De Klerk is a Dutch and Afrikaans surname, literally meaning "the clerk" from Dutch klerk "clerk". It is a cognate of the English surname Clark and its variant Clarke, all ultimately derived from Latin clericus meaning "cleric" or "scribe". The name originated as an occupational surname for a scribe or secretary, often one in holy orders.
History and Distribution
The surname De Klerk emerged in the Dutch-speaking regions of the Low Countries, with variants such as De Clerc and De Clercq reflecting regional spelling differences. The name is particularly common in South Africa, where it was brought by Dutch settlers (the Afrikaners). During the 17th and 18th centuries, many Dutch families bearing occupational surnames like De Klerk settled in the Cape Colony.
Notable Bearers
The most prominent bearer of the name is Frederik Willem (F.W.) de Klerk (1936–2021), who served as the last apartheid-era president of South Africa and played a pivotal role in the transition to democracy. He shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela in 1993 for his efforts to dismantle apartheid. His father, Jan de Klerk (1903–1979), was also a South African politician and cabinet minister. F.W.'s wife, Marike de Klerk (1937–2001), was a prominent public figure. Other notable bearers include Dutch architect Michel de Klerk (1884–1923), a leading figure of the Amsterdam School movement; South African rugby player Faf de Klerk (born 1991); and sprinter Evette de Klerk (born 1965).
- Meaning: "clerk" (occupational)
- Origin: Dutch, Afrikaans
- Type: Surname
- Usage Regions: Netherlands, South Africa
Sources: Wikipedia — Klerk