Occupational Names

Eighties star Judge Reinhold (born Edward Jr. , he was given this nickname at the age of two weeks) made this possible, but it could cause a lot of confusion.

Woodsy names are fashionable for boys, as are surnames and occupational names, so Forester scores on all three. It can also be spelled Forrester.

Farrar has two separate origins: an occupational name meaning "smith", and a Scottish river name, from a Pictish word meaning "to wind". Barely ever recorded as a first name, Farrar is a blank slate that fits with the surname style that's popular today.

Only if it's a family name, and then, best in the middle.

If you're German and you love to fish -- then maybe.

More familiar from TV -- Rake, Leave It To Beaver -- than real life, and perhaps likely to stay that way, given the gruesome association with a butcher's knife. Cleaver was, for instance, the title of the violent mob movie Christopher wrote in the world of The Sopranos.

Packer is a masculine name that originated as an occupational surname for someone who packed goods or prepared items for transport. This name represents the growing trend of adopting traditional surnames as first names, appealing to parents seeking strong, distinctive options with historical connections. Packer has a sturdy, industrious quality that evokes images of reliability and practical skill. Though uncommon as a first name, it aligns with the popularity of other occupational names like Cooper, Mason, and Carter. The name may also appeal to sports enthusiasts familiar with American football's Green Bay Packers, adding a contemporary cultural association to this historically grounded name.

An extreme example of the newly possible ecclesiastical brotherhood that includes Deacon and Bishop. This one might work better in the middle spot.

Warden is a masculine English occupational name derived from Old Northern French and Middle English 'wardein,' meaning 'guardian' or 'keeper.' Historically, a warden was someone responsible for protecting or supervising something important, such as a game warden or prison warden. As a given name, Warden is extremely rare, appealing to parents drawn to unique names with strong, authoritative meanings. It evokes qualities of responsibility, protection, and leadership. The name has an air of seriousness and duty, making it distinctive in modern naming landscapes where occupation-based names have experienced occasional revivals. Its uncommon nature gives it a distinctive quality while maintaining recognizable English language roots.

Sargent, as in Kennedy brother-in-law Shriver, is the more familiar and usable form of this name.

Brander is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It could derive from Old Norse 'brandr' meaning 'sword' or 'fire,' or function as an occupational surname referring to someone who marked property with a branding iron. As a first name, Brander remains uncommon but carries strong, bold connotations. It has a contemporary sound despite ancient roots, fitting alongside modern names like Hunter or Ryder. The name projects strength and distinctiveness, with potential nicknames like Bran or Brand. Though rare in most English-speaking countries, it has seen occasional use in Scotland and Scandinavian regions. Brander appeals to parents seeking a masculine name that sounds established yet remains uncommon in most communities.

Unique name for the son of a woodworker.

No kid would want to be open to all those burger jokes.

With the new fashion for occupational names, we may hear more of this one.

An occupational name for the steward of an estate, but more people will know it as a word name from mathematics, meaning an important component. The rapper Graham Murawsky thought it was cool enough to use as his stage name.

This name's all-male occupational roots help it break the Barbara bonds, but still not the most inspiring surname choice.

Cowboyish occupational name that's one of the hottest choices below the Top 1000, increasing in rank more than 5000 places since the year 2000. Roper may not be a unique choice much longer.

Plummer might be an occupational name for someone who works with pipes -- yes, like a plumber -- or with feathers, from the Olde English (from the French) plume. Or it could indicate someone who lived near a plum tree.

Chaplin carries two very distinctive images: the beloved Little Tramp and a minister, often to the military. It was the baby-name choice of Ever Carridine in 2010.

Male name from Irish mythology makes stylish-sounding choice for girls.