National Baker Day – September 23, 2022, history significance why we celebrate
National Baker Day is celebrated annually on September 23. Baker is the last name of Old English origin, derived from the Middle English ‘bakere’ and the Old English’ baecere.’ It is also derived from the word ‘bacan,’ which means ‘to dry by heat,’ that is, ‘to bake.’
It originated before the eighth century and was primarily used as an occupational name for people who baked bread or bricks. During the Middle Ages, most households baked their bread, so the popular belief is that the name was used to refer to the owner of a communal oven, who was in charge of baking bread for a community or village.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL BAKER DAY
The last name Baker is of Old English origin and was formed from the words ‘bakere’ and ‘baecere’ in Middle English. Furthermore, it comes from the term ‘bacan,’ which means ‘to dry by heat’ or ‘to bake.’ It originated before the eighth century and was primarily used as an occupational name for people who baked bread or bricks.
During the Middle Ages, most households baked their bread, so the popular belief is that the name was used to refer to the owner of a communal oven, who was in charge of baking bread for a community or village. This position is considered to have been a hereditary feudal privilege. Alternatively, the name might have been given to those noted for baking particularly fine bread or to bakers of pottery and bricks.
Moving from England, the name spread to the neighboring countries of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. It also reached the English-speaking nations of the Americas and Oceania, where it is now standard. People who bear this last name have recently used D.N.A.
to trace their ancestry to the Scottish Clan MacMillan and other Celtic backgrounds. Different cultures possess similar variations, such as the German ‘Backer’ or ‘Becker,’ the Dutch ‘Bakker’ or ‘Backman,’ and the French’ Boulanger.’ In Scottish and Irish Gaelic, Baker is written as ‘Mac a’ Bhacstair.’
Baker is also a first name in the U.S., though the popularity level is low. Before 2018, it didn’t make the list of the 1,000 most popular male names. In 2018, it finally made the list, ranking at 712. This rank rose to 449 in 2021, with 678 births matching the name in that year.
NATIONAL BAKER DAY TIMELINE
Middle Ages
Baker Originates in England
Baker is used as an occupational name for bakers of bread or bricks.
2018
Baker Makes it to the Top 1,000
Baker makes the list of 1,000 most popular male names in the U.S., ranking 717.
2019
Baker Popularity Increases
Baker’s popularity as a male given name experiences a dramatic rise, shooting up to 473.
2021
Baker Peaks in Popularity
Baker reaches its highest popularity as a male name in the U.S.
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NATIONAL BAKER DAY ACTIVITIES
Celebrate a baker
Celebrate people who bear Baker as a first name or last name. Tell them some of the amazing facts you’ve learned about the origin of the name.
Discover your ancestry
Because of your last name, have you ever wondered where in the world your ancestors originated? Try tracing your D.N.A. to learn more about your ancestry.
Celebrate with others
Tell others about National Baker Day. Let them in on some interesting historical facts behind the occupational name.
5 FAMOUS PEOPLE NAMED BAKER
Dee Bradley Baker
Born August 31, 1962, Dee Bradley Baker is an American voice actor well-known for his work in popular series such as “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “Gravity Falls,” and “American Dad.”
Anita Baker
Born January 26, 1958, Anita Baker is an award-winning American singer and songwriter with eight Grammy awards.
Simon Baker
Born July 30, 1969, Simon Baker is an Australian actor and director, well-known for playing Nicholas Fallin in the TV series “The Guardian.”
Howard Baker
Born November 15, 1925, Howard Baker was an American diplomat and politician.
Brian Baker
Born February 25, 1965, Brian Baker is an American punk musician, best known for his position as a guitarist in the band Bad Religion.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL BAKER DAY
Baker is pedigreed
We love names with ancient origins and pedigree. Baker is a name that has been established for centuries, with historical facts proving it.
Baker is distinguished
Because of its pronunciation and pedigree, Baker is a name that sounds distinguished and respectable. It is a proper name in every respect.
Baker is double-edged
Another remarkable fact about Baker is that it can serve as both a first and last name. For those who love the name, Baker can serve as the perfect name for a male child.
