Contents [hide]

Baxter History Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

Ireland United States Canada Australia New Zealand

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Suggested Reading Citations

Baxter History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

The name is derived from the Old English "boecestre" which was a feminine form of the word "baker." 1 2 3 4

Early Origins of the Baxter family

The surname Baxter was first found in Devon where a Liueger se Bacestere was listed as an Old English Byname in 1093. Other early records include a Hannah Bakestre in the Chester Assize Rolls of 1260, and a William le Baxtere in the Suffolk Feet of Fines for 1333. 5

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 had two entries for the family with early spellings: Giliana le Bacster, Huntingdonshire; and John le Bakestere, Norfolk. Other early rolls proved the widespread use of the family's name: Writs of Parliament - Elias le Baxtere, 1302; Calendarium Inquisitionum Post Mortem - Bartholomew le Bakestere; Calendarium Rotulorum Originalium - Andrew le Bakester. The latter two entries showed the 'occupational' use of the name as in Bartholomew le Bakestere (Bartholomew the Baker.)

Later in Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls included Agnes Bakester and Cecilia Bakester, vidua. 6

Early History of the Baxter family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Baxter research. Another 43 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1615, 1650, 1691, 1723, 1732, 1781, 1782, 1784, 1810, 1813, 1821, 1827, 1854, 1858, 1871, 1875, 1877 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Baxter History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Baxter Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Baxter have been found, including Baxter, Bakster, Baxster, Baxstair, Baxstare and others.

Early Notables of the Baxter family

Distinguished members of the family include

Richard Baxter (1615-1691) English author and Puritan, the son of Richard Baxter, of Eaton-Constantine, near Shrewsbury, in Shropshire. His brother William Baxter (1650-1723), was a scholar, born in 1...
Thomas Baxter (1782-1821), the English China painter, of whom an account is given in 'A Century of Potting in the City of Worcester,' by R. W. Binns, 1877, was born in Worcester on 18 Feb. 1782. His f...
Robert Dudley Baxter (1827-1875), political writer, son of Robert Baxter, of the firm of Baxter & Co., parliamentary lawyers, Westminster, was born at Doncaster in 1827, and was privately educated unt...
; as well as John Baxter (1781-1858) English printer, the first to use an ink-roller, and publisher of "Baxter's Bible," as well as the first book of cricket rules
William Baxter (d. 1871), The English botanist, was appointed curator of the Oxford botanic garden in 1813, and retained the post until about 1854, when he was succeeded by his son, W. H. Baxter. (NBi...

Baxter World Ranking

In the United States, the name Baxter is the 566^th most popular surname with an estimated 52,227 people with that name. 7 However, in Canada, the name Baxter is ranked the 605^th most popular surname with an estimated 8,372 people with that name. 8 And in Australia, the name Baxter is the 267^th popular surname with an estimated 12,777 people with that name. 9 New Zealand ranks Baxter as 302^nd with 2,025 people. 10 The United Kingdom ranks Baxter as 220^th with 26,176 people. 11

Migration of the Baxter family to Ireland

Some of the Baxter family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Baxter migration to the United States +

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Baxter, or a variant listed above:

Baxter Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Gregory Baxter from Norfolk, who sailed from Isle of Wight arriving in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630 aboard the ship "Ambrose" as part of the Winthrop Fleet he went on to Roxbury. 12
Mr. John Baxter, who left England and arrived in Maryland in 1634 aboard the ship "Ark and Dove" 12
Robert Baxter, aged 21, British settler who landed in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Alice" 12
William Baxter, who landed in Virginia in 1636 12
Jane Baxter, who landed in Virginia in 1636 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Baxter Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Richard Baxter, who arrived in Virginia in 1703 12
Henry Baxter, a bonded passenger who arrived in Maryland in 1744
Barnaby Baxter, who settled in Maryland in 1774

Baxter Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Daniel Baxter, who arrived in Washington County, Pennsylvania in 1802 12
John, Baxter Jr., who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1808 12
Robert Baxter, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1808 12
George Baxter, who arrived in America in 1811 12
C Baxter, aged 26, who landed in Maryland in 1813 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Baxter migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Baxter Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

John Baxter, who landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1749
Mr. Elijah Baxter U.E. who settled in Norton, Kings County, New Brunswick c. 1783 he died in 1852 13
Mr. George Baxter U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1783 13
Mr. Joseph Baxter U.E. who settled in New Brunswick c. 1783 13
Capt. Simon Baxter U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1783 13
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Baxter Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Kennedy Baxter, who arrived in Canada in 1820
William Baxter, aged 28, who landed in Quebec in 1833
Mary Baxter, aged 18, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Protector" in 1834
William Baxter, aged 21, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Prudence" in 1838
J Baxter, who arrived in Victoria, British Columbia in 1862

