Names That Mean Son

Conjures up the military image of Fort Benning in Georgia — or the surname of actress Annette.

Fitz is the same as Mac or O' or even son -- it designates a name that originated as a patronymic.

Actor Pierce Brosnan made his sharp-sounding name famous, and now it's given to a couple dozen baby girls per year too.

Possible middle name to honor an ancestral Philip.

An interesting international possibility for a third son.

This can be a cool and unusual way to honor your family Robert, conjuring up memories of Robinson Crusoe and Swiss Family Robinson, as well as narrative poet Robinson Jeffers, born John Robinson, who shared his mother's middle name.

Appealing way, à la Dawson, to honor an ancestral Lawrence, given to a couple dozen baby girls per year in the US. Lawson is also an English pop rock band.

Patterson is an upscale name worth considering if you're looking to continue a line of Peters, but soundalike Paterson is a downscale city in New Jersey.

For Grandpa Vincent.

Variation of the very trendy Addison, perhaps lending itself more obviously to the nickname Addy.

Powerful surname choice with many distinguished bearers, fresher sounding than Parker.

Worldly name often heard in India, familiar here via the film Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.

While Carson and its spelling variations lean masculine, many parents still see the appeal of this surname name for girls each year.

Variation of Gorou.

Zeldin originated as a surname, designating the son of a Zelde, and feels like a fresh Jewish baby name for the 21st century.

Atkinson has never made it onto the American charts, although historical records provide evidence that it has been used as a given name before. Atkin is a Medieval nickname for Adam, making Atkinson a sneaky and unique way to honor an important Adam in your life.

Used as a first name for a handful of girls every year, Joplin could be seen as a distant cousin of other -lin names, like Caitlin, Brooklyn and Braelynn. We think it works even better as a musical middle name possibility for fans of Janis... or Scott. Both great connections — albeit very different from one another.

Uruguayan footballer Edinson Cavani gave his unique first name a boost following the 2022 World Cup.

Stylish surname way to go if you want to name a girl after a James, and is more substantial than the passé Jamie; it was chosen for their daughter by Chynna Phillips and Billy Baldwin.

Reilly and Riley are hugely popular, but O'Reilly is still an up-and-comer.