New Surname Names for Boys
By Abby Sandel
We love surname names for our sons. Mason is a Top Ten pick, and Carter, Logan, Jackson, and Dylan aren’t far behind.
But lately there’s a new class of surname baby names in town, and they could replace those familiar favorites.
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock’s new baby boy received a rising surname name. The Jolie-Pitts, Owen Wilson, and plenty of celebrity parents are fans of this style, too – in fact, high profile birth announcements helped make many of these names mainstream possibilities.
Expect the kindergartens of 2020 to be filled with surname name picks that weren’t on anyone’s shortlist twenty years ago. Here are nine surname names for boys that we’ll hear more of in the coming years – though they’re still fresh and relatively underused in 2016.
Remington – Remington has been on the fringes of the US Top 1000 ever since Pierce Brosnan starred in Remington Steele back in the 1980s. Over the past decade, it’s climbed 500 places on the popularity charts to Number 313. No word on why Kelly and Brandon settled on the name for their son, but when daughter River Rose was born, Kelly noted that she loved alliteration – so it’s possible the couple went looking for another R name for baby #2.
Fletcher – In steady use in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Fletcher has been quietly making a comeback. Over 300 boys were given the name in 2014 – a new high. In the 1980s, it was a detective name, thanks to Jessica Fletcher of long-running series Murder, She Wrote, and Chevy Chase’s portrayal of reporter-turned-sleuth Irwin “Fletch” Fletcher. Disney characters Phineas and Ferb are part of the Flynn–Fletcher family. Today, it’s buttoned-down, but with a little bit of edge, too, a brother for Brooks or Wilder. Fletcher currently ranks Number 706 in US, and Number 249 on Nameberry.
Langston – Literary Langston is a handsome choice, inspired by poet Langston Hughes, one of the leading creatives of the Harlem Renaissance. It sounds a lot like Landon, Lincoln, and Logan, but feels fresh and distinctive, too. Like Fletcher, over 300 boys were named Langston in 2014 for the first time. Langston ranks Number 748 in the US.
Lennox – Fueled by the x-ending, Scottish surname Lennox has rocketed up the popularity charts. Champion boxer Lennox Lewis makes the name familiar to many. Nearly 500 boys were given the name in 2014, bringing it to Number 585 in the US. With boy names ending in X very much in favor, Lennox is definitely a surname baby name to watch.
Hendrix – Not only does Hendrix have that stylish x-ending, it’s a rock star surname, too. The combination has proven irresistible for musicians – guitarist Zakk Wylde has a Hendrix. So does comedian Kevin Hart. Almost 500 boys were given the name in 2014, enough to take Hendrix to Number 585 in the US.
Hayes – Hayes is another surname name for boys just outside of the US Top 500. It’s presidential, polished, and catching on fast. Kevin Costner gave the name to a son in 2009; since then, Hayes has returned to the US Top 1000 for the first time in nearly eight decades.
Ford – Ford is every bit as presidential as Hayes, but for most people it brings to mind all things automotive. Owen Wilson gave the name to his son in 2011, noting that he didn’t know a lot of boys with the name. Since then, the name has entered the US Top 1000 and currently stands at Number 883, suggesting that Ford Wilson may be one of the first with his distinctive surname name, but he won’t be alone.
Clark – Clark feels heroic, thanks to Superman’s alter ego Clark Kent; Hollywood, thanks to Clark Gable; and Americana, too, thanks to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. After decades in style limbo, it’s also one of the surname names making a comeback. Over 800 boys were named Clark in 2014, taking the name to Number 382 in the US. It’s even more popular on Nameberry, where it currently stands at Number 193.
Gannon – This Irish surname name was boosted by MTV reality star Mackenzie Douthit, of Teen Mom fame. The name’s use has grown exponentially since her son Gannon was born in 2011. It’s as complete and nickname-proof as Mason or Logan, but remains far less common – even though Gannon recently entered the US Top 500.
What are your favorite surname names for boys? Are there any on this list that you would consider?