Middle Names, Surnames, and Nicknames
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 10 pages
of 10
English place-name
"the moors"
Moore is recommended as a rich and satisfying middle name choice, whether it relates to your own family history or not. Of the numerous outstanding Moore-surnamed namesakes, count sculptor Henry,…
German
"brave friend"
Writer James Baldwin could make this an inspirational choice for a child of either sex.
English
"home of the Wassa people"
Lincoln, Tyler, Taylor, Jackson, Jefferson, Harrison, McKinley, Grant, Kennedy, Carter -- yes. Washington -- probably not.
Ramos is predominantly a surname of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the Latin "ramus" meaning "branch" or "bough." Its use as a first name is relatively uncommon but occurs in…
Occupational name
Weaver, which made an appearance as a first name on the U.S. Top 1000 in the late 19th century and then vanished, may rise again along with its occupational brethren, from already-popular choices…
Spanish from Latin
"days"
Perfect example of a surname that would work well as a first.
Nature name
With the recent arrival of fruit names like Apple and Plum, this more traditional example, symbolic of fertility, might rise in popularity. Photographer Berry Berenson was born Berinthia.…
Carroll as a feminine name derives from the Irish surname Ó Cearbhaill, meaning 'fierce warrior' or 'champion'. Though historically used for both genders, it has more commonly been masculine in…
Watkins originated as an English and Welsh surname derived from the medieval given name 'Wat' or 'Watt,' a diminutive of Walter, combined with the suffix '-kins' meaning 'little son of.' As a given…
Hebrew or Norse, variation of Simon or Simund
Simmons is one of the S-ending popular American last names that are starting to be used as firsts.
English occupational name
"chief manservant"
An English occupational name and surname that brings to mind old, stately homes, black suits, and white gloves, Butler peaked back in 1919 when 30 boys were given the name. It hasn't appeared in the…
English word name
"bird"
One of the rare cases where spelling a name with a y makes it less rather than more feminine. Birdie might be the freshest choice in this aviary.
Jenkins began as an English and Welsh surname derived from the personal name Jenkin, a medieval diminutive of John meaning 'God is gracious.' As a first name, Jenkins represents the trend of…
