the best of the masculine -ston names

Carston is a strong masculine name with Germanic and English origins, likely derived from the surname Carson with an added 't' or from variations of Christian names containing 'car' elements meaning 'free man.' This dignified name combines traditional roots with contemporary appeal, striking a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness. Carston emerged in popularity during the late 20th century alongside the trend for surname-inspired first names. Though not among the most common names, it maintains steady usage in English-speaking countries. Carston conveys strength and reliability, with its crisp consonants suggesting a forthright, trustworthy character. The name works well across ages, from boyhood through adulthood.

Easton is a stylish Ivy League-ish place and surname name, more modern than Weston, on its way up for both sexes as part of the new direction baby names are taking, as in North and West. Easton was used for her son by Jenna Elfman--and by Elizabeth Rohm for her daughter.

This choice feels more familiar than other hall-related English surnames, thanks to designer Halston, the single-named disco-era society playmate of Liza and Elton.

Jaxston is a masculine name that emerged as part of the contemporary trend of creating distinctive variations of traditional names. It combines elements of popular names Jackson and Paxton with the fashionable 'x' spelling and '-ton' suffix that has become popular in boy's names. This modern creation began appearing in the early 2000s and has gradually gained modest usage, particularly in the United States. Jaxston appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet stands out from more common choices. The strong consonant sounds give it a masculine edge, while the spelling makes it visually distinctive. While not ranked among the top names, Jaxston fits with current naming trends favoring surnames as first names and unconventional spellings.

Chosen for their first son by musical couple Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, this Jamaican place and elegant British surname also boasts the more regal yet user-friendly short form, King.

The great African-American Harlem Renaissance writer Langston Hughes put this one on the map, while actor Laurence Fishburne adopted it for his now grown son, born in 1987. Despite these popular associations, the name didn't make it into the US Top 1000 until 2013, and while it has remained in the charts, it has stayed towards the latter end.

Britney Spears put this old-fashioned surname name back on the map when she chose it as her son Sean's middle name, which the family uses as his first.

Weston has gone from being a Jane Austenish British surname to a first name with a relaxed American western cowboy feel. Along with other trendy 'n'-ending boys’ names, Weston is rising in popularity, and is now more popular than ever, ranking in the Top 100 since 2021.

Long associated with the Churchill family and common in the West Indies, the distinguished Winston has tended to be neglected here. The exception was during the World War II period, when Winston Churchill was a towering figure and his name reached Number 234. It's now enjoying something of a renaissance.