Aug 6

Aug 6 Great Surnames for Boys that Make Great First Name Options

In the realm of baby-naming, parents are increasingly drawn to unique and meaningful great first names that stand out. Whether you are honoring family tree heritage or just searching for the perfect baby name for a first or middle name, these strong name options are going to give you fabulous surname baby names.

Great Surnames for Boys that Make Great First Name Options

This intriguing shift of using surname names as traditional first names trend is gaining popularity for baby boys.

Using traditional last names as the perfect name not only adds a contemporary flair but also pays homage to familial roots and legacies. Let's delve into some of the top baby boy names derived from surnames that are making waves in the world of baby naming in recent years.

90 Surnames that Make the Best Baby Boy Names

Are you pregnant and overwhelmed by the endless options for names for your baby boy? You are not alone! Using a surname can be a fun way to honor a specific family member, incorporate a maiden name, or choose a more unique option to help your baby stand out in a crowd. We love the use of surnames for boys and girls, and you will find 3 names on this list that we used for our own boys.

What Are the Most Stylish Surnames for Top Baby Names?

💙 ALDEN

Alden is a stylish baby boy surname derived from the English name Aldwyn. Aldwyn was a very common name in the Middle Ages and means 'wise or old friend'. If you want to put a unique spin on this surname for a baby boy, you could use alternate spelling of Aldon or Aldyn.

💙 ANDERSON

Anderson is a classic surname turned into the most amazing baby boy name. Anderson is of English Origin and means Son of Andrew. If you want to put a unique spin on this classic surname baby boy name an alternate spelling is Andersen.

💙 BAKER

While this baby boy name literally means Occupation of Baker, it also makes a strong first name as well. Baker comes from English origin and was used as a common surname.

💙BARRON

If you want your baby boy to feel like royalty, then Barron is a great surname turned first name option. Barron means Noble Man and is of English origin. The name Barron is an occupational surname, deriving from word for the title of a Baron. The surname Barron was also applied as a nickname to a person with a regal or dignified bearing reminiscent of a baron. The Gaelic form of the name Barron is Barún. If you are looking for more Irish baby boy inspired names you can check out this post here. If you are looking for a way to make the surname Barron more modern, you could use the alternate spelling of Baron, Baryn or Barrin.

💙BECKHAM

The surname Beckham would have been historically given to identify a person who came from this part of Norfolk, England. The first recorded spelling of Beckham as a surname appeared in the 14th century. However, you will most commonly see the surname as a baby boy first name in the United States. Parents could get creative with this surname for a boy and use nickname of Beck.

💙BOYD

Boyd is a unique baby boy name derived from Irish origin that means Fair-haired, Blonde. Irish surname from the Celtic term Boidhe. Boyd is not ranking among top names used which makes it a geat unique baby boy name as well! Alternative spelling of Boyd as a surname transitioned to the first name for a baby boy could be Bodhi or Boydd.

💙BRADSHAW

The name Bradshaw is primarily a male name of English origin that means From The Broad Field, Forest. Originally an English surname. The surname Bradshaw can be traced back to 1246 in England. Bradshaw is a strong baby boy name from a surname that commands the attention from others.

💙BRANDT

The name Brandt is primarily a gender-neutral name of German origin that means Hot-Tempered. The surname Brandt was first found in Bavaria, where the family came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. The recorded spelling variations of Brandt include Brandte, Brant or Brante, among others and would make unique spins on the more traditional use of the surname as a first name.

💙BRAXTON

The name Braxton originated as a surname from English origin and also makes a great as a place name and baby boy name. Braxton is believed to mean "Bracc’s settlement" from the Olde English personal name “Bracc” plus the word “tūn” meaning "settlement, farm.” The surname Braxton can be found as far back as 1066 In England.

💙BRONSON

Baby Name Bronson from the historical surname from England. Bronson is a relatively rare surname originating out of England and means “son of Brown”. In Olde English “brun” stood for “dark, dusty” but did not morph into the color meaning of “brown” until the late Middle Ages. Bronson makes a classic baby boy name and could be alternatively spelled with Bronsen or Bronsyn.

💙BROOKS

Brooks is derived from an old English surname meaning “dweller by the brook”. The name originates from the Olde English “bróc” – the word for ‘brook’ or ‘stream.’ Brooks is a great preppy baby boy name. Brooks does rank in the top 100 as a baby boy name.

💙BURGESS

Burgess is a fabulous baby boy name derived from an English surname meaning town citizen. Burgess is common as a surname still but not as a first name for a baby boy, making it a unique first name option for a baby boy.

💙BURKE

Burke is a surname from English origin and one of my favorite first names for a baby boy. Burke means from the fortress giving off strong baby boy name vibes!

💙CALDER

Calder is a surname first name option for boys from English origin. Calder means brook or stream and is not a top 100 boy name making it a unique baby boy name option.

💙CAMDEN

While Camden is a historic surname it’s a beautiful first name for boys too! Camden means enclosure and is of English origin.

💙CAMERON

Cameron is another surname for boys turned first name option. Cameron is of Scottish origin and means crooked nose. Don’t rule this surname option out too quickly though it’s a strong male first name you will love.

💙CAMDEN

I love the name Camden which is derived from an Irish surname but makes a great unique first name boy option.

💙CAMPBELL

Another fabulous surname for a boy name is Campbell. The meaning is crooked mouth, but it’s such a great surname turned first name the meaning can be bypassed - ha! The surname gets its silly meaning from the famous Scottish Highland Clan, referring to their facial feature ‘cam beul.’

