The name Clarke is derived from the Latin word "clericus," which means "clerk" or "cleric." This name has its origins in medieval England, where clerks were typically educated men who worked as scribes, record-keepers, or minor officials in the service of the Church or the government.

The name Clarke is believed to have emerged as an occupational surname during the Middle Ages, when it was common for people to adopt surnames based on their professions or trades. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the late 12th century, with records showing individuals bearing the name Clarke or its variants, such as Clerk or Clerke.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Roger le Clerk, who was mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire in 1195. Another notable figure was William Clerk, an English monk and chronicler who lived in the 13th century and authored a work titled "De Vita et Miraculis Sanctae Mariae Virginis."

In the 14th century, the name Clarke gained prominence with the rise of the Lollard movement, a religious reform movement led by John Wycliffe. One of Wycliffe's followers was Walter Brute, also known as Walter Clerk or Walter Clarke, who was a prominent Lollard preacher and author in the late 14th century.

As the name spread throughout England, it also found its way into literature and historical records. In the 16th century, the playwright William Shakespeare featured a character named Sir John Falstaff's page, Robin the Clerk, in his plays "Henry IV, Part 1" and "Henry IV, Part 2."

Notable individuals with the first name Clarke throughout history include:

1. Clarke Gable (1901-1960), an American actor best known for his role in the classic film "Gone with the Wind."
2. Clarke Gayford (born 1976), a New Zealand broadcaster and the partner of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
3. Clarke Peters (born 1952), an American actor and singer known for his roles in shows like "The Wire" and "Treme."
4. Clarke Woodhouse (1900-1977), an English cricketer who played for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club.
5. Clarke Quay (1820-1880), a British merchant and municipal leader in Singapore, for whom the Clarke Quay area is named.

While the name Clarke has its roots in medieval England, it has since spread to other parts of the world and continues to be used as a first name in various cultures and communities.