Surnames

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

This name may be related to the Latin Maximus, which means "the greatest," or to a British landowner's name, but for most modern parents, it's one of several ways to get to short form Max.

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

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.

Prescott is one of several distinguished, upper-crusty surnames beginning with P.

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

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.

Variation of Terence.

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.

A less-used cross between Clifford and Clinton.

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

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.

Kennett is a masculine name with English origins, derived from the place name Kennett, which refers to a river in England. The river name is believed to come from the Celtic term meaning 'boundary water.' As a surname-turned-first-name, Kennett has an aristocratic, refined quality. While less common than the variant Kenneth, Kennett maintains the same strong, classic appeal with a slightly more distinctive edge. The name has never been among the most popular choices but appeals to parents seeking a traditional yet uncommon name with historical roots. Kennett projects reliability and steadfastness while offering the friendly nickname options of Ken or Kenny.