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Home › Baby Names Directory › Parker

Parker

♂ Boy

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: An Old French occupational surname meaning 'keeper of the park,' Parker has a breezy American confidence that has made it a popular unisex given name, used primarily for boys.
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Origin HighOld French, Middle English
MeaningKeeper of the park; gamekeeper — from Middle English parkere, from Old French parc (enclosed land)
U.S. rank (2025)#102 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births3,477 boys (0.20% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2014
Total births (all-time)≈ 130,914

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201418802025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Parker is an English occupational surname from the Middle English parkere, itself from Old French parc (enclosed hunting ground). A parker was a person who managed an enclosed park or hunting preserve.

As a given name, Parker has risen in the United States in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, appearing in the top 250 boys' names. It is also used for girls but primarily remains a boys' name.

Did you know? Charlie Parker (1920–1955), nicknamed 'Bird,' was one of the pioneers of bebop jazz and one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

Variations

Parke

Nicknames

Park

Famous Bearers

  • ★Charlie Parker (1920–1955)
    American jazz saxophonist and composer, pioneer of bebop, nicknamed 'Bird.'

If you like Parker…

Hunter— Old English occupational surname with the same rugged outdoor character
Walker— Old English trade surname with the same brisk two-syllable American feel
Tucker— occupational textile surname with the same friendly American vibe
Cooper— barrel-making occupational name with the same strong classic appeal

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 used for both boys and girls but is primarily a boys' name in the United States.

How popular is Parker?

Parker has been a fixture of the U.S. boys' names charts in recent years.

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