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Parker

♀ Girl

Pronounced PAR-kur /ˈpɑːr.kər/High

Meaning: Keeper of the park; gamekeeper — from Middle English parkere, from Old French parc (enclosed land)High

In 30 seconds: The same Old French occupational surname as the male Parker, meaning 'keeper of the park,' Parker for girls is a modern American crossover name valued for its crisp, confident sound.
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Origin HighOld French, Middle English
MeaningKeeper of the park; gamekeeper — from Middle English parkere, from Old French parc (enclosed land)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 14,784

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201719702017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Parker is an English occupational surname from the Middle English parkere, meaning 'keeper of an enclosed park or hunting ground.' It has traditionally been a boys' name but has been adopted increasingly for girls.

Parker has become a popular girls' name in the 21st century as unisex surnames for girls gained acceptance. It is now used for girls at significant rates, appearing in the U.S. top 300 girls' names.

Did you know? Dorothy Parker (1893–1967), the American poet, short-story writer, and wit, is perhaps the most famous female Parker — and her sharp, fearless voice fits the name perfectly.

Variations

Parke

Nicknames

Park

Famous Bearers

  • ★Dorothy Parker (1893–1967)
    American writer, poet, and critic, famous for her sharp wit and membership of the Algonquin Round Table.

If you like Parker…

Harper— musical occupational surname now popular for girls with the same crisp feel
Piper— occupational surname with the same breezy modern girls' name appeal
Quinn— one-syllable Irish surname with the same confident modern feminine energy
Emerson— Germanic surname used for girls with the same modern literary charm

Frequently Asked

What does the name Parker mean?

Parker is an Old French occupational surname meaning 'keeper of the park' or 'gamekeeper,' from parc (enclosed park).

How do you pronounce Parker?

It is said PAR-kur /ˈpɑːr.kər/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Parker a boy or girl name?

Parker is listed here as a girl's name; it is also a popular boys' name (see Parker M).

How popular is Parker?

Parker has been rising as a girls' name in the U.S. and now ranks in the top 300 girls' names.