The Derivation of English Occupational Surnames Quiz

Answer: A tanner of leather

The Middle English word "bark" meant to tan hides. This is believed to have originated in the stripping of bark from trees to use in the tanning process. The name is of ancient origin, stemming from the times before the Norman Conquest. Another potential occupational derivation is from the Old French "bercher" or shepherd, with barkers tending flocks as a result.

Answer: Merchant

There are several occupational-related meanings for chapman; however, all have something to do with buying and selling, and can encompass merchants, traders, businessmen, or peddlers. It is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin and is closely related to the German Kaufmann.

Answer: Making music

Crowther comes from the Middle English word "croude", a stringed instrument similar to a violin. The first recorded use of the surname stems from the 13th century.

Answer: A saddle tree maker

The name "foster" first appeared in England following the Norman Conquest in 1066, and is derived from the Old French "fustier/fustre", meaning a block of wood. Other possible occupational origins include a forester, or a crafter of metal implements called "forcetier", similar to modern-day shears.

Answer: A pilgrim to the holy land

The original derivation of the name came from the Old French word "palmer". Palmers were so named because they returned form the holy land bearing palm leaves. Later the word palmer came to mean missionary.

Answer: Steward (distributor of the king's possessions)

The first recorded use of the name Spencer comes from the Domesday book of 1086. Robert le Dispenser, the first known person to use the name, was a knight who likely arrived in England with the Norman Conquest. Over time the name was shortened and changed to Spencer.

Answer: Making or "turning", usually wooden, objects on a lathe

Turner is of Anglo-Norman derivation. Some other potential occupational-related meanings for the name may be one who turns the spit in a kitchen, a translator/interpreter or an official who organizes a tournament.

Answer: Kept the watch

A ward was an Old English term for a civil guard or keeper of the watch. There is also some speculation that ward stems from the Celtic word bard, and may have indicated a poet/musician as an ancestor.

Answer: A park keeper

There are two possible derivations for the surname Warner; one from Anglo-Norman-French meaning a keeper of parks/warrens, the other from Old German designating an army guard.

Answer: A weaver

Webster (and Webb) stem from the Anglo Saxon "wefan": to weave. The surname is believed to have a Flemish origin as well, where the term first applied to female weavers only.