Save Type Surname (from occupation) Usage English Pronounced Pron. /ˈpɑt.əɹ/(American English) /ˈpɒt.ə/(British English) [key·simplify] Meaning & History Occupational name for a potter, one who makes earthen vessels. This surname was used by J. K. Rowling for the hero in her Harry Potter series of books, first released in 1997. Categories craftsmanship, ends in -er, English nouns, English verbs, Harry Potter characters, illustrators, Kennedy family, The Dukes of Hazzard characters, tools, word names