
The English and Scottish name Walker started out as an occupational name and eventually became a common surname. Today, it's also a popular given name associated with everyone from presidents to famous authors and athletes. The name has a preppy vibe and sounds great with classic middle names like “Ryan” and “James.”
Meaning of the name Walker:
English: To walk
Scottish: To walk
Origin of the name Walker:
Walker is derived from the Old English word “wealcere,” which means “to walk.” It began as an occupational name and eventually became a surname.
Symbolism of the name Walker:
Because Walker means “to walk,” new parents may choose the name to symbolize the journey of life on which their baby is about to embark. Because it's a name associated with a couple of presidents, it could also symbolize leadership.

Style of the name Walker:
Traditional, Occupational Name, Surname as a Given Name
Gender of the name Walker:
Walker is a boy's baby name.
Pronunciation of the name Walker:
WAHL-ker
Number of syllables in the name Walker:
Two
Emotion evoked from the name Walker:
The baby name Walker evokes images of someone who is laid-back and kind.
Alternative spellings for the name Walker:
N/A
Nicknames for the name Walker:
- Wally
- Wallie
Popularity of the name Walker:
Walker was a top 1,000 baby name for boys until 1955, and it made a comeback in 1983. Since then, it's remained on the list and has become more popular than ever. In 2020, it ranked at number 206, according to the Social Security Administration.
Related names for the name Walker:
Great middle names for Walker and their meanings:
- Ryan (little king)
- James (supplanter)
- Hudson (son of Hugh)
- Marshall (horse keeper)
- Jacob (supplanter)
- Holden (from the hollow valley)
- Andrew (strong and manly)
- Matthew (gift from God)
- Elliot (the lord is my God)
- Owen (young warrior)
Famous people with the name Walker:
- Walker Bleakney (physicist)
- Walker Buehler (baseball player)
- Walker Carpenter (football player)
- Walker Edmiston (actor)
- Walker Evans (racecar driver)
- Walker Percy (author)
- Walker Russell Jr. (basketball player)
Walkers in popular culture:
- Walker Boh (character in the “Shannara” novels)
- Walker (character on the TV show “Danny Phantom”)
- Walker (character in the movie “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III”)