By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 47 pages
of 47
English occupational name
"beekeeper"
This occupational choice is less appealing than such brethren as Baker and Baxter.
English from French
"fair, handsome"
Could be a possible and more modern, namesake for Uncle Neal.
English
"from farm by a spring"
Although it connotes a sense of well-being, not likely to be a popular choice.
French
"russet-haired"
An old English redhead name -- one of the few that doesn't begin with the letter r -- with references both to a famous French knight and a magical horse. Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin is a…
"from the western brook"
Pompous and pretentious.
"from the western cottage"
If you find West not substantial enough, this would make a more solid path to it.
"fern clearing"
Actor Farley Granger set it in motion, now could be a gentler alternative to Harley.
"from the white ford"
Quintessentially, stylelessly preppy.
"blacksmith, metalworker"
Farrar has two separate origins: an occupational name meaning "smith", and a Scottish river name, from a Pictish word meaning "to wind". Barely ever recorded as a first name, Farrar is a blank slate…
"hair"
A rare place name and surname, with possible potential as an alternative to Jaxon. Famous wearers of the surname include biologist brothers Charles Edward and Walter Faxon, and composer Nancy Plummer…
"baker's meadow"
A more unusual, if slightly snooty, masculine Bailey alternative.
"farm near the willows; willow town"
Energetic Willoughby is a familiar last name, but, as yet, makes for a unique choice in the first spot. An unexpected way to get to popular short forms Will and Billy, Willoughby could make an…
"farm near the river"
Wharton is a rather stiff banker name that becomes creative as a middle name choice for lovers of the novels of writer Edith.
English, originally a nickname for a short person
Nothing but a hound dog.
"friend's farm"
This spelling of Winton has gotten considerable buzz via jazz musician Wynton Marsalis.
"friend's village"
Proper Bostonian.
"cottage near a stream"
One of many stuffy British W surnames that would subject an American boy to years of teasing before growing into it at age fifty.
"dweller at the white cliff"
Haitian-born rap superstar and humanitarian Wyclef ("Fugees") Jean has lent this name a powerful musical beat.
"battle stone"
Dignified first name of poet W. H. Auden, less exposed than his currently stylish surname.
English surname
"wood clearing"
Yardley is an English surname with a distinguished vibe, a la Chauncey and Clancy. Extremely rare for either sex, it would make a stand-out choice that still fits in with current trends.
