Parker History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
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England
Ireland

Etymology of Parker

What does the name Parker mean?

The name Parker comes from one of the family having worked as a person who worked as the Parker, which was the individual who was the guardian of the park grounds. Some Parkers were employed by noblemen who held large estates that needed the grounds of the estate or castle maintained. 1

Early Origins of the Parker family

The surname Parker was first found in Somerset where Anschetil Parcher was listed as holding lands in the Domesday Book of 1086. 2 One reputable source claims the name was "descended from Norman le Parcar or Forester, who held from Queen Matilda in 1083. He appears to be the same as Norman Venator of Salop 1086. From him descended Hugh Parcarius of Devon, 13th century." 3

Another equally strong source claims that name to Thomas le Parker, temp. Edward III and the extinct Baronet family Parker of Ratton traced their lineage to the time of Edward I in Sussex. 4

"The church [of Willingdon in Sussex], principally in the early English style, contains portions in the decorated and later styles, with a square tower, and some interesting monuments to the Parker family. Henry Parker, who was secretary to Cromwell, and author of various tracts on religion and politics, was born at Ratton, in the parish." 5

The name quickly became widespread throughout Britain as see by one of the first rolls, the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 which lists: John Parcar in Dorset; Adam le Parker in Norfolk; and Peter le Parker in Yorkshire. 1

"A family called Parker have been established for centuries in Lancashire. Browsholme Hall, near Clitheroe, was first built by Richard le Parker in 1380, and is still the family seat." 6

"The Parkers, originally of North Molton, [Devon] acquired by their marriage with the heiress of Mayhew, temp. Elizabeth, the manor of Boringdon, and thenceforward made it their chief residence, until in 1712 they purchased Saltram, once the seat and residence of Sir James Bagge, the creature of Buckingham, and the ' bottomless bagge ' of the patriot Eliot. The Parkers were raised to the peerage in 1774, as Barons Boringdon ; and in 1815 advanced to be Viscounts Boringdon and Earls of Morley. Saltram House was rebuilt by them early in the last century, and was long reported the largest mansion in the county. " 7

Early History of the Parker family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Parker research. Another 251 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1380, 1443, 1451, 1504, 1575, 1595, 1608, 1617, 1619, 1640, 1643, 1648, 1651, 1659, 1660, 1666, 1667, 1670, 1673, 1675, 1677, 1679, 1681, 1685, 1688, 1692, 1697, 1719, 1732, 1752, 1764 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Parker History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Parker 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 Parker have been found, including: Parker, Parkers, Parkeres, Parkere and others.

Early Notables of the Parker family

Thomas Parker, High Sheriff of Herefordshire in 1443 and 1451
Matthew Parker (1504-1575), English prelate, Archbishop of Canterbury
William Parker (d. 1617), an English captain, privateer who sailed with Sir Francis Drake, Mayor of Plymouth
Thomas Parker (1595-1677) Calvinist minister, founder of Newbury, Massachusetts
George Parker (c 1619-1673), an English landowner and politician who sat in the House of Commons in 1659 and 1660
Samuel Parker (1640-1688), an English churchman, Archdeacon of Canterbury in 1670
Sir Philip Parker (died 1675), an English politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1640 to 1648
Alice Parker, a resident of Salem Town, Massachusetts, executed on September 22, 1692 during the Salem Witch Trials
John Parker (c.1651-c.1719), an English army officer and Jacobite conspirator
Sir Thomas Parker (ca. 1666-1732), 1st Earl of Macclesfield, English judge and politician
George Parker (1697-1764), 2nd Earl of Macclesfield, British astronomer, President of Royal Society (1752-1764)

Parker World Ranking

the United States, the name Parker is the 47^th most popular surname with an estimated 363,102 people with that name. 8 However, in Canada, the name Parker is ranked the 142^nd most popular surname with an estimated 23,220 people with that name. 9 And in France, the name Parker is the 4,047^th popular surname with an estimated 1,500 - 2,000 people with that name. 10 Australia ranks Parker as 63^rd with 35,151 people. 11 New Zealand ranks Parker as 51^st with 5,292 people. 12 The United Kingdom ranks Parker as 51^st with 79,089 people. 13 South Africa ranks Parker as 759^th with 9,132 people. 14

