Seeing baby name trends evolve over the decades is an interesting part of our culture. While there are some names that have always held a place on the charts for their timeless qualities, many come in waves of popularity. We’ve come a long way—and gotten a lot more creative—from the days of Henry the 2nd, 3rd, 8th…you get the idea.
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There is beauty in every way people find their baby name inspiration—like taking names traditionally seen as surnames and using them as first names. Personally, I’ve considered going this route. This is because, while I am happy to follow the tradition of taking on a husband’s last name, I wouldn’t mind seeing my own last name—Hayden—live on, especially since there are no boys in my family.
Even those of us who don’t have this desire, or a surname that fits quite right as a first name, can consider surname baby names when it comes to finding the perfect titles for our little ones. Read on for 60+ of our favorite surname baby names for inspiration.
Our Favorite Surname Baby Names
Addison
We may quickly associate this as a first name for a little girl, but it was originally seen as a surname of British origin and means ‘son of Adam.’ We also love the pet name Addie that is often used with the title.
Ali
Suitable for either a boy or a girl is this snappy, but strong, name of Arabic origin means ‘elevated’ and ‘champion.’ We love that this name can also pay homage to American professional boxer and activist Muhammad Ali, who was certainly a celebrated champion.
Anderson
This title has become a more and more popular choice as a given name in recent years and we can see why—it’s pretty adorable for both boys and girls! With Greek and Scandinavian roots, the name unsurprisingly means ‘son of Andrew,’ and is one of the most popular surnames according to U.S. census data.
Anniston
If your first thought upon hearing this name is the celebrated actress Jennifer Anniston, you’re not alone. Not only do we love her, but we love this name that means ‘Ann’s town.’
Austen
Raise your hand if you’re a literary fan! This gender neutral moniker meaning ‘great’ or ‘magnificent’ brings to mind the Pride and Prejudice author, Jane Austen.
Beck
The reason for including this name is threefold. First, it’s a strong surname we simply love. Second, it’s nature-inspired with the meaning of ‘brook’ or ‘stream.’ And lastly, it’s music-inspired, reminding us of the American singer of the popular song “Loser.”
Bowie
Speaking of music-inspired names, we love this name meaning ‘blonde’ that reminds us of English singer-songwriter, David Bowie.
Campbell
Raise a little rhinestone cowboy with this name that brings to mind American country music singer Glen Campbell. The Scottish name means ‘crooked mouth.’
Carter
This title made its way into our society as a given name awhile back, but was originally seen as a surname with Irish, English, and Scottish roots. We’re reminded of the 39th American president, Jimmy Carter.
Chamberlain
Any fans of the famous YouTube star will recognize this name as the surname of Emma Chamberlain. We can also appreciate its Middle English roots and strong meaning of ‘chief officer of the household’—perfect for a little one who will be calling all the shots from now on!
Cole
An English surname reminiscent of charcoal is this snappy moniker that has made its way to becoming an admired chosen name.
Cooper
We’ve seen the surname in the media from American broadcaster Anderson Cooper of CNN’s 60 Minutes. The English name refers to a ‘barrel maker.’
Dempsey
Inspired by none other than beloved actor Patrick Dempsey is this Irish title meaning ‘proud.’
Dylan
Bob Dylan fans, unite! This one’s for you. We love this gender neutral option meaning ‘born from the ocean.’
Emerson
Raise a little warrior with this German name meaning ‘brave’ and ‘powerful.’
Everett
While we’re on the topic, consider this Old English name meaning ‘brave.’ We know a little one with this name will grow up ready to conquer their dreams.
Ford
Whether you feel more inspired by the American vehicle manufacturer or the celebrated actor, Harrison Ford, be sure to consider this title meaning ‘river crossing.’
Grant
Perfect for a little one coming from a family with some height in their genes, Grant means ‘tall’ and ‘big.’ It also has old Hollywood ties to actor Cary Grant.
Graham
A noble surname to be sure, it has English roots and means ‘gravelly homestead.’
Harlow
A name that exudes as much strength as Harlow is one we can get on board with. Meaning ‘army hill,’ a little one of this title is sure to have a confidence to be reckoned with. It also has ties to the distinguished American actress Jean Harlow and popular singer/rapper Jack Harlow.
Harper
Within the top 20 most popular baby girl names in the last decade, this British name meaning ‘harpist’ has certainly made a name for itself.
Harrison
For a little one following in the footsteps of a Harry, this title meaning ‘son of Harry’ may be the perfect choice.
Source: @paigechristensen
Hayden
Not to show any favoritism, but I happen to think my own last name is a great option for either a boy or a girl. With ties to nature, the English name means ‘hay field.’
Hudson
This moniker has English and German roots and refers to ‘son of Hudd.’
Hunter
Raise a little one who will never be afraid to pursue their dreams with this British name meaning ‘one who hunts’ or ‘pursuer.’
Jackson
With strong ties to music, this title meaning ‘son of Jack’ brings to mind Motown’s Jackson 5, singer-songwriter Janet Jackson, and country music star Alan Jackson.
James
A biblical name meaning ‘supplanter’ or ‘replacer,’ the title was traditionally seen as a masculine option but has since gained popularity for little girls as well.
