Last Name Hacker

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hacker

The meaning and origin of the last name Hacker

The surname Hacker originates from Germany and is derived from various occupations related to woodworking or metalworking. One such occupation was that of a "Hackmesser," meaning a cutler or knife-maker. Over time, the name evolved to refer to a craftsman who worked with hacksaws or hacking tools, which are used for cutting or chopping. The surname Hacker may also have been given as a nickname to someone who was quick and skillful in cutting or chopping things, implying a certain level of efficiency or aggressiveness. In modern times, the name Hacker has also become associated with computer programmers who specialize in exploiting weaknesses in computer systems for various purposes, including ethical hacking and cybersecurity testing.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hacker

The surname Hacker is predominantly distributed across Central Europe, particularly Germany and Austria, due to its Germanic origin. It's one of the most common last names in Germany, where it's estimated that around 32,000 people bear this name according to the 2016 census. In Austria, there are approximately 7,500 individuals with the surname Hacker. The name has also spread to other countries due to migration, with significant populations in the United States, Canada, and Australia, where it is often anglicized as Hackers or Hickers. In the United Kingdom, it's less common but can still be found in some regions. The distribution of the surname Hacker reflects historical population movements, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries when large numbers of Germans emigrated to other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hacker

The surname Hacker has several variations and spellings across different regions and historical periods. Some common variants include Hackar, Hacke, Hakker, Haakker, and Hocher. In some cases, the name may also be found as Haak or Hoeker, which are Dutch derivatives. Additionally, there might be regional variations such as Hekker in the Netherlands, Hacker in Germany, and Hakar in Scandinavian countries. The name is primarily of Germanic origin and is derived from the occupational surname for a woodcutter or a person who works with axes, coming from the Middle High German "hacke" or "hac" meaning "axe".

Famous people with the last name Hacker

The Hacker surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields, although it's important to note that these individuals may not necessarily be directly related or share a common lineage. One well-known figure is Kevin P. Hacker, an American computer programmer who co-developed the popular video game Doom. In the realm of technology and hacktivism, Andy Hacker and his group Cult of the Dead Cow (cDc) are notable for creating software tools like BackOrifice and promoting digital rights activism in the 1980s and '90s. In sports, there's Paul Hacker, a professional golfer who won the U.S. Amateur Championship in 1932. Lastly, in music, there is Steve Hackett, a British musician, songwriter, and guitarist who was a member of Genesis from 1971 to 1977. These individuals represent diverse accomplishments under the shared surname of Hacker.

Genealogical research on the last name Hacker

The surname Hacker originated in Germany and is derived from the Middle High German word 'hacke,' meaning 'hack' or 'chop.' It was originally an occupational name for a woodcutter, forester, or charcoal burner. The name spread throughout Europe during medieval times due to German immigration waves. In England, the name began appearing in records during the 12th century. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Wilhelm Hack (a renowned German painter), and David Hacker (an American physicist who made significant contributions to the field of nuclear science). The Hacker family was also a prominent Jewish family that lived in Prague, Bohemia before they were expelled during the 15th century. Today, Hacker is ranked as the 2,674th most common surname worldwide, with the highest concentrations in Germany and Austria.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hacker"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 23 July 2025