Occupational Names

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.

Lively, friendly surname that might appeal to basketball fans.

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

fuhgeddaboutit.

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

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.

An occupational surname that hasn't made the limelight like Carter, Baker, etc., but is equally stylish.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Daymond, with many different spellings most prominently Dayman, is an ancient English occupational surname and personal name, taken from the word deye which denotes someone who tended animals.

One occupational name unlikely to find a single taker.

A bold word name choice for the intrepid baby namer who hopes her son will face the world with a sense of discovery.