OCCUPATION NAMES
- Carver
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"wood carver"Description:
Carver is an occupational name with an artistic bent, associated with wood carving predominantly, though it could also be linked to those who carve from stone, marble, ice, and pumpkins. More familiar that the equally arty Painter, but fresher than the 90s style Carter, Carver has received more interest in recent years.
- Baron
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"a lord of the realm"Description:
If you're going to choose a noble word name, why not aim higher and pick Duke, Prince...or King. The Donald Trumps picked the Barron spelling for their little princeling.
- Coleman
Origin:
English and IrishMeaning:
"little dove"Description:
The name of three hundred saints, a mustard, and your own baby boy. Coleman was off the US Top 1000 list for much of the 1960s and 1970s, but it was a mainstay before and has been for most years since. It could be an interesting way to honor a Colin or Cole.
- Bishop
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"senior member of the church"Description:
Occupation names and spiritual names are in style, so it's hardly surprising that Bishop has been making appearances in the Top 1000. Popular back in the late 19th and early 20th century, it reappeared in the charts in 2015. Given to 170 boys in a recent year, it tends to drop in and out of the Top 1000.
- Wright
Description:
Wright is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname referring to a craftsman or builder—specifically a woodworker or carpenter (from the Old English "wyrhta," meaning "worker"). As a first name, Wright carries strong traditional and artisanal connotations, suggesting skill, craftsmanship, and creation. It remains relatively uncommon as a given name, maintaining an air of distinction and uniqueness. The name has a strong, concise sound with its single syllable and consonant blend. Those named Wright might appreciate the name's connections to craftsmanship and its subtle suggestion that one can build or create their own path in life. Its surname-as-first-name style also reflects contemporary naming trends.
- Gypsy
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"wanderer"Description:
Gypsy, long associated with the intellectual stripper Gypsy Rose Lee and the musical that was made about her life, was used by Drea de Matteo and Shooter Jennings as the middle name of their daughter Alabama. Be aware, however, that the word gypsy is now considered an ethnic slur when used for the Romani, or Roma, people.
- Butler
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"chief manservant"Description:
An English occupational name and surname that brings to mind old, stately homes, black suits, and white gloves, Butler peaked back in 1919 when 30 boys were given the name. It hasn't appeared in the stats since the 90s and, despite the popularity of occupational names, that first syllable likely puts parents off using this one.
- Princess
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"princess"Description:
Part of the trend for formerly canine royal names; this is one a little girl might love—up till the age of eight.
- Page
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"page, attendant"Description:
Sleek and sophisticated single-syllable choice that has NEVER been in the Top 1000, though sister name Paige has ranked since the mid 1950s. Though off her peak, Paige is still in the Top 200. Along with Poppy, Patience, and Plum, Page is one of the girl names that start with P that are also words.
- Barker
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"tanner"Description:
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.
- Prince
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"chief, prince"Description:
Prince rose to its highest ranking in a century in 2015, and the tragic death of its most famous bearer in April 2016 propelled it even higher. The Purple Rain legend isn't its only tie to pop royalty: Michael Jackson chose it for not one but two of his sons. Royal names such as King and Prince, once thought of as canine, have begun to be used by human non-royals for their sons.
- Knight
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
" a mounted man-at-arms serving a feudal superior"Description:
Knight (as opposed to Night) is a name clad in shiny armor. This high-ranking word name was introduced by singers Kelis and Nas. Knight might join brothers King, Royal, and Noble in a new definition of royal baby names.
- Usher
Origin:
Yiddish variation of Asher or English surname from FrenchMeaning:
"blessed; doorkeeper"Description:
Strongly associated with the mega-popular single-named singer, who was actually the fourth Usher Raymond in his family. He could start a fad.
- Rider
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"horseman"Description:
Rider is a rock-and-roll baby name, in every sense of the term, though usually spelled Ryder, as in the sons of Kate Hudson and John Leguizamo.
- Bard
Origin:
Irish variation of Baird, ScottishMeaning:
"minstrel, poet"Description:
Great Irish middle name choice for Shakespeare lovers.
- Stewart
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"steward"Description:
This ancient royal Scottish name and its equally-correct spelling French variation Stuart had a brief vogue in midcentury America--it was Number 286 in 1955--dropped off the list completely in the nineties.
- Chaucer
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"maker of breeches"Description:
One of the most distinguished names in literature could become a hero name in a family of poetry-lovers -- or be seen as a trendy new occupational name.
- Baird
Origin:
Scottish occupational nameMeaning:
"minstrel, poet"Description:
Meaning bard, this is an original choice with poetic and melodic undertones. Bard itself has also come into consideration, both names bringing to mind Shakespeare and other literary lights.The Scottish surname Baird's most notable bearer was John Logie Baird, the Scottish engineer and inventor of the televisor, the world's first practical television system in 1926, and also the world's first fully electronic color TV tube two years later. Some might also remember puppeteers Bil and Cora Baird.
- Poet
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Poet is a new entry in both the trendy word and occupational categories as well as a member of the growing group of gender neutral names. A handful of baby boys received the name in the US last year. A perfect choice, especially in the middle, for the child of writers or those with a poetic bent. And Po is an adorable nickname for either gender.
- Packer
Description:
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.
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