English Last Names

Lynda and Linden meet Kendall and Randall in this surname-style choice, familiar in South African, owing to its use by author and activist Olive Schreiner in her 1883 novel, The Story of an African Farm. In the book, Lyndall is borne by a female character and drawn from the maiden name of Schreiner's mother, but it has plenty of unisex potential.

Also spelled as Lyndell and Lyndal, Lyndall is likely an English surname name meaning "lime tree valley" or "linden tree valley", giving it an an outdoorsy feel. Alternatively, however, Lyn may be drawn from the Welsh word for lake, lending it the meaning "lake in the valley".

One of many common surnames that was derived from Peter, along with Peterson, Parks, Parkinson, and Perkins.

At one time, the surname Poole denoted someone who lived near a pool. Not in the chlorinated sense — pool was another word for pond.

This surname could work as a given name to honor an ancestral Jacob.

Surname choice that could be used to honor the playwright Lanford Wilson.

Burrell is a masculine surname that has transitioned to use as a first name. It has Old French and Germanic origins, derived from "borel" meaning "reddish-brown" or possibly referring to coarse cloth. As a surname, it was often occupational, associated with cloth-makers or those with reddish complexions. As a given name, Burrell remains uncommon, giving it distinction and character. The name carries a certain dignity and traditional quality, often appealing to parents seeking uncommon names with historical roots. Burrell has maintained a steady but low profile in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom.

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

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

A surname inspired choice, Rudell may be an English last name, derived from the town of Ryedale, or from the given name Rudolf. A high-end jewellery and watch brand in the UK, it was also borne by professional boxer Rudell Snitch.

An old English surname denoting either a servant of one of the Knights Templar, or a person living near or serving at a church.

This surname-style name may appeal to those who like the nickname Huck but find the literary long form Huckleberry too much for real-life usage.