| ![Show Contents]() Oaker History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
England
Etymology of OakerWhat does the name Oaker mean? This surname was derived from the Saxon name "Acca" or from Castle, South or West Acre in Norfolk which literally meant "dweller by the plot of arable land," 1 or "newly cultivated land." 2 Alternatively the name "signifies the place of oaks, or oak—man; ac and ake being old terms for oak. Like oak, the first Acker might have been firm and unyielding in his disposition, or he might have used or sold acorns." 3 Today we get the name acre denoting a unit of land equal to 4,840 square yards. Early Origins of the Oaker familyThe surname Oaker was first found in Castle, South or West Acre in Norfolk, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Acre. 4 We must look to Sussex to find the first record of the family, for it is there that William del Acr was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1214. Later, London records show Adam de Acres in 1346. 1 Early History of the Oaker familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Oaker research. Another 51 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Oaker History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Oaker Spelling VariationsBefore English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Oaker include Acker, Ackers, Ackhurst, Ackerson, Acaster, Ackaster, Akaster, Akester and many more. Early Notables of the Oaker familyMore information is included under the topic Early Oaker Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Oaker familyA great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Henry Acker who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1732; Jacob and Michael Acker landed there in 1737; Louis Acker settled in New York State in 1820.
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: La liberte
Motto Translation: Liberty.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
- Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
- Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
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