While you can’t guarantee who your child will be based on their name, choosing an occupational name might give them a boost in the right direction. If you’re looking for artsy vibes, scholarly impressions, or strong and driven builder names, we’ve got them all here.
Artsy and Creative Occupational Names
Poet
A name of English origins meaning “One who writes verse,” this gender-neutral name is a nod to creativity and whimsy.
Harper
Meaning “Harp player,” this is a musical English gender neutral name that skews toward the feminine. Famous Harpers include author Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird) and Harper Beckham, the daughter of David and Victoria Beckham.
Painter
This name means “One who paints” and is often a surname, but makes a great gender neutral artistic name.
Bard
This male English surname can mean “Bearded one,” but it is also known to refer to a poet.
Fletcher
Meaning “Arrow maker,” this male name refers to a traditional craft.
Potter
The male name Potter refers to a “Pot maker” or ceramic artist.
Carver
Meaning “Wood carver,” this male English name calls to mind detailed, intricate carvings. Famous Carvers include scientist George Washington Carver.
Singer
With the meaning “Person who sings,” this is an excellent gender neutral name for the musically inclined.
Taylor
Meaning “One who tailors clothes,” this gender-neutral name has become well-known thanks to celebrities like Taylor Swift, Taylor Lautner, and Elizabeth Taylor.
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Weaver
With the meaning “One who weaves cloth,” Weaver is a gender neutral name that brings to mind both textile artisans but also weavers of stories and legends.
Tucker
Another name pertaining to cloth, Tucker is a gender neutral, male-leaning name that means “Softener of cloth.” It stems from the old English word “tucian,” which meant “to torment” and referred to beating and trampling on cloth in water in order to soften it.
Chandler
Chandler is a gender neutral name meaning “Candle maker.” It was popularized by the character Chandler Bing on 90s sitcom hit Friends.
Fifer
Meaning “Flute player,” this gender neutral name is another lovely musical name.
Builder or Maker Occupational Names
Mason
An English male name meaning “Stone worker, brick layer,” Mason is a solid, classic occupational name.
Wright
Meaning “Carpenter, worker,” this male name is strong and industrious.
Carpenter
Meaning “Craftsman,” this gender neutral name brings to mind woodworkers and builders.
Smith
A common surname, Smith means “Blacksmith or other skilled worker.” As a first name (typically for males), it’s likely most known for the character Jerry “Smith” Jerrod from Sex and the City.
Turner
Typically a male name, Turner means “Lathe worker.”
Cooper
Meaning “Barrel maker,” this gender neutral name stems from the English. A common surname, it’s well known for celebrities like singer Alice Cooper, actor Gary Cooper, and news journalist Anderson Cooper.
Tanner
A strong gender neutral name, Tanner means “Leather worker.”
Sawyer
Meaning “Wood cutter,” this gender neutral name originated as an occupational surname for a woodsman or person who worked with a saw.
Thatcher
Thatcher is an English surname meaning “Roof maker” and is commonly used for males.
Archer
A male name meaning “Bowman” or “One who excels at archery,” Archer is well-known for the titular character of adult cartoon Archer. Alternatively, consider the name Bowman, which carries the same meaning.
Miller
Miller is a gender neutral name meaning “Mill worker.”
Brenner
Brenner is a gender-neutral name of German origins, meaning “Charcoal burner.”
Tyler
A gender neutral name that’s more commonly seen for boys, Tyler means “Tile maker.”
Slater
This gender neutral but male-leaning name means “Slate worker” and has origins in medieval English and French.
Nature-Related Occupational Names
Shepherd
This gender neutral name means “Sheep herder,” making it a nice nod to animal lovers, too.
Gardner
Meaning “Gardener,” this male name evokes working with the land and helping things grow.
Forrester
This male name means “Of the forest” and is an excellent choice for the nature-lover. Another forest-focused name is Foster, which means “Forest worker.”
Fisher
With the meaning “Fisherman,” this male name is connected to water and patience. It’s known for the actor Fisher Stevens.
Farmer
A gender neutral name meaning “One who farms,” this name began as an English surname like many other occupational names.
Hunter
This gender neutral name means “One who hunts,” giving it strong, independent vibes. Famous Hunters include actress Hunter Schafer (Euphoria).
Photo by Harald Krichel
Chase
If Hunter is too literal, consider the male name Chase, which means “Hunter.”
Glover
Another English surname and gender neutral given name, Glover means “Glove maker or merchant.”
Shannon
This gender neutral name may be seen more often on women and originates from the Gaelic name “O’Sionain” which was given to those worked with straw. It may also reference the Shannon, which is the longest river in Ireland.
Scholarly or Professional Occupational Names
Clark
Meaning “Clerk,” this male name is best known for actor Clark Gable and character Clark Kent, Superman’s alter-ego.
By Joe Shuster
Marshall
The male name Marshall means “Horse keeper,” but also sounds like marshal, an officer of the law.
Page
A gender neutral name meaning “Attendant,” Page calls to mind literary, historical, or political work. A more feminine version is Paige.
Abbott
Meaning “Head of a monastery,” this male name is also spelled Abbot. It’s best known for Bud Abbott of the comedy duo Abbott & Costello.
Dean
While Dean means “From the valley,” it’s also a title name referring to a head of an academic institution. That makes this male name a great occupational choice for those who love to learn. Famous Deans include actors Dean Cain, James Dean, and Dean Martin.
Spencer
This gender neutral name means “Butler, steward.” Spencers in pop culture include actor Spencer Tracy, reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, and character Spencer Hastings of Pretty Little Liars.
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Bishop
Primarily a male name, this English-originating moniker means “Overseer, guardian,” but is also a title name for a senior member of Christian clergy who oversees a diocese.
Deacon
Another name with ties to religion and piety, Deacon is a male name that means “Pastor.”
Themis
A Greek female name meaning “Law of nature,” the full meaning of Themis is “”Law of nature, or divine law, or that which is laid down.” In mythology, Themis is a Titan presiding over natural law and customs. This image is used to represent the legal field.
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Schuyler
A gender-neutral name of Dutch origin, this name means “Scholar.” It’s known for actress Schuyler Fisk and character Skyler White (Breaking Bad).
Photo by AMC
Merchant or Trade Occupational Names
Baker
This gender neutral name refers literally to the occupation of baker. Another slightly less literal name with the same meaning is Becker.
Cook
Referring to “cooking” or “a chef,” this gender neutral name is a common surname.
Butler
This male name means “The chief manservant of a home” and gives refined, dutiful vibes.
Parker
Gender neutral name Parker means “Park keeper” and evokes both nature and caretaking. Famous Parkers include actress Parker Posey.
Photo by Gage Skidmore
Porter
A gender neutral name that means “Door keeper,” a porter is also someone who carries luggage or other items.
Carter
Meaning “Driver of a cart,” this gender neutral name calls to mind service or the delivery of goods.
Sailor
A gender neutral name of German origin, Sailor means “Boat man” and is an occupational surname for a boat worker. It may also be spelled Saylor or Sayler.
Gage
The name Gage is an English male name meaning “Measurer.”
Krystin Morgan is a writer, career consultant, and talent acquisition professional living in Seattle, WA with her husband, daughter, and dog. She's been obsessed with names since childhood, when she spent hours with friends poring over baby name books to find the meaning of every name they could think of.
