S-ending Surnames

  1. Adams
    • Description:

      Adams originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Adam,' derived from the Hebrew name Adam ('man' or 'earth'). As a given name, Adams represents a modern trend of using surnames as first names, projecting strength and tradition. While primarily masculine, it sometimes appears as a middle name for both genders. In the United States, Adams carries historical significance through founding father John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams, both presidents. The name has never been highly common as a first name but has steady, modest usage. It appeals to parents seeking a distinguished, intellectual-sounding name with historical resonance. Adams possesses a dignified, refined quality while maintaining simplicity and clear pronunciation.

  2. Jennings
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "son of John"
    • Description:

      Jennings is a common English surname that originated as a patronymic for the child of someone named Jen, a short form of John.
  3. Douglass
    • Description:

      Douglass is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Douglas, which originated as a Scottish surname meaning 'dark water' or 'dark stream.' This specific spelling with the double 's' is most famously associated with Frederick Douglass, the renowned 19th-century abolitionist, writer, and statesman who was born into slavery and became a powerful advocate for freedom and equality. The name carries historical weight and dignity, particularly in connection to civil rights and social justice. While less common than the single-s spelling, Douglass maintains the strong, classic character of the original while subtly distinguishing itself. It conveys traditional masculinity combined with intellectual substance.
  4. Jarvis
    • Origin:

      English variation of Gervase, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Jarvis, one of the original two-syllable nouveau boys' choices, is a saint's name with a certain retro charm and a nice quirky feel. Though Jarvis peaked in the late 1880s, he is beginning to sound fresh again.
  5. Fairbanks
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "bank along the pathway"
    • Description:

      Alaska's second most populous city makes a baby name with a preppy, even aristocratic, flavor.
  6. Mills
    • Description:

      Feels akin to Brooks and Rivers, two other boys' names that double as plural nouns. It's been used as a first name for centuries, including by a two time governor of Virginia.
  7. Hays
    • Description:

      Hays is a masculine name that originated as a surname derived from geographical locations, particularly places with hedges or enclosures (from the Old English 'hæg'). As a first name, Hays carries a distinctive Southern or Western American flavor, evoking images of rolling fields and open landscapes. The name has a strong, concise sound with its single syllable and crisp ending. While relatively uncommon as a first name, Hays has occasionally appeared in usage, particularly in regions where surname-as-first-name traditions are strong. The name projects a straightforward, unpretentious quality while maintaining a certain refinement. Its rarity ensures individuality while its familiar surname status keeps it recognizable and easily pronounced.
  8. Aldis
    • Description:

      Aldis is a masculine name with Norse and Latvian origins. In Norse tradition, it combines elements meaning "old" and "goddess" or "spirit," while in Latvia it's considered a variation of Aldus. The name has historical usage throughout Scandinavia and the Baltic countries, though it remains relatively uncommon globally. In the United States, awareness of the name has increased somewhat through actor Aldis Hodge. The name carries a distinctive, strong sound with its crisp ending, giving it a contemporary feel despite its ancient roots. Aldis offers the increasingly sought combination of being recognizable yet uncommon. Its Norse connections may appeal to parents interested in names with Viking heritage, while its brevity and strong consonants give it a modern, masculine edge.

  9. Phipps
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Philip"
    • Description:

      Possible middle name to honor an ancestral Philip.
  10. Emmons
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Emonie"
    • Description:

      A matronymic surname derived from Emonie and Emeny, which are of uncertain origins.
  11. Hawes
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "hedged area"
    • Description:

      Could be difficult to grasp: Hoss. The "Bonanza" cowboy.
  12. Towers
    • Origin:

      English surname, French
    • Meaning:

      "one who lives in the tower of a castle; person from Tours"
    • Description:

      This lofty sounding surname might put in mind soaring skyscrapers, old castle turrets, or a city in France, but as a given name Towers has yet to catch on. Associated with Lord of the Rings, Mallory Towers, Fawlty Towers, Tim Powers, and a whole variety of other towers worldwide, there is the possibility that some may immediately think of the Twin Towers and understandably not wish to use the name.
  13. Sanders
    • Origin:

      Scottish diminutive of Alexander
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      Sanders is one of the S-ending surnames gaining traction as a first name for boys in the US. It jumped nearly 2000 points in popularity this year.
  14. Wilkes
    • Origin:

      English, a contraction of Wilkins
    • Description:

      Try Abraham or Lincoln instead.
  15. Inglis
    • Description:

      Inglis is a masculine name with Scottish and English origins, primarily derived from a surname meaning "English" or "Englishman." The name developed from the Old English term "Englisc" and was used to identify someone of English descent, particularly in Scotland or other Celtic regions. As a first name, Inglis is quite rare and distinctive, carrying an aristocratic, scholarly air. It shares linguistic roots with the more familiar surname Inglis, which is moderately common in Scotland. The name has historical connections to several notable families and locations in the United Kingdom. Its uncommon nature makes it appeal to parents seeking a name with strong Anglo-Saxon heritage and a distinguished sound.

  16. Forbes
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "field"
    • Description:

      Forbes is a business magazine in the U.S., long led by Malcolm Forbes, with a buttoned-down Brooks Brothers image. If you name your son Forbes, you're definitely implying a connection to the prominent and wealthy family -- which may be exactly what you're intending. But if you have a more down-to-earth image in mind, try Field.
  17. Bates
    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Bartholomew
    • Description:

      Bates is a fresh version of Bartholomew, and feels more wearable than Bart. Bates could be considered a patriotic choice for American parents - Katharine Lee Bates was an author and professor best known for penning the words to "America the Beautiful".
  18. Wallis
    • Description:

      Wallis is a masculine name of Germanic origin functioning as both a given name and surname. Derived from the Old Germanic elements 'wald' meaning 'rule' or 'power' and possibly connected to Wales or 'foreigner' in Old English, it carries connotations of leadership. The name gained notable recognition through Wallis Simpson, the American divorcée for whom King Edward VIII abdicated the British throne. As a first name, Wallis has remained uncommon but distinctive, appealing to parents seeking a sophisticated name with historical resonance. The name projects a refined, somewhat aristocratic quality while maintaining a strong masculine image. Its rarity makes it an individual choice that avoids trendiness while still being recognizable.
  19. Phelps
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Philip"
    • Description:

      Solid Philip middle name alternative.
  20. Abrams

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