Last Names That Are Adorable First Names

Windsor may have male references, such as Britain's royal House of Windsor and a tie's windsor knot, but this name also has a definite feminine feel, as in Windsor Rose. That seems appropriate, as Windsor is used equally these days for boys and girls. Nicknames might include Win, Wind, Windy, and Winnie.

This multicultural name is a sweet but solid sounding pet form of Hebrew and Yiddish origin, used as a nickname for Rhoda, Rosa, or Rada. It can also be considered an English surname, derived from either the given names Rudolf or Ridel meaning "fame wolf" and "ride" or from the place name Ryedale meaning "rye valley".

McCarthy is one of a wave of new Irish surname-names, one of the most popular last names of Irish origin now translated to a first name. Mac is an attractive nickname.

The 'ley' ending makes this British surname name ripe for consideration as a feminine girls' name. Brinsley joins such sisters as Kinsley and Tinsley.

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.

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.

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.

This cowboy-ish surname has an equine connection — Larimer originally denoted someone who made and sold spur bits, along with other hardware needed for riding horses.

The name of a river and several places in Northern Ireland, Clady comes from the Irish cladaigh meaning "rocky shore; muddy river banks." Also used as a surname, it feels reminiscent of Clay, Cadie, Chloe, and Katie. .

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

Huntley was best known as Brinkley's fellow news anchor back in the 60s and 70s, while in the UK, it might still be linked to a high profile murder case. Nevertheless, this surname style choice feels tough, trendy, preppy, and outdoorsy at the same time and may fit in with the likes of Hunter, Wesley, and Bentley.

More obscure Irish surname-name, also spelled Molloy, that's prime for use.

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.

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".

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.

Moody would work great as the name of Snow White's lost eighth dwarf friend, but we can't recommend it as a first name IRL. It was the last name of Harry Potter character Mad-Eye Moody, played by Brenden Gleason in the movies; his given name was Alastor. The bond credit rating company Moody's is likewise named for the surname of its founder, John Moody.

A Norwegian nature name and surname, Voll derived from the Old Norse vǫllr translating to "meadow, field".

As a German name, it originates from volk or Fulco, meaning "people", although a more literal translation of modern German would be "full".

An unusual, energetic surname choice that would make a good Madison alternative. Madigan was a typical police detective series of the 1970s, starring Richard Widmark.

Familiar English surname now associated with the Abercrombie & Fitch offshoot.

Common Asian surname also works as a first, as with the singer Chan Marshall, also known as Cat Power (and born Charlyn).

Sander would be an unconventional short form of Alexandra, variation of Sandra, or surname-name for girls. It was given to 41 baby boys in the US last year but no girls, but it certainly can be a gender-neutral choice.