By David Peel
You ever wonder where your last name came from? Actually, we’ve only had them for less than 1,000 years. You may recall that Biblical figures did not have last names at all.
John the baptizer. Saul of Tarsus. Jesus of Nazareth. Simon the Zealot. Mary of Magdala.
Imagine a medieval village, it may have had 10 males named James. Biblical names were used widely and repeatedly. With no last names, or “surnames,” the ever-growing list of James had to be described with other details.
-Occupation or trade was common:
James the collier (coal miner).
James the hooper (who made barrels).
James the miller (who ground flour).
James, the Parson’s servant. James the fletcher (made arrow shafts).
-Father’s Name:
James, son of Thomas.
James, John’s son.
James, son of the Faulkner (falconer).
James, son of Bartlett (lil’ Bart).
-Geography:
James of Hart’s Ford (a river crossing).
James from dunlap (a muddy hillside).
-Characteristics:
James the strong.
James the blount (blonde).
Some more occupational surnames are obvious e.g. Smith, Potter, Cooper, Mason, Tailor or Taylor, Spinner, Weaver (Webb), Webster (female weaver), Dyer (die-er), Thatcher, Tyler, Slater, Mercer (cloth-seller), Baker, Spicer, Cook, Kellogg (‘kill hog’ a pork butcher),
Fisher, Shepherd, Carter, Clarke, Inman, Skinner, Gardener, Fowler (caught birds). A Wheeler, Cartwright, or Wheelwright made wheels. A Sawyer sawed logs. Spurrier was a spur maker, while Tapper was a wine merchant. A Turner turned wood on a lathe. Stringfellow made strings for bows. Chapman and a hawker sold goods at markets. A Chamberlain looked after a noble’s private chambers. The name Spencer dispensed stored items. Parker ran the game park and a reeve was an official. Bailey is a corruption of bailiff, official. A Ward looked after things like Woodward. Coward is derived from cowherd, and a hog-ward who gave us Hoggart. Herding oxen, gave us Stoddard, as a stot was a young ox. The surname Yates came from a gatekeeper.
Names have always fascinated me. Reach out on social media and let me know about names you know about.
Peel seeks justice for those injured in tractor trailer and car accidents, medical malpractice, and disability. He often addresses churches, clubs and groups without charge. Peel may be reached through PeelLawFirm.com wherein other articles may be accessed.
