Last Names
- Channing
Origin:
English or IrishMeaning:
"people of Cana or wolf cub"Description:
Channing is a sophisticated surname name whose use is probably linked to actor Channing Tatum and Channing Crowder, former linebacker for the Miami Dolphins.
- Chirico
Origin:
Italian surnameDescription:
Surrealist artist, inspired creative choice.
- Claybourn
Description:
Claybourn is a masculine name of English origin, derived from a surname that originally referred to someone who lived near a clay stream or clay-colored brook ('clay' + 'bourn/bourne' meaning stream). This toponymic surname-turned-given name carries the earthy, grounded qualities associated with clay while suggesting stability and natural heritage. Claybourn is quite uncommon as a first name, giving it a distinctive and memorable quality. It peaked in limited usage in the United States during the early 20th century. The name has variants including Clayborne, Clayborn, and Claiborne, with the latter being the most widely recognized. Its sophisticated sound and connection to the natural world make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a rare name with strong Anglo-Saxon roots.
- Corbett
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"little raven"Description:
This British surname has a somewhat aristocratic air, which ties in to its association with the early American boxing champ "Gentleman Jim" Corbett. Also borne by actor and country singer John Corbett, it blends the sounds of the more popular Corbin, Cory, Barrett, Bennett, and Beckett.
- Croix
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"cross"Description:
Pronounced "crwa", this unusual name was chosen by Cedric the Entertainer for his son.
- Cruz
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"cross"Description:
For a single-syllable Latino surname, this new popular kid on the block packs a lot of energy and charm and is one of the most stylish Spanish names for boys in general use today. Victoria and David Beckham named their third son Cruz, following Brooklyn and Romeo, and it was also picked up on by tennis star Lleyton Hewitt for his son. Other parents may prize its Christian associations.
- D'artagnan
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"from Artagnan"Description:
The least usable of the Three Musketeers names.
- Dalton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"the settlement in the valley"Description:
Dalton is a name with multi-faceted appeal. Many are attracted to the name's resemblance to other two-syllable n-ending favorites: Colton, Holden, and cousins. Others see it as a trendy Western name, recalling the legendary Dalton Brothers gang. It also has something of an upscale, preppy feel connected to the exclusive New York private school.
- Damaris
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"dominant woman"Description:
In the New Testament, Damaris was an Athenian woman converted to Christianity by St. Paul. Known for her charitable work, her name was a favorite among the Puritans. Having slid off the bottom of the Top 1000 in 2012, Damaris might be deserving of more attention by parents in search of a New Testament name that is unusual but accessible, especially since girls' names ending in 's' are coming back into fashion.
- Dasan
Origin:
Native AmericanMeaning:
"son of bird clan leader"Description:
Name from legend that might be an interesting Jason alternative.
- Daven
Description:
Daven is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be an Anglicized form of the Irish name Damhan (pronounced DAV-awn), meaning 'little stag,' or possibly a variant of Davin, a diminutive of David. In Hebrew, where David originates, the meaning is 'beloved.' The name has also gained some usage as a modern invented name, appreciated for its contemporary sound while maintaining a traditional feel. Daven has risen in popularity since the 1970s but remains relatively uncommon, giving it distinction without being completely unfamiliar. The name carries a strong yet accessible quality, with its two-syllable structure and familiar sounds making it easy to pronounce across cultures. Parents might choose Daven for its subtle connection to traditional names while still offering a fresh alternative to more common choices like David or Devin.
- Davidson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"David's son"Description:
Can be used as a middle name to honor Dad or Grandpa David.
- Day
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"the time of light between one night and the next"Description:
Many African tribes have a tradition of naming children for the day or time they were born -- Friday, Afternoon -- a practice finding new life in the Western world as word names become more popular.
- Deacon
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"messenger, servant"Description:
This name was transposed from the word for a church officer to a baby name when Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe chose it for their son, after a baseball player ancestor, and Don Johnson followed suit. Its popularity also got a boost from Nashville character Deacon Claybourne -- only to fall a bit in recent years.
- Declan
Origin:
Irish, meaning unknown, possible "man of prayer"Meaning:
"man of prayer"Description:
Declan is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Deaglán. St. Declan was one of the first missionaries to bring Christianity to Ireland, preceding St. Patrick. Originally from Wales, he founded the monastery of Ardmore in Ireland.
- Descartes
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"dweller at the outskirts of town"Description:
Highly unlikely philosophical choice.
- Deveraux
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of Evreux; riverbank"Description:
Swashbuckling name worthy of a hero in a romance novel. Deveraux or Devereaux is drawn from the town of Evreux in France and combined with the prefix de- denoting it likely referred to a noble of that area.
- Douglas
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"black water"Description:
Douglas, and more particularly its nickname, Doug, had a real romantic swagger in the 1950s and 1960s dating back to swashbuckling Douglas Fairbanks, but today is more likely to conjure up your mom's prom date. Originally a Celtic river name, it became attached to a powerful Scottish clan, renowned for their strength and courage. In its earliest incarnation, Douglas was used equally for girls and boys.
- Draco
Origin:
Greek from LatinMeaning:
"dragon"Description:
For as long as we all shall live, Harry Potter's sneering nemesis.
- Dryden
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dry valley"Description:
Underused literary name (as in the poet John) with a -den ending that's very much in style.