User-created list
A Huge List Of Surnames
Across 143 pages
of 143
Baldwin
German
"brave friend"
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.
Ballard
Ballard is a masculine name of English origin functioning primarily as a surname before its adoption as a given name. Derived from the Old English 'bal' (ball) and 'heard' (hard), it historically…
Bancroft
English
"field of beans, dweller near the bean farm"
An upper-crusty-sounding name with humble origins, Bancroft is a surname and a place name that may appeal to those who like Banks and Banner but prefer something rarer (or who've found Bancroft in…
Barber
French occupational name
"beard"
This name's all-male occupational roots help it break the Barbara bonds, but still not the most inspiring surname choice.
Bard
English, Gaelic
"minstrel, poet"
A literary word name, now synonymous with Shakespeare, Bard also refers more generally to a poet, particularly one who recited epics and traditional poems out loud. Similar in sound to Bernard,…
Bardolf
English
"axe-wolf"
Shakespeare's classic drunken fool. In fact, this name, carried to Britain by the Normans, was quite popular until it was brought into disrepute by the low-life character who haunts taverns with…
Barker
English occupational name
"tanner"
Barker may be appealing to parents looking for a name with many layers - not only does it share a meaning with the more common Shepherd and Tanner, it also brings to mind the bark of a tree, making…
Barnard
Barnard is a masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from the elements 'bern' meaning 'bear' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong,' thus translating to 'brave as a bear' or 'strong bear.'…
Barnes
English
"someone who lives or works near the barn"
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…
Barnum
English contraction of "baron's home"
"baron's home"
Inevitable circus association.
Barr
Irish diminutive of Finbar
Barr fits alongside other short and snappy surname-names like Fyfe, Blair and Dawe. They're off the beaten track but instantly familiar.
Barry
Irish
"spear"
This Anglicized form of Bearach or short form of Finbarr was in the Top 200 in the USA for 50 years until the early 80s when it rapidly fell out of favor. Barry has not yet found popularity in the…
Barthelemy
French form of Bartholomew
While Barthelemy does not garner much attention these days, it has a storied history in French-speaking countries. Notable bearers include geologist and explorer Barthélemy Faujas de Saint-Fond,…
Barton
English
"from the barley settlement"
More user-friendly, though less substantial, than Bartholomew.
Bartram
Scandinavian
"glorious raven"
The raven was a holy bird in Norse mythology, giving this choice some resonance beyond other Bart variations.
Basset
Basset is a masculine name with French origins, derived from the Old French word meaning 'of low stature' or 'somewhat low.' Historically, it likely began as a surname or occupational name before…
Bates
English diminutive of Bartholomew
Bates is a fresh version of Bartholomew, and feels more wearable than Bart. Bates could be considered a patriotic choice for American parents - Katharine Lee Bates was an author and professor best…
Bauer
German
"farmer, tiller of the soil"
A surname name with an occupational background, but although it derives from the German language it is not used as a first name there as it has pejorative connotations – sometimes used as slag for an…
Bayly
Bayly is a masculine name with English origins, derived from Old English terms meaning 'bailiff' or 'steward.' It was historically a surname given to those who held administrative positions on…
Bayne
Bayne is a masculine name with Scottish origins, derived from a surname meaning 'fair-haired' or 'white.' In Scottish history, it was both a given name and a clan name. The name carries historical…