Walker is a surname of English origin that derives from the Middle English word "walkere," which means "fuller." A fuller was someone who worked in textile manufacturing and used largeaddle to stomp or walk on cloth to clean it and make it thicker. The name Walker is also associated with the job title of someone who walks, such as a pedestrian or a traveler.
The surname Walker has been present in England since the 12th century, with records showing that it was brought to America by English settlers in the colonial era. Today, Walker is one of the most common surnames in countries like Scotland, Ireland, and the United States.
In literature and popular culture, there are several notable characters named Walker, such as the protagonist in Chuck Palahniuk's novel "Fight Club," as well as characters in works by authors like Richard Wright and Stephen King. Additionally, famous people with the surname Walker include musician Bonnie Raitt, basketball player Michael Jordan (whose middle name is Walker), and former U.S. president George Walker Bush.
Overall, while Walker may have started out as an occupational surname, it has since become a prominent part of many cultures and continues to be popular today. Its meaning, "fuller," adds depth to its history and origin story, making it a unique and intriguing name choice for both boys and girls alike.
The name Walker has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century, with a total of 39,651 babies given this name since 1880. The popularity of the name varied significantly throughout the years, with periods of high and low usage.
From 1880 to 1960, Walker was given to an average of around 40-70 babies per year. However, in the late 1960s, there was a noticeable decline in its popularity, with fewer than 50 babies being named Walker each year between 1963 and 1972.
Starting in the late 1970s, Walker began to gain traction once again. Between 1980 and 1990, around 80-148 babies were named Walker per year. The name's popularity continued to rise into the 21st century, reaching a peak in recent years. In 2020 alone, Walker was given to an unprecedented 1,860 babies born in the United States, making it one of the most popular boys' names that year.
Furthermore, Walker has consistently ranked among the top 500 baby boy names since the Social Security Administration began recording such data in 1900. In 2021 and 2022, Walker reached its highest ranking yet, placing within the top 250 names for newborn boys.
Overall, while there have been fluctuations in popularity over time, Walker remains a beloved and enduring name choice among American parents.