Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Walker

Walker is the transferred use of an Anglo-Scottish surname originating as an occupational name. The Olde English word “wealcere” meant “to walk, tread” and was commonly used to identify a person whose job it was to trample on cloth contained inside vats of a liquid mixture of water and lye (which helped to thicken the raw cloth). The first recorded spelling of this surname was rendered as Walkere in the 13th century. English surnames became necessary during the Middle Ages as a means of citizen identification for the purposes of taxation, and many such surnames developed from a person’s occupation (such as a “wealcere” – or cloth-trampler). Tucker and Tanner are two more examples of surnames that originated from occupations having to do with working with cloth.

All About the Baby Name – Walker

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME WALKER

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME WALKER

Walker is a name that was in use back in the late 19th century and early 20th century, even if only in moderation. The name showed a steady decline the first part of the 1900s until it pretty much disappeared altogether from the 1950s through the 1980s. Walker reappeared in 1983 as the trend for using surnames as first names began to emerge in America. It would take a while for the name to regain moderate usage but that appears to be where it’s settled for now. Notably, Walker is the middle name of President George W. Bush often referred to as simply “dubbya”. We also can’t help but think of Walker, the son of Ricky Bobby in the 2006 comedy film “Talladega Nights” (the other son was named Texas Ranger). Walker was obviously named after the Texas Ranger character played by another tough-guy Chuck Norris. Even though Walker started out as a surname to signify a cloth-worker, the name has morphed into a rugged, manly sort of name. Walker is definitely not one of the more popular surnames being used as first names for boys in America (those top honors go to Mason, Logan, Jackson and Landon). Walker makes us think of surnames like Hunter, Austin and Colton – they are more cowboy-like in their mannish, strong blue collar way. Unlike the unisex surnames-turned-first-names Logan and Jordan, you can rest assured parents won’t be using a name like Walker for their daughters. It’s just far too masculine.

Quick Facts

ON WALKER

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

369

PRONUNCIATION:

WAWK-ər

SIMPLE MEANING:

To walk, tread

Characteristics

OF WALKER

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Walker

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME WALKER

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Walker

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME WALKER

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Walker


Popular Songs

ON WALKER

Roy Walker
a song by Belle and Sebastian

Eddie Walker
a song by Ben Folds Five

Goodbye Walker Percy
a song by Brooks Williams

Famous People

NAMED WALKER

Walker Percy (author)
Walker Evans (photographer)
Walker Cooper (baseball player)
Walker Gillette (football player)
Walker Russell (basketball player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED WALKER

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Walker

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME WALKER

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Walker