Last Names That Are Adorable First Names

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

Writer James Baldwin could make this an inspirational choice for a child of either sex.

Inspired by the likes of Braxton, Paxton, and Daxton, Drexton is a modern sounding but little used option, given to just 5 babies in 2022. It likely derives from the occupational names Dressler and Dexter, combined with the Old English element tun meaning "town" or "settlement">.

This attractive Scottish surname-name is found in Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove, as the surname of hero Augustus/Gus McCrae. Also spelled MacCrae or McRay among other variations, the meaning is variously given as son of grace or luck.

Stokes is ultimately an English surname, although it's been used in Ireland and Scotland for generations as well. It's a variation of Stoke, a habitational surname, as there were many towns named Stoke in England. The origin of the word stoke, however, is contested. Some say it simply means "place," while others contest it designated a small hamlet. There's also evidence that connects it to the Old English word stocc, meaning "tree trunk."

Swayze is an Anglicization of the German surname Schweiz or Schweizer, referring to a Swiss person. It's most commonly associated with late actor Patrick Swayze, of Dirty Dancing fame. Interestingly, it's overwhelmingly feminine, with over 83% of babies born with the name girls.

Like other stylish choices from Roman to Romy to Romeo, Rohmer is a German surname that relates to both Roman pilgrims and the root word for fame.

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

A jaunty English surname which may derive from "betony", the name of a pretty purple-flowering shrub. A famous bearer is British historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes.

A surname name, most popularly associated with actor Heston, has a blue-blooded ring to it. Charlton is also a more unusual pathway to evergreen nickname Charlie.

Makes Donna into a cool twenty-first-century unisex Irish surname.

An old money surname passed down in notable American families. Christopher Plummer's middle name was Orme.

A novel way to get to the nicknames Ash or Ford

Nebra is the name of a town in Germany, notable for the Nebra Sky Disc, a Bronze Aged disc inlaid with gold symbols of the sun, the moon and stars, significant in revealing the astronomical knowledge of the period.

A merry surname cousin of Kerrigan, could make a lively choice for a happy little girl.

As a first name, Valent is most often seen as a variant of Valentine used in Croatia. But individuals with Valent as a surname can be found all over the world, making this name an intriguing blend of "offbeat European" and "on-trend surname". Either way you look at it, its chic romantic sound makes Valent a handsome possibility.

A Welsh place name and surname, Kiffin derives from Cyffin or Gyffin, meaning "limit" or "confine". Also spelled Kyffin, this spelling might help ensure it isn't pronounced with a 'KIE' sound. Kiffin Rockwell is a notable, historic bearer who was the first American pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft during World War I. He had joined the French Foreign Legion early on in the war, but transferred to France's air arm after being injured in the trenches.

This habitational surname works as a modern way to honor a Carrie, Carolyn, or Caroline.

A WASPy surname that fits in with names like Clayton, Layton, and Payton. Drayton peaked in 2012, when it was given to 78 baby boys in the US.

Preppy surname that would make a fashionable first name for a girl.