English Last Names

A better modern solution than Robert Jr. ; known to fiction readers via Canadian novelist Robertson Davies.

English place name derived from the Anglo-Norman personal name Hasten or Haesta, made famous by the battle of 1066.

This artistic surname name derives from a diminutive of Laurence/Lawrence, and was famously borne by the English painter LS Lowry.

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.

Parsons is a surname of English origin that has occasionally been adopted as a given name. Derived from the word 'parson,' it originally referred to someone who was the son of a parish priest or someone who worked for the parson. As a first name, Parsons is quite uncommon and has never ranked among popular baby names in the United States or United Kingdom. It carries a dignified, somewhat scholarly connotation, reflecting its ecclesiastical roots. Some may choose this name to honor a family surname or to create a distinctive, traditional-sounding name with an English heritage. The name projects strength and authority while maintaining a connection to religious tradition.

Mosley has seen a handful of uses — mostly among baby girls — since 2012, the year after Peyton Manning gave it to his daughter. It's much more familiar as a surname, such as that of novelist Walter Mosley.

Associated with archetypal folksinger Pete Seeger.

Still heavily associated with journalist Barbara Walters, whose Jewish family changed their name from Warmwater (Warmwasser) upon emigrating to the UK from Poland.

Quincy may be unisex, but Quimby is decidedly feminine — at least according to the stats, it's never been used for boys. Perhaps it's because of Beverly Cleary's children's book heroine Ramona Quimby, or the queen-related meaning. In either case, Quimby is a quirky, unexpected choice for a daughter.

A surname-style name, Stover refers to either the leaves and stalks left behind in a field once the crops have been harvested, or to someone who carries out the process of heating an item get a top coating, or to someone who raises plants in a hothouse.

Family name best used in the middle, especially since it was seen as the portly postman in Seinfeld.

Rarely heard surname name that lacks the lightness of other o-ending names.

Ashley substitute with a slightly more unisex feel; it was picked for her daughter by TV host Nancy O'Dell.

A matronymic surname derived from Emonie and Emeny, which are of uncertain origins.

Has some creative credibility via abstract painter Barnett Newman, but we'd prefer his nickname, Barney.

This lively, springy, rarely used surname name has an interesting history. For the English, German, Dutch and Ashkenazic Jews it was a nickname for a lively person or traveling entertainer, deriving from the words springen/springhen/shpringen, and in English it's also a topographical name for someone living near the source of a stream. An unusual option if you're seeking an out-of-the-ordinary 'er'-ending name. Though for some it might bring to mind Jerry Springer, or a Spaniel.

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

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.

Sweet and southern-feeling, maybe thanks to Horton Foote, author of Tender Mercies and The Trip to Bountiful, not to mention the Dr. Seuss connection.