Barker Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Barker Name Meaning: Of English German and French origin. English – Derived from the Middle English ‘bark’ meaning to tan, ‘a tanner of leather’. German – Possibly a variant of the surname Berger, using the word ‘berg’ meaning mountain was given to a man who lived on or near a mountain. French – From the old French word bercher, berkier, berker meaning ‘Shepherd’.

Discover how your Barker ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Barker Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Barker family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 7,499
Agricultural Labourer 739
Coal Miner 483
Cotton Weaver 435
Domestic Servant 360
Labourer 327
Dress Maker 314
General Labourer 273
General Servant 254
Farm Labourer 197
Annuitant 196
Laundress 165
General Servant Domestic 154
House Keeper 146
Joiner 111
Tailor 111
Charwoman 110
Carpenter 109
Farmers Son 108
Worsted Weaver 93
Farm Servant Indoor 91
Butcher 89
Servant 88
Grocer 85
Errand Boy 83

Barker Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Barker 100% 281,910
2 Brooker 57% 30,985
3 Broker 67% 1,874
4 Burker 83% 1,286
5 Braker 67% 650
6 Berker 83% 570
7 Borker 83% 542
8 Birker 83% 506
9 Breaker 57% 409

Did you know?

The surname Barker is the most popular version of all its varients

Search for the Barker family