Migration of the Parker family to Ireland

Some of the Parker family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 114 words (8 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Parker 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. Among the first immigrants of the name Parker, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were :

Parker Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Mr. William Parker, aged 20, who arrived in Virginia in 1616 aboard the ship "Charles" 16
Mr. Robert Parker who arrived in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630 aboard the ship "Ambrose" as part of the Winthrop Fleet 17
Nicholas Parker, his wife Ann, their daughter Mary and son Nicholas, who settled in Roxbury Massachussetts in 1633 they sailed aboard the ship "Bird"
Rev. Thomas Parker, (1595-1677), an English nonconforming clergyman and a founder of Newbury, Massachusetts who arrived in New England in 1634 aboard the ship "Mary & John", cousin James Noyes 16
Mr. Nicholas Parker, aged 23, who arrived in Virginia aboard the ship "Paul" in 1635 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Parker Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Anne Parker, who landed in Virginia in 1701 18
Hellena Parker, who arrived in Virginia in 1701 18
Hannah Parker, who landed in Virginia in 1717 18
Alexander Parker, who landed in Virginia in 1730 18
Andrew Parker, who landed in America in 1798 18

Parker Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Catherine Parker, Irish settler who landed in New Jersey in 1811 aboard the ship "Protection" 18
Ezra Parker, who arrived in Maryland in 1811 18
Hugh Parker, who arrived in New York, NY in 1811 18
James Parker, who landed in Texas in 1830 18
Isaac G Parker, who landed in Texas in 1835 18
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Parker migration to Canada +

Parker Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Ms. Elizabeth Parker U.E. who settled in Belle Vue, Beaver Harbour, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1783 19
Mr. Ephraim Parker U.E. who settled in Belle Vue, Beaver Harbour, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1783 19
Mrs. Ann Parker U.E. who settled in Belle Vue, Beaver Harbour, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1783 19
Mr. Benjamin Parker U.E. who settled in Belle Vue, Beaver Harbour, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1783 19
Mr. John Parker U.E. who settled in Belle Vue, Beaver Harbour, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1783 19
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Parker Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

John Parker, aged 24, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Ugoni" from Belfast, Ireland
John Parker, aged 29, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Salus" in 1833
Mary Parker, aged 30, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Salus" in 1833
Sarah Parker, aged 18, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Salus" in 1833
Charlotte Parker, aged 24, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Salus" in 1833
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Parker migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet

Mr. George Parker, British settler convicted at Stafford, Staffordshire, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 15
Mr. Thomas Parker, British settler convicted at Gloucestershire, England in 1787, sentenced to Life for robbery, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 16

Second Fleet

Miss Eleanor Parker, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Mary Ann" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 16
Miss Mary Parker, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Third Fleet" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 16
Mr. John Parker, British settler convicted in Essex, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Atlantic" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 16

Third Fleet

Mr. John Parker, (b. 1761), aged 26, English settler convicted in London on 14th January 1784, sentenced for 7 years for highway robbery, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 16
Miss Elizabeth Parker, (1764 - 1788), aged 23, English settler convicted in Gloucester, Gloucestershire on 23rd March 1785, sentenced for 7 years for stealing clothing, transported aboard the ship "Charlotte" leaving on 13th May 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia on 22nd January 1788 16
Miss Mary Parker, (b. 1761), aged 26, English settler convicted in London on 26th April 1786, sentenced for 7 years for stealing clothing, transported aboard the ship "Lady Penrhyn" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 16
Mr. Charles Parker, British carpenter on the Navy support ship for the First Fleet the "HMS Sirius" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788
Mr. John Parker, British master at arms on the Navy support ship for the First Fleet the "HMS Sirius" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788

Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Parker Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century

Miss Elizabeth Parker, (b. 1764), aged 23, English convict who was convicted in Gloucester Assizes for 7 years for burglary, transported aboard the "Charlotte" on 13th May 1787, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, she died in 1788 20

