English Last Names

Paterson is a surname-name to continue a line of Peters and also the name of a city in New Jersey, hometown of poets William Carlos Williams and Allen Ginsberg.

Brayton is a masculine name with English origins, derived from an Old English place name and surname meaning 'broad town' or 'wide settlement.' It follows the popular pattern of location-based surnames transitioning to first names, similar to Preston or Clayton. Brayton has a strong, distinguished sound with its crisp consonants and modern appeal. While not among the most common first names, it has seen steady usage in the United States, particularly since the late 20th century. Parents are often drawn to Brayton for its contemporary sound combined with traditional roots. The name also benefits from familiar nicknames like Bray, giving it versatility across different stages of life. Brayton projects strength and refinement with its two-syllable structure.

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.

Drover, an ancient occupational surname, is right in step with today's styles and would make a distinctive choice. Drover and brothers are fresh updates of such now-widely-used names as Carter and Cooper.

Can be used as a middle name to honor Dad or Grandpa David.

Peabody is a quintessentially Waspy surname that your child won't thank you for -- either the pea part or the body part, or the meaning part.

Updates Lindsey for the 21st century.

Brings to mind the romantic and elegant eighteenth century portraits of George Romney.

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

Stevens edges out Stephens for the more popular form of this surname in the US and the UK.

A unique alternative to the West- names that are suddenly everywhere — like Weston, Westley, and West itself. Westwood lends itself to two stylish nicknames, West and Woods.

This common English surname is rarely used as a first. The S ending makes it a preppy way to update Andrew.

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.

Common surname in the US and UK. Stephens is notably the legal last name of John Legend.

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.

A small number of girls are given this Irish surname as a first name each year.

Mailer is one of the more unusual of the on-trend occupational surnames. Recommended for fans of the macho writer Norman Mailer.

Medieval nickname for Mary that became a surname, and could now be a rare but in-trend first name for both sexes.

Pell makes an unusual middle name choice. And if grandpa Seymour was a fur trader, you might do better to honor him by naming the baby Pell.

Notable British surname associated with fashion designer Vivienne.