Coolest last names to use as first names (for BOYS)
One of the coolest trends in baby names right now is taking names that are traditionally only used as surnames and using them as first names. It’s so subversive and on trend 🙂
Let’s be real though – loads of naming trends land more on the girl name side of things… boy moms can feel a little left out. BUT this is one trend that works just as well (if not better) for boys than it does for girls.
So, are you ready to delve into some classic, traditional surnames and find the perfect name for your baby boy?
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1. Anderson (English) – Son of Andrew
This name offers a cute take on the more common Andrew and can be nicknamed to Andy.
2. Beckett (English) – Dweller by the Brook
Beckett has been steadily raising in popularity for the past few years and was originally an English surname.
3. Cash (English) – Maker of Chests
This cute name has been used by many celebrities.
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4. Coleman (English) – Charcoal Burner
With a nice nickname of Cole, Coleman is also the name of many saints.
5. Cooper (English) – Barrel Maker
Cooper was one of the first “occupation names” to really take off and is still a standby today.
6. Davis (English) – Son of David
This is a fresh take on the common name David.
7. Donovan (Irish) – Little Brown One
Donovan comes from the Gaelic meaning of dark and is one of the most popular Irish surnames to be used as a first name.
8. Griffin (Welsh) – A Fabled Monster
As a variation of Griffith, Griffin is new Celtic name raising in popularity.
9. Knox (English) – From the Small Hill
While this name has been around for centuries, it has really gained in popularity recently with Brangelina naming their son Knox.
10. Lincoln (English) – From The Lake Settlement
Lincoln (most notably Abraham Lincoln) has been one of the top 50 most popular boy’s names since 2016.
11. Mason (English) – Stone Worker or Brick Layer
This occupational surname is one of the most popular last names as first names- ranking #9 in 2019.
12. Penn (English) – Lives By The Hill
Penn is both elegant and simple and is great for anyone wanting to honor their family history in Pennsylvania.
13. Rhys (Welsh) – Passion and Enthusiasm
Rhys (as well as Reese and Reece) is a very popular name in the United Kingdom.
14. Sullivan (Irish) – Dark Eyed
Sullivan is a very common last name in Ireland and it is gaining popularity as a first name in the US as well.
15. Walker (English) – Fuller of Cloth
This name has been popular for boys since the 1800’s and for good reason- it is very classic and beautiful.
16. Addison (English) – Child of Adam
While Addison has become more popular for girls in recent years, it also makes for a sophisticated name for a baby boy.
17. Adler (German) – Eagle
Adler is becoming a new and increasingly popular German name that is also a common German surname.
18. Avery (English) – Elf King
Avery is one of the most popular unisex names and is used often for both boys and girls.
19. Bailey (English) – Bailiff or Steward
This name was originally more popular for boys, but recently has been becoming more popular for girls.
20. Blake (English) – Pale Blond One or Dark
Even though the two meanings of this name seem to be opposites, this is a cute name for either boys or girls.
21. Brady (Irish) – Descendant of Bradach
This name also means spirited, making it a great pick for your child.
22. Bryant (Irish) – Child of Brian
Bryant is more unique than the common Brian and can be used for either a boy or a girl.
23. Cameron (Scottish) – Bent Nose
Although the meaning is a bit out there, Cameron is still a common name for any gender and is truly unisex.
24. Carson (English) – Neutral
Carson is one of the more popular surname choices and has been a top boys name for many years but has recently been catching on as a girl’s name too.
25. Carter (English) – Driver of a Cart
While Carter is still more popular as a boy’s name, it has been gaining in popularity for girls since 2013.
26. Dylan (Welsh) – Child of the Sea
For boys, Dylan sounds strong and masculine but it also has a poetic and feminine quality for girls.
27. Easton (English) – From The East Town
This last name is quickly becoming a more and more popular choice for baby’s first name.
28. Ellis (English) – The Lord is My God
Ellis, as well as similar surname Ellison, is popular as a more unisex version of the name Ella.
29. Emerson (English) – Child of Emery
Emerson is a popular unisex version of the common names Emma and Emily.
30. Finley (Scottish) – Fair Warrior or Hero
Originally, Finley was considered a boy’s name but now it is truly gender neutral with an almost even split between how common it is used for boys and girls.
31. Grey (English) – Grey Haired
Grey is a soft name and a take on the British spelling of the color gray.
32. Harper (English) – Harp Player
Harper was originally strictly a boy’s name but has took off as a girl’s name in recent years- it has been in the top 10 names for girls since 2015.
33. Hendrix (English) – Child of Hendrick
Hendrix has been becoming a popular unisex name, most likely in honor of Jimi Hendrix.
34. Kiernan (Irish) – Child of a Lord
Kiernan is a less common Irish surname but it still makes a beautiful name for both boys and girls.
35. Lennon (Irish) – Dear One
This name, also meaning lover, is one of many popular musician last names that are commonly used today.
36. Marley (English) – From The Boundary Field
Marley is one of the top unisex names and can also be spelled Marlee for a more original spin.
37. McKinley (Irish) – Fair Haired Foreigner
This is part of another raising trend- Presidential names (like Lincoln and Kennedy).
38. Monroe (Scottish) – From The Hill
This Scottish surname is suitable to use for both boys and girls, but is catching up in girls, possibly due to Marilyn Monroe.
39. Parker (English) – Park Keeper
Parker is used about three times more for boys than girls, but it is becoming more and more popular for little girls.
40. Peyton (English) – From Pacca’s Town
This surname is very popular for both boys and girls, but has been raising in boy’s names due to the football star Peyton Manning.
41. Presley (English) – From the Priest’s Field
Presley is becoming more and more popular as a first name for both boys and girls, and many celebrities are even naming their children Presley.
42. Quinn (Irish) – Descendent of Conn
Although Quinn has become more of a girl’s name since the 1990’s, it also makes for a nice boy’s name.
43. Reagan (Irish) – Little King
Reagan comes from “descendant of kings” making it a great name choice for your little prince or princess.
44. Reeve (English) – Steward or Bailiff
Reeve is a less common, and more modern sounding, name than another common surname- Reese.
45. Riley (Irish) – Descendant of Roghallach
Riley is a common surname in Ireland and England, but is also a common first name here in the US and can also be spelled Rylee, Ryleigh, and Reilly.
46. Rowan (English) – From The Rowan Tree
Rowan was seen as more of a boy’s name until it entered the top 1000 girl’s names for the first time in 2003.
47. Sawyer (English) – Wood Cutter
Sawyer is truly gender neutral and is raising in popularity for both sexes.
48. Sutton (English) – From The South Town
On top of being a surname, Sutton is also a good place name.
49. Taylor (English) – One Who Tailors Clothes
Taylor was very popular in the 80’s, 90’s, and 00’s, and while it is not as common now, it is still a classy unisex surname name.
50. Tyler (English) – Tile Maker
Tyler is an Old English name and is more common as a boy’s name but is also a cute girls name.
More Baby Name Inspiration
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