Family Name News

Vintage surname names? Yes, this modern trend isn't so modern after all. See the top surname names from a century ago, along with unique choices from our secret source.

Modern parents are looking for creative family names to honor their loved ones. How do you find a name that is stylish, unique, and meaningful? We have ten tips in our ultimate guide to creative family names.

Grandpa names — the names that grandchildren call their grandfathers — are more creative than ever before. Bye-bye, Grandpa and hello, Biggie? Zippo? Grady? The choice is yours!

Grandma names — the names that grandchildren call their grandmothers — are more creative than ever before. Bye-bye, Grandma and hello, Glamma? Zuzu? Honey? The choice is yours!

If you’re looking for ways to update popular 1950s names for a modern baby, the good news is that there is plenty of scope for creativity! You might choose a fresher version of the name or look to meaning or key sounds to find clever ways to reinvent important honor names.

Each generation has its own favorite surname baby names. Meet the next wave of up-and-coming last names, and discover cool, fresh alternatives to the popular choices.

Overthinking baby names, obsessing over popularity, changing plans at the last minute...some things haven't changed in 40 years! Guest author Mary McKay recalls the challenges and plot twists of naming her children in the 1980s.

100 most common last names in the US are collected here, with their origins and meanings. Is yours on the list?

Looking for a stylish surname that's not too popular? Here are some ideas with interesting and unexpected origins.

Thanksgiving means family and family names. Here's our ultimate guide to choosing the newest, most creative names with family meaning.

Finding a name that works across languages AND which you love can be a challenge — and an opportunity to tie cultures together. Read our top tips for getting the balance right.

Many parents worry that our favorite name is about to be the Next Big Thing. That's exactly what happened to Kathleen Donohoe and her husband, who named their son Liam shortly before it shot to the top of the charts. Find out why they have no regrets, and how Liam's name fits perfectly into the story of their family.

Unique twin names can be a challenge to find, but also great fun! Here are some uncommon twin name pairings with subtle connections to inspire you.

Are you more of a Grandma or a Nana? Or perhaps Mimi or Spicy? Our guide to grandparent names is full of ideas — and fun reader stories — from the traditional to the one-of-a-kind.

The best anagram names for siblings, beyond Heaven and Nevaeh.

Erin and Michael's favorite name for their baby girl is Nora — coincidentally connected to a grandmother that doesn't make the honoree shortlist. Can they use the name Nora without an association with Grandma? The Name Guru shares her take.

Ursula Amatrudo-Roman is a part of a multi-generational naming tradition, where the women name their daughters after their own mothers. For over a century, these women have been alternately named Ursula and Mildred. Will she continue the tradition for her own daughter?

Strong links to heart, home and heritage run through all of the wonderful names chosen by Nameberry members in August.

Nameberry’s July birth announcements are in, and our members’ beautiful picks over the past month are brimming with natural connections to the earth and sky.

Lisa and Gene welcomed a daughter in January 2021 they named Natalie Mara — a meaningful choice that honors heritage and cherished loved ones. We talked to Lisa about naming traditions and the process of naming Natalie.

Spring baby names abound in our latest batch of beautiful birth announcements from Nameberry members!

They want to honor grandma with their new daughter’s name. Except grandma’s name? Gay. Time to reinvent this family name for the twenty-first century, either by meaning, sound, or some combination of both.

Some of the reasons why so few moms choose to pass their names on to their daughters.

It all goes back to the day I started kindergarten…and my very identity was called into question.

You might be surprised at how many celebs have swapped their first names for their middles. Another reason to focus on your middle-name choice.