Find out how popular the last name Warker is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Warker.

Warker, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Warker surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Warker in America

Warker is the 146011th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Warker surname appeared 104 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Warker.

The history of the last name Warker

The surname Warker is believed to have originated in England, likely during the medieval period. The name appears to have Anglo-Saxon roots and could be derived from an occupational or descriptive word. Early derivations may trace back to the Old English words "weorc" or "weorcan," which translate to "work" or "worker." This suggests that the surname Warker could have initially described someone involved in a particular trade or laborious activity.

In terms of geography, the name likely emerged in the English counties where Saxon influence was strong. The counties of East Anglia, Mercia, and Wessex are potential candidates, given their historical prominence and densely populated areas in medieval England. Variations in spelling were common in historical records, and Warker may have had several early forms, including Worker, Warkar, or Warker. These variations were typically a result of inconsistent spelling practices among scribes of the period.

One of the earliest historical references to the surname Warker can be found in the Assize Rolls of Yorkshire, dating back to the 13th century. Here, a Richard Warkar was recorded in 1257. This document provides one of the earliest known usages of the surname and indicates that individuals with this surname were active participants in society at the time.

The Warker surname also appears in the medieval poll tax records of England. One notable instance is John Warkar, listed in the Poll Tax of 1379 in the city of York. These medieval tax records provide critical insight into the distribution and economic status of families bearing the surname during the late 14th century.

Moving into the early modern period, the name Warker continued to appear in various historical documents. Matthew Warker, born in 1602 and died in 1669, was a recognized figure in the wool trade of Northamptonshire. This association with the wool industry supports the occupational theory behind the name's origin. His success in business allowed his family to rise in social status during the 17th century, contributing to the name's historical significance.

Another notable individual was Sir Thomas Warker, who served as a justice of the peace in Surrey in the early 18th century. He was born in 1678 and died in 1742, playing a significant role in local governance and law enforcement. His contributions to the community and his elevation to knighthood are documented in several legal histories of Surrey.

In the 19th century, the name continued to thrive, with George Warker (1785-1853) being a prominent industrialist in Birmingham. His enterprises in metalworking and manufacturing helped spur economic growth in the region during the Industrial Revolution, further cementing the surname's historical legacy.

Elizabeth Warker, another significant figure, was a well-known suffragette and social activist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1864 and passing in 1923, her efforts in advocating for women's rights and her active role in the suffrage movement were instrumental during a transformative period in British history.

The surname Warker, with its rich etymological background and historical significance, encapsulates an intriguing blend of linguistic, occupational, and social history. From its medieval origins in England to its presence in various historical records and notable figures, the name serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of familial lineage and societal contributions.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Warker

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Warker.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Warker was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Warker was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Warker, please contact us.

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