English Last Names

Familiar English surname now associated with the Abercrombie & Fitch offshoot.

Hollister

Gardener is surely one of the most pleasant and evocative of the occupational options, calling up images of green grass and budding blooms. The name can also be spelled without the first 'e', as in Gardner (born George Cadogan Gardner) McCay, a hunky TV heartthrob of the 1950s and 60s. Gardner is a much more common surname spelling, associated with screen legend Ava, mystery writer Erle Stanley and art collector and patron Isabella Stewart, founder of Boston's Gardner Museum.

Gardener

An original way to honor an ancestral Robert.   Hobson is outside the Top 1000 but is among the fastest-rising names for boys.

Hobson

A pretty alternative to Hadley, but perhaps a little too close to sound distinctive. Hedy would be a cool nickname, after legendary actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr.

Hedley

You might consider Hedges for a first name if you find the surname on your family tree.

Hedges

Hearst is a masculine name of English origin, derived from an Anglo-Saxon surname that originally referred to a wooded hill or 'hurst.' Most famously associated with the American newspaper publishing family, particularly William Randolph Hearst, the name carries connotations of wealth, influence, and American heritage. As a given name, Hearst remains exceptionally rare, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with strong historical and cultural associations. The name has a commanding, crisp sound with its single syllable and firm ending. While some may view it as primarily connected to the famous publishing dynasty, others appreciate its understated elegance and connection to the natural world through its original meaning of a wooded elevation.

Hearst

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

Gilson

Glover is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname referring to someone who made or sold gloves. This heritage connects it to the tradition of surname-to-first-name transitions that became popular during the 20th century. While relatively uncommon as a first name, Glover carries a distinguished, professional quality with historical depth. Its most notable bearer is likely actor Danny Glover, which has helped maintain recognition of the name. As a first name, Glover peaked in limited usage during the mid-20th century in the United States but remains rare, giving it a distinctive quality. The name's crisp sound and straightforward pronunciation combine with its occupational roots to create a name with understated strength.

Glover

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.

Goodwin

An appealing alternative to Hayden and Hayes, perhaps in homage to Old Hollywood actress Rita Hayward.

Hayward

Although it's more commonly seen as a surname, Haviland is occasionally used as a first name, particularly for girls.
 
The hircine meaning makes Haviland an appropriate name for a baby Capricorn.

Haviland

Before there was esteemed actress Anne Hathaway, there was Anne Hathaway, wife of Shakespeare — the former being named after the latter.
 
Either Anne Hathaway would be appropriate to honor with this attractive surname, and Hattie makes a sweet nickname.

Hathaway

This English surname was originally a nickname for someone with a pock-marked face. It's a less-than-ideal meaning, but Greeley's upbeat sound and modern unisex style keep it on our lists.

Greeley

Middle name possibility for a nature-loving family -- Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke used it for their son's middle name. 

Green

A well-to-do English surname with a comedic undertone, thanks to the Griswold family of National Lampoon's Vacation.
 
In most instances, Griswold is derived from the Old English greosn, "gravel" and weald, "woodland". In others, Griswold is thought to mean "grey forest" from Gris — a Breton nickname for one with grey hair — and wold, "wood" or "forest".

Griswold

Groves has yet to secure a place on the baby name charts, but we could see that changing very soon. Groves combines surname style with a nature meaning and a hotter-than-hot S ending. It's a recipe for success — just ask Banks, Brooks, and Wells.

Groves

Hatchell is an attractive English surname that feels ripe for discovery — assuming you're looking for a rare and preppy surname. There are many theories on the origins of Hatchell. It may derive from a given name such as Hacche, Haeccel, or Hake, or be a habitational surname related to a number of "lost" English places. Another theory suggests that Hatchell is derived from the Old English word haecel, meaning "hooded cloak" as well as "flax comb." This theory connects Hatchell to the West Germanic word for "hook."

Hatchell

The hazel tree meaning is on-trend, but it also sounds a lot like "hassle".

Hassler

A possibility for fans of the mystery writer, but most parents would prefer Dashiell. 

Hammett

Holder, part occupational name and part Holden, is a rare word name. It brings to mind holding onto someone or something, which itself suggests a love for or connection to whatever is being held on to. 

Its use could also come from a surname.

Holder

are commonly used as first names in America, but other English-speaking cultures — including the UK — have not taken to this trend as readily.

 is Smith, which is currently rising as a given name in the States. Other

 that are used as first names include Sawyer, Brooks, Harrison, and Everly — a very fashionable choice for girls.

Celebrities especially love English last names as first names. Hilary Duff's oldest daughter is named Banks, and Kieran Culkin has a son named Wilder.

found here are well-established as first names, such as Oliver, Cooper, and Taylor. Others are yet to be discovered but have great potential, including Groves, Catesby, and Westcott.

English last names as first names including popular English surnames in the US and England, with origins, meanings, and popularity (Page 27)