Find out how popular the first name Lark has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lark by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Lark is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 95% of people named Lark being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 44 female babies and 5 male babies born with the name Lark.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby boys were named Lark in 2024, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Lark

The name Lark is derived from the Old English word "lauuerc", which referred to the small songbird known for its melodious call. This name has its roots in the ancient Germanic languages and can be traced back to the 5th century AD.

The name was initially used as a descriptive term, likely given to individuals who were known for their cheerful or melodic voices. It was later adopted as a proper name, particularly in England and other parts of the British Isles.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Lark can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership in England completed in 1086 under the orders of William the Conqueror. The entry mentions a landowner named "Lark" in the county of Essex.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Lark. One such figure was Lark Brewster (1588-1644), an English Puritan settler who was among the founders of the New Haven Colony in what is now Connecticut, United States.

Another prominent figure was Lark Davies (1770-1832), a Welsh poet and writer known for his contributions to the literary movement of the Romantic era. His works celebrated the natural beauty of Wales and its rural landscapes.

In the realm of politics, Lark Voorhies (1818-1892) was an American politician who served as the 10th Governor of Indiana from 1861 to 1865, leading the state during the tumultuous years of the American Civil War.

The name Lark also has associations with the arts. Lark Pien (1902-1981) was a renowned Chinese-American painter and illustrator, best known for her depictions of the California landscapes and her contributions to the Californian Regionalist art movement.

More recently, Lark Voorhies (born 1974) is an American actress who rose to fame for her role as Lisa Turtle in the popular television sitcom "Saved by the Bell" during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

While the name Lark may not be as common today as it once was, it remains a charming and unique choice, carrying with it a rich history and associations with nature, creativity, and resilience.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Lark was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Lark, please contact us.

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