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Walker Unisex

Popularity: #81 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationWAWK-er / ˈwɔːkər

English; Scottish

Meaning

English: one who makes a path; Scottish: dweller by the wall

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Walker has its roots in the Old English term "wealcere," which referred to a fuller, a person who worked with cloth, particularly in the process of cleaning and thickening it. This term evolved through Middle English as "walker," denoting someone who walked on cloth to achieve the desired texture. The transition into the modern English form "Walker" occurred during the late medieval period, reflecting the occupational surnames that became prominent in England around the 12th century. As a surname, it was often used to denote individuals engaged in this specific trade, and it eventually became adopted as a given name.

Historically, the name Walker has been borne by various notable figures, including individuals in the English nobility and influential leaders. One significant milestone in the name's history is its appearance in the 16th century, when surnames began to be used more widely as first names. The name Walker also appears in various historical documents and records, including the Domesday Book of 1086, which cataloged landholdings in England and included references to individuals with the surname. Additionally, the name has been associated with various saints and biblical figures, contributing to its enduring presence in English-speaking cultures.

Culturally, the name Walker carries connotations of movement and progress, reflecting the literal meaning of the term. It has been embraced in literature and popular culture, often symbolizing a journey or a path taken. The name has also inspired various diminutive forms, such as "Wally," which have emerged in different contexts. Overall, the name Walker encapsulates a rich historical and cultural significance, rooted in its occupational origins and the societal changes that have shaped its use over the centuries.

Trend Summary

Walker has experienced a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Walke

International Variants

  • Walker (English)

Famous people named Walker

Walker Evans was a photographer best known for American Photographs, Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, and his work with the Farm Security Administration.

Walker Percy was an author best known for The Moviegoer, The Last Gentleman, and Lancelot.

Walker Hayes is a country music singer best known for Fancy Like, You Broke Up with Me, and Craig.

Walker Zimmerman is a professional soccer player best known for his time with Nashville SC and the U.S. Men's National Team.

Fictional characters named Walker

Walker is a fictional character from the video game series Max Payne. He is a former NYPD detective turned vigilante seeking revenge for his family's murder.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Walker was first seen in the United States in 1880. Walker has ranked as high as #128 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in Texas, Georgia, California, North Carolina, and Tennessee. In the past 5 years the name Walker has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Walker (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 364
9%
NC 212
5%
FL 207
5%
CA 200
5%
GA 198
5%
TN 193
5%
OH 174
4%
IN 141
4%
MO 125
3%
MI 123
3%
AL 111
3%
PA 108
3%
VA 101
3%
KY 95
2%
WA 95
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188029
188125
188228
188320
188419
188523
188629
188725
188835
188933
189029
189121
189232
189326
189422
189536
189640
189734
189828
189926
190027
190125
190219
190322
190417
190520
190628
190722
190836
190926
191038
191133
191266
191376
191472
1915103
1916104
1917105
1918107
1919119
1920151
1921128
1922112
1923111
1924113
1925103
192691
192780
192892
192999
193091
193178
193269
193366
193471
193575
193660
193783
193860
193957
194073
194165
194272
194371
194480
194571
194677
194775
194859
194977
195054
195172
195266
195356
195466
195561
195653
195743
195854
195955
196033
196149
196247
196339
196434
196541
196642
196733
196833
196943
197040
197147
197252
197350
197466
197561
197660
197771
197847
197953
198060
198162
198270
198379
198485
198587
198681
198784
198899
1989128
1990148
1991176
1992197
1993255
1994369
1995450
1996504
1997536
1998542
1999535
2000578
2001629
2002622
2003625
2004722
2005803
2006696
2007601
2008554
2009589
2010649
2011676
2012707
2013840
20141,046
20151,010
20161,048
20171,100
20181,343
20191,638
20201,861
20212,867
20224,248
20234,016
20244,023