Baker (surname)
Baker is a common surname of Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and Scotland where Gaelic was anglicized. From England the surname has spread to neighbouring countries such as Wales, Scotland and Ireland, and also to the English speaking areas of the Americas and Oceania where it is also common. The gaelic form of Baker in Scotland and Ireland is Mac a' Bhacstair. Some people with the surname have used DNA to trace their origins to Celtic countries and specifically to the Baxter sept of the Clan MacMillan in Scotland. It is an occupational name, which originated before the 8th century CE, from the name of the trade, baker. From the Middle English bakere and Old English bæcere, a derivation of bacan, meaning "to dry by heat". The bearer of this name may not only have been a baker of bread. The name was also used for others involved with baking in some way, including the owner of a communal oven in humbler communities. The female form of the name is Baxter, which is seen more in Scotland. The German form of the name is Bäcker. The name, Baker, appeared in many references, and from time to time, the surname was spelt Baker, Bakere and these changes in spelling frequently occurred within the family name. Scribes and church officials spelt the name as it sounded, and frequently the spelling changed even during the person's own lifetime. The family name Baker entered Britain with the Anglo-Saxons, who traditionally are said to have settled Britain from the 5th century CE, although Germanic communities were already well established in Britain long before this time. Notable people with the surname include: A A. J. Baker (1923–2017), Australian philosopher Aaron Baker (1620–1683), English colonial agent Ada Baker (1866 – 1949), Australian soprano, vaudeville star and singing teacher Adam J. Baker (1821–?), Canadian politician Adam Baker (footballer) (born 1993), English footballer Al Baker (magician) (1874–1951), American magician Al Baker (baseball) (1906–1982), American baseball player Alan Baker (disambiguation) Albert Baker (disambiguation) Alexander Baker (Jesuit) (1582–1638), English Jesuit Alexander Baker (MP) (1611–1685), English lawyer and politician Alf Baker (1898–1955), English footballer (Arsenal) Alfred Joseph Baker (1846–1900), played for England in England v Scotland representative matches (1870–1872) Alfred Baker (academic) (1848–1942), Canadian academic Alice Baker (veteran) (1898–2006), British World War I service veteran Alice Baker (set decorator), American set decorator Alison Baker (writer) (born 1953), American short story writer Alison Baker (racewalker) (born 1964), Canadian racewalker Allan Baker, Australian rapist and murderer Amanda Baker (born 1979), American actress Andrea Baker, American actress Anita Baker (born 1958), Grammy Award-winning American rhythm & blues singer-songwriter Ann Baker (1930–2017), American actress Anna P. Baker (1928–1985), Canadian visual artist Anne Elizabeth Baker (1786–1861), philologist and illustrator of Northampton, England Annie Baker (born 1981), American playwright Arnie Baker (born 1953), Canadian cyclist, coach and writer Art Arthur Baker (disambiguation) Ashley Baker (born 1990), English goalkeeper Augustine Baker (1575–1641), Welsh Benedictine monk and ascetical writer B Bart Baker American entertainer, singer, and comedian Ben or Benjamin Baker