BAXTER
Baxter
Etymology: The English surname Baxter is of occupational origin, derived from the Old English word "bācere" meaning "baker", indicating that the original bearers of the name were professional bakers.
History: The surname Baxter has a long history in the British Isles, with records of its use dating back to the Middle Ages. The Baxter family was prominent in Scotland, particularly in the Lowlands, and played a significant role in the country's economic and social development through their involvement in the baking industry.
Distribution: The surname Baxter is widespread in the United Kingdom, with significant concentrations in Scotland and England. It has also been carried to other parts of the world through migration and colonization, particularly to countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United States.
Famous Bearers:
- Richard Baxter (1615-1691): An English Puritan church leader and theologian.
- Meredith Baxter (b. 1947): An American actress known for her roles in television series such as "Family" and "Family Ties".
- George Baxter (1804-1867): An English artist and printer known for his innovative color printing techniques.
Variants: Variants of the surname Baxter include Bakster, Bakstere, and Baxstar.
Coat of Arms: The heraldic symbol associated with the Baxter surname typically features elements such as baking utensils, wheat sheaves, and other references to the occupation of baking.
Modern Usage: Today, the surname Baxter continues to be prevalent in British society, and many individuals of this name can be found across a wide range of professions and industries, reflecting the diverse nature of contemporary British society.
There are approximately 33,938 people named Baxter in the UK. That makes it the 229th most common surname in Britain. Around 521 in a million people in Britain are named Baxter.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Anne
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan