Puritan Surnames

  1. Hale
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "someone who lives in a hollow; strong and hearty"
    • Description:

      This name projects a sense of well-being, as in "hale and hearty", while also having a nature-adjacent meaning, referring to someone who lives near a hollow, a nook, or a remote area of land. Rhyming word hail adds a hint of storminess to the name too.
  2. Smith
    • Origin:

      English occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "blacksmith"
    • Description:

      Even if it is the Number one surname in the U.S.--with more than 2.5 million bearers--we still think that Smith would make a cool first or middle name, whether or not it has family history.
  3. French
    • Origin:

      Surname, place name, word name
    • Description:

      Actor French Stewart introduced this one to the lexicon. French is part word name, part place name, and part surname-name, reminiscent of celebrity baby names that reference a nationality rather than simply a place, such as Moroccan.
  4. Wright
    • Description:

      Wright is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname referring to a craftsman or builder—specifically a woodworker or carpenter (from the Old English "wyrhta," meaning "worker"). As a first name, Wright carries strong traditional and artisanal connotations, suggesting skill, craftsmanship, and creation. It remains relatively uncommon as a given name, maintaining an air of distinction and uniqueness. The name has a strong, concise sound with its single syllable and consonant blend. Those named Wright might appreciate the name's connections to craftsmanship and its subtle suggestion that one can build or create their own path in life. Its surname-as-first-name style also reflects contemporary naming trends.

  5. Ryse
    • Description:

      Ryse is a modern masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a creative variant of Rise, reflecting upward movement and achievement, or a contemporary spelling of Rice or Rhys, which have Welsh origins meaning 'enthusiasm' or 'ardor.' The single-syllable structure gives it a strong, punchy quality appealing to parents seeking brief but impactful names. The name gained some recognition through the video game character 'Ryse: Son of Rome,' potentially influencing its usage. As a relatively new name in circulation, Ryse conveys a sense of strength and uniqueness. Its modern spelling with the 'y' adds visual distinction while maintaining the straightforward pronunciation. The name remains uncommon but aligns with current trends favoring short, powerful-sounding boy names.
  6. Winthrop
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "friend's village"
    • Description:

      Proper Bostonian.
  7. Morton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "town near the moor"
    • Description:

      An English family name used a few generations ago as an Anglicization of Moses, but hardly heard since th 1950s.
  8. Seely
    • Description:

      Seely is a masculine name with Old English origins, derived from the word 'sǣlig' meaning 'happy,' 'blessed,' or 'fortunate.' It existed primarily as a surname throughout medieval and modern history, before occasionally transitioning to first-name usage. The name carries a gentle, positive connotation through its meaning and soft sound. Seely may also relate to the similar-sounding word 'silly,' though historically the terms had different connotations, with 'seely' suggesting innocence rather than foolishness. As a first name, Seely remains quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality. Its simple two-syllable structure and positive historical meaning make it an understated choice with subtle charm, appealing to those drawn to uncommon names with historic English language roots.

  9. Morley
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "moor, meadow clearing"
    • Description:

      Gently pleasant English family name long associated with 60-Minuteman Morley Safer.
  10. Dixon
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "son of Dick"
    • Description:

      A relatively common surname, Dixon would be an inventive way to honor an ancestral Richard or Dick, the X form a lot livelier than the Dickson spelling, just as Dix is a more modern short form than Dick; it would be right at home alongside Dax and Jax.
  11. Sampson
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "sun"
    • Description:

      This name, once considered overly powerful due to the superhuman strength of the biblical figure, is now an option for parents in search of an unusual route to Sam. But you really don't need that p: Samson will do.
  12. Ward
    • Origin:

      English occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "guard, watchman"
    • Description:

      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.
  13. Boswell
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "well near the woods"
    • Description:

      Waspy-sounding choice, well known in literature for Boswell's Life of Johnson.
  14. Chadwick
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "dairy farm"
    • Description:

      Chadwick Boseman, the late charismatic star of Marvel's blockbuster Black Panther, brought this name to the spotlight for the first time. Though we long considered it an overwrought way to get to the nickname Chad, his celebrity gives it new luster, and we wouldn't be surprised to see it grow in popularity going forward.
  15. Beecher
    • Description:

      Beecher is a masculine name derived from an English occupational surname that originally referred to someone who kept bees or was a beekeeper. With roots in Middle English and Old English, the name carries a strong connection to nature and traditional craftsmanship. Beecher gained some recognition through association with notable historical figures, particularly Harriet Beecher Stowe, the influential American author. As a first name, Beecher remains uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality that appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth and unusual character. The name has a crisp, professional sound with its two syllables and strong consonants, often evoking images of industriousness and reliability. Beecher combines traditional English heritage with a contemporary feel that works well in modern contexts.

  16. Weldon
    • Description:

      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.
  17. Mills
    • Description:

      Feels akin to Brooks and Rivers, two other boys' names that double as plural nouns. It's been used as a first name for centuries, including by a two time governor of Virginia.
  18. Wilton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "place by a stream"
    • Description:

      As passé as Hilton and Milton.
  19. Abell
    • Description:

      Abell is a masculine name with ancient Hebrew roots, functioning primarily as a surname before its adoption as a given name. It derives from the biblical Abel (meaning 'breath' or 'vapor'), son of Adam and Eve. The doubled 'l' spelling reflects its evolution through Medieval Latin and Old French forms. As a first name, Abell maintains biblical connections while offering a distinctive alternative to the more common Abel. Though rare in contemporary usage, it has historical presence across European cultures. The name carries positive associations of innocence and virtue from its biblical origins. With its short, strong sound and rich heritage, Abell appeals to parents seeking an uncommon name with traditional roots and spiritual significance.

  20. Pelham
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "tannery town"
    • Description:

      Pelham, a place-name surname, could work well as a first, despite its slightly arrogant air. It's what the P in P.G. Wodehouse stands for.

Introducing the Nameberry App

Nameberry App
Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile app.
  • Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
  • Names you match on are saved to your shared list
  • Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
  • Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
  • Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.
Nameberry App Logo