Etymology

From Proto-Germanic *wakraz ‎(“awake, alert, lively, brave, fresh”), from Proto-Indo-European *weǵ- ‎(“to be awake, be fresh, be cheerful”). Cognate with Old Norse vakr ‎(“growing fresh, healthy, efficient”), Middle Dutch wacker ‎(“watchful, alert”), Middle High German wacker ‎(“awake, alert, lively, fresh”). More at wake.