Revolt, Overthrow, and Take Back

  1. Sayer
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "woodcutter or reciter"
    • Description:

      One of the more subtle occupational surnames, Sayer is a pleasant, open, last-name-first name, particularly apt for a family of woodworkers -- or writers. Some parents are beginning to consider Sayer as a less popular alternative to Sawyer, which it may be a variation of, or a separate occupational name for someone who recited poetry and news, or even another occupational name an for assayer, who tested metals or tasted food.
  2. Serge
    • Origin:

      French variation of ancient Roman family name Sergius
    • Meaning:

      "servant"
    • Description:

      Old saints' and popes' name that went to France in the 1920s with the Russian Ballets Russes; in its Russian form, Sergei, it retains an artistic, almost effete air.
  3. Spencer
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "keeper of provisions"
    • Description:

      Yes, Spencer makes a plausible and powerful female choice these days, though still thought of as primarily for boys. Kelsey Grammer used it for his daughter in the 1980's. Spencer made its first appearance on the girls' Top 1000 in 2017.
  4. Stanton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "stony town"
    • Description:

      Seems to stand at attention and salute.
  5. Tanner
    • Ward
      • Origin:

        English occupational name
      • Meaning:

        "guard, watchman"
      • Description:

        Until recently Ward was, like Wally, a Cleaver name, but today's parents are seeing it as a cooler nickname for Edward than Eddie, and are also beginning to use it on its own.
    • Wolfshiem