welcomed.

[EmeraldAsH]

Clark is my mother's maiden name. I'm still working on our family tree but I do know that I am related to William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as well as George Rogers Clark. Looking for any others than may have information that pertains to the the descendents of these men.

[TetonAndDistrictPerformingArts]

One of the stories, that I grew-up with, about the origin of the Clark, revolves around the clergy, or religious orders.

It is said that only the very rich, the very royal, and the very religious were educated in the days of old. The fact that the Bible was kept from the hands of the average person, may give that story weight.

As it is told... some of these members of the clergy (priest, monks, etc) may have gotten a bit tired of the vow of poverty, chasity, etc. and taken their rare trade of education, and become "men of business" to the Chiefs of the various Clans. Some of duties might have included tax records, family genealogy, and representation in court.

Being that these individuals were in-service to the great Lairds of Scotland, they fell under the protection of them, as well. It is not contested that several of the superior Clans (Cameron, MacPherson, Confederation of Clan Chattan) lay claim to the Clarks, as a sept.

One of the mottos that I have seen (unknown origin or date) " Per Scribus Pro Deus agus(et) Caledonia" ... translated "By Scribes for GOD and Scotland".

Pronounced CLARK in Scotland, as in "this is my Clark", it was pronounced CLERK in England, as in "office clerk."

The Clark tartan is a beautiful collaboration of Blue, Black, and White. It was first "recorded" in 1815, by some accounts; others say 1835. It is a derivation of the Clergy tartan, being just a bit more muted.