English Last Names
- Davies
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"son of David"Description:
This is a both fresher and cooler spin on David.
- Embry
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"flat-topped hill"Description:
Though Embry became famous as the name of a boy werewolf in Twilight, we think its Em- beginning and -y ending make it perfectly appropriate for a girl. You might consider it as an alternative to Emma, Emily, or Aubrey. Embry or Embury is an established English surname.
- Jacobs
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"son of Jacob"Description:
This surname could work as a given name to honor an ancestral Jacob.
- Stevens
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"son of Steven"Description:
Stevens edges out Stephens for the more popular form of this surname in the US and the UK.
- Romney
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"winding river"Description:
Brings to mind the romantic and elegant eighteenth century portraits of George Romney.
- Ivey
Origin:
Surname name, variation of IvyMeaning:
"son of Ive; person from Ivoy; ivy plant"Description:
Ivey can be considered an alternate spelling of the botanical name Ivy, but it also has separate origins as a surname. For the Anglo-Saxon Ivey line, Ivey means "son of Ive," while for the English-Norman Iveys, it means "person from Ivoy," a commune in the Cher department of France.
- Quimby
Origin:
Variation of Quenby, EnglishMeaning:
"queen's settlement"Description:
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.
- Palin
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"wine bearer"Description:
Palin has suddenly become a hot new surname-name given usually to girls. The inspiration can only be former Alaska governor Sarah, though the name Palin is her husband's -- her original surname is Heath. Palin herself is no stranger to the adventurous baby name, as the mother of daughters Bristol, Piper, and Willow, and sons Track and Trig.
- Collier
Origin:
English occupational surnameMeaning:
"coal miner"Description:
An old-fashioned term for a coal miner, or nowadays, a sister to Harper and Piper.
- 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.
- Ensley
Origin:
English surname, variation of AinsleyMeaning:
"one's own meadow"Description:
A unisex surname now seeing some use for girls, as it fits right in with such trendy crossover girls' names as Everly. Ellery and Emery, and others with the popular ly/leigh/lea ending
- Belles
Origin:
English, Scottish, French, SpanishMeaning:
"bell ringer; handsome, beautiful; beauties"Description:
Belles may look like a playful nickname to any of the stylish belle related names — and it could easily be used as such — however, it is also an occupational English surname, originally given to bell ringers, a Scottish surname meaning "handsome" or a French or Spanish word name meaning "beauties". It is currently rarely used as a given name.
- Knowles
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"one who lives by the knoll"Description:
Beyoncé's surname could be considered for a less-obvious honorific.
- Ellerbe
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"Aelfweard's land or farmstead; settlement of the elf guardian"Description:
The name of a town in North Carolina, Ellerbe is derived from the Old English surname Elwordebi, meaning "Aelfweard's farmstead". Contracted and altered overtime, it appears in various forms, including Elleby, Ellerby, Elerbie, and more.
- Simmons
Origin:
Hebrew or Norse, variation of Simon or SimundDescription:
Simmons is one of the S-ending popular American last names that are starting to be used as firsts.
- Lindley
Origin:
English and German surnameMeaning:
"from Lindley"Description:
Updates Lindsey for the 21st century.
- Hayward
Origin:
English occupational surnameMeaning:
"guardian of the hedged enclosure"Description:
An appealing alternative to Hayden and Hayes, perhaps in homage to Old Hollywood actress Rita Hayward.
- Redell
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"counsel, advice; red valley"Description:
A last name as a first name, Redell began to appear in England after the Norman invasion. Likely connected to the names Raymond and Radulf, it could mean "counsel, advice, decision". Another possible interpretation is that it merges the word red with the word dell to form the meaning "red valley". This could also mean it borrows from land feature in the Lake District of England, known as Red Dell.
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