Thinking of a career change? The modern world is full of "marketing specialists" and "account reps," but history is brimming with career possibilities and the descriptive titles to go along with them.
Arkwright
The suffix "-wright" is an Old English word dating back to the 7th century, meaning to craft or build. Modern English has words like "playwright," but it applied to more than the theater in the past. An "arkwright" builds arks — not of the Noah variety, but wooden chests. Instead of suitcases and closets, "arks" were used for storage.
Redsmith
Another name defined by its suffix, "-smith" refers to hitting or striking — such as a blacksmith or goldsmith. A "redsmith" works with copper.
Knock knobbler
This quirky name was given to Elizabethan-era workers tasked with chasing unruly dogs and children out of churches. Even today, "dog catcher" has been phased out by "animal control."
Ewerer
The magic of the hot water heater has replaced this profession. Medieval ewerers were tasked with gathering hot water for bathing. Lords and ladies couldn't be expected to bathe with cold water, could they?
Chandler
Many modern last names come from the occupations your ancestors once held – like Miller or Baker. A "chandler" refers to a candlemaker, coming from the Old French word for candle, chandelle.
Computer
Before there was Watson, there were math geniuses working at NASA, with the job title of "computer." As depicted in the movie Hidden Figures, these number-computing roles were sometimes held by brilliant women.
Ornatrix
In Latin, ornare means to adorn. This Ancient Roman title refers to hairdressers, but the similarities with stylists of today are almost nonexistent. Poor ornatrices were up to their arms in curious styling tinctures and dyes made from rotten leeches, squid ink, pigeon poop, and more.
Necessary woman
All women are much more than simply necessary, but in the Middle Ages, this title signified a very specific utility. Necessary women were tasked with emptying the chamber pots (toilets) in a royal palace. On the upside, these essential workers had one of the higher-paid positions in the household.
Pinsetter
This somewhat backbreaking job was often filled by young men in the 1930s. They worked at bowling alleys, resetting pins every time they were knocked down. The job went by the wayside with the advent of the mechanical pinsetter.