Surname Becker - Meaning and Origin

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Z. Becker

Becker: What does the surname Becker mean?

Becker is a German surname that originated from the Middle High German term "becke" that means 'baker'. The last name was traditionally an occupational surname bestowed upon individuals who were bakers by profession. This was common during the Middle Ages when surnames were derived from an individual's trade or profession. So, in essence, if someone had the surname "Becker", it indicated that they, or their ancestors, were likely involved in baking. It is a common surname in Germany and also prevalent in other countries with a significant German-speaking population like Austria, Switzerland, and beyond. However, like many surnames, it has also become popular in regions where emigrants have settled, including the United States. Essentially, the surname Becker means 'baker'.

Becker: Where does the name Becker come from?

The surname Becker is of German origin. It originates from the word "becken", meaning a bowl, but in the occupational context, it refers to a baker. The profession of a baker was an esteemed occupation in medieval Europe and this surname was given to individuals representing this profession. As such, the famous last name of Becker evolved during the early Middle Ages, where people were identified by their given name and their profession.

Nowadays, Becker is a common surname in Germany, United States, and Brazil. In Germany, its country of origin, it ranks among the most common last names. As a result of extensive German immigration during the 19th century, the last name is also widespread in the United States. Additionally, Brazil hosts a significant number of people named Becker, because of the German migrants who settled in the Southern part of the country during the 1800s and 1900s. Becker is also found, although less commonly, in many other parts of the world including Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, France, and Argentina among others.

Variations of the surname Becker

The surname Becker originates from Germany and is an occupational name for a baker. Variants of the surname Becker include, but are not limited to, Becher, Backer, Bekker, and Baecker. Other spelling variations might include Beckers, Beckher, Beeker, and Becke. Surnames that are possibly of the same origin include Bäcker and Pecar, which are derived from an occupation of baking as well. Becker might also have been anglicized to Baker in English-speaking countries.

Names that share the same meaning but from different languages include Fournier from French, Pekar from Czech, Panadero from Spanish, and Pasticcere from Italian.

There is also a Jewish (Ashkenazic) variant of Becker and a Dutch variant, both of which have potentially evolved into various spellings or amalgamations with other surnames over time due to migrations, translations, or other cultural changes. Each variation can provide insights into the geographic migration, historical events, and cultural transformations that have shaped this surname over centuries.

Famous people with the name Becker

• Boris Becker: German former world no. 1 professional tennis player and sports commentator
• Carl Becker: American historian of United States, China, and Japan
• Heinz Becker: German actor and comedian
• Heinz-Günter Becker: German football manager
• Karsten Becker: German physicist
• Maurice Becker: Russian-American illustrator
• Michael Becker: American academic
• Michael S. Becker: American computer scientist
• Walter Becker: American musician, songwriter, and record producer
• Jérôme Becker: French football defender
• John Becker: American television writer
• John E. Becker: American paleontologist
• Madeline Becker: German figure skater
• Paul F. Becker: American politician
• Robert Becker: American politician
• Sam Becker: American actor
• Susan Becker: American television producer
• Stephen Becker: American actor
• Timothy J. Becker: American judge
• Ulla Becker: German theatre, television and film actress

Other surnames

BeckeBeckelBeckelesBeckemeierBeckemeyerBeckenbauerBeckenerBeckenhaubBeckenhaubtBeckenhauptBeckenlechnerBeckenlehnerBeckerbauerBeckeringBeckerjürgenBeckerleBeckermannBeckersBeckersjürgenBeckerthBeckett