Walker

Occupational

Meaning

A person who fulls cloth by treading on it, or one who walks for a living.

Etymology

From Old English 'wealcan,' meaning to full cloth by walking or treading, and the agent suffix '-er.' The surname originated in medieval England when cloth-fulling was a significant textile industry occupation.

About the Walker Surname

Walker was a widespread occupational surname for textile workers who fulled cloth through the process of treading and walking on wet fabric. The profession was essential in medieval English textile production and remains one of the most common English surnames.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 412,000 bearers in the United States #192 most common surname
Rare Common

Very common throughout England and extensively distributed in English-speaking countries, particularly in North America and Australia.

Walker Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

People with the Walker Surname