WAKER
Waker
Origin: Waker is an English surname derived from the Middle English word "wakere," meaning someone who stayed awake or kept watch, and is of occupational origin. It potentially referred to night watchmen or sentinels.
History: The surname Waker has been recorded in various spellings such as Wakere, Waker, Wayker, and Wakher, dating back to the 13th century. The name was prominent in medieval England when night watchmen played a crucial role in maintaining security in towns and cities.
Notable Individuals:
- John Waker (b. 1545): An English scholar and historian known for his writings on medieval English law.
- Margaret Waker (1882-1965): A social reformer and activist who fought for women's rights in early 20th-century Britain.
- Dr. Stephen Waker (b. 1960): A respected psychiatrist and author renowned for his studies on sleep disorders.
Current Distribution: The surname Waker is relatively rare in the UK today, with the highest concentration found in regions historically associated with night watchmen or security services.
Coat of Arms: The Waker family crest typically features symbols associated with vigilance, such as an eye or a shield with stars, symbolising a clear watchful night sky.
Famous Bearers:
- Jeffrey Waker: Award-winning playwright and screenwriter.
- Eleanor Waker: Noted conservationist and environmental campaigner.
- Sir Edward Waker: Renowned military strategist and historian.
References:
- Hanks, Patrick, et al. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, 2016.
- Reaney, P.H., and R.M. Wilson. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997.
There are approximately 192 people named Waker in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Waker.
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
- Allen
- Andrew
- David
- Glenn
- Ian
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Raymond
- Robert
- Stephen
- Stuart
- William
Female
- Alyson
- Cecilia
- Eileen
- Elizabeth
- Evelyn
- Evelyne
- Gillian
- Janice
- Jennifer
- Margaret
- Mary
- Rebecca
- Samantha
- Wendy
Similar and related surnames
- Wacker
- Wactor
- Wakar
- Waikar
- Wackers
- Awker
- Wake
- Wagar
- Wagger
- Wakem
- Wakerly
- Wakers
- Wakfer
- Wakker
- Wakler
- Wakor
- Walkar
- Walkee
- Walkeer
- Walker
- Walkers
- Walkier
- Wallker
- Waqar
- Wasker
- Wecker
- Weeker
- Weekers
- Wegher
- Weker
- Welker
- Whacker
- Wheeker
- Whicker
- Wickar
- Wicker
- Wiekiera
- Wigger
- Wiker
- Wocker
- Woker
- Woogar
- Wooker
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.