Puritan Surnames

Distinctive Talmadge could be an Anglo-Saxon name and English surname that was originally given to a person who carried a knapsack or pack, for example, a traveller or a pedlar. It comes from the Old French word, "talemache".

Taylor was much more popular throughout the 1990s for both genders than it is today. Close to the Top 50 boys' names in the mid-1990s, Taylor recently fell out of the Top 500 for boys and out of the Top 100 for girls, and is predicted to continue on a downward trajectory for both genders. Similar but more stylish baby names today include Sawyer, Sayer and Thayer.

Turner is a name that's both preppy and painterly, recalling the exquisite watercolor seascapes of British painter J.M.W. Turner. An occupational name in the Taylor-Carter mold, Turner is a more distinctive choice than many of the usual suspects.

Wade has never been outside the US Top 1000 for boys - there's a reason for that. It has a clean spelling, fresh sound and is neither too trendy (unlike Kade or Cade) or too old-school (like Richard or Albert). We think Wade is a winning name.

Walker is both a Waspy surname name—as in the W in George W. Bush—but it also has a gentle ambling quality and a creative connection to such greats as writer Walker Percy and photographer Walker Evans, whose father was also named Walker.

Until recently Ward was, like Wally, a Cleaver name, but today's parents are seeing it as a cooler nickname for Edward than Eddie, and are also beginning to use it on its own.

Long lingering in limbo, Warren suddenly seems to be on the cusp of revival. One of the oldest recorded English surnames, Warren's popularity in the U.S. dates back to the nineteenth century, and by 1921, reached its peak at Number 24.

This pleasant single-syllable surname might be especially appealing to someone involved with the internet (and who isn't?)--even if some others might see it as a drawback.

Weldon is a masculine name of English origin, derived from an Old English surname meaning 'hill near a spring' or 'well on a hill.' This place-name became a given name and gained modest popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. Weldon carries a distinguished, somewhat vintage quality that conveys strength and reliability. While never ranking among the most common names, it maintains steady usage among parents drawn to traditional Anglo-Saxon names with clear meanings. The name projects an image of dependability and seriousness, often associated with southern American naming traditions. Weldon has experienced a slight revival among parents seeking uncommon vintage names.

Weston has gone from being a Jane Austenish British surname to a first name with a relaxed American western cowboy feel. Along with other trendy 'n'-ending boys’ names, Weston is rising in popularity, and is now more popular than ever, ranking in the Top 100 since 2021.

Wilkinson originated as an English surname meaning 'son of Wilkin' (a diminutive of William, meaning 'resolute protector'). Its transition to first-name usage follows the modern trend of adopting surnames as given names, particularly in English-speaking countries. Though uncommon as a first name, it brings distinguished associations and the popular nickname options Will or Wilson. The name projects strength and heritage, carrying a formal, somewhat aristocratic quality. Usage as a first name remains relatively rare but has seen occasional adoption, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom. Wilkinson represents the continued interest in surname-style first names that convey tradition and family heritage while offering a distinctive alternative to more common options like William or Wilson.