Last Names

Translating to "star", but used to refer to the leading female artist in a cabaret show, for French speakers, this would be like naming your child "Showgirl".

Another astral name, this one relating to one of the largest and brightest stars in the heavens, is popular in Scandinavia and Spain, where it ranks among the Top 50 girls' names. Although still very rare in the US, we think it has serious potential to follow the likes of Luna and Lyra up the charts.

This elaboration of Vera makes an attractive and uncommon choice.

With the rise of both international names and those that start with the letter V, this sharp alternative to Vera may become more familiar in the English-speaking world.

Lincoln, Tyler, Taylor, Jackson, Jefferson, Harrison, McKinley, Grant, Kennedy, Carter -- yes. Washington -- probably not.

When Marion Michael Morrison became John Wayne around 1930, his last name took on an air of cowboy cool that lasted about thirty years, but by now it's strictly a dad or granddad name.

Reminiscent of the Old West, with rugged charm and a gentle, easy-going feel, Wesley has long been a staple on the US charts.

West is the most fashionable of what you might call the direction names, with North and East (or Easton and Easter) coming up behind, and South not yet on the map.

If you discount the connection to the controversial Whittaker Chambers in the days of the Red Scare, Whittaker is a pleasant enough British surname with the preppyish nickname Whit.

Wilburn is an Old English name combining 'wil' meaning desire or will and 'burn/bourne' referring to a stream or brook. Primarily used in the United States, particularly in southern regions, Wilburn peaked in popularity during the early 20th century but has declined steadily since the 1930s. The name carries a certain rural Americana quality, evoking traditional values and straightforward strength. Notable bearers include country music's Wilburn Brothers. While considered somewhat old-fashioned today, vintage names periodically experience revivals. Wilburn maintains appeal for families seeking names with authentic historical usage and clear English language origins, while remaining distinctive in contemporary settings.

Wolf is a name with a split personality. It can be seen as one of the fierce animal names, like Fox and Bear and Puma, with a touch of the werewolf, or it can be viewed as a quieter, Wolf Blitzer kind of name, fairly common in German (where is pronounced Vulf) and Jewish families, sometimes as a short form of Wolfgang, or even Wolfram or Wolfhart.