Kirk

boyOld Norse

Kirk is an boy name of Old Norse, via Scots origin, meaning “Church”.

MeaningChurch
GenderBoy
OriginOld Norse, via Scots
PronunciationKURK
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia

Meaning and origin of Kirk

Kirk comes from the Old Norse kirkja, church, which entered Scots and northern English and is still the Scottish word for a church. It began as a surname for someone living near a church and became a first name in the twentieth century. The actor Kirk Douglas and Captain Kirk of Star Trek did much to make it familiar.

Is Kirk a religious name?

Though it means church, Kirk is used as a secular name; the Church of Scotland is often called simply 'the Kirk'.

How popular is Kirk?

Most common from the 1950s to the 1970s; less used now.

Gifts with the name Kirk

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Spellings and variants of Kirk

KirkeKirkland

Names similar to Kirk

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Kirk mean?

Kirk means 'Church'. It is of Old Norse, via Scots origin.

Does Kirk have a religious meaning?

Though it means church, Kirk is used as a secular name; the Church of Scotland is often called simply 'the Kirk'.

How do you pronounce Kirk?

Kirk is pronounced KURK.

Is Kirk a boy or girl name?

Kirk is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.