Welcome to the Clark Family page at Surname Finder, a service of Genealogy Today. Our editors have compiled this checklist of genealogical resources, combining links to commercial databases along with user-contributed information and web sites for the Clark surname. As additional sources for vital records, original documents, vintage photographs and surname-based DNA projects are discovered, this page is updated to offer the best list for researching Clark ancestry. Share this page on Twitter!
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The Clark Family Tree
It is important to remember that there is no single Clark family tree, as last names were assigned to people for various reasons. We are often asked, How common it is for Clark siblings to have the same first name? and you might be surprised at the answer.
Best Tree Collections for Discovering Clark Ancestors
Clark Genealogy
Many things can go wrong when a record collection is indexed. If you're having diffculty finding Clark ancestors in a particular database at one site, try finding it on another and compare the results. If you want to know What information is given in U.S. Federal Census Mortality Schedules about Clark citizens from the past?, then read this frequently asked question.
Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Clark
Vital records are essential for family history research because they were typically created at or near the time of the event, making the record more reliable.
There are currently matching Clark records at Ancestry.com!
Start exploring this online Clark family history resource today.
Death Records
Military Records
Origins of the Clark Surname
There are no clear, concise answers to why or how one of your Clark ancestors took on the surname. It may have been based on their occupation or a distinguising physical trait. Were you aware that Clark is considered a very common surname, which offers its own set of challenges? The article "Researching Common Names" may be helpful for your research. Keep in mind that it was not unusual for a last name to be altered as an ancestor entered a new country.
Clark DNA Projects
DNA testing for genealogy continues to improve. If you had some of your Clark relatives tested several years ago, it may be worthwhile to have them retested. Likewise, as DNA testing companies have gathered more results and samples, you may be able to find more matches if you search again with your test results. If you're not sure how DNA testing could aid your Clark research, read "When do you use DNA?".
Clark Family History
For most people, just about every aspect of their life has been influenced in some way by their ancestors. Look beyond the names and dates to understand how and why your Clark ancestors lived and strived to make a better life for their descendants. Our team of seasoned experts are here to help you learn about different aspects of genealogy. Reading "Finding The Family History" may help you think of some different tactics to compiling your Clark family history.
Photo Collections
Networking with Clark Researchers
In doing genealogy research, we surely don't want to reinvent the wheel; in researching your Clark surname, posting a message query can help you connect with distant cousins and others who may be working on the same lines, some of whom may have advanced the research or solved some of the hard problems, but are willing to share. The article "The Art of Posting Queries" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Clark queries.
You may also want to consider posting a query to the Community Message Boards at Genealogy Today to get assistance from other researchers on your most elusive Clark ancestors.
Clark Achievements & Celebrities
Did you know that Clark was the 21st most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?
Web Sites & Blogs with Clark Research
If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Clark, contact the folks at ProGenealogists for a free research estimate. You may also find it helpful to read, "When, Why and How to Hire a Professional Genealogist."
RootsWeb search of US Naturalization Records
RootsWeb search of Obituary Daily Times
RootsWeb search of Social Security Death Index
To recommend your web site/blog for inclusion on this page, please submit a link to the user-contributed directory at Genealogy Today. Your web page may appear once its content has been reviewed by our editors.
Recently Discovered CLARK Clippings and Mentions
Upcoming Clark Family Reunions
One key to a successful Clark reunion is preparation, and for the family researcher that means getting the word out in advance on what to bring (such as the family photo collection); arranging for the display of shared information; and planning activities conducive to sharing; and one of the best ways to get others to participate is in bringing something of your own to share such a picture pedigree, compiled family history or biographical sketch, or even a copies of a treasured photo as a gift for each family -- you may even want to consider putting together a reunion newsletter in advance to be distributed at the reunion, asking for help in solving one or more specific family mysteries: you never know who might have insight they are willing to share, one-on-one. The article "A Great Way to Unite a Newly-Found Family" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Clark reunion.
See Also
Klark Clarc Slark Clarke Clarki Clar Lark
Surname Finder, The Clark Genealogy and Family Tree Page [on-line resource], New Providence, NJ, USA: Genealogy Today LLC, 2023.