Baxter migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Baxter Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Miss Sarah Baxter, (Brickell, Susannah), British Convict who was convicted in Chester, Cheshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Experiment" on 4th December 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14
Mr. William Baxter, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
Mr. John Baxter, English convict who was convicted in Bristol, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Baring" in December 1818, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
Mr. William Baxter, English convict who was convicted in Worcester, Worcestershire, England for life, transported aboard the "Baring" in December 1818, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
Mr. John Baxter, (b. 1802), aged 18, British Convict who was convicted in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Elizabeth" on 11th August 1820, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Baxter migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Baxter Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. Baxter, Australian settler travelling from Sydney aboard the ship "Earl Durham" arriving in Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand in 1841 17
Mr. William Baxter, British settler arriving as Detachment of the Royal New Zealand Fencibles travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Sir George Symour" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 26th November 1847 18
Mr. Jas. Baxter, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Nourmahal" arriving in Dunedin, Otaga, South Island, New Zealand on 5th May 1858 17
Mr. R. Baxter, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Palmyra" arriving in Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 19th February 1858 18
Mr. William Baxter, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Maori" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 3rd November 1859 17
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Baxter (post 1700) +

Irvin Lee Baxter Jr. (1945-2020), American Oneness Pentecostal minister, televangelist, author, and biblical scholar
William "Bucky" Baxter (1955-2020), American guitarist, known for having played in Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour during the 1990s
Irving Baxter (1876-1957), American two time gold and three time silver Olympic medalist for long, high and triple jump as well as pole vault
Meredith Baxter (b. 1947), American television actress
Warner Baxter (1889-1951), American actor
William Giles Baxter (1856-1888), English (American-born) cartoonist
Anne Baxter (1923-1985), American actor nominated for an Academy Award for her role in All About Eve
James Phinney Baxter III (1893-1975), American educator and Pulitzer Prize winning historian, president of Williams College (1937-1961)
John Baxter (1781-1858), English printer
George Baxter (1804-1867), English engraver and print maker
... (Another 13 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Baxter family +

Empress of Ireland

Mr. George R. Baxter (d. 1914), British Musician from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 19
Miss Annie May Baxter (1901-1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 20

Halifax Explosion

Ms. Jennie M. Baxter (1872-1917), Canadian resident from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 21

HMS Halsted

Mr. David Warnock Baxter (b. 1925), Scottish Royal Navy ordinary seaman from Ayrshire, Scotland was stationed aboard the "HMS Halsted" when it was struck by torpedo by Jaguar and Mowe of the Cherbourg coast on 11th June 1944, he did not survive

HMS Hood

Mr. John K Baxter (b. 1922), English Petty Officer serving for the Royal Navy from Leeds, Yorkshire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 22

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr. Thomas Baxter, British Stoker 1st Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 23

HMS Repulse

Mr. Sidney Baxter, British Able Bodied Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 24
Mr. Cyril Baxter, British Able Bodied Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 24
Mr. Arthur L Baxter, British Ordinary Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 24

North Sea Flood

Roseann Baxter, British worker aboard the ferry "Princess Victoria" killed in the North Sea Flood, a major storm surge in 1953

RMS Lusitania

Mr. William Baxter, Canadian 2nd Class passenger from Welland, Ontario, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 25
Master William Baxter, Canadian 2nd Class passenger from Welland, Ontario, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 25
Mrs. Annie E. Baxter, (née Ripley), Canadian 2nd Class passenger from Welland, Ontario, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 25

RMS Titanic

Mr. Harry Ross Baxter (d. 1912), aged 51, English Third Class Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 26
Mr. Thomas Ferguson Baxter (d. 1912), aged 48, English Linen Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking and was recovered by CS Mackay-Bennett 26
Mrs. Hélène Baxter, (née de Lanaudière-Chaput), aged 50, Canadian First Class passenger from Montreal, Quebec who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking escaping in life boat 6 26
Mr. Quigg Edmond Baxter (d. 1912), aged 24, Canadian First Class passenger from Montreal, Quebec who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 26

Citations +

Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Sims, Clifford Stanley The Origin and Signification of Scottish Surnames. 1862. Print.
Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
Barber, Henry, British Family Names London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1894. Print.
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 22nd March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/coromandel-and-experiment
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 3rd March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 16) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html