The name Tucker is an English name with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It was originally derived from the Old English word "tucian," which means "to torment" or "to ill-treat." This word likely evolved into a surname for individuals who were involved in cloth-making or fulling, which was the process of thickening and compacting woven cloth.

In the 13th century, the name Tucker was commonly used as an occupational surname for those engaged in the cloth-making trade. It was during this time that the name began to be used as a given name as well, particularly in England and other parts of the British Isles.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tucker appears in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire, a medieval English record of financial transactions, where a man named Richard le Tucker was mentioned in the year 1275.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Tucker. One of the earliest was William Tucker (c. 1558-1624), an English clergyman and author who served as a canon of Salisbury Cathedral and published works on theology and religious matters.

In the late 18th century, St. George Tucker (1752-1827) was an influential American jurist, legal scholar, and prominent figure in the early history of the United States. He served as a judge on the Virginia Supreme Court and played a significant role in the development of American law.

Another famous Tucker was Benjamin Tucker (1854-1939), an American anarchist and philosopher who was a prominent figure in the individualist anarchist movement and a proponent of free-market capitalism.

The name also has literary connections, with one of the most well-known Tuckers being Preston Tucker (1903-1956), an American automobile entrepreneur and inventor who attempted to design and produce a revolutionary car known as the Tucker '48.

In the realm of sports, Trent Tucker (born 1966) was a successful Australian cricketer who played for the Australian national team in the 1980s and 1990s, representing his country in both Test and One Day International matches.