Save Type Surname (from occupation) Usage English Pronounced Pron. PAHT-ər [key·IPA] 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 ends in -er, Harry Potter characters, illustrators, Kennedy family, occupations, The Dukes of Hazzard characters, tools, word names