Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Clerc

      Origin

      French

      Meaning

      Derived from Clerc, Meaning Clerk or Priest

      Variations

      Clerk, Clervie, Cleryce
      The name Clerc is derived from the French term clerc, which translates to clerk or priest. The term historically referred to individuals who were educated and held a clerical position within the Church or civil administration. It embodies a role characterized by literacy and record-keeping, often linked to religious or administrative duties. Over time, as society evolved, the name became associated with a broader sense of clerical service, encompassing roles that require attention to detail and organization.

      Historically, the term clerc finds its roots in the Latin clericus, referring to a person of the clergy. In medieval Europe, clerks played a vital role in the administration of both ecclesiastical and secular matters, often serving as scribes or record-keepers. The rise of universities and the importance of written documentation during the Renaissance further solidified the role of clerks in society. As literacy became more widespread, the term morphed, leading to the surname Clerc becoming synonymous with educated individuals in various walks of life.

      In contemporary times, the surname Clerc is prevalent in French-speaking regions and among descendants of French heritage. While it may no longer specifically denote clerks or priests, its historical connotation remains. The name is associated with professionalism and diligence in various fields, ranging from law to administration. Additionally, it has appeared in various popular culture references, keeping it relevant in both personal identities and historical discussions concerning the evolution of occupational titles.

      Based on our records...

      Brunelle

      Brunelle

      This is the most common surname associated with Clerc.
      Marie

      Marie

      This is the most common name of those married to a Clerc.
      Clerc

      Clerc

      This is the most common name for a child of a Clerc.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1897 is when there were the most people born with the first name Clerc.

      Explore the origins of another name.