occupational surname

An **occupational surname** is a type of family name derived from the profession or trade of an ancestor. These surnames often originated in medieval times when individuals were identified by their occupation, such as Smith (blacksmith), Baker, Carpenter, or Miller. Occupational surnames provide insight into historical livelihoods and social structures, and they remain common in many cultures today. Use this tag to categorize posts related to genealogy, surname origins, medieval professions, and historical naming conventions.