You searched for: “aptonyms
aptonym (s) (noun), aptonyms (pl)
1. A personal name of an individual that aptly describes the occupation of that person, especially by happenstance: In was coincidence that Susan House got a job as a real estate agent, an aptonym which fit perfectly to being Mrs. House and to the job itself!

The term aptonym is used for "people whose names and occupations, workplaces, or situations have a close correspondence", according to Frank Nuessel in The Study of Names.
2. Etymology: term used for "people whose names and occupations or situations have a close correspondence".

A compound word that consists of the adjective apt, from Latin via Middle English meaning, "suitable", or "appropriate" + Greek -nym, "name".

Examples of aptonyms or aptronyms

  • Peter Hammer, a hardware store clerk
  • Nita House, a real estate agent
  • Dr. Barret Hyman, an obstetrician and gynecologist
  • Dr. Joseph C. Babey, a pediatrician
  • Thomas Edison, a General Electric employee
  • Ken Lawless, a police chief
  • Fred Couch, an upholsterer
  • Cathy Book, a bookstore clerk
  • Bob Counts, an accountant
  • Leonard Divine, a rabbi
  • Dr. Knapp, an anesthesiologist
  • Lawrence E. Lawhead, an attorney
  • Dr. Carey Parrett, a veterinarian
  • Jerry Frisk, a security guard
  • Joe B. Musselman, a body builder
  • James Splatter, a painter
  • George Wheeler, independent trucker
  • Sue Yoo, a lawyer
  • Will Wynn, former mayor of Austin, Texas (2003-2009)