Baker

Origins: The surname Baker is of English origin and derives from the Old English word "baecere," which means a baker. It is an occupational surname, indicating a person who baked bread for a living. The name Baker was first recorded in medieval times in various forms such as Bakere, Bakar, and Bakarson.

History: The Baker surname has a long history in Britain, with records dating back to the 11th century. Bakers played a vital role in society, providing the staple food of bread, and as such, the surname became widespread across the country.

Notable Bearers:

  • Josephine Baker (1906-1975): An American-born French entertainer, civil rights activist, and French Resistance agent.
  • Tom Baker (1934- ): A British actor best known for his portrayal of the Fourth Doctor in the popular TV series "Doctor Who."
  • Chet Baker (1929-1988): An American jazz trumpeter and vocalist known for his lyrical playing style.

Variants: Variants of the Baker surname include Backer, Baxter, Bake, and Becker.

Popularity: Baker is a common surname in the United Kingdom, and it ranks among the top 50 most popular surnames in England. Due to its occupational origins, the Baker surname can also be found in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Coat of Arms: The Baker family coat of arms typically features symbols related to the baking trade, such as wheat sheaves and loaves of bread, as well as elements representing prosperity and abundance.

The Baker surname continues to be passed down through generations, preserving the legacy of those who once worked as bakers in medieval England.

There are approximately 114,076 people named Baker in the UK. That makes it the 43rd most common surname in Britain. Around 1,752 in a million people in Britain are named Baker.

Surname type: Occupational name

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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