What's in a Name

weaver

Coming from the guilds of the Middle Ages, every occupation had a title. Many of the surnames today come from these, especially if your ancestry comes from the British Isles. Some are common and easily recognized. You may not be familiar with them all, but how many can you name? The first one is done for you as an example.

Made bread, tarts, etc. (Baker)
Built roofing, floors, paneling, furniture, etc.

Pulled teeth, did minor surgery, cut hair
Tended hedges and fields of grass cut for animals
Made arrows
Cut meats
Hauled the stone and wood to build a castle
Grew plants for food
Worker or maker
Secured and took care of the main doors
Crafted bows as a type of weapon
Made candles and sometimes soaps
Made parts of furniture, especially drawers
Cured animal hides and made leather
Made ales and strong drinks
Built strong structures, especially of stone
Made footwear
Made wooden spoons, bowls, or fancy furniture legs

Took care of parts of the household and some finances
A professional soldier
Supervised the household and great hall events
Ground grains into a powder
Prepared foods
Cared for the cellar and the bottles stored there

Baker, Carpenter, Hayward, Barber, Fletcher, Butcher, Carter, Farmer, Smith or Wright, Porter, Bowyer, Chandler (Candler), Joyner, Tanner, Brewer, Mason, Shoemaker, Turner, Chamberlain, Knight, Steward, Miller, Cook, Butler

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