Find out how popular the first name Larke has been for the last 8 years (from 2013 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Larke by gender

Based on the last 8 years of data, Larke is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Larke.

The history of the first name Larke

The name Larke is a variant spelling of the English name Lark, which derives from the Old English word "lāferce" or "lāwerce," meaning a small songbird known for its melodious singing. This name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon era and was likely inspired by the lark bird's joyful melodies and association with springtime.

Larke gained popularity as a given name during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, particularly among the English nobility and gentry. It was often bestowed upon children born in the spring months or those with a cheerful and lively disposition, reflecting the name's connection to the lark bird's buoyant spirit.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Larke can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This historical record mentions a landowner named Larke in Oxfordshire, indicating the name's usage during the Norman period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Larke. One of the earliest was Larke Ward (1544-1597), an English composer and musician who served as a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Another was Larke Hobson (1580-1637), a prominent English merchant and philanthropist who funded the construction of a library and almshouses in his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon.

In the 18th century, Larke Derry (1722-1788) was a British naval officer who served with distinction during the American Revolutionary War and was later appointed as the Governor of the Province of East Florida. Larke Hester (1743-1820), on the other hand, was a renowned English painter and portraitist, known for her exquisite depictions of aristocratic families.

Moving into the 19th century, Larke Blackwood (1836-1912) was an influential British author and journalist who wrote extensively on social and political issues of her time. Her works, such as "The Moral and Social Influence of Literature" and "The Position of Women in the Christian Church," were widely read and discussed.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Larke throughout history, reflecting its enduring appeal and connection to the lark bird's joyful spirit and association with springtime renewal.

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 Larke was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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