Best of… Occupational Baby Names

We’re just coming off of Labor Day weekend, a time when we recognize the contributions of American workers. While the purpose of the holiday has been largely overshadowed by backyard BBQs and online shopping, we’re looking to the origins of Labor Day for this work-inspired name list.

A subgroup of the ever-so-popular “last names as first names” trend is occupational baby names. These names, which were originally last names related to a person’s job, have become first-name mainstays among contemporary parents. Now, these names are being chosen more for their style than for their work associations, as many occupational baby names currently fall within the top 100 names in the US. But a baby name inspired by an occupation can also be a great way to honor a relative whose first name isn’t usable or to nod to a cherished profession.

There are so many occupational surnames that your baby-name options are practically endless! But we’ve done the hard work (😉) for you. Loaded with positive connotations of effort and perseverance, these are the occupational baby names your friends haven’t picked yet!

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Abbott

Abbott was originally an occupational surname for a priest, or for someone who worked for an abbot. Yet it doesn’t feel overtly religious to modern ears. It’s a name that seems much more familiar than it is. As a first name, Abbott has never been ranked in the US’s top 1000 baby names. 

Bauer

A German name meaning “farmer,” Bauer makes a great alternative to the more popular occupational baby names with an -er ending, like Hunter and Cooper. Its meaning lends it an outdoorsy feel, but it’s equally preppy to us.

Bell

Bell is such a simple beauty. The surname likely once described a bell-ringer or bellmaker. The name Belle, meaning “beautiful,” is much more commonly used as a first name, but we’re loving the “word name” occupation version right now. Bell without the “e” has a modern sleekness that feels decidedly different from the Belles and Bellas.

Booker

As avid readers, we’re really into Booker. Possibly once used to describe a book binder or scribe, the name’s strongest association is as the first name of the influential leader Booker T. Washington.

Cantrell 

Another surname related to bell making, Cantrell has so much potential as a first name. Musically-inclined parents will recognize namesakes Jerry Cantrell and Blu Cantrell in the name. 

Coleman

This last name might’ve been given to a gatherer or burner of charcoal, though its contemporary association in the US is likely to be the outdoor equipment brand. While Cole is a popular name (in or near the top 100 since the ‘90s), Coleman is much less used, making it a nice choice if you’re looking for a fuller form for Cole.

Collier

We love the idea of Collier as a unisex first name, especially with a solid, one-syllable last name (like makeup artist Collier Strong). Another coalminer-inspired choice, this name isn’t as obviously associated with the occupation or the black rock.

Draper

Thank you to the Mad Men character Don Draper for putting Draper in our ears. This surname meaning “cloth merchant” is uncommon as a first name. But Reese Witherspoon’s clothing line, Draper James, lets us imagine how it would work.

Farrar

An English name meaning “metalworker,” or “blacksmith,” Farrar has loads of untapped potential. We’ve never heard of a baby Farrar but we’d be eager to meet one. 

Keller

Keller is a sound sibling to Stella, Kellen, and Ellis, but the -er ending gives it added surname style. A German name meaning “cellar master,” Keller may also come from the Old English “kellere,” meaning hatmaker.

Lorimer

Meaning “harness maker” or “saddle maker,” Lorimer would make a great name choice for lovers of horses. It could also work as an updated honor name for a familial Lori, Lauren, or Laura.

Mercer

This name has such a fresh, cool sound, but it’ll never feel dated. Mercer is a French occupational name meaning “merchant.” And your young Mercer will be delighted to share a name with Little Critter author Mercer Mayer.

Parson

Teetering on the edge of too religious to use, Parson just might work as a first name. It’s more at home than ever as other -son names climb the charts. And if Deacon can work, why not Parson?

Pell

Meaning “dealer of furs,” Pell is a very unusual first name. We think this adds to its appeal! Famous Pells are American silent film actor Pell Trenton (male) and contemporary actor and producer Pell James (female).

Piper

A sweet, musical moniker, Piper has skyrocketed up the charts and is now settled comfortably in the top 100 baby names in the US. Though the name suggests its meaning (pipe player), its popularity has given it great versatility for any child, musically inclined or not. 

Poet

Language-loving parents may be charmed by this occupation name, which Soleil Moon Frye famously gave to her daughter. We like Poet best in the middle-name spot, especially when paired with a romantic, multisyllabic first name. Sonnet, Fable, and Story make nice literary alternatives.

Reeve

Reese is a favorite among Ava to Zeke readers, but let’s turn our attention to the similar surname Reeve, shall we? An occupation name meaning “bailiff,” Reeve is super handsome in its simplicity. And it’s a rare choice, so you won’t have to worry about other Reeves in your child’s social circle.

Sage

The herb is the first thing to come to our foodie minds. And this association lends Sage a botanical vibe. But sage also refers to a profoundly wise person, making it a  “smart” choice for parents who want to raise little thinkers.

Shepherd

These days, Shepherd feels far removed from its “sheep herder” origins. The name first came onto the US popularity charts as recently as 2016 (!) and has steadily risen since then. Parents who are fans of snappy nicknames names may also love its shortened form: Shep.

Thane

Thane is a Scottish name meaning “clan chieftain” that doesn’t read too much like a surname. Instead, it feels more like a new member of the Zane/Shane/Blaine crew.

Ward

This name meaning “guard, watchman” has powerful associations and is intuitive to pronounce and spell. We appreciate its strong simplicity as a stand-alone name or as an unexpected nickname for Edward.

Webb

Webb’s highest ranking (#568) was in 1880. Since then, it’s run under the radar. Once a surname for a weaver, it now has a vintage sophistication that’s perfect for today.

Wilder

A name with many origins, Wilder can mean “farmer,” “hunter,” or “traveler; foreigner.” Either way, the name feels rugged, adventurous, and carefree. And its -er ending puts a bit of prep into the mix.

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And those are our favorite occupational baby names. There are so many great options that we had to leave out others that we love (Cormac! Dexter! Wright!). 

What are your favorite work-inspired names? Let us know what we missed! And see our favorite last names as first names for more surname-style options.