Surnames

  1. August
    • Origin:

      German form of Latin Augustus
    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"
    • Description:

      The name August is at its highest point since the 1890s, when it ranked among the Top 100 boy names in the US – and deservedly so. With its great meaning, historic roots, and cool nicknames, 2024 saw August officially re-enter the Top 100.
  2. Eden
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "place of pleasure, delight"
    • Description:

      Eden is an attractive, serene name with obvious intimations of Paradise, one of several place names drawn from the Bible by the Puritans in the 17th century.
  3. Callahan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "bright-headed"
    • Description:

      Callahan, the simpler spelling of Callaghan, is a rhythmic jig of a name whose history harks back to the ancient King of Munster. In the Dirty Harry movies, the Clint Eastwood character is Harry Callahan.
  4. Prescott
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "priest's cottage"
    • Description:

      Prescott is one of several distinguished, upper-crusty surnames beginning with P.
  5. Hudson
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "Hugh's son"
    • Description:

      Climbing the charts for boys, and has just begun to cross over for girls, despite the macho "hud" sound followed by the "son" syllable.
  6. Chaplin
    • Origin:

      English and French surname
    • Meaning:

      "clergyman of a chapel"
    • Description:

      Chaplin carries two very distinctive images: the beloved Little Tramp and a minister, often to the military. It was the baby-name choice of Ever Carridine in 2010.
  7. Torrance
    • Origin:

      Scottish habitational surname
    • Meaning:

      "from the hillocks"
    • Description:

      Popularized for girls after Kirsten Dunst portrayed high school cheerleading captain Torrance Shipman in the 2000 movie Bring it On. Tori is an easy nickname.
  8. Silvan
    • Description:

      Silvan is a masculine name derived from Latin 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' It relates to the Roman deity Silvanus, who was the god of woods and wild fields. The name carries nature-based connotations of forests, trees, and woodland settings, making it appealing to parents drawn to names with environmental themes. Silvan has variations across European languages, including Silvanus (Latin), Silvano (Italian/Spanish), and Sylvan (French-influenced spelling). While never extremely common, the name has maintained steady usage particularly in German-speaking regions, parts of Eastern Europe, and among families with Romanian heritage. Silvan has a gentle yet masculine quality, offering a subtle nature connection without being overtly trendy.

  9. Sylas
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Silas
    • Meaning:

      "of the woods"
    • Description:

      Appearing in the Polish New Testament and possibly working to honor a Sylvester, Sylas has been climbing back up the rankings in recent years. Previously peaking in 2013 at #520, it has since overtaken that, entering the Top 500 in 2022. While the classic spelling is six times more popular in the US, that trendy Y is nevertheless capturing parents' attention.
  10. Avram
    • Description:

      Avram is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, serving as a variation of Abraham. Meaning 'exalted father' or 'father of many,' it carries significant religious and historical weight in Jewish tradition. While Abraham is the anglicized form commonly used in English-speaking countries, Avram remains closer to the original Hebrew אַבְרָהָם (Avraham). The name appears in the Torah/Bible as God's chosen name for the patriarch originally called Abram. Popular in Jewish communities worldwide, especially in Israel and among Ashkenazi Jews, Avram also has usage in Eastern European countries. The name combines historical gravitas with a distinctive sound that feels both ancient and accessible. Its biblical significance makes it meaningful for many religious families.
  11. Manning
    • Origin:

      Irish surname
    • Meaning:

      "monk"
    • Description:

      For football fans who have decided Peyton has become too feminine. Or they could look to brother Eli for inspiration.
  12. Alden
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "old, wise friend"
    • Description:

      This is one surname-name that may swing decidedly to the male side, thanks to highly-visible young actor Alden Ehrenreich.
  13. Keegan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "son of Egan"
    • Description:

      Another two-syllable surname zooming up the ladder for boys, and poised to be grabbed by the girls.
  14. Clifton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "place on a cliff"
    • Description:

      A less-used cross between Clifford and Clinton.
  15. Kerrigan
    • Origin:

      Irish surname
    • Meaning:

      "son of Ciaragán"
  16. Austen
    • Origin:

      Literary surname and shortened form of Augustine, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"
    • Description:

      While Austin is a popular boys' name, this spelling, honoring novelist Jane, nudges the name toward gender-neutral, chosen last year for 67 baby boys and 57 girls.
  17. 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.
  18. Terrance
    • Description:

      Variation of Terence.
  19. Devaughn
    • Description:

      Devaughn is a contemporary name that appears to be a variant spelling of DeVon or Devin, with the distinctive '-vaughn' ending that may be influenced by the surname Vaughn (from Welsh, meaning 'small'). The prefix 'De-' is found in many names of various origins, including French and Latin roots meaning 'of' or 'from.' Devaughn gained modest recognition in the United States particularly from the 1980s onward. The name's popularity peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The spelling variation with 'gh' gives the name a distinctive quality while maintaining its phonetic pronunciation. Usage patterns show that Devaughn has been embraced across diverse communities in the United States, particularly from the late 20th century onward.
  20. Keenan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "ancient"
    • Description:

      A lively boys' name that works well for girls.

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