Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.
BARKER
As described in historical dictionaries
An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)
A tanner. "What craftsman art thou, said the king, I pray thee tell me trowe? I am a Barker, sir, by my trade, Now tell me, what art thou?" Percy's Reliques.
Patronymica Britannica (1860)
BARKER. A tanner, from his using barli of trees in liis trade. In the old ballad of the King and the Tanner in Percy's Reliques, the latter calls himself "a larler, Sir, by my trade." Eng. Surn. Barcarius and Le Barkere. H.R.
Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English