Parker

Associated with an occupational surname meaning ‘park keeper’ in older English usage.

Parker is a given name that comes from an English surname and is now widely used for all genders in many places. Because it began as a surname, it often reads crisp and contemporary while still being familiar, and it fits modern patterns where surnames become first names. Historically, Parker is an occupational surname. In older English usage, it referred to someone responsible for a park, estate grounds, or a game preserve (often summarized as ‘park keeper’). Over time, the surname became a given name as surname-to-first-name usage grew in English-speaking cultures. Pronunciation in English is typically PAR-ker (two syllables). A practical tip is that the ‘-er’ ending can be less distinct in noisy settings, so emphasizing the first syllable helps it land clearly.

Etymology: From the English occupational surname Parker, historically used for someone responsible for a park or game preserve. Like many surname-based given names, it later became common as a first name.