“Medieval surnames such as Chandler, Mercator, and Draper reflect the importance of trade and commerce in medieval society. These names suggest a person involved in the production or distribution of goods, often across long distances.”
James Masschaele, Associate Professor of History at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and expert in medieval economic history.
Discovering the etymology of your name can help you better understand the history and cultural context of your ancestors. Read on to learn more about these medieval names related to a trade or profession.
“In medieval times, surnames often reflected a person’s occupation, such as Smith, Baker, or Carpenter. These occupational surnames were usually passed down from father to son.”
Maryanne Kowaleski, Professor of History at Fordham University and expert in medieval social and economic history.
The occupation of Smith is one of the oldest professions, dating back to medieval times. The Smith was an essential part of any medieval community and a vital link in the development of industry.
Smiths were skilled craftsmen who made and repaired tools, weapons, armour and other objects from metal. They had to have a strong knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and engineering in order to be successful in their trade.
Smiths were highly valued for their work and were often given prestigious titles such as Master Smith.
A Smith’s job was physically demanding, requiring strength, stamina and skill.
A Smith would also need to be knowledgeable in the use of various tools such as hammers, anvils, files and chisels. Smiths worked in workshops, where they could heat and shape metal pieces.
The smith would then put the pieces together using rivets and other techniques to create the desired object. The Smith was an essential part of any medieval economy, and was widely respected for their work.
Cooper is an occupational name of Medieval English origin. It derives from the word “cupa,” which means “barrel maker.” Coopers were responsible for creating and assembling barrels, tubs, and other vessels made of wooden staves held together by hoops.
The craft was vital to the transport of food, beer, and other supplies during the Medieval period. Coopers not only constructed barrels but also maintained and repaired them.
As well as being used to transport goods, barrels were also used in many industries including tanning and dyeing.
Coopers were highly respected craftsmen who had their own guilds. Today, the occupation is largely obsolete but can still be found in certain areas such as wine making.
“Medieval names such as Fletcher, Cooper, and Tanner often reflect the importance of craft production in medieval society. These names also suggest the use of animal hides and other raw materials in the production of goods.”
Pamela Nightingale, Emeritus Professor of Medieval Economic and Social History at the University of Sheffield.
The Tanner is a medieval job that specializes in the tanning of animal hides. This trade dates back to antiquity, and is still present in some parts of the world today.
The Tanner would treat animal hides with tannin and other chemicals to preserve them. They were often highly skilled, as they had to know how to choose the right type of hide for the job, how to apply the tanning process properly and how to repair any damage done to the leather during the process.
The name “Tanner” was derived from this job and was a common surname for someone who was involved in this trade. A famous example of a Tanner is Geoffrey Chaucer, the English poet and author of The Canterbury Tales. He was believed to have been born to a family of Tanners from London, England in 1343.
The name Fletcher is derived from the medieval trade of fletching arrows. Fletchers were highly skilled craftsmen who specialized in making and repairing arrows and bows.
They used a variety of materials, including wood, feathers, leather, and metal to craft these weapons. Fletchers were also responsible for ensuring that the arrows they crafted were aerodynamic and capable of flying straight and true.
Fletchers were important members of a medieval society because they supplied archers with weapons that could be used in warfare or hunting. In addition to crafting arrows, fletchers were also known for their expertise in maintaining and repairing bows. This meant that the weapons remained in good condition and ready for use whenever needed.
In many cases, fletchers passed down their skills from generation to generation. It was not uncommon for a father to pass down his skills and knowledge to his son. As such, fletchers became synonymous with family tradition.
The name Fletcher is still used today as a surname or first name and continues to be associated with arrow-making.
“Surnames such as Knight, Archer, and Bowman were common in medieval times and often indicated a person’s occupation as a soldier or member of the nobility. These names reflect the militarization of medieval society and the importance of martial virtues.”
John France, Emeritus Professor of History at Swansea University and expert in medieval military history.
