Lark

♀ Girl

Pronounced LARK /ˈlɑrk/High

Meaning: The singing bird, herald of dawn; from Middle English larke — also the word for a merry escapadeHigh

In 30 seconds: Dawn's first singer in one bright syllable: Lark names the bird whose song meant morning to poets — and the word for a joyful escapade. A name that wakes up smiling.

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Origin HighEnglish

MeaningThe singing bird, herald of dawn; from Middle English larke — also the word for a merry escapade

U.S. rank (2025)#4416 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births32 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1950

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,862

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Lark is the songbird of European meadows — Middle English larke — whose pre-dawn ascent made it poetry's emblem of morning and joy (Shelley's 'blithe Spirit'); the word doubles as 'a lighthearted adventure'. As a given name it belongs to the modern bird-name wave with Wren and Robin.

It registers thinly and recently for girls. Rare, lyrical, and effortlessly cheerful — a one-syllable sunrise.

Did you know? Shakespeare's Juliet insists the bird she hears is the nightingale, not the lark — because the lark's song means dawn, and dawn means Romeo must leave.

Overall data confidence 92%

Oxford English Dictionary — lark — word etymology

Variations

LarkeLarkin

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Lark Voorhies (1974-)
American actress who played Lisa Turtle on Saved by the Bell

If you like Lark…

Wren— the fellow tiny bird name for girls

Lyric— the musical word-name beside it

Sparrow— another bird name of the modern wave

Layne— lands in the same popularity range

Leigh— the same nature feel

Explore names like Lark

By themeword-name nature bird

By meaningLight Joy Bird Dawn / Morning

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Lark mean?

Lark is the singing bird that heralds dawn, from Middle English larke — also the word for a merry adventure.

How do you pronounce Lark?

It's said LARK /ˈlɑrk/ — a single syllable.

Is Lark a boy or girl name?

Lark is used mainly as a girl's name.

How popular is Lark?

Lark is a rare bird name for girls in the U.S.