English Last Names
- Parrish
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"from Paris"Description:
Parrish is unrelated — but often said to be related — to the English word "parish". Instead, the surname arose as a designator for one who lived in Paris.
- Phillips
Description:
Phillips originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Philip' and has transitioned into occasional use as a masculine given name. The name Philip itself comes from Greek elements meaning 'lover of horses.' As a first name, Phillips maintains its connection to this heritage while having a distinctive surname feel that follows the trend of using family names as first names. While not among the most common given names, Phillips has a formal, distinguished quality that appeals to some parents. It offers the friendly nickname options of Phil or Flip, providing versatility. The name connotes stability, tradition, and a certain professional quality that can serve well throughout life.
- Langley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"long meadow"Description:
This somewhat snobby-sounding surname popped onto the name map when Mariel Hemingway used it for one of her daughters.
- 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.
- 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.
- Shields
Origin:
English or Irish surnameMeaning:
"hut; son of Siadhal"Description:
As an English surname, Shields comes from the Middle English word scheld, meaning "hut" or "shelter." (This is also how the word "shell" was derived). The Irish Shields is an Anglicized form of Ó Siadhail — Siadhal may mean "slow-moving slothful."
- Hassler
Origin:
German surnameMeaning:
"from where the hazel trees grow"Description:
The hazel tree meaning is on-trend, but it also sounds a lot like "hassle".
- Jacobs
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"son of Jacob"Description:
This surname could work as a given name to honor an ancestral Jacob.
- Westwood
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"dweller by the west wood"Description:
Notable British surname associated with fashion designer Vivienne.
- Beaman
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"beekeeper"Description:
This occupational choice is less appealing than such brethren as Baker and Baxter.
- Cook
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"cook"Description:
A self-explanatory occupational name. With Baker hotter than ever, Cook could be a distinct possibility. A famous bearer is gallerist Cooke Maroney, husband of Jennifer Lawrence.
- Hedges
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"one who lives near the hedge"Description:
You might consider Hedges for a first name if you find the surname on your family tree.
- Bennis
Origin:
Dutch, EnglishMeaning:
"son of Benne; from the grassy plain; blessed"Description:
A surname style name of Dutch and Anglo-Saxon origin, which could make an interesting alternative to Ben or Bennett.
- Pennington
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"penny town"Description:
An unconventional route to the nickname Penny. Pennington debuted on the charts for girls in 2015.
- Ainsworth
Origin:
Place name and surname, EnglishMeaning:
"Ægen's estate; owner of the estate"Description:
Tough and preppy, Ainsworth combines the modern taste for last names as given names and the interest in bold virtue-style choices. Originally a place name in the north of England, it combines the Old English given name Ægen meaning "to possess" with the element worþ meaning "enclosure" .
- Fawkes
Origin:
English, NormanMeaning:
"falcon"Description:
Associated with a 16th century Gunpowder Plotter and a phoenix in the Harry Potter series, Fawkes, also spelled Vaulx, Vaux, and Faulks, comes from the Norman name Faulques, which in turn came from a Germanic nickname meaning "falcon". Theoretically, it could fit into the "last names as first names" trend, and with the rise of boy names ending in -s, such as Brooks and Banks, however, many might link it too closely with Guy Fawkes and in English-speaking countries it might sound too much like a piece of cutlery (or a swearword, perhaps).
- Daly
Origin:
Irish surnameMeaning:
"assembly; gathering"Description:
A small number of girls are given this Irish surname as a first name each year.
- Andrews
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Andrew"Description:
This common English surname is rarely used as a first. The S ending makes it a preppy way to update Andrew.
- Sparks
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"lively; fiery; one who lives near the shrub"Description:
Sparks was originally used as a nickname in Medieval England, typically as a pet name for a lively person (or in an ironic sense, for one who was not). It was also likely used as a nickname for blacksmiths and other professionals whose work created literal fiery sparks.
- Chamberlain
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"royal official"Description:
A distinguished English occupational surname referring to a senior official who managed the household of a noble or monarch. The best known historical bearer is British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who was in office at the start of the Second World War.