English Last Names
- Wellington
Origin:
English surname from place nameMeaning:
"people living in the hamlet in the cleared area near the temple"Description:
Wellington is a tony-sounding English surname turned baby name by pregnancy guru Rosie Pope, who calls her son Wells for short. It's also the middle name of one of the Sweet Home sextuplets, Blu Wellington.
- Bevan
Description:
Bevan is traditionally a masculine Welsh surname that has crossed over to become a given name for both genders, though it remains more common for boys. It derives from the Welsh 'ab Evan' meaning 'son of Evan,' with Evan itself meaning 'young warrior' or 'youth.' As a feminine name, Bevan offers a distinctive, gender-neutral quality that appeals to parents seeking less traditionally feminine options. The name has a strong, concise sound with its two clear syllables. Bevan has never been widely popular in English-speaking countries, remaining a relatively rare choice that carries Celtic heritage. The name's uncommon status combined with its straightforward pronunciation makes it appealing for parents seeking something unique yet accessible. Bevan projects qualities of strength and heritage.
- Pryor
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"head of the monastery, prior"Description:
Pryor is for those in search of an unusual occupational name...or in memory of comedian Richard.
- Willis
Origin:
Diminutive of William, GermanMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
A common surname that was popular as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th century, Willis dropped off the US Top 1000 back in the early 90s, just as alternative William diminutive, Liam, began to skyrocket.
- Chaucer
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Harding
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of the courageous one"Description:
For fans of Warren G. All two of them.
- Parnell
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"little Peter"Description:
Likable choice for history-minded parents who might want to honor Irish patriot Charles Parnell.
- Garrison
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Garret"Description:
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.
- Banner
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"flag bearer"Description:
An undiscovered option among occupational names, as of 2023, Banner has never been used for more than 100 baby boys in a single year. It does have charm however, much due to its associations with fêtes and phrases like "a banner year".
- Moore
Origin:
English place-nameMeaning:
"the moors"Description:
Moore is recommended as a rich and satisfying middle name choice, whether it relates to your own family history or not. Of the numerous outstanding Moore-surnamed namesakes, count sculptor Henry, writers Clement, Marianne and Brian, entertainers Demi, Dudley, Garry, Roger, Julianne, Melba and Mary Tyler, and provocateur Michael.
- Henson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"Son of Henry"Description:
This surname name fits in with current favorites like Hudson, but is much less common as a given name. It's widely familiar thanks to the late Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets.
- Benton
Origin:
English surname and place nameMeaning:
"bent grass enclosure"Description:
Benton is an old English surname of a type usually given to local landowners. It is also recorded in early records as Beneton and Bentune. Benton newly returned to the Social Security list in 2011 after a forty-plus year absence, perhaps as a fresh route to Ben.
- Jessel
Origin:
German, French, or English surnameMeaning:
"gift; Jehovah increases"Description:
A fresh take on Jessica, Jessel is currently borne in the public eye by Jessel Taank, a Real Housewife of New York City.
- Bridge
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"bridge"Description:
A new name with the potential for spanning across a far-reaching future. Bridges and Bridger are other possiblities.
- Reed
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
Sleek, unisex surname rarely heard for girls -- which could be seen as an asset.
- Charlton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"Charles' town"Description:
A surname name, most popularly associated with actor Heston, has a blue-blooded ring to it. Charlton is also a more unusual pathway to evergreen nickname Charlie.
- Levitt
Origin:
English or German Jewish surnameMeaning:
"place where yew trees grow; Levite"Description:
As Levi becomes more common, we're noticing parents turn to more creative alternatives such as Levitt.
- Darling
Origin:
English surname, English word nameMeaning:
"dear"Description:
Darling has history as an English surname, but it would most likely be read as a quirky and loving word name, a la Sweetheart or Honey.
- Stanton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"stony town"Description:
Seems to stand at attention and salute.
- Farrow
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"smith, iron worker, to shoe horses"Description:
With Marlowe, Harlowe, Milo, and Arlo in the charts, this occupational surname with its strong -o ending might hold appeal. Derived from ferrum meaning "iron" or "horseshoe", it has a solid yet adventurous feel. Actress Mia Farrow is a notable holder of the surname,