Occupational Names

A simple, self-possessed, somewhat serious surname, which might work better as a middle.

For 007 fans, a great middle name choice -- or even a first.

Whether pronounced like the wag of a tail or as the correct German VAHG-ner, this might be something a devoted opera buff could consider as a middle name.

One celebrity baby Pilot put this occupational choice into the pool -- together with the middle name Inspektor, something we wouldn't advise following.

New, fast, cool, and chosen by director Robert Rodriguez, whose other sons are Rebel, Rocket, and Rogue, all somewhat risky options.

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.

This traditionally male surname name could find new life for girls thanks to its similarity to the popular Abby and Abigail.

A new entry is the fashionable new occupational name category -- and a jolly job it must be -- with the added attraction of relating to the great early 20th century American artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler, of "Whistler's Mother" fame.

Conjures up a tweedy English country gentleman with a large paunch.

Dozier means a person who lives near the willows or reeds. It may be an occupational name referring to a basket maker.

The name Parson might have seemed ridiculous even a few years ago, but when Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe named their son Deacon, they opened up a whole new field of ecclesiastical cool. Bishop, Priest, and Pastor are other possibilities.

Surname of a fifteenth-century saint and a twenty-first-century quarterback, Brett Favre.

A German occupational surname deriving from the German word Bad, meaning "bath". Its most famous bearer in recent years has been (the notorious) RBG – former Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, making this a great feminist name or a nod to a lawyer in the family. Its simple, dynamic, er-ending sound fits right in with the likes of Hunter, Carter and Baker.

A not uncommon surname in Northern England that remains uncommon as a first name everywhere.

The fashionable occupational last name category gets some French flair with this, Tennessee Williams's middle name.

Sadler is another new entrant in the trendy occupational surname category, one particularly prime for a horse lover.

A bold word name choice for the intrepid baby namer who hopes her son will face the world with a sense of discovery.

With its slightly cocky feel, this well-used surname is not often heard as a first.

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

Barker may be appealing to parents looking for a name with many layers - not only does it share a meaning with the more common Shepherd and Tanner, it also brings to mind the bark of a tree, making this a surreptitious choice for nature enthusiasts.