Surname Barker - Meaning and Origin

Tracing the Barker Lineage through iGENEA DNA Test: A Personal Journey

As an iGENEA DNA test user, I journeyed deep into my Barker lineage, connecting with other Barkers globally. Thanks to this reputable genetic testing service, I’ve broken down genealogical barriers, while enriching my understanding of the Barker surname.

A. Barker

Barker: What does the surname Barker mean?

The surname Barker is an occupational name of English origin that emerged in the middle ages. It refers to the profession of a “barker” who was engaged in the trade of stripping bark from trees. The bark was particularly used in the tanning of leather, a crucial process in medieval times. A key substance called tannin, used in converting rawhide into leather, was extracted from the bark. Hence, a barker had a significant role in the production of leather goods. It is derived from the Old English 'be(o)rcere', a derivative of 'be(o)rc', meaning bark. Over time, the profession of barker became a family name, passed on from one generation to the other, evolving into the modern surname Barker.

Barker: Where does the name Barker come from?

The surname Barker is of English origin and dates back to the medieval period. The name is occupational, derived from the Old English word "berecere" signifying a person who was a leather tanner. So, anyone bearing this name likely has ancestors who were involved in the tanning trade.

The Barker surname is most common in England, particularly in the northern and central parts of the country. However, due to the widespread migration and colonization over the centuries, people with the Barker surname can now be found across the globe, especially in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Analysis of surname distribution data indicates that currently, the highest concentration of people with the Barker surname is in the United Kingdom, followed closely by the United States and Australia. Northern English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire seem to be the most common areas, reflecting the historical distribution of the surname. In the United States, it is more commonly found in the states of Texas and California.

Variations of the surname Barker

The surname Barker has its roots in Old English and was typically assigned to individuals who carried out the trade of tanning (barking) which involved the removal of bark from trees for use in tanning hides. Variations of the Barker surname over time and across different geographical regions include Barkers, Barkere, Berkere, Berker, Barcker, Barcher, and Barquer.

In terms of spelling variations, they can be attributed to a multitude of reasons including regional dialects, phonetic spellings, translation errors, or even personal preference. Bark, Barkar, Barkor, Berkur, Barkur, Bearker, Bercker, Barquer, and Berkar are some of the spelling variations of Barker.

While surnames with the same origin might not necessarily represent direct lineal descent from the same family, they do offer insight into the various occupational, topographic, and patronymic naming conventions used during the formation of surnames. Following this, other surnames that originate from the same root include Tann, Tanne, Tannen, and Tannere, among others, representing the tanning (barking) occupational activity.

Understanding the varied forms of a surname can be vital for genealogical research to accurately trace ancestry and family heritage.

Famous people with the name Barker

• Lex Barker: American Actor
• Clive Barker: English Writer, Artist and Filmmaker
• Pat Barker: British Novelist
• Gilbert Barker: American Businessman and Inventor
• Kimberly Barker: American Playwright
• Bob Barker: American Television Personality and Former Host of The Price is Right
• Bob Barker: English Professional Boxer
• Mike Barker: English Footballer
• Reggie Barker: American Football Player
• Joely Barker: American Actress
• Chris Barker: American Football Player
• Dave Barker: Jamaican Musician
• Emma Barker: British Novelist
• Emma Louise Barker: British Actress
• Jody Barker: American Filmmaker and Actress
• Julianne Barker: British Landscape Painter
• Charles Haddon Spurgeon Barker: British Painter
• Drew Barker: American Football Player
• Eugene Barker: American Historian and Educator
• Logan Barker: Australian Professional Wrestler

Other surnames

BarkemaBarkemeyerBarkenmeyerBarkenthinBarkentienBarkentinBarkereBarkersBarkesBarkessBarketBarkett