Origin & Meaning of the Parker Surname
What does the last name Parker mean?
The surname Parker carries the meaning "Occupational name for a park keeper or gamekeeper." It is derived from the Old French/English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 336,221 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Parker ranks as the #56 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Parker come from?
The Parker surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Parker name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Parker trace back to Old French/English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Parker |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Occupational name for a park keeper or gamekeeper |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old French/English |
| US Rank (2010) | #56 |
| US Count (2010) | 336,221 |
| Per 100K People | 113.98 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Parker
According to the US Census, the Parker surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 336,221 Americans with the Parker last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 69.17% |
| Black | 24.79% |
| Hispanic | 2.26% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.88% |
| Two or More Races | 2.35% |
Popularity of Parker Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Parker surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Parker surname increased by 11,975 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Parker
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