Hawker Family History

English (western England): occupational name for someone who trained hawks or engaged in the sport of hawking from Middle English hauker ‘falconer hawker’ (Old English hafocere). Hawking was a major medieval sport and the provision and training of hawks for a feudal lord was not an uncommon obligation in lieu of rent.

The right of any free man to keep hawks for his own use was conceded in Magna Carta though social status determined what kind of bird someone could keep, the kestrel being the lowest grade.