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Good Surnames

matiaraye
By matiaraye
Updated Tue May 23 2023
Names that would make good surnames (or already are surnames), mostly for character creation, but whatever floats your boat.
  1. Abner

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "father of light."

    • Description:

      This once neglected Biblical name is back on the scene, ready to shake off both its association with the long running satirical comic strip, L'il Abner and its historical Puritan image. The name appears in the Bible several times, notably on the cousin and commander of Saul's army and by two figures in the New Testament. It re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2023, and was a fast rising choice in 2024 when it was given to nearly 300 boys.
  2. Acker

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "meadow of oak trees"

    • Description:

      Acker is a surname name that has not seen much use to date, but given it's lush nature meaning (and the fact that it also means "friend" in Somerset slang) this could be a cute choice for parents looking for something fresh. An added bonus its link to English "Master of the Clarinet" Acker Bilk. The Dutch version, Akker, is also an option.
  3. Ahearne

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "owner of horses"

    • Description:

      What a novel choice for those choosing to honor their Celtic heritage or love of horses (or both). One can imagine a little Ahearne running wildly through lush green fields.
  4. Alcott

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "dweller at the old cottage"

    • Description:

      Alcott evokes shades of nineteenth-century New England, and memories of the author of the books Little Women and Little Men. Louisa May Alcott was the daughter of Amos Bronson Alcott, noted educator, writer and philosopher, and colleague of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
  5. Alger

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "clever warrior"

    • Description:

      This name has been off the USA Top 1000 list since before 1900, but it has some great musical credentials: consider American blues singer Alger "Texas" Alexander and country music legend Pat Alger.
  6. Alrick

    • Description:

      Alrick is a masculine name of Old English and Germanic origin, combining elements meaning 'noble' and 'ruler' or 'power.' It shares roots with names like Alaric and Ulrich, carrying an air of strength and leadership. Historically, Alaric was a famous Visigothic king who conquered Rome in 410 CE, lending the name historical significance. Though relatively uncommon in modern times, Alrick appeals to parents seeking a strong, traditional name with ancient roots. The name has maintained modest usage in Germanic countries and England, and occasionally appears in Scandinavian regions. Alrick offers a distinctive alternative to more common names while maintaining a classic, dignified sound.
  7. Alys

    • Origin:

      Welsh form of Alice, German

    • Meaning:

      "noble"

    • Description:

      Popular in Wales, familiar across the UK, and ultimately derived from the Germanic Adalheidis, this isn't a creative respelling of a classic, but the Welsh variant of it.
  8. Amandine

    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Amanda

    • Meaning:

      "much-loved"

    • Description:

      This fragrant, almond-scented name has hardly been heard in this country, which is a pity--we've loved it since John Malkovich used it for his now grown daughter.
  9. Ansell

    • Description:

      Ansell is a masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from the elements 'ans' meaning 'god' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection.' This gives the name the powerful meaning of 'divine protection' or 'protected by God.' Historically used in medieval England after the Norman Conquest, Ansell gradually became uncommon but has survived as both a surname and occasional first name. The name carries a dignified, somewhat old-world charm while remaining accessible to modern pronunciation. Though rare in contemporary usage, Ansell offers parents seeking distinctive names an option with substantial historical roots and positive connotations. Its sound combines strength and softness, with the familiar ending similar to names like Russell or Mitchell.
  10. Antuan

    • Description:

      Antuan is a distinctive variation of the name Antoine, which itself is the French form of Anthony. The name derives ultimately from the Roman family name Antonius, meaning 'priceless one' or 'highly praiseworthy.' This particular spelling gives the classic name a modern, multicultural flair. Antuan gained some visibility in the United States through professional baseball player Antuan Richardson. The name has a rhythmic quality and a contemporary feel while maintaining connections to its historical roots. While relatively uncommon, Antuan appeals to parents looking for a name that sounds familiar yet stands out. The name blends well across cultural boundaries, making it versatile for families with diverse heritages.

  11. Arbor

    • Origin:

      Nature name

    • Description:

      Arbor is an original unisex tree-related choice we're sure to hear more of. Highly unusual now, Arbor takes its place alongside other new arborial names ranging from the mighty Oak (or Oakley) to the more delicate Birch to the more flowery Juniper, Acacia, and Hazel.
  12. Armand

    • Origin:

      French variation of Herman, German

    • Meaning:

      "soldier"

    • Description:

      Since the first production of Camille this has been considered one of the world's most romantic names, though it's one of those French names for boys rarely heard in this country.
  13. Arnault

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "eagle"

    • Description:

      This French variation of Arnold is definitely more suave, although the Arno variation is easier to spell and features that trendy "o" ending.
  14. Arne

    • Origin:

      Dutch and Scandinavian variation of Arnold

    • Meaning:

      "ruler; strong as an eagle"

    • Description:

      Works better as a full name than Arnie does as a nickname.
  15. Asher

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "fortunate, blessed, happy one"

    • Description:

      Asher—an excellent, soft and sensitive Old Testament choice—is a baby boy name on the rise, and is a Nameberry biblical favorite.
  16. Ashlar

    • Origin:

      English word name, a type of masonry

    • Description:

      An unusual variation on the "ash" names, Ashlar is a great choice for those who know their architecture - Ashlar is a type of fine-cut masonry work.
  17. Auden

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "old friend"

    • Description:

      A softly poetic surname name, associated with poet W.H., Auden is enjoying quiet but marked fashion status. It was chosen for his daughter by Noah Wyle and is definitely one to watch.
  18. Avrumke

    • Description:

      Avrumke is a masculine diminutive form of Avrum or Avraham, which are Yiddish variations of Abraham. This affectionate nickname is primarily used in Ashkenazi Jewish communities, particularly those with Eastern European heritage. The suffix '-ke' adds a sense of endearment and familiarity to the name. Avrumke carries cultural and religious significance within Jewish communities, honoring the biblical patriarch Abraham. This name remains relatively uncommon outside of traditional Jewish settings and is more likely to be used as a familiar form among family members rather than as a formal given name. Avrumke evokes a sense of warmth, tradition, and cultural heritage.
  19. Bainbridge

    • Origin:

      British

    • Meaning:

      "bridge over the river Bain"

    • Description:

      We'll have our sherry in the parlor, please, Bainbridge.
  20. Baird

    • Origin:

      Scottish occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "minstrel, poet"

    • Description:

      Meaning bard, this is an original choice with poetic and melodic undertones. Bard itself has also come into consideration, both names bringing to mind Shakespeare and other literary lights.

      The Scottish surname Baird's most notable bearer was John Logie Baird, the Scottish engineer and inventor of the televisor, the world's first practical television system in 1926, and also the world's first fully electronic color TV tube two years later. Some might also remember puppeteers Bil and Cora Baird.