STOKER
Surname: Stoker
Origin and Meaning: Stoker is an English surname of occupational origin, derived from the Old English word "stoc," meaning a stockade or a place of residence. The surname was generally given to individuals who worked as a stoker, someone responsible for tending to and fueling a furnace, particularly in the context of steam engines, ships, or industrial settings.
Historical Distribution: The surname Stoker has been found predominantly in England, particularly in regions with a strong industrial and maritime history. Counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Essex have shown concentrations of individuals bearing the Stoker surname over the centuries.
Notable Individuals:
- Bram Stoker (1847–1912): The most famous individual bearing the surname Stoker is Abraham "Bram" Stoker, an Irish author known for his Gothic novel "Dracula," published in 1897. Bram Stoker's creation of the iconic vampire Count Dracula has had a lasting impact on popular culture.
Variants: Variants of the Stoker surname include Stoke, Stokes, Stocker, and Stock.
Genealogical Significance: Those with the surname Stoker may find an interest in genealogical research to trace their familial roots and connections to the industrial and maritime history of England. Records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census data, and parish registers can provide valuable insights into the Stoker family history.
Modern-Day Impact: In contemporary times, the Stoker surname continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and beyond. Some may still work in professions related to stoking fires or furnaces, while others carry on the legacy of their ancestors through various occupations and pursuits.
Overall, the surname Stoker carries a rich history intertwined with England's industrial past and the literary legacy of one of the most renowned Gothic novelists, Bram Stoker. It stands as a reminder of the diverse occupational origins of English surnames and their enduring presence in society.
There are approximately 3,864 people named Stoker in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,417th most common surname in Britain. Around 59 in a million people in Britain are named Stoker.
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
- Christopher
- David
- Gary
- John
- Kevin
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Philip
- Robert
- Thomas
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Irene
- Jennifer
- Linda
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Shirley
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.