Clerkin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

Although the Clerkin surname has long been born in Scotland, the name itself is Anglo-Saxon in origin. It is derived from the Old English "clerec," which is itself derived from the Latin "clericus," meaning "priest." The term "clerec" originally denoted a member of a religious order; however, as these were the only people who were taught to read and write, the term eventually came to refer to any literate man. 1

Thus, the name Clerkin may have originally referred to a scholar, a scribe, a secretary, or a member of a religious order. The name in Gaelic was Mac a' Chleirich. Even today, the word and profession "clerk" is typically pronounced "clark" throughout the United Kingdom.

Early Origins of the Clerkin family

The surname Clerkin was first found in the counties on both sides of the border between England and Scotland. Early Scottish records show Roger Clericus held a land between 1174 in Kelso, Thomas Clericus was one of those appointed in 1246 to determine the right marches of Wester Fedale and James the clerk was witness to a charter by Richard de Bancori of land in Dumfriesshire in 1249. A few years later, "nine persons named 'le clerk,' rendered homage for their possessions, 1296." 1

The Clarks were not a full-fledged clan; rather they were probably a sept of the ecclesiastic Clan MacPherson, although the Camerons also show a tie with the Clarks and Clarksons. Even though Clerk or Clark was primarily a name given to those of a specific occupation, the Celtic Church of the north would undoubtedly have assumed an order that was very clan-like.

The Clarks would also have been amongst the most educated and wise people to have lived in Scotland, and as conveyors of the Christian faith their power and authority would have often matched that of chiefs. The Feudal System initiated by Ceanmore in southern Scotland, was more fully implemented by the Norman King David I, who often made abbots as powerful as Chiefs, granting them extensive tracts of land and power. Clarks, then, would have certainly held a special role of authority as individuals, if not as a clan.

Early History of the Clerkin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Clerkin research. Another 138 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1406, 1599, 1675, 1683, 1729, 1770, 1775, 1838, 1859 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Clerkin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Clerkin Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Clark, Clerk and others.

Early Notables of the Clerkin family

Notable amongst bearers of this family name during their early history was Richard Clark of Montrose, who became vice-admiral of Sweden in the 17th century; Sir James Clark, a physician to the King; Samuel Clarke (1599-1683), an English clergyman and significant Puritan biographer; Samuel Clarke...
Another 44 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Clerkin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Clerkin family to Ireland

Some of the Clerkin family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 82 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Clerkin migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Clerkin Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Anne Clerkin, aged 40, who landed in America, in 1896

Clerkin Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Thomas Clerkin, aged 22, who immigrated to the United States from Liverpool, in 1904
Bernard Clerkin, aged 17, who landed in America from Castlisahan, Co. Cavan, in 1905
Bridget Clerkin, aged 24, who immigrated to the United States from Castlisahan, Co. Cavan, in 1905
Ellen Clerkin, aged 22, who immigrated to America from Shercock, Ireland, in 1906
Catherine Clerkin, aged 26, who immigrated to the United States from Monaghan, Ireland, in 1906
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Clerkin (post 1700) +

Dennis Clerkin (b. 1950), American bridge player with six international wins from Bloomington, Indiana
John J. Clerkin (b. 1949), American Republican politician in the Vermont House of Representatives 2
Dick Clerkin, Irish Gaelic footballer who plays for Currin
Cavan Clerkin (b. 1973), British television actor and writer from Hackney, London, best known for playing Simon Barrett in Muscle

The Clerkin Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: In Deo speravi
Motto Translation: In God have I trusted.

Citations +

Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2013, January 8) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html