Parker Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Miss Lydia Parker, (b. 1765), aged 35, English silkwinder who was convicted in Dorset, England for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, she died in 1838 21
Mr. Stephen Parker, (b. 1772), aged 31, British Convict who was convicted in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England for life for stealing, transported aboard the "Coromandel" on 4th December 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1822 22
Mr. William Parker, English convict who was convicted in Westminster, London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Duke of Portland" in January 1807, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 23
Miss Harriet Parker, English convict who was convicted in Somerset, England for 7 years for larceny, transported aboard the "Canada" in March 1810, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 24
Miss Mary Parker, English convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Canada" in March 1810, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 24
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Parker 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:

Parker Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

William Parker, aged 32, a brickmaker, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "London" in 1840
Harriett Parker, aged 32, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "London" in 1840
Samuel Parker, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Aurora" in 1840
William Parker, aged 23, a blacksmith, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Aurora" in 1840
Thomas Parker, aged 21, a carpenter, who arrived in Port Nicholson aboard the ship "Slains Castle" in 1841
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Parker migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 25

Parker Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. Charles Parker, aged 18 who arrived in St. Kitts (St Christopher) aboard the ship "Amity" in 1635 18
Mr. Samuel Parker, (b. 1619), aged 16, British settler traveling aboard the ship "John" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 26
Mr. William Parker, (b. 1618), aged 17, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Matthew" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 27
Charles Parker, who arrived in Jamaica in 1685

Contemporary Notables of the name Parker (post 1700) +

Bonnie Parker (1910-1934), American bank robber, half of Bonnie and Clyde
Ken Parker (1952-2025), American luthier known for his unique archtop guitars and the Parker Fly electric guitar which came out in 1993, founder of Parker Guitars
Willie David Parker (1945-2025), American professional football player, defensive tackle for four seasons with the Houston Oilers of the American Football League and National Football League, member of the Houston Texans/Shreveport Steamer of the World Football League
David Gene Parker (1951-2025), nicknamed "the Cobra", was an American professional baseball player, played in Major League Baseball as a right fielder (1973-1991), seven-time All-Star, won two National League batting titles, the 1978 National League Most Valuable Player, member of two World Series championship teams, winning with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1979 and the Oakland Athletics in 1989
"Big" Billy Frank Parker (1939-2025), American professional NFL football defensive lineman
Wade Scott Parker (1990-2013), American forest firefighter killed in the Yarnell Hill Fire, near Yarnell, Arizona, ignited by lightning on June 28, 2013; he was eulogized by Ben Hardy in the film Only the Brave (2017)
Ursula Parker (2003-2016), American actress from Spectral (2016) and violinist
Alice Parker (1925-2023), American composer, arranger, conductor and teacher who wrote five operas, eleven song-cycles, thirty-three cantatas, eleven works for chorus and orchestra, forty-seven choral suites, and more than forty hymns, best known for her collaboration with Robert Shaw
James D. Parker (1975-2023), American track and field athlete who specialized in the hammer throw at the 2004 Summer Olympics
... (Another 75 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Parker family +

Empress of Ireland

Miss Thirza Parker (1866-1914), Canadian Third Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 28
Mr. Harry Weir Parker, Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 29
Mrs. Mae Evelyn Parker (1889-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 30
Mr. Harvey Parker (1889-1917), Canadian resident from Owls Head, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 30
Mr. Gordon Parker (b. 1918), English Steward serving for the Royal Navy from Workington, Cumberland, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 30
... (Another 19 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Parker Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Fideli certa merces
Motto Translation: To the faithful there is reward

Sources +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Hanks, Patricia and Flavia Hodges, A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1988. Print. (ISBN 0-19-211592-8)
Worth, R.N., A History of Devonshire London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G., 1895. Digital
"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
http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
"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
"Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved January 6th 2023 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
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 of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/charlotte
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
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 28th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/duke-of-portland
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 9th December 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/canada
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/daphne
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's (Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . 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