Good Surnames
- Nowell
Description:
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 Christmas season, it evolved into a given name. Nowell represents an alternative spelling to the more common Noel, giving it a slightly more distinctive appearance while maintaining the same pronunciation. The name carries festive connotations and seasonal significance, particularly appealing to parents of winter-born children. While less common than its variant Noel, Nowell has maintained steady if limited usage throughout English-speaking countries, appreciated for its traditional feel, pleasant sound, and meaningful connection to celebration and joy.
- Ahearne
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"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.
- Kendry
Origin:
MalagasyMeaning:
"wise man"Description:
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
Origin:
French surnameDescription:
Woody Allen used this name for his daughter to honor jazz hero Sidney Bechet -- and it could work for a boy as well.
- Burr
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"bristle"Description:
Ruggedly appealing word name in the Thorn/Rider/Storm school of boys' names.
- Boreal
Origin:
English word name from LatinMeaning:
"northern"Description:
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 Materials trilogy.
- Bright
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"bright"Description:
Rare word name that works for either gender.
- Bristol
Origin:
British place-nameMeaning:
"site of the bridge"Description:
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 her eldest daughter, who is now a TV personality herself.
- Marquis
Origin:
English rank of nobleman between duke and countDescription:
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 Marquise version for his son; David Caruso chose Marquez.
- Santos
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"saint, holy"Description:
The Spanish and Portuguese variation of the all-saints name. Santos is a name that has appeared in the US Top 1000 every year except for two: 1913 and 1915.
- Carew
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"fort near a slope"Description:
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
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"male descendant of a pirate or stranger from overseas"Description:
Halloran could be your solution if you love the nickname Hal, but not Harold or Henry.
- Arnault
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Kennet
Description:
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 the Scottish clan name. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, Kennet has been used as a distinct variation. The name carries historical significance through Kenneth MacAlpin, the first king who united the Scots and Picts in the 9th century. While less common than Kenneth in English-speaking countries, Kennet offers a slightly different sound and appearance while maintaining the strong, classic appeal of its more familiar counterpart. The name suggests qualities of leadership and attractiveness while providing a subtle twist on a traditional name.
- Ruiseart
Origin:
Scottish GaelicMeaning:
"brave ruler"Description:
Scottish Gaelic form of Richard, also found as Risteard.
- Blackburn
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"black brook"Description:
Somewhat dashing surname, but with serious teasing potential.
- Bardot
Origin:
French surnameDescription:
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.
- Blaise
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"one who stutters"Description:
Despite its modern sound, Blaise has plenty of history as a given name (for boys), from a Christian martyr to Arthurian legends. Today Blaise feels like the cool and edgy Blaze with a French accent.
- Bronte
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"thunder"Description:
This lovely surname of the three novel-writing sisters, now used as a baby name, makes a fitting tribute for lovers of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. While the original name took an umlaut over the e, modern English speakers may find that more trouble than it's worth (though big fans of the Brontës may well disagree).
- Brooke
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"small stream"Description:
Brooke has long projected an aura of sleek sophistication, and can also be seen as a stylish water name.
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