111 Top Last Names as First Names: That Sound Great

Giving your child a last name as a first name adds instant style. Surnames double beautifully as given names, offering a fresh and grounded feel that stands out from the crowd.

We gathered the coolest last names to use as first names, complete with their meanings and origins. Whether you prefer a traditional vibe or a modern twist, you will easily find a distinctive option for your baby.

22 Adorable Last Names as First Names for Girls

You will love these delightfully feminine picks when choosing a last name for your daughter.

1. Addison: A classic girl’s name originally used as a Scottish patronymic for a son of Adam.
2. Bellamy: A charming French option for a daughter who is a beautiful friend.
3. Carey: With various origins, this English, Gaelic, Welsh, and French surname is a lovely girl’s name.
4. Cassidy: Meaning curly-haired, this is a distinct Irish option.
5. Courtney: Originally a Norman locational surname that now serves as an appealing first name.
6. Darcy: Also spelled Darcie, this mysterious given name and surname means dark one.
7. Delaney: A fresh Irish surname that works as a great given name for a girl.
8. Emmerson: A patronymic surname with Anglo-Saxon roots that makes a sweet pick for a little girl.
9. Fallon: An earthy Irish name meaning leader or supremacy.
10. Harper: This musical occupational surname is a highly popular celebrity choice.
11. Kelly: Originally an Irish surname, this name means bright-headed warrior.
12. Madison: Also spelled Maddison, this was originally a presidential surname for a son of Matthew.
13. Mallory: This French name sounds friendly but holds the traditional meaning of misfortune.
14. McKenzie: Also spelled Mackenzie, this Scottish son of Kenneth surname is a reliable pick.
15. Nieves: A Spanish word name meaning snow that makes a fitting given name for a winter baby.
16. Paisley: A funky fabric pattern and a stylish Scottish surname meaning church.
17. Piper: A cute bird name and a traditional occupational surname for a pipe player.
18. Silva: This common Portuguese surname means forest and works effortlessly as a girl’s first name.
19. Sloane: An Irish surname for a leader or warrior that makes a strong given name.
20. Teagan: This Welsh surname and female name means beautiful, perfect, or attractive.
21. Tierney: A pretty surname turned given name from Irish, meaning lord or master.
22. Tracy: A powerful name for a fighter, this British surname is strong and fiery.

67 Most Manly Last Names as First Names for Boys

These surnames work perfectly as first names and sound handsome for any little boy.

1. Ackerley: This Old English name makes a great given name, meaning oak or meadow.
2. Ahmed: A strong, popular, and devout choice among Arabic surnames, meaning to thank or praise.
3. Ali: One of the most common first names and surnames internationally, meaning high or exalted in Arabic.
4. Anderson: A strong, confident, Greek-rooted name for a manly son of Andrew.
5. Ashton: Meaning town of the ash tree, this given name, surname, and place name is warm and inviting.
6. Barclay: The meaning of birch tree meadow makes this English name a rugged option.
7. Barrington: A grand-sounding English place name with Barry serving as a cute nickname.
8. Baumann: If you want something unique, this long surname means farmer.
9. Baxter: Traditionally the female form of baker, this now works as a fantastic given name for males.
10. Bentley: With elements meaning bent grass and clearing, this swish name is a classy British pick.
11. Bertram: Working as a surname and given name, this gruff Germanic pick means bright raven.
12. Bradley: A handsome and popular Celtic pick, meaning broad meadow.
13. Bryden: Translating to headland, this name is a rugged Scottish option.
14. Byron: A classy Victorian surname that works as a given name, meaning cowsheds.
15. Chandler: An occupational surname for a candle-maker that makes a very friendly given name.
16. Clark: Also spelled Clarke, both variations derive from the Latin clericus, meaning secretary.
17. Coleman: A traditional occupational surname for someone who burns, gathers, or trades charcoal.
18. Condor: This bird name makes a great pick among surnames for ambitious babies.
19. Cooper: An occupational surname turned given name for a barrel-maker.
20. Corbin: A dark and mysterious option, meaning crow.
21. Donovan: A hot Gaelic pick with the slightly creepy meaning of descendant of the dark.
22. Einstein: For a budding scientist, this German surname meaning one stone is a clever nod to genius.
23. Findlay: Meaning fair-haired and courageous, it is easy to see why parents love this surname.
24. Ford: A place name and surname that works as a given name, simply meaning ford.
25. Gray: This color surname works as a highly versatile given name or nickname.
26. Hartmann: A bold and brash German surname for a strong man.
27. Holden: Perfect for literature lovers, this Old English surname means deep valley.
28. Hudson: Meaning son of Hugh, this English surname makes a fine nod to the New York river.
29. Hunter: Perfect for any outdoorsy youngster, this name is tough and active.
30. Jackson: Originally a patronymic surname for a son of Jack, this is now a wildly popular first name.
31. Jameson: A great alternative to the common James, meaning son of James.
32. Kendrick: A Celtic surname for a bold ruler, now recognized as a badass first name.
33. Kiefer: From German, this snappy name means either pine tree or cooper.
34. Kingsley: A friendly, familiar pick combining the elements kings and lea.
35. Kirk: This given name began as a Scottish and Old Norse surname meaning church.
36. Lincoln: A powerful name for a future leader, meaning town by the pool.
37. Mac: Used as a Scottish surname prefix meaning son of, this also acts as a fun independent name.
38. Marshall: Any lover of horses would proudly hold this handsome Old Scottish surname.
39. Mason: Perfect for a hard worker, this occupational surname is tough and grounded.
40. Milton: Meaning mill town, Milton is a charming English place name, surname, and given name.
41. Mitchell: This surname comes from the same stem as Michael, meaning who is like God.
42. Monroe: Also seen as the Scottish surname Munro, meaning Irish man from the River Roe.
43. Morris: One of the cooler options, coming from the same stem as the Latin Maurice.
44. Murphy: If you have a baby sea warrior on your hands, this Irish name works perfectly.
45. Nelson: An English name meaning son of Neil, translating to champion or hero in Irish.
46. Newton: Another great option for scientists, this Old English name means new town.
47. Oakley: Meaning oak clearing, this Old English surname sounds relaxed and cool.
48. Parker: A cute, outdoorsy name for a boy destined to be a park-keeper.
49. Porter: An old occupational surname for a gatekeeper.
50. Preston: This UK place name and surname meaning priest’s town makes a formal-sounding male name.
51. Ramsay: A pungent choice, meaning from the island of wild garlic in Scottish.
52. Randall: This medieval surname meaning shield-wolf sounds striking and protective.
53. Reed: Also spelled Reid, this name beautifully fits a baby with red hair.
54. Reeve: A handsome name for an honest steward or officer.
55. Rossi: Another red surname that works as a hot name, originating from Italy.
56. Sawyer: Originally an occupational name for a woodworker, this name feels full of adventure.
57. Scott: A highly popular pick among surnames as first names, originally denoting someone from Scotland.
58. Stewart: Also spelled Stuart, these are regal options that began as occupational surnames for a steward.
59. Tate: Rooted in Old Norse, this sharp name holds the spirited meaning of cheerful.
60. Travis: A French-rooted occupational surname for a toll gatekeeper.
61. Tucker: This occupational surname for a tucker or fuller is a fun-sounding name for a baby boy.
62. Tyson: If you have a troublemaker on your hands, consider this fiery-tempered French and English name.
63. Wallace: A vintage yet sweet name, traditionally used to denote someone from Wales.
64. Ward: This Old English guard name makes a strong, traditional option.
65. Werner: Meaning defending warrior in German, Werner gives off a noble vibe.
66. Wilson: This highly common surname means son of Will, derived from the Germanic William.
67. Wyatt: A feisty pick among English last names that can be first names, meaning brave at war.

