matiaraye's list "Good Surnames" of 20 great name ideas: Hyde - Wagner!

Good Surnames

Names that would make good surnames (or already are surnames), mostly for character creation, but whatever floats your boat.

Hyde, of course, is most familiar as a surname -- as in Mr. Hyde, evil alter ego of Dr. Jeckyll.  Unless Hyde is a family name or you have some other excellent reason for using it, we think you could do better.

Hyde

Windsor may have male references, such as Britain's royal House of Windsor and a tie's windsor knot, but this name also has a definite feminine feel, as in Windsor Rose. That seems appropriate, as Windsor is used equally these days for boys and girls. Nicknames might include Win, Wind, Windy, and Winnie.

Windsor

This name of a town in Scotland, one of the earliest recorded surnames in the whole British Isles, has more vitality than Kelsey. Distinctive in sound with a cool -o ending and a stylish K initial, it feels part Kayce, Kairo, and Kolson, part Carlisle, Cosmo, and Jago, with just a touch of Marlowe and Casper about it too.
 
Originally known as Calkou, Chalkeugh, or possibly Calchfynydd, the place name likely means "chalk ridge", "chalk spur" or "lime mountain". It is also found on the map in California as the name of a ghost town and appears as a place name in Australia and New Zealand too. 
 
Some will surely associate it with the character of Michael Kelso (usually referred to simply as Kelso), portrayed by Ashton Kutcher on That '70s Show. Others may be reminded however of the tragic and unsolved murder of Kelso Cochrane in the 1950s, whose death both emphasized the racial tensions in London and revealed a desire to unite a community. 
 
Given to around 24 boys in the US and 3 boys in the UK in a recent year, it remains a rare option.

Kelso

Lovell is a masculine surname-turned-first-name with Anglo-Norman origins. Derived from the Old French 'louvel' meaning 'little wolf,' it was originally a nickname for someone fierce or wolf-like in character. The name entered England after the Norman Conquest and established itself as both a surname and occasional given name. Lovell peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1920s but remains relatively uncommon today. The name carries a sophisticated, gentlemanly quality with its soft consonants and connection to noble medieval families. Some may also appreciate its phonetic resemblance to the word 'love,' giving it a subtly affectionate undertone.

Lovell

An outdoorsy but smart feeling choice, Latham could be perfect for those looking for undiscovered last names as first names. Similar in style to Graham, Layton, and Linden, it has its origins in the Old Norse word hlaða meaning "barn", which could make it an interesting choice for those honoring family who've been in farming or who like the idea of having a smallhold of their own.

Latham

Sounds more like a car than a baby name.  Some sources related it to the English surname Carter, which would be more stylish these days.

Cordero

A surprisingly wearable floral name for a boy.

Garland

One of those names that most Americans find just too too tea-sippingly British to consider; its meaning has led to occasional use for Capricorn boys. 

Giles

Ancient saint's name used for cowardly cartoon lion. 

Lambert

Has a legitimate first name history in its native land and an appealing meaning, but pronunciation is far from obvious. 

Riordan

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.

Shah

What with Mason scooting up the charts, this attractive place-name, with its thick Georgia accent, could make a more distinctive alternative.
 Macon has played major roles in two novels, Anne Tyler's The Accidental Tourist and Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon, in the latter as both a Macon Sr. and Jr.

Macon

Sleek, unisex surname rarely heard for girls -- which could be seen as an asset. 

Reed

An uncommon surname name with that energetic -er ending. Might appeal especially to baseball fans.

Fielder

A common surname in Ireland, often use as an anglicization of Mac Giolla Phádraig. This name could honor a Patrick. It's also a way to get to Fitz as a nickname.

Fitzpatrick

Combining the sounds of Lake, Lachlan, and Landon, Lakeland is a surname-style name that could fit in with other contemporary names like Holland, Leland, Ryland, Camden, and Bristol. Given to just 12 boys in 2024, it could make a unique but familiar option for any gender.
 
The name Lakeland is used as an alternative name to the natural beauty spot in the UK, known as the Lake District, though it's also used as a surname, a business name, and for a town in Florida.

Lakeland

This is an unusual surname and geographical name of medieval Scottish origin that might serve as a possible alternative to the aging Keith, though it's a bit tough on the tongue. More popularly spelt Laith in Scotland itself, which happens to correspond to an Arabic name meaning 'lion'.

Leith

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

Sadler

An unconventional route to Theo, perhaps, Theory is a bold word name which has been given to more than 200 babies since the 2000s. While it leans slightly feminine statistically, it's so rare that it could go either way. 
 
Associated with ideas, explanations, conjecture, and beliefs, Theory might seem slightly hypothetical for a real baby, though some see it in a more a positive light, as in evoking a sense of curiosity and a desire to learn and make sense of the world — or perhaps from a more spiritual perspective, a search for truth. 
 
Given to 7 boys and 14 girls in a recent year, it may be considered a wild word name parents are actually using.

Theory

Whether pronounced like the wag of a tail or as the correct German VAHG-ner, this might be something a devoted opera buff could consider as a middle name.
