Mercer is an attractive possibility which is an occupational name that doesn't sound like one. Mercer and its cool, sophisticated short form Merce project a super creative image via their artistic namesakes.

Johnny Mercer was a talented and charming songwriter-singer who wrote the lyrics for more than 1,500 songs, including Moon River. Jazz great Duke Ellington named his son Mercer, and he in turn became a respected musician in his own right. Stone Temple Pilot's Scott Weiland used Mercer as the middle name of his son Noah.

In the visual arts, Mercer Mayer is a prolific children's book writer and illustrator.

The short form Merce is associated with avant garde dancer/choreographer Merce Cunningham, born Mercier, whose name still resonates with an aura of bold originality.