Baxter is an English surname that is of Norman origin. It was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066 and was originally a nickname meaning "baker" or "maker of baked goods". The name is derived from the Old French word "bacun", which means "baked".
The surname Baxter has been recorded throughout history, with notable examples including Richard Baxter, an English Puritan divine who lived in the 17th century and was known for his prolific writing on religious topics. Another famous bearer of the name is Charles Baxter, a contemporary American novelist and short story writer.
While Baxter may have originated as a surname meaning "baker", it has also been used as a given name in recent times. It is often associated with the character of Baxter Harris from the popular television show "Breaking Bad".
Overall, the name Baxter has a rich history dating back to medieval England and has been carried by notable figures throughout the centuries. Whether used as a surname or given name, it is a unique and distinctive choice that carries a strong connection to English history.
The name Baxter has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Baxter varied from year to year, with an average of around 10 births per year between 1880 and 1930.
However, starting in the 1940s, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name. Between 1940 and 1970, the number of babies named Baxter consistently ranged from 15 to 30 per year. This period also saw some peaks in popularity, such as in 1964 with 27 births.
The 1980s marked a significant turning point for the name Baxter. After hovering around the low teens throughout most of the 1970s, the number of babies named Baxter suddenly jumped to 39 in 1989. This was followed by another increase in 1996, with 45 births.
The trend continued into the 21st century, with Baxter reaching new heights in popularity. Between 2000 and 2022, there were over 1,300 babies named Baxter in total, with a peak of 74 births in 2014. Even during the pandemic years, Baxter maintained its popularity, with 62 births in 2018 and 59 in 2016.
As of 2022, there have been a total of 3,954 babies named Baxter born in the United States since record-keeping began. This steady increase in popularity over the past century suggests that the name Baxter is here to stay as a popular choice among parents in the U.S.