Baker Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Baker originates from the Old English word 'bæcere,' which means 'one who bakes.' It evolved through Middle English into its modern form and has been used as a surname since the medieval period. It is associated with the trade of baking, embodying traits of warmth and craftsmanship. There is no biblical background associated with the name. Today, Baker is a popular surname and occasionally used as a first name, linked to notable figures in various fields.
The name Baker is most popular in Oklahoma, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Baker has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Baker' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2328th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3029th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4028th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6561st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4022nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2708th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 623rd out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 21209th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3280th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Baker' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Baker"
Pronunciation
/ˈbeɪkər/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Baker originates from the Old English term 'bæcere,' which means 'one who bakes.' It was used to denote a profession, specifically someone who baked bread or other goods.
Meaning
one who bakes
Language Evolution
Old English: bæcere, Middle English: baker, Modern English: Baker
Historical Usage
The surname Baker became increasingly common in England during the medieval period as surnames began to be adopted based on occupations. It gained popularity particularly in urban areas where baking was a significant trade.
Variants & Derivatives
Bakers, Bakerly, Bake, Becker
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Baker is a common surname and occasionally used as a first name. It is often associated with warmth and craftsmanship, invoking images of homemade bread and baked goods.
Famous People
William Baker, American engineer and inventor, Jenna Baker, American television personality, Mickey Baker, American guitarist and songwriter
Explore More Baker Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Baker"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Baker"
"Baker" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2328th of 7545 | 197 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3029th of 6773 | 115 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4028th of 7552 | 69 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6561st of 10718 | 33 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4022nd of 16616 | 200 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2708th of 24088 | 635 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 623rd of 23106 | 5,326 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 21209th of 35406 | 34 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3280th of 30306 | 589 |
Regional Popularity of "Baker" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
67.60% 3511th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
33.79% 2471st/7313 |
41.81% 3120th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
11.92% 475th/3984 |
26.34% 1182nd/4487 |
7.70% 525th/6822 |
12.59% 790th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Baker" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
75.43% 3005th/3984 |
- |
35.24% 2404th/6822 |
74.49% 4675th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Baker"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Baker" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.