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Good Surnames

  1. Jennings

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "son of John"

    • Description:

      Jennings is a common English surname that originated as a patronymic for the child of someone named Jen, a short form of John.
  2. Jens

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Johannes or John

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "shed town"

    • Description:

      Keaton is an engaging surname with warmth, energy and a sense of humor, identified with silent comedian Buster Keaton and contemporary actors Michael and Diane Keaton. Although rare as a first name, a young Keaton would fit right in with classmates Keenan and Kellen.
  4. Keen

    • Origin:

      English, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "bold, brave; battle"

    • Description:

      Actor Mark Ruffalo honed this surname down to its basics when he chose it for his son. A more usable expansion might be the Irish surname Keenan/Keenen.
  5. Kelso

    • Origin:

      Scottish place and surname

    • Meaning:

      "chalk ridge"

    • Description:

      This name of a town in Scotland, one of the earliest recorded surnames in the whole British Isles, has more vitality than Kelsey.
  6. Kendell

    • Description:

      Kendell is a masculine name derived from the Welsh place name Kendal, meaning 'valley of the River Kent.' This contemporary spelling variation of Kendall adds a distinctive touch to the traditional name. Kendell emerged in popularity during the late 20th century as part of the trend toward using surnames as first names. The name has a modern, strong sound while maintaining a connection to British geographical heritage. While less common than similar names like Kendrick or Kenneth, Kendell offers a unique option that balances familiarity with distinctiveness. The name has a professional, sophisticated quality that grows well with a person from childhood into adulthood, contributing to its steady though modest popularity in English-speaking countries.
  7. Kendry

    • Origin:

      Malagasy

    • Meaning:

      "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?
  8. 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.

  9. Keyes

    • Origin:

      English, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "keeper of keys; son of Aodh"

    • Description:

      With an easy-going and interesting sound, the surname-inspired Keyes might fit in with the likes of Hayes, Reese, Kai and Keegan. While Keyes has never appeared in the US stats, Key (perhaps as a variation of Kay or Kai) is given to a handful of boys each year.
  10. Kipling

    • Origin:

      English surname and place name

    • Description:

      Kipling calls to mind writer Rudyard (b. Joseph) Kipling, author of the stories familiar to schoolchildren Gunga Din and The Jungle Story. Certainly, Kipling is a friendlier name than Rudyard these days, complete with cute short form Kip.
  11. 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.
  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. Kynaston

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "royal peace settlement"

    • Description:

      A dignified yet gentle surname name occasionally heard in England and the West Indies.
  14. Lakeland

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "lake district"

    • Description:

      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 16 boys in 2023, it could make a unique but familiar option for any gender.
  15. Lambert

    • Origin:

      French and German

    • Meaning:

      "land brilliant"

    • Description:

      Ancient saint's name used for cowardly cartoon lion.
  16. Lamonto

    • Description:

      Lamonto is an exceptionally rare masculine name with possible Italian or Spanish influences. It may be a creative variation of Lamonte or Lamont, which derive from Old French elements meaning 'the mountain.' The added 'o' ending gives it a distinctive Mediterranean flair. Lamonto has never appeared in popular name rankings in the United States, making it an extremely unique choice. The name carries a strong, commanding presence with its bold sounds and rhythmic three-syllable structure. For parents seeking a name with geographic associations and a distinctly uncommon quality, Lamonto offers both distinction and a connection to natural imagery of height and strength.
  17. Lander

    • Origin:

      English from German

    • Meaning:

      "territory"

    • Description:

      Lander is a name that straddles two trends. It's an er-ending surname name, ala Cooper and Carter. And it's also, more subtly, a green name, in the manner of Fielder or Reed.
  18. Landon

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "long hill"

    • Description:

      Landon is a popular surname name; it's been dropping slightly in recent years but has surpassed its once more popular rhyming cousin Brandon. For some it may bring back nostalgic memories of Little House on the Prairie 's understanding Pa, played by Michael Landon.
  19. Landry

    • Origin:

      French and English

    • Meaning:

      "ruler"

    • Description:

      St. Landry was a seventh century bishop of Paris, founder of the city's first hospital. The name is more familiar in recent years thanks to legendary Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry, an association that makes this a sports hero name, as well as a thoroughly masculine one. Landry is also in use for girls in the US. Landry is one of the oldest surnames in France, dating back to the medieval period, and is particularly popular among Cajun-Americans. It has been on the Social Security list since 2010.
  20. Langley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "long meadow"

    • Description:

      Better for an Air Force base than a baby.