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English Last Names

  1. Tomlin

    • Description:

      Tomlin is a masculine name of English origin, historically emerging as a medieval diminutive of Thomas, meaning "twin." The name evolved from the nickname "Tom" with the addition of the suffix "-lin," a pattern common in Middle English for creating affectionate forms of names. Tomlin also exists as a surname, adding to its gentle sophistication when used as a first name. While never achieving widespread popularity, Tomlin has experienced occasional usage throughout English-speaking countries. The name carries a distinguished, somewhat literary quality, bringing to mind English countryside estates and classic literature, while still offering the approachable nickname options of Tom or Lin.

  2. Lively

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "full of life, energy"

    • Description:

      Spirited and sassy, Lively could be a feminine leaning counterpart to the trending boy name Wilder. A modern virtue of sorts, it has more energy that Patience, Prudence, and Temperance, and is far less popular than Hope or Grace.
  3. Morrison

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Morris"

    • Description:

      Morrison is one of the more uncommon patronymics; it could be used to honor an ancestral Morris, or one of the well-known surnamed Morrisons: Toni, Jim or Van.
  4. Webster

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "weaver"

    • Description:

      Webster is one of several W-starting surname names back on the drawing board, now that it has recovered from its childlike eighties sitcom identity.
  5. Field

    • Origin:

      Nature name

    • Description:

      More unusual than Forest or Forrest, Field is a nature name that is simple, evocative, and fresh--sort of the male equivalent of Meadow.

      Field and Fields are both relatively common surnames, noted bearers including department store owner Marshall Field, poet Eugene Field (Wynken, Blynken and Nod) and actress Sally. Those with the plural include W.C. Fields, cookie company founder Debbi, and entertainers Gracie and Kim Fields.

  6. Gibson

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "Gilbert's son"

    • Description:

      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 popular brand of guitars, it could make an unexpected, music-related option.
  7. Bingham

    • Origin:

      British surname

    • Meaning:

      "homestead at a hollow"

    • Description:

      Bingham is the unusual surname name chosen by Kate Hudson and Matt Bellamy for their son. It was Bellamy's mother's maiden name, and the nickname Bing, coincidentally, belongs to almost-stepfather Kurt Russell's dad. We haven't heard Bing since crooner Crosby, but it does have a lot of zing.
  8. Mabry

    • Origin:

      Variation of Mayberry, English and Irish

    • Meaning:

      "mud hill"

    • Description:

      Cute and eminently wearable surname name for girls.
  9. Chesney

    • Origin:

      English from French

    • Meaning:

      "oak grove"

    • Description:

      A rising surname name for girls — it's overwhelmingly feminine, despite the association with Kenny Chesney.
  10. Fielding

    • Origin:

      English topographical surname

    • Meaning:

      "dweller in the open country"

    • Description:

      Fielding is a surname style name, originally given to someone who lived in the country or worked in the fields, however it might also be considered a word name relating to sports (cricket and baseball specifically) or with the term for dealing with something difficult by evading it.
  11. Harding

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of the courageous one"

    • Description:

      For fans of Warren G. All two of them.
  12. Denham

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "village in a valley"

    • Description:

      Legitimizes the newly coined Denim, as does the Scottish place-name Denholm (both pronounced DEN-um).
  13. Richards

    • Description:

      Richards is primarily recognized as an English surname derived from the Germanic personal name Richard, combining elements meaning "powerful" and "brave ruler." As a first name, Richards is uncommon, representing either a patronymic usage or a modern variation of the classic Richard. The name Richard itself has been popular throughout European history, borne by English kings, artists, and leaders. The addition of the final 's' may reflect a family naming tradition or desire to distinguish the name from the more common Richard. While rare as a first name, Richards maintains the strong, authoritative qualities of its root name. Its unusual status as a first name might appeal to parents seeking a traditional-sounding masculine name with a subtle difference from more common classics.
  14. Gilson

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "son of Giles"

    • Description:

      Likable English surname that is occasionally heard as a first name.
  15. Melville

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "settlement on infertile land"

    • Description:

      All names ending in ville are in nowheresville.
  16. Copeland

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "bought land"

    • Description:

      Up-and-coming surname name that may evoke thoughts of ballet dancer Misty Copeland or one of the many towns called Copeland.
  17. Osborne

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "Divine bear; divine warrior"

    • Description:

      A surname style choice that could get you nicknames Bear and Ozzy, which is pretty cool. It comes from the Old English variant of the Old Norse Ásbjǫrn, which was introduced to England after the Norman conquest and used occasionally as a given name ever since. Victorian author Elizabeth Gaskell used Osborne for a character in her final novel, Wives and Daughters while it is also famously associated with Osborne House, the former royal residence of Queen Victoria on the Isle of Wight, and with musician Ozzy Osbourne.
  18. Goodwin

    • Origin:

      English surname, variation of Godwine

    • Meaning:

      "friend of God"

    • Description:

      Goodwin — which is mostly seen as a last name — comes from the long-forgotten given name Godwine. Godwine was a relatively common name in medieval England. It later traveled to Germanic regions in the form of Godwin.
  19. Armstrong

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish surname

    • Meaning:

      "strong arms"

    • Description:

      Last name occasionally used as a first, can be seen as a Lance Armstrong athlete-hero name.
  20. Chaucer

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "maker of breeches"

    • Description:

      One of the most distinguished names in literature could become a hero name in a family of poetry-lovers -- or be seen as a trendy new occupational name.

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