Last names as first names- Now more than ever, families are choosing names that are traditionally seen as surnames as first names. The results are fantastic. You get a unique name with a deep meaning. From maiden names being used as first names to people who just like the sound of a last name, the creativity of naming a child knows no bounds. Here are some surnames that are now being used as first names with meanings.

Why are surnames being used as first names

Firstly, the use of surnames as first names has become a common trend in many cultures and societies.

There are several reasons why this phenomenon has become popular:

  1. Unique and Individualistic: Using last surnames as first ones can be seen as a way to give a child a unique and individualistic name that sets them apart from others. As traditional first names become more common, using a last name as a first name can provide a sense of distinctiveness and originality.
  2. Honoring Family or Ancestors: Using a last name as a first name can be a way to honor a family member or ancestor. It can be a tribute to a beloved family member or a way to carry on a family name, especially when the last name has significant historical or cultural significance.
  3. Breaking Gender Norms: Using surnames as first names can be a way to break traditional gender norms. It allows for greater flexibility in naming conventions and can be used for both boys and girls, regardless of traditional gender associations with certain names.
  4. Influence of Pop Culture: Pop culture, including movies, television shows, and celebrities, can influence naming trends. If a popular celebrity or fictional character has a last name that is perceived as appealing, it may inspire parents to use that name as a first name for their child.
  5. Increased Diversity: As societies become more diverse, naming conventions are also evolving. Surnames from different cultures and ethnicities are being used as first names to reflect a family’s heritage or to celebrate diversity.
  6. Personal Preference: Ultimately, some parents simply prefer the sound or meaning of a last name as a first name. It may hold sentimental value to them or simply be a name they find aesthetically pleasing.

Remember:

It’s important to note that naming conventions and trends can vary greatly across different cultures, regions, and time periods. The use of surnames as first names is just one example of how naming practices evolve and change over time.

Best Surnames As First Names With Meanings and Origins

When you are looking for the best surnames to be first ones, look no further than this list. We have tested out meanings to help choose the best surnames that become cool first names. Here are some surnames that can be used as first ones, along with their meanings and origins:

  1. Bennett – Meaning “blessed” or “little blessed one.” Originates from English.
  2. Harrison – Meaning “son of Harry” or “son of Henry.” Originates from English.
  3. Sullivan – Meaning “dark-eyed” or “hawk-eyed.” Originates from Irish.
  4. Montgomery – Meaning “man power” or “man of Gomeric.” Originates from Old English.
  5. Anderson – Meaning “son of Andrew” or “manly.” Originates from Scandinavian.
  6. Fletcher – Meaning “arrow-maker” or “feather-worker.” Originates from English.
  7. Collins – Meaning “son of Colin” or “victorious people.” Originates from Irish and Scottish.
  8. Parker – Meaning “keeper of the park” or “park-keeper.” Originates from English.
  9. Bennett – Meaning “blessed” or “little blessed one.” Originates from English.
  10. Thompson – Meaning “son of Thom” or “son of Thomas.” Originates from English and Scottish.
  11. Campbell – Meaning “crooked mouth” or “wry-mouthed.” Originates from Scottish and Irish.
  12. Reed – Meaning “red” or “ruddy complexion.” Originates from English and Scottish.
  13. Mitchell – Meaning “who is like God?” or “gift from God.” Originates from English and Scottish.
  14. Pierce – Meaning “rock” or “stone.” Originates from English and Welsh.
  15. Spencer – Meaning “steward” or “administrator.” Originates from English.

Please note that the meanings and origins can vary depending on different cultures and regions, and these are general interpretations. It’s always a good idea to do further research and consult reliable sources for accurate information. These names are the best for meanings and are popular surnames in North America.

Popular Surnames As First Names With Meanings and Origins

What are the most popular surnames that have become first names? Firstly, we have found the last name/first names that have become popular with many families. We bet you have heard some of these names before! Here are some popular surnames that can also be used as first names, along with their meanings and origins:

  1. Jackson – Meaning “son of Jack” or “God is gracious.” Originates from English.
  2. Cooper – Meaning “barrel maker” or “cooper.” Originates from English.
  3. Carter – Meaning “cart driver” or “carrier.” Originates from English.
  4. Harrison – Meaning “son of Harry” or “son of Henry.” Originates from English.
  5. Bennett – Meaning “blessed” or “little blessed one.” Originates from English.
  6. Parker – Meaning “keeper of the park” or “park-keeper.” Originates from English.
  7. Grayson – Meaning “son of the bailiff” or “son of the steward.” Originates from English.
  8. Taylor – Meaning “tailor” or “cutter of cloth.” Originates from English.
  9. Morgan – Meaning “sea-born” or “bright, white sea dweller.” Originates from Welsh.
  10. Riley – Meaning “rye clearing” or “valiant.” Originates from English and Irish.
  11. Ellis – Meaning “Yahweh is God” or “Jehovah is God.” Originates from Welsh and English.
  12. Bennett – Meaning “blessed” or “little blessed one.” Originates from English.
  13. Coleman – Meaning “charcoal burner” or “charcoal merchant.” Originates from Irish and English.
  14. Collins – Meaning “son of Colin” or “victorious people.” Originates from Irish and Scottish.
  15. Anderson – Meaning “son of Andrew” or “manly.” Originates from Scandinavian.

Overall, these are the most popular surnames that have become first names. They come from interesting origins and more importantly, carry wonderful strong meanings. These are easy to pronounce and are trendy, cool and are loved by many families.

