Medieval Occupations and Titles

This musical choice fits right in with all the new hard-working Millers and Gardeners. It's also a Scottish demonym, referring to an inhabitant of the historic Scottish county of Fife.

Wheeler is one of the most energetic of the newly stylish occupational names, all those 'e's giving it a friendly, freewheeling sound.

Part of the trend for formerly canine royal names; this is one a little girl might love—up till the age of eight.

Bowman has a lot of winning ingredients: an occupational surname, a cool "Bo" sound, and an archery-related meaning. Given to around 40 boys in the US in a recent year, it could work as a rarer, but not outrageous, alternative to the likes of Bodhi, Beau, Bowen, and Brody.

Great Irish middle name choice for Shakespeare lovers.

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

Queen has seen a revival in recent times, reaching its record high in 2018 with 280 births — it has remained steady since then. Previously, Queen saw a peak in the 1920s, but its origins go back even further than that. Queen was a noted name among enslaved people in America, along with other royal choices such as Duke, Squire, and Prince.

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.

Falconer is one choice that has morphed rapidly from outlandish to possible, even attractive, thanks to the fashion for occupational names. And really, if Archer is getting popular and Miller seems normal, why not Falconer?

Steward is a masculine name derived from an occupational surname referring to an important household official or manager of an estate. It comes from the Old English 'stiweard,' combining 'stig' (house) and 'weard' (guardian). While Stewart and Stuart are more common as first names, Steward maintains the original spelling of the occupation. The name evokes qualities of responsibility, trustworthiness, and service—all attributes of the historical role. Steward has never been widely popular as a first name, remaining outside the top 1000 names in the U.S. This rarity gives it distinction while still being recognizable. The name carries a dignified, somewhat formal quality and connects its bearer to a long tradition of dependable management and care.

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

There are ordinary folk named Prince, Earl, and Duke, so why not this rank of nobility as well? Many spellings compete, the most common being Marquis, Marquise, and Marquez. Rapper 50 Cent chose the Marquise version for his son; David Caruso chose Marquez.

Possible Hayden alternative.

Shepherd is soaring in the charts, so why not Farmer? Perhaps because, unlike some of the occupation names that are so popular today, it is still an everyday word. Even so, if you're looking for a name that fits modern trends but no one else is using, Farmer could be the one.

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.

This occupational surname could find new life with those wishing to honor someone in their heritage who was connected to the tough-as-nails breed that was the pre-modern coal miner. Coll and Collie are some sweet nickname options to tone down the formality of this name.

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

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

A commanding word name that feels occupational like Miller, Palmer, and Shepherd, while also fitting in with ambitious choices like Legend, King, Major, Maverick, and Saint. Referring to someone who takes the lead and holds influence and responsibility, Captain has links to team sports, the military, seafaring, superheroes, and the police.

Nobility names like Duke and Count seem to be forming a minitrend: actor Danny Bonaduce named his son Count Dante Jean-Michel Valentino. Beat that. Or wait: don't.