Last Name Laker

Learn more about the origin of the last name Laker

The meaning and origin of the last name Laker

The surname Laker is of English origin, derived from various places with the same name found throughout England. The earliest known record of the name dates back to the late Middle Ages, specifically in the year 1379, where it was recorded as "Leke" in Staffordshire, one of the regions with a historical place named Laker or Lake. Over time, variations of this name such as Leake, Lakes, and Laker emerged due to spelling inconsistencies during the medieval period. The surname Laker is thought to be associated with occupations related to lakes or water bodies, given that the name's root, "leac," means "lake" in Old English. However, it is also possible that the name originated from a person who lived near a lake or held property by one.

Geographical distribution of the last name Laker

The surname Laker is predominantly found in countries with a significant English-speaking population, reflecting its origins from Old Norse and Anglo-Saxon names. It is most common in England, particularly in the northern counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cumbria, where it was brought by Viking settlers or Anglo-Saxon invaders. Additionally, a substantial number of Lakers can be found in other English-speaking regions like Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. In the U.S., the highest concentrations are in states with early English settlements such as Virginia, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Ohio. The name's geographical distribution also extends to countries that were once under British rule, such as South Africa and India.

Variants and spellings of the last name Laker

The surname Laker has several variations and spellings, which may originate from different locations or be influenced by regional dialects and transcription errors over time. Here are some of these variations:

1. Laker: This is the most common spelling of the name, and it is of English origin. It could be a topographic surname for someone who lived near a lake or body of water, derived from the Middle English lac(e) 'lake'.
2. Lake: This variation is also commonly used and may have similar origins as Laker, but it is more prevalent in regions where the spelling conventions do not favor the "er" ending for such surnames.
3. Leake: A variant of both Laker and Lake, this form has been recorded in England since at least the 12th century and may have originated from a different dialect or transcription error.
4. Laiker: This spelling is less common but still valid, as it can be considered a variation of the original English surname with a slight alteration in pronunciation over time.
5. Lackere: A less common variant found among the Dutch, German, and Scandinavian populations, this form may have been introduced through migration or adaptation to different languages.
6. Lacquer: While not a typical surname, this spelling is worth mentioning as it could potentially be a misspelling or transcription error of Laker or Lake.

Famous people with the last name Laker

The Laker family has been associated with notable figures in various fields. Jerry Laker (born 1939), an American actor and comedian, is best known for his appearances on Broadway and off-Broadway shows, as well as sitcoms like "The Odd Couple." In the world of sports, Earvin "Magic" Johnson (born 1959) stands out. An American retired professional basketball player, he played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA for 13 seasons, earning multiple accolades including three MVP awards and a record-tying 10 NBA championships. Furthermore, Dr. Jacques Yves Leroy (1865-1942), a French zoologist, also shares the surname Laker. He was a pioneer in marine biology, particularly for his studies on echinoderms and starfish. Lastly, Peter Laker (born 1937), an English composer and conductor, is renowned for his works in classical music, including operas, ballets, and orchestral pieces.

Genealogical research on the last name Laker

The Laker surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from a geographical locality, either one of several places named "Lacra" in Norfolk and Suffolk or "La(c)re" in Lincolnshire. The first known record of the name dates back to 1190 when Walter de Lacare appeared in historical documents. Over the centuries, various spellings of the name have emerged due to changes in spelling rules and scribal errors, including Laker, Lacker, Lackar, and others. The name spread across England during the Middle Ages with significant populations found in Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire. During the 17th century, some Lakers emigrated to Ireland and later to North America, particularly New England, where they contributed to the development of early American society.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Laker"
• 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