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Family Names Surnames are names that families share. They are passed down from generation to generation today, but this was not always the case. Last names were first used in Europe during the middle Ages. People only had first names, so if three men named John lived in your village, it could get very confusing! However, if one John was a baker, one was an archer, and one was a barrel maker, you could tell them apart by calling them by their profession. John the baker became John Baker, John the archer became John Archer, and John the barrel maker became John Cooper.
Does your family name come from a job your ancestors had long ago?
Last Name
Occupation
Origin
Bender
Bow Maker
This name comes from the Old English word 'bendbow,' for someone who makes bows for archery.
Cartwright
Cart Maker/Repairer
People named Cartwright were early transportation engineers.
Fletcher
Arrow Maker/Seller
Fletcher comes from the French word 'fleche,' which means arrow.
Mason
Stone Worker
Masons built brick and stone buildings such as castles.
Parker
Gamekeeper
Parkers took care of the woodlands and wildlife, much like a park ranger today.
Saddler
Saddle Maker
This person made saddles for horses.
Steward
Manager
The word 'steward' comes from Middle English and was the title of the person who managed someone else’s estate or home.
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