Occupational Surnames
Occupational surnames are family names derived from the jobs or trades that individuals held in the past. These names often reflect the profession of an ancestor, such as Smith for a metalworker, Baker for someone who baked bread, or Fisher for a person who caught fish. Such surnames provide insight into the historical occupations that were common in a community.
These surnames can reveal information about social status and economic roles within society. For example, names like Miller or Carpenter indicate specific skills and trades that were essential for daily life. Over time, these occupational titles became hereditary, passing down through generations as family names.