Rock-n-Roll Surnames

Ash is a gender-neutral choice that calls to mind the '80s favorite: Ashley. But view it as a nature name -- as in the tree, not the charred bit of soot in the fireplace -- and it makes a cool choice that fits with today's trends.

Avalon, an island paradise of Celtic myth and Arthurian legend--it was where King Arthur was taken to recover from his wounds-- and also the colorful capital of the California island of Catalina-- makes a heavenly first name. Actress Rena Sofer and British musician Julian Cope used it for their daughters.

Barrett is one of many surname names that are up and coming for boys in recent years. Barrett joints Bennett, Beckett, and others in the trend of "-tt" ending boy names taking over the charts.

The popular single-named alternative singer (born Bek) has given this cool nature-meets-surname name a new lease of life. Another notable bearer is Beck Weathers, a Texan pathologist who survived the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, which was covered in the book and film Into Thin Air.

An Irish surname name with a combination of boldness and élan. Some might connect it to the founder of the group T. Rex -- Marc Bolan.

Baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn put this name in play as a first name, but David Bowie (born with the considerably less marketable moniker of David Robert Jones) gave it charisma. He changed his surname in 1965 to avoid confusion with the then popular Davy Jones of The Monkees, borrowing it from the American hero of Alamo, Jim Bowie.

Byrne is a masculine name of Irish and Gaelic origin, derived from Ó Broin, meaning "descendant of Bran." The name Bran translates to "raven" in Gaelic, giving Byrne associations with this intelligent and mystical bird. Originally a surname common throughout Ireland, particularly in Counties Dublin and Wicklow, Byrne has transitioned to occasional use as a given name. It carries a strong Celtic heritage and projects a sense of ruggedness and tradition. While relatively uncommon as a first name, Byrne appeals to parents seeking a distinctive Irish name with historical depth. Its single-syllable strength and unique sound set it apart from more common Celtic names.

With the popular 'ash' sound and a contemporary feel, Cash is a widely used name in the US. Used occasionally before the 2000s, Cash really took off in 2003, following the death of American musical legend, Johnny Cash.

A lean and lanky Irish cowboy name with great nickname potential to boot (Cass or Sid are both options). This is one of the great under-rated American names!

Cochran is primarily known as a surname of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic MacEachrain or O'Corcrain, meaning "son of Eachran" or "descendant of Corcran." As a masculine first name, Cochran represents the trend of using family surnames as given names, which became popular in American naming practices. The name carries associations of strength and heritage, with a distinctly Celtic foundation. While uncommon as a first name, Cochran has an established presence through notable bearers of the surname, including aviation pioneer Jacqueline Cochran and musician Eddie Cochran. The name has a strong, distinguished quality with two syllables that create a balanced rhythm, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with historical roots and a masculine, preppy character.

The genial yet upscale and preppy Cooper was one of the first occupational last names to catch on -- and Cooper remains a pleasing option.

This name has not one but two impressive cultural connections: collage artist Joseph Cornell and photographer Cornell Capa--not to mention Cornell University.

A variation of Greek Dionysius, itself derived from the name of the god of wine, revelry, and dance, Dion gives a nod to mythology while also having historical ties to a student of Plato, to a Greek mathematician and to 1st century writer and historian.

As a contemporary name, it came into popular use in the late 1950s and remained in the Top 1000 until 2006. It has dipped in and out of the charts since then, and is still given to a not insignificant 200 boys each year.

Boys' favorite retains more of its poetic, windswept quality when used for a girl, as Robin Wright and Sean Penn did. Alyssa Milano gave her daughter Elizabella Dylan as a middle name.