Good Surnames

Rainhart

Rainhart is a masculine name of Germanic origin combining the elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'hart' (strong, brave, or hardy). This powerful combination creates a meaning akin to 'strong counselor'…

Swithun

English

"strong bear cub"

Variously spelled as Swithun or Swithin, this distinctive sounding name is belonged to St. Swithun, an Anglo-Saxon bishop known as the patron saint of Winchester and of the weather — making him the…

Charlot

French nickname for Charles

"free man"

The way the French allude to Charlie Chaplin could make a charming name on its own, or a hip nickname alternate to Charlie or Chuck. It's also used in the Creole community.

Nowell

Nowell is a masculine name derived from Old French 'noel,' ultimately from Latin 'natalis' meaning 'birth,' historically referring to Christmas. Originally a surname given to children born during the…

Ahearne

Celtic

"owner of horses"

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.

Kendry

Malagasy

"wise man"

How often do you see a name from Madagascar that is so wearable in English? Kendry has a great meaning to boot and is possibly a great name for a Christmas baby. What's not to love?

Bechet

French surname

Woody Allen used this name for his daughter to honor jazz hero Sidney Bechet -- and it could work for a boy as well.

Burr

English

"bristle"

Ruggedly appealing word name in the Thorn/Rider/Storm school of boys' names.

Boreal

English word name from Latin

"northern"

This English word name derives from the name of the Greek god of the north wind, Boreas, by way of Latin borealis "northern". A fictional bearer is Lord Boreal from Philip Pullman's His Dark…

Bright

English word name

"bright"

Rare word name that works for either gender.

Bristol

British place-name

"site of the bridge"

This name of a busy British port city -- as well as of several places in America -- has a brisk and bustling air. It will now--and for years to come--be identified as a Sarah Palin name, chosen for…

Marquis

English rank of nobleman between duke and count

There are ordinary folk named Prince, Earl, and Duke, so why not this rank of nobility as well? Many spellings compete, the most common being Marquis, Marquise, and Marquez. Rapper 50 Cent chose the…

Carew

Welsh

"fort near a slope"

Noted bearers of this surname include a metaphysical poet, a Nobel Prize winner, and a baseball Hall of Famer, so there's plenty of hero-name inspiration.

Halloran

Gaelic

"male descendant of a pirate or stranger from overseas"

Halloran could be your solution if you love the nickname Hal, but not Harold or Henry.

Arnault

French

"eagle"

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

Kennet

Kennet is a masculine name with Scandinavian and Scottish origins, representing a variant spelling of Kenneth. Derived from the Gaelic name Coinneach meaning 'handsome' or 'fair,' it also connects to…

Ruiseart

Scottish Gaelic

"brave ruler"

Scottish Gaelic form of Richard, also found as Risteard.

Blackburn

English

"black brook"

Somewhat dashing surname, but with serious teasing potential.