Stark

Stark is an English and German surname, derived from a nickname meaning "strong, rigid", from Old English stearc or Old High German stark (modern German stark "strong"). As a Scottish and English surname, it traces back to the adjective stark, while as a Jewish, German, and Swedish surname, it comes from stark meaning "strong". The surname also appears in Czech and Slovak as Štark.

Notable Bearers

Renowned bearers include American politicians such as John Stark (1728–1822), a Continental Army general in the American Revolutionary War, and his son, Caleb Stark. In literature, the surname is famously borne by the fictional Stark family in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and the television adaptation Game of Thrones. Notable modern figures include actor Tony Stark (widely known as the superhero Iron Man in Marvel Comics) and scientist Charles Stark Draper, the inventor of the integrated circuit. In sports, there are athletes like M.A. Stark (youngest professional rugby player) and in the arts, artist D. Stark. The surname is also found among notable figures in music, such as composer R. Stark.

Distribution

The surname can be found across the United States, particularly associated with Stark County, Ohio, named after General John Stark. There are various places in the US called Stark, such as an unincorporated community in Stark County, Illinois, and a tiny city in Neosho County, Kansas. In Germany and other European regions, it is widespread, also adopted by Jewish families as a translation of names meaning "strong".

• Meaning: Strong, rigid
• Origin: English, German
• Type: Surname (nickname)
• Usage Regions: United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Czech Republic, Slovakia