Rare Surnames As First Names With Meanings and Origins

There are some rare surnames that would make good first ones. They may sound different but your child’s name would truly be one of a kind. Here are some rare surnames that can also be used as first names, along with their meanings and origins:

  1. Larkin – Meaning “fierce” or “fierce warrior.” Originates from Irish.
  2. Callahan – Meaning “bright-headed” or “descendant of Ceallachán.” Originates from Irish.
  3. Prescott – Meaning “priest’s cottage” or “dweller by the priest’s dwelling.” Originates from English.
  4. Beaumont – Meaning “beautiful mountain” or “lovely hill.” Originates from French.
  5. Abernathy – Meaning “mouth of the river Nethy” or “confluence of the Nethy river.” Originates from Scottish Gaelic.
  6. Waverly – Meaning “meadow of quivering aspens” or “quaking aspen meadow.” Originates from English.
  7. Stirling – Meaning “dweller at the little encampment” or “small settlement.” Originates from Scottish.
  8. Caldwell – Meaning “cold well” or “cold spring.” Originates from Old English.
  9. Kingsley – Meaning “king’s meadow” or “royal clearing.” Originates from Old English.
  10. Huxley – Meaning “from Hugh’s meadow” or “Hugh’s clearing.” Originates from Old English.
  11. Pennington – Meaning “enclosed town” or “settlement surrounded by a fence.” Originates from English.
  12. Fairchild – Meaning “beautiful child” or “lovely offspring.” Originates from English.
  13. Ashcroft – Meaning “ash tree enclosure” or “dweller by the ash tree.” Originates from English.
  14. Vandenberg – Meaning “from the hill” or “from the mountain.” Originates from Dutch.
  15. Whitaker – Meaning “white field” or “white acre.” Originates from Old English.

These are last names that rarely make first names. However, they are so interesting! They have interesting origins and really beautiful meanings. These unique last names that are first names are really one of a kind for your little one.

Short Last Names As First Names With Origins and Meanings

A short last name that becomes a first name sounds great. These names have interesting origins and powerful meanings. You will be surprised to see some of these short surnames that have become popular first names for babies. Here are some short last names that can also be used as first names, along with their origins and meanings:

  1. Chase – Meaning “to hunt” or “to pursue.” Originates from English and French.
  2. Reed – Meaning “red” or “ruddy complexion.” Originates from English and Scottish.
  3. Quinn – Meaning “wise” or “intelligent.” Originates from Irish and Gaelic.
  4. Hayes – Meaning “hedged area” or “enclosed space.” Originates from English.
  5. Ford – Meaning “river crossing” or “shallow river.” Originates from English.
  6. Brooks – Meaning “small stream” or “water stream.” Originates from English.
  7. Blake – Meaning “dark” or “black-haired.” Originates from English and Old English.
  8. Knox – Meaning “round hill” or “hillock.” Originates from Scottish and English.
  9. Heath – Meaning “heathland dweller” or “dweller on the heath.” Originates from English.
  10. Finch – Meaning “small bird” or “songbird.” Originates from English.
  11. Dale – Meaning “valley” or “dweller in the dale.” Originates from English.
  12. Gray – Meaning “gray-haired” or “gray-haired warrior.” Originates from English.
  13. Vaughn – Meaning “little” or “small.” Originates from Welsh.
  14. Kent – Meaning “from Kent” or “dweller in Kent.” Originates from English.
  15. Burke – Meaning “fortress” or “castle.” Originates from Irish and Gaelic.

You may have heard many of these as first names for your entire life. However, they have originated as surnames from their respective regions. Over time, out of the enjoyment of the name or out of respect, people began naming their children these last names as surnames. They sound great and are short and sweet! Consider any of these short names for your little one.

Long SurNames As First Names With Origins and Meanings

A long name can almost sound regal when you say it. There is no exception for a last name turned first name. It sounds great. However, they also have interesting origins and meanings. Here are some long surnames that can also be used as first names, along with their origins and meanings:

  1. Harrington – Meaning “estate on the hill” or “dweller at the herring farm.” Originates from English.
  2. Montgomery – Meaning “manpower” or “Gomer’s mountain.” Originates from English and Scottish.
  3. Kensington – Meaning “settlement of Cynesige’s people” or “Cynesige’s town.” Originates from English.
  4. Jefferson – Meaning “son of Jeffrey” or “son of Geoffrey.” Originates from English.
  5. Harriman – Meaning “man of war” or “warrior.” Originates from English.
  6. Livingston – Meaning “life’s town” or “town by the lake.” Originates from Scottish and English.
  7. Wellington – Meaning “well watered estate” or “settlement by the well.” Originates from English.
  8. Ellington – Meaning “Ellis’s town” or “settlement of Ellis.” Originates from English.
  9. Cumberland – Meaning “Cumbria’s land” or “land of the Cymry.” Originates from English.
  10. Carrington – Meaning “dweller at the rocky estate” or “settlement by the rocks.” Originates from English.
  11. Abercrombie – Meaning “mouth of the river Crombie” or “confluence of the Crombie river.” Originates from Scottish Gaelic.
  12. MacAllister – Meaning “son of Alasdair” or “son of Alexander.” Originates from Scottish Gaelic.
  13. Beauregard – Meaning “beautiful gaze” or “beautiful appearance.” Originates from French.
  14. Fitzpatrick – Meaning “son of Patrick” or “son of noble birth.” Originates from Irish.
  15. Pennington – Meaning “enclosed town” or “settlement surrounded by a fence.” Originates from English.

Please note that the meanings and origins can vary depending on different cultures and regions, and these are general interpretations. It’s always a good idea to do further research and consult reliable sources for accurate information.

Surnames As First Names

A last name was used for centuries as an identifier. Firstly, it told others the name of their family or where they lived or what their occupation was. As time passed, surnames were used as first ones for various reasons. Secondly, they have strong meanings and a lot of history. Lastly, These surnames sound great as first ones and would be perfect for any child. If you did not find the name that you are looking for, consider using our baby name generator for more information.