Good Surnames

Sadler is another new entrant in the trendy occupational surname category, one particularly prime for a horse lover.

Samir has a pleasing sound and lovely meaning. One of those distinctive names that can also fit right in—and you could always call him Sam.

With the prevailing popularity of Samuel, some parents are considering this more (literally) powerful biblical name, which shares the desirable nickname of Sam.

A name introduced here by The Godfather: James Caan played the anything-but-saintly Santino "Sonny" Corleone, and comedian Adam Carolla used it for his son.

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.

Shah is a masculine name of Persian origin that means 'king' or 'ruler.' Historically, it was used as a title for the monarchs of Iran (Persia) until the 20th century. As a personal name, Shah carries connotations of nobility, leadership, and authority. In Western countries, it has gained modest popularity among families with Middle Eastern, South Asian, or Persian heritage. The name is appreciated for its simplicity, strength, and cross-cultural appeal. In multicultural communities, Shah serves as a distinctive yet easily pronounced name that honors Persian cultural heritage.

Slate, Stone and Steel are on the rise, so why not Shale?

Shepherd is an occupational surname with a pleasant pastoral feel. It was chosen for their son by the Jerry Seinfelds, which might inspire others to follow their lead.

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.

This Indian girls' name, in the Top 1000 in England and Wales, is virtually unknown in the US but has a pretty sound and is easily translated. If you're looking for a girl name with authentic Indian roots and a lovely sound and meaning, Simran might make an excellent choice.

Sims is a medieval English surname, also found in Ireland and Scotland, that has many variations all deriving from the Hebrew Biblical name Simon. Sims is a simple, straightforward, yet proper-sounding name that works well as a first, whether you find it in your family tree or pluck the idea from someone else's. It was used for only five boys in the US in 2013.

Nope, not a misspelling of Sexton or a number name. This Old Norse name is actually a name denoting victory and in the Swedish Top 100..

Evoking the image of a shady glen, Slade could make a distinctive middle name. It entered the Top 1000 in 2007, and has been seen as a character name on the TV show "Smallville." It's also a name that pops up in comic books and video games.

There's definitely a cold front of names for winter babies moving in, with Summer, Spring and Autumn giving way to Winter--plus North, January, Frost--and Snow. This name feels brisk, fresh, pure, evocative -- and magical. A haunting middle name choice.

Socorro is a Spanish and Portuguese word name taken from a title of the Virgin Mary, "Mary of Perpetual Succour." Its religious meaning makes it somewhat old-fashioned and not among the Spanish names for girls widely used in the US.

This is a soft, soignée French girls' namethat has become familiar here via singer Solange Knowles, younger sister of Beyonce.

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.

With related choices such as Lark and Phoenix gaining popularity, why not Sparrow? Though it's usually thought of as a female name, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden chose it for their son.

Sroel is a rare masculine name that serves as a Yiddish variant of Israel. The name Israel has deep biblical roots, originating from Hebrew meaning 'one who struggles with God' or 'God contends.' Sroel emerged primarily in Eastern European Jewish communities as a vernacular form used in everyday life. While Israel remained the formal name for religious and official purposes, Sroel was often used conversationally. This name carries significant cultural and religious heritage within Jewish communities but remains quite uncommon in mainstream usage. As with many traditional Yiddish names, its usage declined following World War II and subsequent assimilation, though some families continue to use it to honor ancestral traditions.

A name with some sterling qualities, most associated with the British currency and silver markets. Sterling has several recent TV associations, with characters Roger Sterling (on Mad Men) and Sterling Archer (on Archer), and actor Sterling K. Brown (on This is Us).