Updated October 2026
Single page list
English surname
"one who takes the top off; one who puts the top on"
Topper is seen as both a surname — referring to one who either takes the top off or puts it on, like a barber, thatcher, or a roofer — and a nickname. Famous contemporary bearers include Nicholas…
Cornish and Welsh place name and surname
"top of the heath"
Penrose – an ancient locational surname derived from several villages in Cornwall, Wales, and the Welsh border country of England – might work as a first name, although the "Rose" syllable might lead…
Penrose – an ancient place-name and surname derived from several villages in Cornwall, Wales, and the Welsh border country of England – would make for an even more unexpected alternative to quirky…
Irish, Gaelic
"fair top"
The name of the powerful king of fairies in Irish folklore, Finvarra is often presented as a benevolent figure, bringing successful harvests and offering up earthly rewards for humans. In some…
English word name
"pointed top of the mountain; highest point of achievement"
An ambitious geographical name, associated with mountains and success. In the UK, however, this is a slang term, meaning "bad, disappointing".
Hebrew
"treetop, top level, high up"
Also the name of a neighborhood in Tel Aviv, Tzamaret is a name of Hebrew origin, translating to "upper part" or "high up". It is also used to refer to treetops, making this a nature name.