Surnames AKA Last Names
- Alise
Origin:
Latvian or English variation of AliceDescription:
About 60 girls were named Alise in the US last year, making it an uncommon but not truly rare name. While it's pretty and intriguing as a spin on the very popular Alice, it's pronounced more like Elise or -- in Latvian -- Elisa, and so may prove more confusing than it's worth. If you want to name your daughter Alice, name her Alice, and if you want to name her Elise, name her Elise. Choosing Alise in many ways gives you the worst of all worlds.
- Allen
Origin:
English and ScottishMeaning:
"handsome, cheerful"Description:
Allen is the spelling of this name -- other common spellings are Alan and Allan -- most associated with the surname; it might also be the most appropriate if you're trying to steer clear of Al as a nickname, as this can easily offer you Len or Lenny as options.
- Angelus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"angel"Description:
The Latin word for an angel (and the male form of Angela) is a rare but smart and stately name. The Angelus is a Catholic devotion, and the name is also used for the church bell that traditionally accompanies it. In pop culture, Angelus is a previous incarnation of Angel in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe.
- Archer
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"bowman"Description:
Archer is an Anglo-Saxon surname that feels more modern than most because of its on-target occupational and Hunger Games associations. And it's a nice way to bypass the clunky Archibald to get to the cool nickname Archie.
- Arend
Description:
Arend is a masculine name of Dutch and German origin meaning 'eagle.' It derives from Germanic elements related to birds of prey, symbolizing strength, vision, and freedom. The name has been used primarily in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and among Dutch-descended communities elsewhere. Arend functions both as a given name and surname in Dutch communities. It shares linguistic roots with names like Arnold and Arndt. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers an accessible pronunciation while maintaining its distinctive European character. The eagle symbolism connects the name to qualities of independence, perception, and nobility, making it appealing for parents seeking a name with natural imagery and strong symbolic associations.
- Ash
Origin:
Diminutive of Asher, EnglishMeaning:
"ash tree"Description:
Ash has Southern charm plus the arboreal-nature appeal. Plus your little boy will prize Ash as the name of the hero of the Pokemon cartoons. Ash can also be a dashing short form of Asher, Ashton, or any other "Ash" name.
- Ash
Origin:
Diminutive of Ashley, EnglishMeaning:
"ash tree"Description:
Ash is a gender-neutral choice that calls to mind the '80s favorite: Ashley. But view it as a nature name -- as in the tree, not the charred bit of soot in the fireplace -- and it makes a cool choice that fits with today's trends.
- Angulas
- Angulas
- Annese
- Arend
- Aton
- Baldwin
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"brave friend"Description:
One "bald" name we can get behind, thanks to pioneering African-American author James Baldwin – though the name is now also associated with the Baldwin brothers, particularly Alec.
- Barber
Origin:
French occupational nameMeaning:
"beard"Description:
This name's all-male occupational roots help it break the Barbara bonds, but still not the most inspiring surname choice.
- Barlow
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"bare hillside"Description:
A friendly sounding surname name reminiscent of the increasingly popular Marlow and Harlow. British musician Gary Barlow is a notable namesake.
- Barnes
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"someone who lives or works near the barn"Description:
This is a solid surname choice for people looking for a change from Cooper, Parker and Carson. Australian parents will probably instantly associate this name with famous rock legend Jimmy Barnes, but this has an even older pedigree as a namesake - Barnes Wallis was a UK aviator and inventor, most remembered for designing the Dambuster bomb (a bomb that bounces across water to reach its target) and working on supersonic flight in the 1940s and 50s.
- Barno
Description:
Barno is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Kenya, it appears as a surname among the Kalenjin people, occasionally adopted as a first name. In Uzbekistan and Central Asia, it functions as both a place name and personal name with Turkic roots. The name may derive from various etymological sources depending on the culture, potentially meaning "peaceful" or "noble" in some contexts. Barno remains exceptionally rare as a first name in Western countries, making it distinctive for those seeking an uncommon international choice. Its brevity and strong consonant sounds give it a bold, memorable quality despite its unfamiliarity in most Western naming traditions.
- Barnum
Origin:
English contraction of "baron's home"Meaning:
"baron's home"Description:
Inevitable circus association.
- Barrett
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"bear strength"Description:
Barrett is one of many surname names that are up and coming for boys in recent years. Barrett joints Bennett, Beckett, and others in the trend of "-tt" ending boy names taking over the charts.
- Bianco
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"white"Description:
Although the female version Bianca has long been accepted as a name outside Italy, maybe it's time to consider this boy color name.