Medieval Occupations and Titles

Tailor is a masculine occupational name derived from the profession of tailoring—creating and altering clothing. While traditionally used as a surname (often spelled Taylor), its use as a first name represents the modern trend of adopting occupational surnames as given names. The spelling variation with 'i' instead of 'y' gives the name a more literal connection to the craft while distinguishing it slightly from the more common Taylor, which has become popular for both boys and girls. Tailor evokes imagery of precision, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Though less common than Taylor as a first name, Tailor maintains the same approachable, unpretentious quality with a subtle twist in spelling that some parents might find appealing for its uniqueness while remaining familiar and easy to pronounce.

One of the hot two-syllable T names of the nineties (along with Tyler, Trevor, and Taylor), and well represented on soap operas; Tanner is still widely used, but its popularity is declining.

This early Scottish title -- known to us via Shakespeare's Macbeth -- has recently surfaced as a baby name possibility, familiar sounding through its similarity to names like Zane and Wayne.

Thatcher is an open and friendly freckle-faced surname, fresher sounding than Tyler or Taylor, that dates back to the days of thatched-roof cottages. It is catching on with modern parents—it reached the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2013.

Tiler is a masculine name derived from the occupational surname referring to someone who makes or lays tiles. This occupation-based name follows the tradition of surnames like Smith, Baker, or Mason becoming given names. Tiler has a straightforward, practical quality that conveys skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail. As a first name, Tiler emerged primarily in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century when occupational names gained popularity. The name offers a contemporary feel while maintaining connection to traditional naming practices. Though less common than similar occupational names like Tyler (which shares the same etymological roots but has different spelling), Tiler provides a distinctive variation with identical pronunciation. The name's brevity and familiar sounds make it easily recognizable while remaining somewhat uncommon in usage.

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

Turner is a name that's both preppy and painterly, recalling the exquisite watercolor seascapes of British painter J.M.W. Turner. An occupational name in the Taylor-Carter mold, Turner is a more distinctive choice than many of the usual suspects.

The presidential Tyler rocketed up popularity charts in the late 1980s and early 1990s (it ranked Number 9 for that entire decade), along with cousin Taylor, becoming almost pandemic across the land-- and to make matters more confusing, both (especially Taylor) have been used for girls as well.