Origin & Meaning of the Walker Surname
What does the last name Walker mean?
The surname Walker carries the meaning "Occupational name for a fuller of cloth (one who walked on cloth to thicken it)." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 523,129 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Walker ranks as the #31 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Walker come from?
The Walker 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 Walker name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Walker trace back to Old 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 | Walker |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Occupational name for a fuller of cloth (one who walked on cloth to thicken it) |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #31 |
| US Count (2010) | 523,129 |
| Per 100K People | 177.34 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Walker
According to the US Census, the Walker surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 523,129 Americans with the Walker last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 58.66% |
| Black | 35.05% |
| Hispanic | 2.41% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.45% |
| Native American | 0.87% |
| Two or More Races | 2.55% |
Popularity of Walker Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Walker surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Walker surname increased by 21,822 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Walker
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