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Last Name Parker

What is the origin of the last name Parker?

The last name "Parker" has English origins. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name "Peter," meaning "rock" or "stone" in Greek. Over time, "Peter" evolved into various forms across different regions, including "Parker" in England. The name initially served as an occupational surname for someone who was a park-keeper or guardian of a park or game reserve. It eventually became a hereditary surname passed down through generations. The surname Parker is relatively common in English-speaking countries.

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Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Parker

The ethnic identity associated with the surname "Parker" also underwent shifts during this time period, as shown by the Decennial U.S. Census data. The percentage of Parkers identifying as White declined from 71.49% in 2000 to 69.17% in 2010, while those identifying as Black increased slightly, from 24.09% to 24.79%. The proportion of Parkers identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander rose by 22.73%, albeit from a relatively small base of 0.44% to 0.54%. There was significant growth in the percentage of Parkers identifying as Hispanic - up from 1.46% in 2000 to 2.26% in 2010, an increase of 54.79%. Similarly, those identifying as two or more races rose from 1.67% to 2.35%, indicating a rise of 40.72%. The proportion of Parkers identifying as American Indian and Alaskan Native also saw a minor increase from 0.85% to 0.88%.

20002010Change
White71.49%69.17%-3.25%
Black24.09%24.79%2.91%
Two or More Races1.67%2.35%40.72%
Hispanic1.46%2.26%54.79%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0.85%0.88%3.53%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.44%0.54%22.73%

Parker ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Parker is British & Irish, which comprises 54.1% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (20.7%) and Eastern European (3.6%). Additional ancestries include Scandinavian, Nigerian, Italian, Ashkenazi Jewish, and Spanish & Portuguese.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWNCOMPOSITION
British & Irish54.1%
French & German20.7%
Eastern European3.6%
Other21.6%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Maternal Haplo Image

Learn more about the origin of the last name Parker

The meaning and origin of the last name Parker

The surname Parker is a prominent occupational name of English origin, derived from the Middle English term "parkere," meaning a keeper or guardian of a park. The word "park" originally referred to a large enclosed tract of land used for hunting purposes by a noble or landowner. Therefore, the surname Parker most likely originated as a byname for individuals who supervised or managed these parks. Over time, this occupational name gradually evolved into a hereditary surname and became more widespread throughout England. The Parkers were likely responsible for preserving the game within the park, as well as maintaining its boundaries and managing the overall welfare of the land and its inhabitants. Today, the surname Parker is one of the most common English surnames, both in England and various English-speaking countries around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Parker

The surname Parker is a relatively common English name with a wide geographical distribution across the globe. In the United States, the Parker name is most prevalent in the southern states, particularly in Texas and Florida. These states have a large number of individuals with the last name Parker due to historical migration patterns and settlement. Additionally, Parker is a common surname in England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire, Essex, and Sussex. The name also has a strong presence in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, countries with a significant English heritage. In recent years, the Parker name has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, including South Africa and Brazil. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Parker demonstrates its strong English origin and its dispersion to various English-speaking nations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Parker

The last name Parker has several variations and spellings, reflecting different historical origins and regional influences. Some common variations include Parkhurst, Parkman, Parks, and Parkes. These variations arose due to changes in pronunciation, accents, and dialects over time. Additionally, different cultures and languages have led to alternative transliterations of the name. In some instances, the "er" ending may be replaced with "ar" or "a" as in Parkar or Parke. Other variations could include "Parcher" or "Packer", which may have emerged as regional or occupational adaptations. The spelling of the name may also be influenced by migration patterns or historical events. For example, the spelling "Parker" could have been modified to "Parkar" or "Parkert" due to colonial or wartime encounters. With such diverse spellings and variations, it is evident that the name Parker is resilient and has adapted to numerous linguistic and cultural contexts.

Famous people with the last name Parker

Parker is a common last name that has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. Dorothy Parker, a renowned writer, poet, and critic, rose to prominence during the early to mid-20th century for her sharp wit and satirical writing. Another prominent figure with this surname is Charlie Parker, one of the most influential and innovative jazz musicians of the 20th century. Known for his exceptional skills as a saxophonist and improviser, Charlie Parker played a pivotal role in the development of bebop, a style that revolutionized jazz music. Sarah Jessica Parker, a versatile actress, gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of the iconic character Carrie Bradshaw in the television series "Sex and the City." She has since become a fashion icon and achieved success in both film and theater. These are just a few examples of the famous individuals who have made the name Parker synonymous with talent and achievement in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Parker

The surname Parker is of English origin and has multiple possible meanings and historical origins. It is derived from the Old French word "parque", meaning "game park" or "enclosure," suggesting that the name could have originally referred to someone who was responsible for guarding or managing a park or game reserve. Alternatively, Parker could also be an occupational name for a "park keeper". Another possibility is that the name could be locational, derived from various places called Parker or Parkhurst in England. The surname became prevalent in England during the Middle Ages and has since spread to other English-speaking countries. Notable bearers of the Parker surname throughout history include Dorothy Parker, an American poet, and Sir Matthew Parker, an influential English archbishop. Today, the Parker surname remains common and widespread, with many individuals continuing to pursue genealogical research to uncover their specific ancestral connections.

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