Cool Surnames of Famous Film Stars

  1. Saint
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "saint"
    • Description:

      Saint as a descriptive word name was first chosen by rocker Pete Wentz for his younger son (baby brother is Bronx), and now Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have catapulted the name into the celebrity stratosphere by choosing it for their baby boy. The couple called their baby "Saint" throughout the pregnancy because his conception had been so difficult. Saint was named in our predictions for the top baby name trends of 2015, on descriptive word names which also include Royal and Noble, King and Rogue. Saint is moving beyond the group of names that are only celebrity baby names and into the general lexicon.
  2. Tierney
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "descendent of a lord"
    • Description:

      An uncommon Irish-accented surname that seems particularly well suited to a girl. Tierney Sutton is a well-known jazz singer. Tierney, in its original Tiarnach form, was the name of several saints. It can also join the ranks of Old Hollywood names, via the haunting actress Gene Tierney. ER actress Maura Tierney is a current surname bearer.
  3. Olivier
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "olive tree"
    • Description:

      More and more frequently heard as the Gallic version of Oliver, Olivier could be seen as a tribute to the great British actor, Sir Laurence O.
  4. Leigh
    • Origin:

      English variation of Lee
    • Meaning:

      "pasture, meadow"
    • Description:

      This spelling adds a little more femininity to the neutral Lee. Leigh and sister Lee were quite popular in the 1960s and 1970s among the first cool wave of unisex names for girls, but now have vanished from the Top 1000. The Biblical Leah is preferred.
  5. Brando
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Brand
    • Meaning:

      "firebrand, sword"
    • Description:

      Screen legend Marlon's surname has loads more swagger than his first. A little Brando might have to endure references to his famous namesake, though his peers may just assume its linked to popular Brandon, with the stylish -o ending of Milo, Arlo, and Hugo.
  6. Caine
    • Description:

      Caine is a masculine name with multiple origins and meanings. In Welsh traditions, it derives from 'cain' meaning 'beautiful' or 'fair,' while some associate it with the biblical figure Cain. The name has gained modest popularity as a contemporary alternative to similar-sounding names like Kane or Kaine. Its single-syllable strength gives it a bold, memorable quality that appeals to parents seeking a masculine name with impact. Caine has literary and pop culture connections, appearing in works ranging from classic literature to modern films. The spelling with the '-e' ending distinguishes it slightly from the biblical Cain, potentially softening controversial associations while maintaining the name's strong sound and visual appeal.
  7. Novak
    • Origin:

      Serbian
    • Meaning:

      "new"
    • Description:

      Tennis star Novak Djokovic introduced this new first name to the English-speaking world, though it had long been familiar as a surname. The celebrity Novak, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, might be an inspirational role model for a baby Novak. And the name Novak goes well with other stylish names that mean new, including Nova, Neo, and Nouvel.
  8. Gable
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "triangular feature in architecture"
    • Description:

      The iconic Gone With the Wind star Clark's surname was brought into the first-name mix when Weeds' Kevin Nealon picked it for his son. Gable makes a strong and unusual possibility, a rhyming cousin to Abel and Mabel.
  9. Connery
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "warrior-lord"
    • Description:

      This appealing name of a mythical king of Tara whose reign brough prosperity to his kingdom is strongly associated with actor Sean. The Irish form is Conaire.
  10. Cagney
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "tribute"
    • Description:

      Cagney is one of the spunkiest Irish surnames around, and could make a lively and fresher successor to the tired Casey.
  11. Coburn
    • Description:

      Coburn is a masculine name of English origin, derived from an Old English surname. It likely originated as a topographical surname for someone who lived near a stream or brook, combining the elements 'col' (cool) and 'burna' (stream or brook). As a first name, Coburn has remained quite uncommon throughout history, giving it a distinguished and unique quality. It projects an image of strength and refinement with its solid consonant sounds. The name carries a sophisticated, patrician quality that evokes images of New England heritage or distinguished academics. Coburn might appeal to parents seeking a rare name with historical roots that still sounds contemporary and substantial without being flashy.

  12. Bardot
    • Origin:

      French surname
    • Description:

      Bardot joined the first and last names of other glamour girl icons such as (Jean) Harlow when David Boreanaz chose the surname of '50s French sex symbol Brigitte Bardot for his daughter. Bardot debuted in the US charts in 2022.
  13. Charisse
    • Description:

      Charisse is a feminine name of French origin, considered a variation of Charissa or Charis, derived from the Greek word 'charis' meaning 'grace' or 'kindness.' The name gained recognition in America during the mid-20th century, partly due to the fame of actress and dancer Cyd Charisse. With its elegant sound and sophisticated French flair, Charisse conveys a sense of beauty and refinement. The name peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s but remains a relatively uncommon choice, making it distinctive without being completely unfamiliar. Charisse balances classic appeal with a touch of uncommon elegance, appealing to parents seeking a name that sounds graceful and sophisticated.

  14. Gardner
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "keeper of the garden"
    • Description:

      Surely one of the most pleasant and evocative of the occupational options.
  15. Garson
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "to protect"
    • Description:

      Straightforward surname with potential thanks to the rise of Carson. The actress Greer Garson gives it a splash of Hollywood glamor.
  16. 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.
  17. Niven
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "little saint"
    • Description:

      Excellent candidate for use as an undiscovered surname name. Niven is the Anglicized spelling of the Irish name Naomhan, a diminutive of the word naomh which means saint. This handsome but unusual name was given to only six boys in the US last year. Your parents may be familiar with actor David Niven.

      Other forms of the name include Nevan and Nevin.
  18. Duvall
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "of the valley"
    • Description:

      Old-timey surname that's been very rarely used.
  19. Ferrer
    • Description:

      Ferrer is a masculine name of Catalan and Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word 'ferrarius' meaning 'blacksmith' or 'ironworker.' As a surname-turned-first-name, it reflects an occupational heritage and carries connotations of strength, craftsmanship, and industrial skill. The name has historical significance in Mediterranean regions, particularly in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. While not commonly used as a first name globally, Ferrer has an understated elegance and professional tone that appeals to parents seeking distinctive names with historical roots. Its pronunciation (feh-REHR) gives it a rhythmic quality that works well internationally.
  20. Garbo
    • Origin:

      Italian nickname
    • Meaning:

      "polite, kind"
    • Description:

      Patricia Arquette and Nicole Richie named their daughters Harlow, so why not consider this other great early screen icon?

Introducing the Nameberry App

Nameberry App
Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile app.
  • Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
  • Names you match on are saved to your shared list
  • Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
  • Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
  • Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.
Nameberry App Logo