The Meaning of the Name Baker
The name Baker is an English occupational surname, derived from the Middle English word “bakere” which means “one who bakes.” It was originally given to someone who worked in a bakery or was a professional baker. The name has been used as both a first and last name since the Middle Ages.
Origins of the Name
The earliest recorded use of the name Baker dates back to 1273 in England, when one William le Bakere was mentioned in the Hundred Rolls of Norfolk. The name can also be found in Scotland, where it was first recorded in 1376 with John Bakar. In Ireland, the name is most commonly found in County Cork, where it was first recorded in 1659 with Thomas Baker.
Variations of the Name
The name Baker has many variations, including Bakers, Bekker, Beeker, Becker, Becher and Bicker. In some cases, the spelling may have been changed due to dialectical differences or simply because of an error made by a clerk when recording the name.
Famous People Named Baker
There are many famous people who have borne the surname Baker throughout history. These include:
- Josephine Baker (1906-1975), American-born French entertainer and civil rights activist;
- George Pierce Baker (1866-1935), American playwright and educator;
- Sir Samuel White Baker (1821-1893), British explorer and naturalist;
- Sir Benjamin Baker (1840-1907), British civil engineer;
- Annie Jump Cannon (1863-1941), American astronomer;
- Kenny Baker (1934-2016), English actor best known for playing R2-D2 in Star Wars.
Baker Today
Today, the surname Baker is still quite common around the world. According to WorldNames PublicProfiler, it is most common in England, followed by Scotland and Wales. It is also fairly common in Australia and New Zealand. In the United States, it ranks as the 79th most common surname.
