Last Name Packer

The surname Packer is of English and German origin. It has various meanings and origins. In England, it can be a metonymic occupational name for a packer or porter, derived from Middle English 'pac(c)e' (meaning pack) or Old Norse 'pakr' (meaning box). In Germany, it can be an occupation name for a woodworker who made packsacks or a nickname for someone who was small or thin. As with many surnames, its exact origin can depend on the specific family and region from which it comes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Packer

The meaning and origin of the last name Packer

The surname Packer is of Old English origin, derived from an occupational name for a packer, which referred to someone who loaded and carried goods on their back or in a pack, often used by merchants, traders, or travelers. The term "pack" is derived from the Old English word "pacce," meaning a small bag or pack. In medieval Europe, occupational names were a common means of identification since many people had the same given name. The use of hereditary surnames became more widespread in the 12th and 13th centuries as governmental systems developed and people increasingly required a unique identity to manage legal and financial records. The Packer surname is also found in various spellings and variations, including Paker, Packe, and Pakeman, reflecting the regional dialects and scribes' practices during the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Packer

The surname Packer is predominantly found in Northern and Western Europe, particularly in England, Scotland, and Germany. Historically, it is believed to have originated from the Anglo-Saxon word "pacca" or "pakke," which means a bag or a container. In England, the name has been recorded since the 13th century. Today, a significant number of Packers can be found in the Midlands and North West regions due to historical migrations during the Industrial Revolution. The name has also spread across the Atlantic with many early immigrants settling in the United States, primarily in Pennsylvania, New York, and Wisconsin. Smaller numbers of Packer families can be traced in Australia, South Africa, and Canada, often as descendants of European settlers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Packer

The surname Packer can have several variations and spellings due to differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, and transcription errors over time. Some common variants include: Packar, Packe, Pakker, Pache, Pachor, Pakhur, Pacquer, and Pacquereau. These variations may occur when the name is transcribed or translated from different languages, or when it is anglicized. Additionally, there are regional variations such as Pack in some areas of England, while Pach or Pacz is found in certain regions of Hungary. The name Packer is of Germanic origin and is derived from 'packa' meaning 'back', or a protective covering, indicating someone who made or wore such items.

Famous people with the last name Packer

The Packer family is renowned for its significant contributions across various fields. Most notably, Adolf Coors "Colby" Packer was an American diplomat who served as Ambassador to Zaire from 1984 to 1987 during the Reagan administration. In the world of media and entertainment, Alan H. Packer is a prominent figure. He served as the Chief Operating Officer of News Corporation, the parent company of Fox Broadcasting Company and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, from 1992 to 2005. Meanwhile, in the realm of sports, the Packer family is synonymous with the Green Bay Packers, one of the National Football League's most successful franchises. The team was founded and is still partly owned by the Packer family, with Curly Lambeau, a member of the family through marriage, being its founder.

Genealogical research on the last name Packer

The surname Packer is of Old English origin, derived from the occupational name for a packer, someone who carried goods in a pack on their back. Early records show the name being spelled as Pacor, Paciore, and Paker during the Middle Ages in England. One of the earliest known bearers was Robert Paciore, recorded in the Norwich tax rolls of 1273.

The Packer family migrated to America in significant numbers during the 17th century, settling primarily in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. Notable Packers include William Packer, a signer of the Mayflower Compact, who arrived in Plymouth Colony with the Pilgrims in 1620. Another notable Packer is Benjamin Packer, a general in the American Revolutionary War, and an ancestor of U.S. President Zachary Taylor.

In modern times, the Packer family has produced prominent figures such as Charles Frederick Packer, a prominent businessman who was instrumental in the development of the meatpacking industry in Chicago during the late 19th century, and Alan M. Packer, an American academic and historian who specializes in ancient history. The name continues to be widely distributed across the United States, with concentrations in New England, the Midwest, and California.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Packer"
• 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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