Names That Mean Son

A nickname style name, Neely could derive from the strong, elegant Cornelius, as an elaboration of Neal or Neil, or as a variation of the Scottish surname McNeilly, with the cool meaning "son of the poet". 

Neely

French version of the oft-overlooked biblical name Bartholomew.

Barthélémy

A surname-style name that, in theory, would be a cool alternative to Mason, however, in theory is the key phrase here. Manson will forever be associated with Charles Manson, cult leader of 'The Manson Family', who responsible for several violent murders in the 60s.
 
The Scottish variation of Magnusson, the name literally means "son of Magnus" or more figuratively, "son of the great". You may be surprised to learn that it remains quietly in use in the US, given to a small handful of boys most years.

Manson

Dickinson is a possibility for Richard's boy, though that Dick nickname is problematic no matter how you get to it. 

Dickinson

A case in which the son is now more attractive than the father. There have been Colonial settlers surnamed Dennison on this side of the Atlantic since 1623. 


Dennison

MacKay is the Anglicized form of Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh" in Gaelic. Aodh is the origin of names such as Aidan and Hugh, making McKay a subtle way to honor people with those names. It could also work as an alternative for of Mackayla, derived from Michael, or to honor a Kay. 

Mackay

If you're looking for an Irish last name that moves beyond Casey and Cassidy, this one is pleasant sounding and worth considering. Kavanaugh, which can also be spelled Cavanagh, Cavenagh, Kavanagh, and Cavanaugh, is one of the few traditional Irish surnames not to start with Mc or O'.  Kavanagh relates to the name first Kevin or Caomhan.  Early kings of Leinster bore the name Kavanaugh.

Kavanaugh

Kavanagh, which can also be spelled Cavanagh, Cavenagh, Kavanaugh, and Cavanaugh, is one of the few traditional Irish surnames not to start with Mc or O'.  Kavanagh relates to the name first Kevin or Caomhan.  Early kings of Leinster bore the name Kavanagh.

Kavanagh

Similar in style to Easton, Stetson, Jaxson, and Weston, Texson is a contemporary choice with a rugged, cowboy vibe. Pronounced very much like the descriptor of someone from Texas, the name may be interpreted as simply meaning "son of the Texan", making it ideal for someone very proud of their home state. 
 
Alternatively, if you look to the meaning of Texas, it comes from the indigenous language of Caddo, via the Spanish Tejas, and ultimately means "allies, friends". As such, Texson could mean "friend's son" or "son of the ally", which may broaden its appeal.
 
The name was chosen by singer Shane McAnally and his husband Michael Baum in 2025, who selected it to honor McAnally's Texan roots. Yet to make the US stats, Texson could gain some traction in coming years thanks to its on trend sounds.

Texson

Good way to honor Scandinavian roots, or an ancestor named Carl or Charles. 

Carlsen

MacKay is the Anglicized form of Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh" in Gaelic. Aodh is the origin of names such as Aidan and Hugh, making McKay a subtle way to honor people with those names. It could also work as an alternative for of Mackayla, derived from Michael, or to honor a Kay.

In Greek mythology, Lykidas was the name of a centaur, however, in its Latin form, it is associated with the 17th century pastoral poem by John Milton who wrote, written in memory of his friend, Edward King. The name combines the name Lykos meaning "wolf" with a patronymic suffix, so it translates to "son of Lykos" or "son of the wolf". It could appeal to those who like a literary or animal reference in a name.

Lycidas

Stylized as McLane and sometimes spelled as McLain and McLean, this occupational surname has potential as a given name. With the familiar sounds of popular Lane and Laney, the cool 'Mac' beginning of McKenzie, McKinley and McCall, and a connection to the classic John, McLane is an all-around winner.

As yet undiscovered, McLane was given to just 5 girls (and 6 boys) in the US in a recent year. It was notably borne as a middle name by Benjamin McLane Spock, better known as Dr Spock, the author of Baby and Child Care (1946).

Mclane

Can be used either with or without the addition of Mac. 

Callister

Rúben

Bjornson

An English surname derived from the French place name Beauvais, which in turn comes from the name of an ancient Gaulish tribe, the Bellovaci.

Bevis

This Welsh surname might be an interesting alternative to the popular Evan, though that Bev beginning conjures up a fifty-five-year-old woman named Beverly. 

Bevan

What the Old Testament Rachel originally named Benjamin, before his father changed it; rarely heard today. 

Benoni

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

Benning

Names that mean son are among the most common, especially when it comes to last names used as first names.

The most obvious names that mean son literally have son as their last syllable: Anderson and Harrison.. The prefixes Mc or Mac, O', and Fitz, as in McCoy or Fitzgerald, also mean son.

The most popular names meaning son are Madison for girls and Jackson for boys. Along with Madison, other girl names that mean son and rank in the US Top 1000 include Addison, Allison, and Mackenzie. Along with Jackson, the other top boys names meaning son include Greyson, Garrison, Jefferson, and Hudson.

There are also many more unique and surprising names that carry a less obvious meaning of son. Some of these are familiar choices such as Flynn and Quincy. . Others are more uncommon surname-names that mean son, such as Kazuo and Mies.

Names that mean son are among the most common, especially when it comes to last names used as first names. The most obvious names that mean son literally have son as their last syllable: Anderson and Harrison.. The prefixes Mc or Mac, O', and Fitz, as in McCoy or Fitzgerald, also mean son. </br and The most popular names meaning son are Madison for girls and Jackson for boys. Along with Madison, other girl names that mean son and rank in the US Top 1000 include Addison, Allison, and Mackenzie. Along with Jackson, the other top boys names meaning son include Greyson, Garrison, Jefferson, and Hudson. There are also many more unique and surprising names that carry a less obvious meaning of son. Some of these are familiar choices such as Flynn and Quincy. . Others are more uncommon surname-names that mean son, such as Kazuo and Mies. (Page 23)