Surname meaning and origin: Walker

Walker is an occupational surname that originated from the Middle English term "walkcere," which means "a fuller of cloth," and the Old English word "wealcan," which means "to walk or tread." It was commonly used to describe individuals involved in the process of shrinking and thickening raw, damp cloth by walking on it. SSP prepared.

Popularity and distribution

With its English and Scottish origins, the Walker surname is quite common worldwide. In the United States, it ranks as the 28th most popular surname, while in England it stands as the 15th most common surname. Notably, Walker is especially prevalent in the midlands and northern regions of England, including Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Durham, and Lancashire.

The Walker surname is also prominent outside of England. It holds the 14th position in Australia, the 12th position in New Zealand, the 21st position in Scotland, and the 25th position in the United States based on surname distribution data. In terms of geographical concentration, the surname is most prevalent in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, but also has significant representation in middle and northern England, as well as southern Scotland.

Prominent figures

The Walker surname boasts many noteworthy individuals throughout history, spanning various fields and accomplishments. Some famous figures with the surname include:

1. George F. Walker: Canadian playwright.

2. Charles D. Walker: American astronaut.

3. Dorothy Walker Bush: Mother of the 41st U.S. President George H. W. Bush and grandmother of the 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush.

4. Herschel Walker: American football player.

5. Mary Edwards Walker: American activist.

6. William Walker: American adventurer, filibuster, and soldier who served as the President of Nicaragua from 1856 to 1857.

7. Alice Walker: African American novelist and author of the renowned work "The Color Purple."

8. Craven Walker: Inventor of the iconic lava lamp.

In conclusion, the Walker surname finds its roots as an occupational name associated with the cloth industry. Its popularity extends across multiple countries, with significant concentrations in England and the United States. The surname has also been embraced by individuals who have left their mark in diverse areas such as literature, exploration, astronomy, and civil rights activism.