Short answer to the question: Why are they called Quakers?
The name 'Quaker' was .. alleged by
[George]
Fox to have originated with Gervase Bennet at Derby in 1650.
According to this account, the Justice [Bennet] used the word as a
riposte to Friends' injunctions to people to tremble at the word of
God.
Others .. were more willing to admit that it was the Quakers who
quaked, and others who did not. On that account it was an accurate
description of what actually happened in meeting.
Whichever is right,
the name quickly proved suitable and acceptable.
From John Punshon
Portrait in Grey:
a short history of the Quakers
Quaker Books 2006
