Parker

Parker is a Middle English occupational surname meaning "keeper of the park" — from the Old French parcier, a gamekeeper or guardian of an enclosed area of land. It became a given name in the 20th century, particularly in North America, carrying the same outdoorsy, caretaking quality implied by its occupational roots.

Parker ranks #172 among America's most popular pet names, part of the ongoing trend of occupational surnames crossing over into pet-name territory. It has a crisp, modern quality that feels both active and approachable — the name of a companion who is always on the move, always engaged with what is happening, and always ready to cover whatever ground needs covering. Parker suits active, athletic companions with an energetic, purposeful way of moving through the world.