​
​
Advanced Search

Good Surnames

  1. Ridder

    • Description:

      Ridder is a masculine name with Germanic and Dutch origins, literally meaning 'knight' or 'rider' in these languages. Historically used as an occupational surname for horsemen or knights, its transition to a first name carries strong connotations of chivalry, bravery, and nobility. In Dutch and German contexts, 'ridder' specifically refers to a member of a knightly order or someone who has been knighted. As a given name, Ridder remains quite rare internationally, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has a strong, masculine sound with its double consonant and straightforward pronunciation. Parents might choose Ridder for its unique character, historical associations with honor and valor, or to honor Dutch or German heritage.
  2. Kipper

    • Description:

      Kipper is an uncommon masculine name with Germanic and English origins. Traditionally, it refers to someone who cures fish (particularly herring) by splitting, salting, and smoking—a kipper being a type of preserved fish. As a personal name, it may have evolved from a nickname or occupational surname. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its bouncy consonants and informal feel. In children's literature, Kipper is known as the name of a popular dog character created by Mick Inkpen. While rare as a given name, Kipper has a playful, unpretentious charm that might appeal to parents seeking something distinctive and cheerful. It suggests someone with a down-to-earth, practical nature and perhaps a bit of whimsy.
  3. Carleigh

    • Origin:

      Variation of Carly, English

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      Carleigh, a fancier way of spelling Carly, reflects the trend toward trying to make an ordinary name more special by fiddling with the spelling. Yes, Leigh is a feminine way to spell Lee, so Carleigh is theoretically an acceptable way to spell Carly, but it doesn't really work that way. People will wonder: is it Car-lay? Car-lee-uh? And your child will forever have to spell her name. Stick with Carly....or better, Carla or Carlin, or better yet, Charlotte or Caroline.
  4. Grove

    • Origin:

      Nature name

    • Meaning:

      "grove of trees"

    • Description:

      If you find Grover too fusty and furry, this is a much cooler-sounding alternative.
  5. Portwood

    • Origin:

      English Surname

    • Description:

      Chosen by Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher as the middle name of their son Dimitri.
  6. Penley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "enclosed meadow"

    • Description:

      And if it's triplets: Pembroke, Pendleton, and Penley.
  7. Elwell

    • Origin:

      English Surname

    • Meaning:

      "healthy spring"

    • Description:

      Elwell is an English surname as well as a place name. Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick used it as a second middle name for one of their twin daughters in 2009.
  8. Breslin

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Breasal"

    • Description:

      Breslin is a classic Irish surname that's found its way onto the first name roles in the US, but only for girls.
  9. Rainhart

    • Description:

      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' or 'brave advisor.' Rainhart represents an alternative spelling of the more common Reinhard/Reinhardt, which was popular throughout medieval Germany and continues to appear in German-speaking regions. The name carries associations with strength, wisdom, and leadership qualities. Despite its ancient roots, Rainhart maintains a certain timeless quality with its strong consonants and meaningful etymology. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has occasionally been adopted by families with German heritage or those drawn to its distinctive sound and powerful meaning. The variant spelling with 'ai' rather than 'ei' gives the name a slightly more accessible pronunciation for English speakers.

  10. Rodriguez

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Rodrigo"

    • Description:

      Common Spanish surname that can work as a first.
  11. Ripp

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Rip, Dutch

    • Meaning:

      "strength, might"

    • Description:

      Ripp removes this name one step from its violent meaning.
  12. Kodiak

    • Origin:

      Alutiiq, Native American,"island"

    • Meaning:

      "island"

    • Description:

      Kodiak Island, off the coast of Alaska, is the second largest island in the US as well as a baby name getting some attention, especially for boys and especially in Washington State.
  13. Brinstan

    • Origin:

      Old English

    • Description:

      Brinstan was a Bishop of Wincester. This old English name has real potential for resurrection.
  14. Willoughby

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "farm near the willows"

    • Description:

      With Willow and Willa becoming more popular for girls, surname-name Willoughby could be a more unusual alternative. Its full form sounds appropriate for both genders, but can be shortened for girls to Willow, Willa, or even Bee.
  15. 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.
  16. Osgood

    • Origin:

      Teutonic

    • Meaning:

      "divine creator"

    • Description:

      This name seems to foresee a future CFO. Not a bad thing. Osgood Perkins is the name of both the father and son of actor Anthony. Oz is the enlivening nickname.
  17. Boreal

    • Origin:

      English word name from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  18. Braque

    • Origin:

      Artist name

    • Description:

      A strikingly creative and unique name well worth considering, recalling the great cubist paintings of Georges Braque.
  19. 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.
  20. Jens

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Johannes or John, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Short but substantial Nordic name that travels well -- although it runs the risk of being confused with all the feminine Jen names.

Introducing the Nameberry App

Nameberry App
Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile app.
  • Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
  • Names you match on are saved to your shared list
  • Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
  • Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
  • Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.
Nameberry App Logo