Last Name Meaker

The surname "Meaker" is of English origin. It is an occupational name from the Middle Ages, derived from the Old English word "mæce," meaning "maid," and "weorc," meaning "work." The name would have originally been given to a person who worked as a maidservant or was employed in some way related to maids. In later years, it could also have referred to someone who made or repaired items associated with maids, such as clothing or tools.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meaker

The meaning and origin of the last name Meaker

The surname Meaker is of English origin, derived from various occupations related to metalworking. It is an anglicized form of several Germanic names that were originally occupation-based surnames, such as Makker (maker) or Metzger (butcher). Over time, these names evolved into different forms in different regions, with Meaker being one of the variants. The name's literal meaning is a craftsman who works with metal, reflecting its origins among blacksmiths, armorsmiths, and other metalworkers in medieval England. Like many surnames, it was often used as a way to identify a person's trade or profession within the community.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meaker

The surname Meaker is predominantly found in England and Wales, with the highest concentration in counties such as Gloucestershire, Devon, and Cornwall, which are in the southwest region of the United Kingdom. This suggests a potential origin from one or more towns or villages within these areas during the Middle Ages. Scattered instances of the name can also be found in other regions of England and Wales, but its frequency decreases significantly outside of the southwest. In addition to the British Isles, the Meaker surname has been traced to some extent in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, likely due to British immigration during the 19th and 20th centuries. The distribution pattern of the name Meaker generally reflects historical patterns of migration within the British Isles and subsequent emigration to other parts of the world, including North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meaker

The surname Meaker has various spellings and versions, which may include: Meakin, Mekan, Mekanic, Meaken, Meacock, and Meacan. These variations originate from different regions and time periods, often resulting from spelling changes over the centuries or regional dialects. For example, "Meakin" is most commonly found in England and Ireland, while "Mekan" might be more prevalent among certain immigrant communities. It's important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a relationship between individuals with different spellings of the name, as surnames often underwent changes due to factors such as clerical error, migration, or assimilation.

Famous people with the last name Meaker

The Meaker surname has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is David Meaker, an American artist and musician known for his contributions to electronic music, particularly in the genre of trip hop. He gained international fame as one half of the duo Portishead alongside Beth Gibbons. Another significant figure with the last name Meaker is Peter Meaker, a Canadian journalist and news anchor who has worked for CTV News and Global News. In academia, Kathryn Meeker, an American linguist, has made significant contributions to the field of second language acquisition. Lastly, Richard Meaker, a British engineer and inventor, developed the Meaker-Norton turbine engine in the early 20th century, which was used extensively during World War II. These individuals represent diverse achievements and contributions within their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Meaker

The surname Meaker is believed to have originated from the medieval English occupation of "maker," referring to someone who creates or constructs objects. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is John le Mekere, who appeared in the Hundred Rolls of 1273 in Cambridgeshire, England. Over subsequent centuries, variations such as Meacock, Meacham, and Meachem emerged due to spelling inconsistencies during the Middle Ages and early modern periods.

The Meaker family is thought to have spread from East Anglia into other regions of England over time. Some members migrated to the American colonies in the 17th century, establishing families primarily in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. Notable descendants include John Meacham, an early settler of Connecticut who served as a captain during King Philip's War (1675-1676), and Dr. Richard W. Meacham, a renowned physician and professor at Dartmouth Medical School in the 19th century.

Research on the genealogy of the Meaker family continues to uncover more connections and insights into their lineages across Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Meaker"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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