Last Names That Are Adorable First Names

This highly recognizable surname means "son of Artan," an Irish derivative of the name Art. It's most closely tied to Beatle Paul McCartney — we'd be willing to bet that some of the parents who give this name to their children each year are fans.

This is an energetic dance of an Irish surname, great for both genders. Could also be spelled Delancy.

Long-used surname name that's up for promotion to greater popularity.

Lathan is a surname recorded as relating to the towns of Layton or Latham and meaning, depending on its derivation, barn or leek farm or farm by the water. As a first name, it's reminiscent of the popular Nathan.

Townes entered baby name consciousness — as a girl name, at least — in 2024 when Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma chose it for their daughter, Townes Meadow. Townes is a more established choice for boys, among whom it's often associated with the late musician Townes Van Zandt.

Surname-sounding unisex cousin of Peyton is gaining in popularity, especially for girls.

Long before the vogue of using Irish surnames for girls, writer Flannery O'Connor gave this one some visibility. It has a warm (flannelly) feel and the currently popular three-syllable ee-ending sound.

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.

As a given name, Wheelock has been passed down to generations of the Whitney family — descendants of Eli Whitney, creator of the cotton gin. The first Wheelock Whitney — known as Wheels — was named after his mother, Alice Wheelock. His son, Wheelock Whitney Jr. went by Whee, and Wheelock Whitney III is called Lock.

Julia Styles used Newcomb as the middle name for her son Strummer.

Howlan is an uncommon surname-turned-first credited with a range of derivations and meanings. Its most likely roots are in Old English or Irish. It may be derived from the surname Howland, which originated from Old Norse elements meaning "hill land" or as a variant of Hywel, a Welsh name meaning "eminent" or "prominent." Alternatively, it could be connected to the English word "howl," evoking imagery of wolves or wind.

Selby, a rarely heard British surname, feels sleeker and more distinctive than Shelby. Todd Selby, known primarily by his last name, is a hip photographer of interiors.

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.

Epes is often considered a variation of the surname Epps, which typically refers to the aspen tree, from the Old English word æpse. Some branches of Epes may have derived from the Middle English given name Eppe — Eoppa in Old English — from a root meaning "red". It has also been proposed the Eppe came from the Old Norse Øpi, meaning "cry out" or "shriek".

Up-and-coming surname name that may evoke thoughts of ballet dancer Misty Copeland or one of the many towns called Copeland.

Holliday is a feminine given name derived from the English surname meaning 'one who dwells near a holy day.' Originally a surname used to identify someone who was born during a religious festival or holiday, it has transitioned into occasional use as a first name. The spelling with two 'l's adds a distinctive touch compared to the standard 'Holiday' form. This name carries a naturally festive, joyful association and conveys a sense of celebration. Though relatively uncommon as a first name, it gained some recognition through connections to the historical figure Doc Holliday. It appeals to parents seeking an uncommon name with positive, uplifting connotations.

Summer, Summers, Sommer, and Somer are used nearly exclusively on girls, whereas the literary Somerset reads as more masculine. Perhaps the surname style of Somers might be a compromise.

A dated fifties surname name that led to the nickname SAndy.

Reality TV star Raven Gates gave her on-trend s-ending surname to her son, named Gates Zev. Gates joins an impressive lineup of celebrity babies with similar names, including Hillary Duff's Banks and Emma Roberts' Rhodes. Gates is also famously the surname of Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft.

Before there was esteemed actress Anne Hathaway, there was Anne Hathaway, wife of Shakespeare — the former being named after the latter.