Christian Occupation Names

Dean may sound to some like a retro surfer boy name, but it is once again climbing up the popularity chart in the USA. For decades it was associated with Dean (born Dino) Martin; more recent representatives include Dean Cain, Dean McDermott and Dean Koontz -- not to mention Jared Padalecki's dreamy Dean Forester in Gilmore Girls.

Shepherd is an occupational surname with a pleasant pastoral feel. It was chosen for their son by the Jerry Seinfelds, which might inspire others to follow their lead.

This name was transposed from the word for a church officer to a baby name when Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe chose it for their son, after a baseball player ancestor, and Don Johnson followed suit. Its popularity also got a boost from Nashville character Deacon Claybourne -- only to fall a bit in recent years.

Reese Witherspoon's Deacon has opened this churchy direction for occupational names. It reentered the US Top 1000 in 2015.

A variant of the surname Cannon, or an English word name with several possible meanings. A canon is a clergyman, as well as a rule or law – especially within religious doctrine. In the arts, canon is also the name of the whole oeuvre or work of a particular writer or creator.

Saint as a descriptive word name was first chosen by rocker Pete Wentz for his younger son (baby brother is Bronx), and now Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have catapulted the name into the celebrity stratosphere by choosing it for their baby boy. The couple called their baby "Saint" throughout the pregnancy because his conception had been so difficult. Saint was named in our predictions for the top baby name trends of 2015, on descriptive word names which also include Royal and Noble, King and Rogue. Saint is moving beyond the group of names that are only celebrity baby names and into the general lexicon.

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.

Of the names derived from titles, this is one of the least obvious (unless you are of German extraction). Chancellor also has the attraction of offering the exciting - and very on-trend - nickname Chance.

Strongly associated with the mega-popular single-named singer, who was actually the fourth Usher Raymond in his family. He could start a fad.

Anyone who's seen "The Book of Mormon" or visited Utah knows this as the title taken by male Mormon missionaries during their term of service. We'd advise anyone who lives somewhere with any significant Mormon population to avoid it for that reason.

Prior is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'prior' meaning 'former' or 'previous.' It was traditionally used as an occupational surname for someone who held the position of prior, a high-ranking official in a medieval monastery, second only to the abbot. As a first name, Prior has been relatively uncommon throughout history, giving it a distinctive and somewhat aristocratic feel. The name carries connotations of leadership, wisdom, and spiritual dedication. In modern usage, Prior remains a rare choice for boys, appealing to parents looking for a name with historical depth and an understated elegance that stands apart from more common choices.

Abbot is a masculine name with English origins, derived from the Late Latin 'abbas' (from Aramaic 'abba,' meaning 'father'). Historically, an abbot is the male superior or head of a monastery, giving the name strong religious and leadership associations. As a surname, it was often occupational, indicating someone who worked at an abbey or served an abbot. Though never widely popular as a first name, Abbot has aristocratic and scholarly connotations that appeal to parents seeking a distinguished, traditional name with substance. It fits among surname-as-first-name trends while offering a less common alternative to popular Abbott variations. The name projects authority, wisdom, and a certain old-world dignity. Its historical depth provides meaningful connections to religious heritage and educational traditions, particularly in connection with monastic learning.

Pastor might be a brother for Parson and Deacon.

Sister is an old-timey nickname-name for girls, ranking in the Top 1000 as a proper name for girls until the beginning of the 20th century. But more often, Sister was used as a nickname in the truest sense of the word, not a short form ala Kathy but a nickname in the way that Chip and Bud are. Or maybe Junior is a more appropriate name analogy: Sister was sometimes the nickname given to the only girl in a family of boys, so literally a descriptive word name like Junior.

Chaplain is an uncommon masculine name derived from the occupational title of the same spelling. Historically, a chaplain is a clergy member who provides spiritual services in non-religious settings such as military units, hospitals, prisons, or educational institutions. The word traces back to the Latin 'capellanus,' originally referring to a keeper of St. Martin's cloak (capella). As a first name, Chaplain carries connotations of spiritual guidance, service, and moral authority. It follows the tradition of occupational surnames becoming first names, similar to names like Mason or Cooper. Parents choosing this distinctive name might appreciate its spiritual associations or have family connections to chaplaincy work.

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

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

Evangelista is a feminine name with Latin and Greek origins, derived from the word 'evangelium' meaning 'good news' or 'gospel.' It is traditionally associated with Christianity and the spreading of religious teachings. This elegant name has been used in various European cultures, particularly in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking countries. While not extremely common, Evangelista carries a sense of spiritual devotion and historical significance. It may appeal to families with strong religious backgrounds or those seeking a name with classical roots. The name has occasionally gained visibility through notable bearers such as supermodel Evangelista Torricelli.