Occupational Names

fuhgeddaboutit.

One occupational name unlikely to find a single taker.

Two completely different images come from its national pronunciations -- BOY-err or boy-AY -- the latter giving it an effete French accent.

Drover, an ancient occupational surname, is right in step with today's styles and would make a distinctive choice. Drover and brothers are fresh updates of such now-widely-used names as Carter and Cooper.

So tied to being Jacqueline Kennedy's maiden name that it's best saved for a girl.

Would be an obscure but winning entry in this category, except for its similarity to the word brassiere, which would certainly arouse unwanted attention in grade school.

A new entry is the fashionable new occupational name category -- and a jolly job it must be -- with the added attraction of relating to the great early 20th century American artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler, of "Whistler's Mother" fame.

Has a fresh occupational name feel, combined with old-fashioned Currier & Ives charm.

Only if it's a family name, and then, best in the middle.

The surname of the influential early Scottish inventor of logarithms could make an inspiring middle name choice for a mathematically inclined family.

The surname of humorist Ring is a new entry in the trendy occupational class -- but watch the lard.

This Irish surname-name certainly feels brighter and fresher than the English equivalent, Clark.

Unique name for the son of a woodworker.

Other occupational names would be more commonly accepted, though the Mad Men character has certainly brought it to the fore.

Dozier means a person who lives near the willows or reeds. It may be an occupational name referring to a basket maker.

Lively, friendly surname that might appeal to basketball fans.

Cooper would be a more engaging C-starting occupational choice.

Unusual, serious, no-nonsense occupational surname that could be borrowed from the boys.

Plummer might be an occupational name for someone who works with pipes -- yes, like a plumber -- or with feathers, from the Olde English (from the French) plume. Or it could indicate someone who lived near a plum tree.