A Huge List Of Surnames
- Abbott
Origin:
Hebrew, AramaicMeaning:
"father"Description:
Abbott is a neglected masculine surname with religious overtones as the head of a monastery. Though the feminine nickname Abby could be a slight drawback, Abbott is still an attractive offbeat possibility.
- Abel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"breath"Description:
Abel, the name of Adam and Eve's unfortunate younger son, compensates with positive connotations: capable, competent, ready and willing.
- Abraham
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"father of multitudes"Description:
Abraham is among the most classic baby names that's still widely-used today, popular for its references to both the Bible and American history. The Biblical Abraham was the first of the Old Testament patriarchs and is considered the founding father of the Jewish people. He was originally named Abram, until, according to Genesis, he was told, "No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations."
- Acton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"village with oak trees"Description:
This name's buttoned-up British vibe is what makes it cool - that, and the fact that it was chosen by Anne Bronte as her pseudonym - Acton Bell. That's quite the literary - and may we add feminist - credential for a name. For those with an adventurous edge, Acton is one of the highest peaks in Antarctica.
- Adam
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"son of the red earth"Description:
Adam -- a primal Old Testament name -- was revived as a 1960s cowboy name. Adam is not as popular as it once was and feels ready for a respite, replaced by newer A names like Aidan/Aiden, Avery and Axel. Its most prominent current bearers include Adams Sandler, Levine, Brody and Driver -- who plays a character named Adam on Girls.
- Adams
Description:
Adams originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Adam,' derived from the Hebrew name Adam ('man' or 'earth'). As a given name, Adams represents a modern trend of using surnames as first names, projecting strength and tradition. While primarily masculine, it sometimes appears as a middle name for both genders. In the United States, Adams carries historical significance through founding father John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams, both presidents. The name has never been highly common as a first name but has steady, modest usage. It appeals to parents seeking a distinguished, intellectual-sounding name with historical resonance. Adams possesses a dignified, refined quality while maintaining simplicity and clear pronunciation.
- Addison
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Adam"Description:
Despite its origin as a patronymic meaning "son of Adam", Addison really caught on for baby girls in the US around the turn of the millennium, following in Madison's footsteps to peak at #11 in 2007 and again in 2010.
- Albemarle
Origin:
English from LatinMeaning:
"white marl"Description:
A Southern place name — found in North Carolina and Virginia — borne by early enslaved people in the US. It came over from England, where Albemarle was a variation of the French county name Aumale, from the Latin Alba Marla, "white marl." Marl is a type of soil.
- Albino
Description:
Albino is primarily a masculine name with Latin origins. It derives from 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'bright,' and historically referred to someone with pale or white features. The name is found in several European cultures, particularly in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese-speaking communities. As a given name, Albino has remained relatively rare, possibly due to its association with the genetic condition of the same name. In some regions, particularly parts of Africa, the name carries serious cultural sensitivities due to discrimination against people with albinism. The name has declined in usage in modern times, though it maintains some usage in traditional Catholic communities where it connects to Saint Albinus, a 6th-century bishop.
- Alcott
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dweller at the old cottage"Description:
Alcott evokes shades of nineteenth-century New England, and memories of the author of the books Little Women and Little Men. Louisa May Alcott was the daughter of Amos Bronson Alcott, noted educator, writer and philosopher, and colleague of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
- Alford
Description:
Alford is an English surname-turned-first-name with Old English origins, derived from 'ald' meaning old and 'ford' meaning river crossing, literally signifying "old river ford." As a given name, it carries an air of distinction and heritage, suggesting someone connected to ancestral lands. Alford has never been extremely common as a first name but has maintained a steady, if modest, presence throughout the English-speaking world. It peaked in popularity in the early 20th century. The name evokes images of rural English landscapes and has an aristocratic quality. Alford offers the friendly nickname Al while maintaining a formal, distinguished full form that conveys strength and tradition.
- 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.
- Ames
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"friend"Description:
One of those place and surname names that hasn't be used much as a first name yet -- but could soon. You could think of it as a fun, one-syllable twist on Amos. Ames is also notable as a surname that comes from a female name, Amys or Amice, ultimately deriving from the Latin amicus, "friend".
- Amos
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"carried by God"Description:
Amos is a robust biblical name that's being discovered by a new generation of parents in a major way.
- Andre
Origin:
French and Portuguese variation of AndrewMeaning:
"strong and manly"Description:
Andre is one of the international forms of Andrew that has been familiar in the English-speaking world for decades without any need to be overly Anglicized - though round the world, it is more likely to be written as André.
- Andrews
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Andrew"Description:
This common English surname is rarely used as a first. The S ending makes it a preppy way to update Andrew.
- Andrus
Origin:
EstonianMeaning:
"strong and manly"Description:
Estonian variation of Andrew.
- André
Description:
André is a masculine name of French and Portuguese origin, derived from the Greek name Andreas, meaning 'manly' or 'brave.' It's the French form of Andrew, which comes from the Greek word 'andros' meaning 'man.' The accent over the 'e' gives the name its distinctive pronunciation (ahn-DRAY) and continental flair. André has been consistently popular across various European countries, particularly in France, Portugal, Brazil, and other French and Portuguese-speaking regions. The name carries an air of sophistication and artistic sensibility, perhaps influenced by notable bearers like composer André Previn and tennis player André Agassi. In the United States, André saw increased usage during the 1970s-1990s and continues to be appreciated for its classic yet cosmopolitan quality.
- Armstead
Description:
Armstead is a masculine surname name with strong Anglo-Saxon roots, historically indicating someone who lived near or worked at an armory (a place where weapons and armor were stored or made). As a first name, it carries a dignified, traditional quality reminiscent of English heritage and craftsmanship. Uncommon as a given name, Armstead provides a distinctive option for parents drawn to surname-style names with historical substance. The name projects strength and solidity with its 'Arm' beginning, while offering the friendly nickname potential of 'Army' or 'Stead.' Armstead appeared occasionally in 19th-century records but remains rare today, making it an option for those seeking a name with historical depth that stands apart from current trends while maintaining a classic, masculine character.
- Arne
Origin:
Dutch and Scandinavian variation of ArnoldMeaning:
"ruler; strong as an eagle"Description:
Works better as a full name than Arnie does as a nickname.