Good Surnames
- Lon
Origin:
Diminutive of AlonzoMeaning:
"noble, ready"Description:
For older generations this still summons silent horror star Chaney; for others it's a pleasant if slight nickname name.
- Northcliff
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"northern cliff"Description:
Stick with North.
- Vienne
Origin:
Variation of Vienna, place-nameDescription:
Vienne came to Western consciousness as the name of the French heroine of the popular 1990s book and then movie Chocolat. Vienne is a variation of Vienna, the name of the Austrian capital that has been used as a first name for centuries. Vienne may also be a short form or variation of Vivienne.
- Remo
Origin:
Italian variation of Remus, meaning unknownDescription:
Virtually unknown in the U.S., yet with its jaunty o ending and similarity to the stylish (yet unrelated) Remy, Remo may find some new followers.
- Reed
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
Sleek, unisex surname rarely heard for girls -- which could be seen as an asset.
- Ashlar
Origin:
English word name, a type of masonryDescription:
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.
- Beinish
Description:
Beinish is a masculine name with Yiddish origins, derived from 'ben' meaning 'son' in Hebrew. The name may also have connections to Eastern European Jewish communities. Though relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Beinish has historical significance in Jewish communities and may be used to honor family traditions. The name carries a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common names. Some families choose this name to maintain cultural heritage while providing their child with a unique identity. Beinish remains relatively rare in contemporary naming trends, appealing to parents seeking names with cultural depth and historical connections.
- Bright
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"bright"Description:
Rare word name that works for either gender.
- Lockwood
Description:
Lockwood is an English surname turned first name with Old English roots, derived from 'loc' meaning enclosure and 'wudu' meaning wood, essentially describing someone who lived near an enclosed forest. As a given name, Lockwood has a distinguished, aristocratic feel that evokes images of grand estates and English heritage. While not common as a first name, it fits within the trend of using traditional surnames as given names, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet classic-sounding option for their sons. Lockwood projects strength and stability, with literary connections enhancing its intellectual appeal. Its rarity makes it a standout choice that carries traditional gravitas while remaining unique in modern classrooms.
- Bayless
Origin:
French occupational nameMeaning:
"bailiff"Description:
Offers much less than Bay.
- Milian
Origin:
Surname nameDescription:
A few possible explanations for this name: It could be a creative spelling of Million, an elaborated variant of Milan or a reference to singer Christina Milian. We'll leave it up to you whether those are winning inspirations for a baby name.
- Yeats
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"gates"Description:
Yeats, the strong name of the great Irish poet, would work better for a boy. Also has possible pronunciation problem with people who might think it rhymes with Keats. Yeats rhymes with the word from which it's derived: gates.
- Radford
Description:
Radford is a masculine name of English origin derived from Old English elements meaning 'red ford' or 'reedy ford,' initially referring to a river crossing that was either reddish in color or lined with reeds. Like many English surname-turned-first-names, Radford began as a topographic surname indicating where a family lived before eventually transitioning to use as a given name. It carries a distinguished, traditional English quality with connections to place and landscape. While never extremely common as a first name, Radford peaked in usage in the United States during the early 20th century. The name conveys strength and dignity with its two-syllable structure and 'ford' ending that connects it to other classic English names like Bradford, Clifford, and Stanford.
- Sill
Description:
Sill is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may have developed as a short form of names containing the syllable 'Sil' such as Silvester, Silas, or Sylvanus. Alternatively, it could have originated as a surname derived from Middle English 'sille' referring to a threshold or doorway, or from someone who lived near a hill or ridge (from Old English 'syll'). As a given name, Sill is extremely rare, appearing occasionally in historical records but never achieving common usage. The name has a distinctive brevity that contrasts with more elaborate traditional masculine names. With its single syllable and straightforward pronunciation, Sill has an unassuming, unpretentious quality. Today, it might appeal to parents seeking a minimalist name with historical connections but virtually no contemporary usage.
- Gardener
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"keeper of the garden"Description:
Gardener is surely one of the most pleasant and evocative of the occupational options, calling up images of green grass and budding blooms. The name can also be spelled without the first 'e', as in Gardner (born George Cadogan Gardner) McCay, a hunky TV heartthrob of the 1950s and 60s. Gardner is a much more common surname spelling, associated with screen legend Ava, mystery writer Erle Stanley and art collector and patron Isabella Stewart, founder of Boston's Gardner Museum.
- Birney
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"island with the brook"Description:
Bernie, with airs.
- Ruiseart
Origin:
Scottish GaelicMeaning:
"brave ruler"Description:
Scottish Gaelic form of Richard, also found as Risteard.
- Penley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"enclosed meadow"Description:
And if it's triplets: Pembroke, Pendleton, and Penley.
- Sorley
Origin:
Irish from Old NorseMeaning:
"a summer sailor"Description:
Sorley is an anglicization of the Irish name Somhairle, itself derived from the Old Norse Sumarliði, a nickname for a summer traveler (perhaps meaning a viking raider!). It is sometimes used as a boy name in Britain, but very rarely in the US. The similarity to the word "sorely" may put some off, but we still think it makes a jaunty, unusual surname-style option.
- Brigham
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"little village near the bridge"Description:
A distinguished sounding place and surname borne by religious leader Brigham Young, second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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