22 Unique Unisex Last Names as First Names

Any baby would be lucky to have one of these stylish and unusual unisex last names.

1. Ainsley: This Scottish surname meaning solitary clearing sounds fresh as a given name.
2. Bailey: An occupational name meaning bailiff or porter, dating back to Middle English.
3. Blair: Also spelled Blaire, a simple Celtic surname meaning plain or meadow.
4. Blake: A sweet name from Old English, surprisingly meaning pale and white, or dark and black.
5. Brodie: Despite the less glamorous meaning of ditch, this cute name began as a Scottish clan name.
6. Cameron: This highly popular name actually translates to crooked nose.
7. Carter: A presidential pick among occupational Celtic last names.
8. Devon: Named after the beautiful English county, this cool name pairs well with anything.
9. Greer: This uncommon Scottish name meaning watchful or alert has an abstract ring to it.
10. Griff: Originally a nickname for Welsh names like Griffin or Gryffydd, meaning lord or prince.
11. Kennedy: A presidential pick we adore, despite its translation of misshapen head.
12. Lee: Also spelled Li, one of the most common surnames in the world makes a reliable unisex name.
13. Morgan: A majestic Welsh entry meaning of the sea.
14. Perry: Also spelled Perrie, after an adorable English and Welsh surname meaning pear tree.
15. Poe: Meaning peacock, this Norse-rooted name is fun and flamboyant.
16. Quinn: This unisex Irish name derived from Conn means chief.
17. Reagan: A presidential unisex name that works perfectly for a little ruler.
18. Riley: Meaning rye clearing or rye lea, this is a popular pick for both boys and girls.
19. Ripley: Sci-fi fans will love this surname as a Southern given name, meaning a strip of land clearing.
20. Santo: Also seen as Santa, after the saintly Spanish and Portuguese word name.
21. Taylor: A famous entry among surnames as first names, originally denoting the occupation of a tailor.
22. Zappa: Meaning hoe, this Italian surname makes a high-energy given name.

Last Names as First Names FAQs

Can Last Names be Used as First Names?

Absolutely. If you love a traditional surname and want to use it as a given name for your child, go ahead. Using a surname as a given name is a beautiful way to keep a family name alive for future generations or to pay homage to a loved one.

Can a Last Name be a Middle Name?

All the surnames on this list work perfectly as given names and make great middle names too. These names flow nicely in almost any combination, giving you plenty of options to pick the perfect title for your baby.

What are Some Unique Last Names as First Names?

If you want a highly unique choice, consider names like Zappa, Kiefer, Condor, or Sloane. Options like Wallace, Barrington, Kelly, and Mallory fly slightly under the radar these days, making them fun, uncommon choices to consider.

What are Some Common Last Names as First Names?

Surnames such as Taylor, Bailey, and Riley are highly common for both boys and girls. Popular male surnames used as first names include Hunter, Bradley, Mason, and Mitchell. For girls, parents frequently lean toward names like Darcy, Madison, McKenzie, and Piper.

Are Surnames as First Names a New Trend?

While they feel very modern, using surnames as first names has roots dating back centuries. Historically, families used maternal maiden names to preserve their lineage and keep specific family ties alive.

How Do I Choose a Last Name as a First Name?

Start by looking at your own family tree for inspiration. You should also look at the syllable count to ensure the new first name flows smoothly with your child’s actual last name.

Do Last Names as First Names Work Well Internationally?

It depends entirely on the culture and region. In English-speaking countries, this naming style is highly accepted. However, some countries have strict naming laws that prevent surnames from being registered as first names on birth certificates.

What Should I Consider Before Using a Surname as a First Name?

Think carefully about the initials and how the full name sounds when spoken aloud. You want to avoid combinations that sound like a law firm or a corporate brand.

Can I Use My Mother’s Maiden Name as My Baby’s First Name?

Yes. Using a mother or grandmother’s maiden name is a highly meaningful way to honor your family history while giving your child a distinct and personalized name.