Brewers have been a part of medieval society since ancient times. They are responsible for the production of beer, an important source of nutrition and entertainment in medieval times.
Brewers used various ingredients to make beer, including hops, malt, and yeast. Brewing was a very difficult job and brewers had to be careful to keep their brewing areas clean and sterile.
Brewers were respected members of the community and were often considered wise and knowledgeable people.
Webster is an Old English occupational surname derived from the trade of web-weaving. It was originally a term for a weaver, one who worked with fabric or thread to create intricate webs of cloth.
It is thought that the name may have derived from the use of a word similar to “web,” or “webbe” in the Anglo-Saxon language.
“In medieval Europe, there were a wide variety of occupational names, from the common (e.g. Baker, Weaver) to the more specialized (e.g. Furbisher, Spurrier). These names reflect the importance of craft and trade guilds in medieval society.”
Rachel Stone, Associate Professor of History at King’s College London and expert in medieval economic and social history.
The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the 13th century, when records show a man named Peter le Webster in Essex, England. By the 15th century, it had become a common occupational surname in Britain and other parts of Europe.
Today, the name is still associated with weaving and textiles but has also come to mean a person who deals with words and writing.
There are many famous bearers of the Webster surname, such as lexicographer Noah Webster (1758–1843), who wrote the first American dictionary, and John Webster (1580–1625), an English Jacobean dramatist.
The name Chaucer is derived from the medieval profession of a ‘chaucer’, which was an archaic term for a ‘shoemaker’. The name originated from the Old French verb ‘chaucier’, which meant ‘to cut’ or ‘to make shoes’.
The name Chaucer is a perfect example of how certain surnames can reflect the job and trade of the family’s ancestors.
In modern times, the name Chaucer is often associated with Geoffrey Chaucer, the English poet and author who is widely regarded as the greatest poet of the Middle Ages.
Born around 1343, Geoffrey Chaucer wrote many famous works including The Canterbury Tales and Troilus and Criseyde. Today, he is one of the most studied and celebrated authors of the Middle Ages.
The Chaucer surname continues to be used by many families throughout the world, reminding us of our rich medieval past and its influence on our present day society. Whether you are named Chaucer or not, take a moment to think about how your own surname might be related to your ancestor’s trade or profession!
The name Churchill is derived from the medieval trade of a blacksmith. The origin of the word comes from the Old English word ‘ceorl’, meaning ‘craftsman’.
During the Middle Ages, blacksmiths were highly skilled and respected artisans who worked with iron and steel to create weapons, tools, and armor. Blacksmiths also created many everyday items such as furniture, door hinges, tools, nails, and locks.
The name Churchill itself is derived from an Anglo-Saxon personal name ‘Ceorl-tuÌ‚n’, which translates to mean ‘the settlement of Ceorl’. It was quite common for craftspeople to be given names based on their profession or trade. Over time, the name Churchill came to refer to someone who was associated with the blacksmith trade.
As a surname, Churchill can be found in records dating back to the 13th century in England. It was a relatively common name, especially in areas where there were large numbers of blacksmiths. In modern times, Churchill is still a popular surname that can be found all over the world.
Today, the name Churchill has come to be associated with one of the most famous historical figures of all time – Winston Churchill. He was a British Prime Minister and wartime leader during World War II and is remembered as one of the greatest statesmen in history.
The thatcher was a common profession in medieval times. The job of a thatcher involved using materials such as straw and reeds to create roofs for homes and buildings. It required skill and experience to ensure the roof was properly constructed and secure from the elements.
Thatchers worked hard and were respected by their communities for the roofs they provided, as well as other services like repairing existing roofs and maintaining them. Thatchers were also sometimes hired to build fences and walls, providing additional security for landowners.
The name “Thatcher” is believed to have originated from a Germanic word meaning “roofer,” or someone who builds a roof. It has evolved into a surname, which is still quite common today. People with the name Thatcher may take pride in their heritage, knowing that they are descended from a skilled tradesman who provided important services to their community.