Lark
Usually a nickname from the bird-name “lark,” likely suggesting someone cheerful or musical.
The #8,174 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 76,139 Americans shares it.
Etymology
This surname is generally understood as a nickname from the bird name *lark*, used for someone thought to sing well, act merrily, or be lighthearted. In older English surname work, it is grouped with other bird-nicknames such as Finch, Nightingale, and Sparrow. Some writers also wondered whether it could sometimes be a shortened form of a name like Lawrence, but the bird-name explanation is the standard one.
History
Medieval records and later directory evidence show that bird-based surnames were common in England. Bardsley specifically treats Lark as a nickname surname, and Lower likewise gives the bird as the main explanation while noting an alternate possibility from Lawrence for some related forms. The surname survives in small numbers today, especially in English-speaking countries.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Old surname books often grouped Lark with a whole flock of bird surnames, from Finch and Sparrow to Nightingale and Woodlark.
From the historical record
“the original bearer; cf. 'He sings like a bird.' Also c£ Nightingale, Sparrow, Finch, Lark, See. David k Brid. CO. Oif., ijTj. A. John It BrkL co. Oif., ibid.”
— A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, with special American instances