Surname Names

The surname of father-son British writers Kingsley and Martin could work very well as a first, though its Amy connection makes it sound a tad feminine.

Stiff and sedate surname name, despite its salty start.

Unique name for the son of a woodworker.

Surname choice that could be used to honor the playwright Lanford Wilson.

Somewhat dashing surname, but with serious teasing potential.

Cowboyish occupational name that's one of the hottest choices below the Top 1000, increasing in rank more than 5000 places since the year 2000. Roper may not be a unique choice much longer.

Evocative of the sand dunes at the beach, Doone is a relatively rare surname found in Scotland, Ireland and England. It was recently used with this spelling by Olympic medalist Amanda Beard; photographer Diane Arbus named her daughter Doon, inspired, yes, by walks along the sand dunes during her pregnancy.

Pell makes an unusual middle name choice. And if grandpa Seymour was a fur trader, you might do better to honor him by naming the baby Pell.

A dated fifties surname name that led to the nickname SAndy.

Palin, as in, yes, one-time VP candidate Sarah, has emerged as a hot new first name, usually for girls.