Names That Mean Son
Across 20 pages
of 20
Benoni
Hebrew
"son of my sorrow"
What the Old Testament Rachel originally named Benjamin, before his father changed it; rarely heard today.
Jantzen
Scandinavian, variation of Janson, Jansen
"Jan's son"
Jansen is an intriguing way to honor an ancestral John; Jantzen is a brand of swimwear.
Harris
English
"son of Harry"
When Harrison is too much, but Harry isn't enough, try this stylish surname name with a touch of British flair. It briefly reentered the US Top 1000 for the first time since 1988 in 2016, but has…
Benning
German
"son of Bernhard"
Conjures up the military image of Fort Benning in Georgia — or the surname of actress Annette.
Johnson
English
"son of John"
No competition for Jackson.
Jud
Diminutive of Judson, English
"son of Jordan"
More commonly spelled JUDD, this is a strong but sensitive short form that can easily stand on its own.
Harding
English
"son of the courageous one"
For fans of Warren G. All two of them.
Hanson
Scandinavian
"son of Hans"
More familiar and melodic to the American ear than either Hans or Hansen, and some might attach it to the three-brother pop-rock band called Hanson.
Haakon
Norse
"chosen son"
An ancient name that's been used by the Norwegian royal family; still popular there but not likely to appeal to many American parents.
Kumar
Sanskrit
"a boy, a son"
Worldly name often heard in India, familiar here via the film Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.
Benyamin
Hebrew
"son of the right hand"
Benjamin for purists. See BENJAMIN.
Royce
English
"son of the king"
Royce is a grandpa name with an upscale link to Rolls Royce, and a surprising rise for girls since the early noughties. Rebel Wilson has a daughter named Royce Lillian.
Jensen
Spelling variation of Jenson and Danish surname
"son of Jens"
The number one surname in Denmark could make a sophisticated and stylish girl's name. Jensen Huang is the (male) cofounder of AI giant Nvidia.
Macaulay
Scottish
"son of righteousness"
Made famous by former child star Macaulay Culkin, one of the more popular Mac names.
Macdonald
Scottish
"son of Donald"
Between "Old MacDonald" and Big Mac allusions, this would be a risky choice.
Macgregor
Scottish
"son of Gregor"
Interesting possibility for the son or grandson of a Gregory.
Mackenzie
Scottish
"son of Kenneth"
This lively Scottish surname is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Coinnich , Coinnich being one of the original Gaelic forms of Kenneth. As a given name, it caught on for girls in a big way…
Graydon
English
"son of the gray-haired one"
Waspy surname-name most closely associated with visionary magazine editor (Edward) Graydon Carter, who created Spy and Air Mail and was the longime editor of Vanity Fair . More substantial than Gray,…
Gibson
English
"Gilbert's son"
An undiscovered patronymic surname, Gibson blends the cool, rugged feel of names like Bridger, Riggs, and Hudson with the clunky charm of names like Gilbert, Wilbur, and Digby. Associated with the…
Garrison
English
"son of Garret"
As Harrison is to Harry, Garrison is to Gary: both of the longer versions sound more modern and appealing. NPR's Prairie Home Companion's Garrison Keillor was born Gary.