kirk

Kirk is a surname and given name with several origins. As a surname, it is of Scottish and northern English origin and is linked to the word kirk, meaning church, from Old English cirice and its Scots form kirk. It often originated as a topographic or occupational name for someone living near a church or working for a church, or as a toponymic surname from place names containing kirk. As a given name, Kirk emerged in English-speaking countries in the 20th century and was popular in the United States in the mid-1900s.

Notable people named Kirk include actors Kirk Douglas and Kirk Cameron; musician Kirk Hammett of Metallica; broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit; and politician Kirk Fordice.

In geography, kirk appears as a component in numerous British place names reflecting historical churches. Examples include Kirkcaldy in Fife, Kirkintilloch near Glasgow, and Kirkhill in several locations.

In popular culture, Captain James T. Kirk is a central figure in the Star Trek franchise. Created by Gene Roddenberry, the character is a Starfleet captain who commands the starship USS Enterprise in the original series and later films, and has appeared in various media.