Clarkston History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

The origins of the name Clarkston are with the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from the popular family name Clark, and means the son of Clark. The surname also has an occupational origin and was likely derived from the trade or profession of the original bearer. In this case the surname denotes that the bearer was a clerical worker or a clergyman who was employed in religious institutions to write books from old documents. The bearers of this surname were handed high status in the community because of their ability to read and write. One must remember that during the Middle Ages most of the population was quite illiterate by today's standards.

Early Origins of the Clarkston family

The surname Clarkston was first found in Yorkshire where it is "a well-known Yorkshire surname, which has spread over the North of England." 1

The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 list: Johannes Clerke and Thomas Clerkson, father and son; Ricardus Clerkson; Wilielmus Klereson; and Alicia Clerkson. 1

By the early 15th century, the name appeared in Scotland. "Thomas Clerkson de Aldane was a forestaller in Aberdeen in 1402. Simon Clerici (Latin) witnessed an instrument of resignation in Brechin in 1434, and a booth was set to Besse Clerkson in Lanark in 1488." 2

Early History of the Clarkston family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Clarkston research. Another 167 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1300, 1500, 1501, 1504, 1513, 1531, 1567, 1615, 1622, 1649, 1667, 1685, 1686, 1697, 1716, 1721 and 1763 are included under the topic Early Clarkston History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Clarkston Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Clarkston has been spelled many different ways, including Clarkson, Clarksone, Clerkson and others.

Early Notables of the Clarkston family

Notables of the family at this time include Agnes Clarkson who in the 'Test' in lowland Scotland refused to acknowledge the King or his church and was hanged for Witchcraft.David Clarkson (1622-1686), was an ejected minister, son of Robert Clarkson, was born at Bradford...
Another 44 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Clarkston Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Clarkston family to Ireland

Some of the Clarkston family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Clarkston migration to the United States +

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Clarkstons to arrive in North America:

Clarkston Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mary Clarkston, aged 58, who immigrated to the United States from Bathgate, Scotland, in 1922
William Clarkston, aged 1, who landed in America from Glasgow, Scotland, in 1923
David Clarkston, aged 38, who immigrated to the United States, in 1923
Francis Clarkston, aged 26, who settled in America from Glasgow, Scotland, in 1923

Contemporary Notables of the name Clarkston (post 1700) +

Ross Clarkston Mathie (b. 1946), Scottish football former player and coach

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
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)