Jameson
This edgy baby name choice can be inspired by the Irish whiskey brand and used for either a boy or a girl. As far as surname baby names go, this is one with a more literal connotation meaning ‘son of James.’
Jefferson
As one of the most distinguished titles on our list, we love this masculine option meaning ‘son of Jeffery.’
Johnson
As you likely guessed, this adorable gender-neutral Anglo-Norman title means ‘son of John.’
Jones
Also meaning ‘son of John’ and ‘God is gracious,’ Jones made a return to the top 1000 baby boy names in 2020. The last time Jones was on the list was in 1931, making it a first name choice that’s both unique and adorable.
Judd
As Naomi and Wynonna Judd would say, love can build a bridge—hopefully leading to the perfect baby name. This derivative of Jordan with Hebrew origins means ‘to flow down.’
Kai
Kai has roots throughout the world, one of our favorites is the Hawaiian meaning of ‘sea.’
Khalid
While music fans may quickly think of the American hip hop artist of the same title, we also happen to love that this Arabic name means ‘immortal’ and ‘everlasting,’ just like a parent’s love.
Kingsley
Perfect for the new king (or queen!) of the household is this English name meaning ‘king’s meadow.’
Lincoln
Trust us, this name doesn’t have to be paired with Abraham to raise a courageous and noble individual. Adorable for either a boy or a girl, the name holds the meaning of ‘pool/lake colony.’
Madison
We’ve likely seen this name used for little girls frequently enough that we forget it began as a surname meaning ‘son of Matthew.’
Mayer
Whether you’re a fan of musician John Mayer, or not, we must admit this is a great name. With a German origin, it means ‘farmer.’
Source: @trinitysierra
Miller
A great gender-neutral baby name that is slowly rising up the popular baby name charts. Meaning ‘one who grinds grain,’ Miller is also one of the most popular last names in the United States.
Mitchell
Millennials are uniquely familiar with this title as it was a fairly popular choice in the late 1980s and early ’90s. A variation of Michael, the English name means ‘who is like God.’
Monroe
Make Marylin proud by using her surname for your little icon. Though traditionally masculine, the Scottish and Irish Gaelic name meaning ‘mouth of the River Roe’ has become steadily more popular for little girls as well.
Oliveira
Meaning ‘olive grove,’ this lovely surname is brought to us by Portuguese and Galician roots.
Paisley
This sweet title has historically been chosen for both boys and girls and has the Scottish meaning of ‘church’ and ‘cemetery.’
Parker
Raise an outdoor enthusiast with this charming English title meaning ‘park keeper.’
Pearson
If you gave This Is Us a rewatch this year, you are likely familiar with the complicated but lovable Pearson family. Coming from the Greek name Piers, it holds the meaning of ‘rock.’
Porter
We couldn’t ‘gatekeep’ this adorable name any longer—holding this meaning, the title has French and English roots.
Presley
You ain’t nothin’ but a great surname baby name choice, that’s for sure! Bringing forth reminders of the King, Elvis Presley, the gender-neutral name means ‘from the priest’s meadow.’
Reagan
Because a newborn will rule your world, consider giving them this title defined as ‘little ruler.’
Reeves
Fans of films like John Wick or Matrix Resurrection will enjoy this name inspired by leading actor Keanu Reeves. The title of British origin means ‘steward.’
Reid
If you plan to welcome a little ‘redhead’ (or not!), consider this sharp English moniker.
Reyes
Because bringing home a newborn is like welcoming royalty into your home, consider this Spanish name meaning ‘kings’ or ‘royalty’ for the new ruler of the house.
Rhett
Country music fans will quickly equate this to the lovable “Die a Happy Man” singer Thomas Rhett. The Latin name means ‘to speak,’ and is a perfect option to foster a little one not afraid to speak their mind.
Riley
Raise a little one who is both courageous and determined with this Gaelic name meaning ‘valiant.’
Rockwell
Commemorate the determined women who stepped up to the plate to go to work during World War II by using this name associated with the artist behind the famous 1943 ‘Rosie the Riveter’ illustration, Norman Rockwell. The English name means ‘rock spring.’
Sawyer
Most names with occupational ties have had a long history and often began as a surname. This one is especially adorable for a little boy or girl and refers to ‘woodcutters.’
Smith
If we learned anything from the Sex and the City series, it’s that Smith makes a very cool name. As a mainstay most popular surname in the U.S., it refers to a ‘metalworker.’
Thompson
With ties to English and Aramaic roots, this sophisticated name means ‘son of Tom.’
Van
Many of us are familiar with (or have one of our own!) Dutch surnames that begin with Van. Commemorate the heritage with this title meaning ‘marshland.’
Walker
Whether they’ll grow up to become a Texas Ranger or not, this strong British title is a noble option meaning ‘to walk’ or ‘tread.’
Wagner
Raise a little craftsman or craftswoman with this unique German moniker meaning ‘wagon maker.’
Wells
Meaning ‘from the well,’ Wells as a first name cracked the list of the top 1000 most popular boy names in 2017—perhaps after viewers were introduced to loveable reality show contestant Wells Adams on Season 12 of The Bachelorette?
Williams
We’re all familiar with the classic name of William, but we also happen to love this unique French title meaning ‘son of William.’
Winslet
Kate Winslet-approved: this English name is sure to spark ‘joy’ when attached to an adorable newborn baby.
