Parker Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Parker come from? What does the surname Parker mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Parker and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Parker Origin: What does the last name Parker mean?
Parker is an English surname with a meaning rooted in Old French, signifying the occupation of a "keeper of the park." It was commonly used as a nickname for gamekeepers during medieval England. The surname Parker has a long history, dating back to the 12th century in the United Kingdom. By the 17th century, it had gained significant popularity in the United States, where it became the 47th most common surname by 1990. Today, Parker remains a prevalent surname in various countries, indicating its widespread adoption and enduring legacy.
YourRoots data reveals the extensive presence of the Parker surname globally, with records dating back to the early centuries. This surname has established a strong foothold in different regions, including the United States and the United Kingdom. As the surname Parker continues to evolve and thrive across various territories, it exemplifies a rich heritage associated with park-keeping and gamekeeping traditions, reflecting a diverse cultural background and historical significance.
Parker Last Name History: Where did the last name Parker come from?
Origin of Parker Surname: Where does the last name Parker originate from?
The earliest appearance of the surname Parker within the YourRoots database traces back to the United Kingdom in the early 12th century. This pertains only to the exact spelling of ‚Äö"Parker" in the YourRoots data and may not represent all possible variations or other sources of records.
History of the Last Name Parker: What does the Parker surname history look like in the early days?
The ‚Äö"Parker" surname initially showed up in the United Kingdom, with records increasing from the 12th to the 15th centuries. The surname subsequently started to grow in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom in the 17th century. The YourRoots data highlights the presence of Parker family records in other countries during this period, signifying the beginning of its global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Parker surname today?
By the 16th century, the Parker surname had begun to proliferate in the United States, eventually overtaking the United Kingdom by the 17th century. This trend continued through the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the ‚Äö"Parker" surname maintains a strong presence in the United States, as well as in other regions globally. The YourRoots database shows a high volume of records for this surname in many countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and various other global territories.
Explore Parker last name heritage and Parker surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Parker Surame?
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker (born Mar 25, 1965) is an American actress and producer known for her iconic role as Carrie Bradshaw in the HBO series "Sex and the City." She has won multiple awards, including Golden Globes and Emmys, and has appeared in various films like "Hocus Pocus" and "Mars Attacks!" Parker is also a fashion icon and runs her own production company, Pretty Matches. With a career spanning over five decades, she continues to captivate audiences with her talent and style.
Candace Parker
Candace Nicole Parker (April 19, 1986 - ) is an American former professional basketball player known as "Ace." She is widely considered one of the greatest WNBA players of all time. Parker was the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. Throughout her career, she played for multiple teams, winning championships with each. Parker's versatility on the court allowed her to excel in various positions. She also achieved numerous accolades, including two WNBA Most Valuable Player Awards, two Olympic gold medals, and the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. Post-retirement, Parker transitioned to a role as an analyst and commentator for TNT Sports before becoming the president of Adidas women's basketball.
Tony Parker
William Anthony Parker Jr. (born 17 May 1982) is a French-American former professional basketball player known for his successful career with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. Parker won four NBA championships with the Spurs and was named MVP of the 2007 NBA Finals. He is considered one of the greatest European players of all time and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023. Parker's skill and leadership on the court made him a key figure in the Spurs' success throughout the 2000s and 2010s. His legacy in the basketball world continues to be celebrated by fans and fellow athletes.
Mary-Louise Parker
Mary-Louise Parker (August 2, 1964 - ) is an American actress known for her diverse roles in film, television, and theater. She gained recognition for her Tony Award-nominated Broadway debut in "Prelude to a Kiss" and went on to star in popular films like "Fried Green Tomatoes," "The Client," and "Boys on the Side." Parker received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Harper Pitt in the HBO miniseries "Angels in America" and as Nancy Botwin in the hit series "Weeds." With multiple award wins and nominations, Parker continues to captivate audiences with her talent on stage and screen.
Nico Parker
Nico Thandiwe Parker (born Dec 9, 2004) is a British actress known for her roles in "Dumbo" (2019) and "The Last of Us" (2023). She comes from a talented family, with actress Thandiwe Newton as her mother and filmmaker Ol Parker as her father. Parker's performance in "The Last of Us" was praised by critics, and she has been named a 2023 Bright Young Thing by Tatler. At a young age, she has already won awards like the Breakthrough Performance Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and became Lancôme's youngest-ever Global Ambassador in 2024. Keep an eye out for this rising star in Hollywood!
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