Surnames from Rank or Occupation

Robert E. Matheson
Special Report on Surnames in Ireland
1909
Chapter III | Start of chapter

2. Surnames from Rank or Occupation.—The following may be selected by way of illustration:—

Celtic Names

McGowan,

(Gobha—Irish—a Smith, son of the Smith).

Breheny,

(Breathamh—Irish—a Judge).

Cleary,

(Cleireach—Irish—a Clerk).

Ward,

(Bhard—Irish—a Bard).

Colgan,

(Colg—Irish—a sword, a Swordsman).

McCraith,

(Craith—Irish—to weave, son of the Weaver).

Davin,

(Daimh—Irish—a Poet).

McIntyre,

(Mac-an-t-Saoir—Irish— the son of the Workman).

English Names

Abbott.
Archer.
Baker.
Barber.
Bishop.
Butcher.
Butler.
Carpenter.
Chandler.
Clarke.
Cooke.
Cooper.
Deacon.
Draper.
Farmer.
Forrester.
Forster.
Fowler.
Fuller.
Gardiner.
Gardner.
Glover.
Harper.
Hunter.
Mason.
Mercer.
Naylor.
Page.
Porter.
Potter.
Prior.
Sexton.
Sheppard.
Smith.
Taylor.
Usher.