💙CARRINGTON

If you are looking for a classic surname for a unique baby boy name Carrington is a great option. Carrington is baby by name from an old English surname means ‘Charles’s Town.”

💙CARVER

Carver is a powerful surname turned baby boy first name that is unique. The many generations and branches of the Carver family can all place the origins of their surname with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. Their name reveals that an early member worked as a wood-carver or sculptor.

💙CASH

Cash is a unique surname for boys derived from English origin meaning maker of chests. Alternative spellings of this baby name surname could be Kash. Cash is rising in popularity at #265 in baby names in the U.S. currently.

💙CHANDLER

Chandler is a strong and preppy surname option and one of my very favorite surnames as a baby boy names as I used it for one of my children! The founding heritage of the Chandler surname comes from Britain. The surname Chandler comes from when one of the family worked as a person who makes and sells candles. More rarely, the surname Chandler may have been applied to someone who had the responsibility of lighting the candles in a large house

💙CHANNING

Channing is a name whose history is connected to the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from when the Channing family once lived in Cann. Channing is such a unique but memorable surname as a baby name that would be fabulous for a little one.

💙CHAUNCEY

Chauncey is of French Origin, and we love it as a surname as a first name option. Chauncey comes from the Chauncy family.

💙COHEN

The next on the list baby name coming from a surname is the name Cohen is of Hebrew origin. The meaning of Cohen is "high priest". Cohen is generally used as a boy's name based on the surname.

💙CORBIN

Corbin is a name that has morphed many times over generations. Corbin is the transferred use of a surname that originated in England from a nickname. The nickname originated from the Anglo-Norman word “corb” meaning ‘crow, raven’ to signify a man with shiny black hair or for one with a raucous tone of voice. Corbin is a great surname as a first name for boys.

💙CRUZ

The name Cruz is primarily a male surname as a baby first name of Spanish origin that means The Cross Of Christ.

💙DEAN

Just like the others, Dean is also a classic surname from Old English origin and means valley. If you are looking for a short traditional surname for a first name for a baby boy, Dean is a wonderful option.

💙DELANEY

The surname Delaney makes a wonderful baby boy first name. Delaney means dark challenger and is of Irish origin. Delaney has been a baby girls name but has made a comeback for boys as a surname turned first name.

💙 DEMPSEY

Like the surname turned boys name above, Dempsey is surname from Irish and Gaelic origin and means proud. If you love this Irish boy name, you can also read this post with Irish baby boy name ideas too!

💙DUNCAN

Duncan is a strong Scottish surname meaning dark warrior. This surname turned to baby boy first name for a confident and royal boy. Duncan is a classic Scottish baby boy first name option and one that is tradition yet fun.

💙ELLIS

Ellis is a surname of Welsh origin meaning benevolent. This surname as a boys name is not a common name so if you are looking for unique baby boy names, Ellis should definitely make your list!

💙EVERETT

Everett is a traditional English surname that has become a popular baby boy first name. Everett may be a traditional surname that has been around for centuries, but it is a modern and preppy baby boy name that will turn heads!

💙FITZ

Fitz is not only a great surname for a baby boy name but is also a great nickname if you want to use Fitzgerald as a first name for a baby boy name. Fitz is of Scottish Origin and means ‘son of.’ Historically it was used as the prefix of a surname like Fitzgerald.

💙FLETCHER

Fletcher is such a unique baby boy name meaning arrow-maker. Fletcher is a traditional English name and one that you don’t hear often as a first name for boys. Fletcher is classic English name but also fun and modern for a soon to be baby boy!

💙FOREST

Like so many of the other baby boy name options, Forest is an old French surname meaning forest or someone who lived in the woods. I love the alternate spelling Forrest as a modern spin on a traditional surname.

💙FRANKLIN

Franklin is a traditional English surname meaning free man. Franklin would have been historically used for someone who was not a man of noble birth but one that is a landowner such as a prosperous farmer. Franklin makes a wonderful first name option that is unique for your baby boy to be!

💙FRAZIER

I wonder if you will be as surprised as I was to learn that the surname Frazier means strawberry! Frazier is of the French origin but has been widely used in the English and Scottish languages as well. Frazier is unique and memorable as a surname for baby boy name.

💙GANNON

Gannon is an Irish and Gaelic surname which means fair skinned. Gannon is such a unique first name use of a old traditional surname for a baby boy.

💙GARRISON

Garrison is a surname of traditional English Origin meaning ‘son of Garret.’ Garrison is a great preppy surname turned baby boy first name.

💙GRAHAM

Another old English traditional surname meaning gravelly homestead also known as a small settlement. In modern day, Graham is sophisticated and modern and often used by parents searching for a preppy name for their baby boy.

💙GRANGER

Granger is another Old English surname turned modern day baby boy name. If you are looking for a unique baby boy name Granger is a wonderful option. Granger is the surname meaning worker of the granary.

💙GRANT

Grant is a Scottish surname meaning large. Grant makes a perfect baby boy name for a baby boy with a larger than life personality.

💙GRAYSON

Grayson is an old traditional English surname but a very popular baby boy first name. Grayson translates to son of a steward.

💙GREYSON

This surname turned baby boy name has the same origin and meaning as the one above. Greyson is unique and modern spin on the traditional baby boy name Grayson.

💙HARRISON

Harrison is a surname meaning son of Harry. Harrison is of English origin and is a great unique baby boy first name option.

💙HARTLEY

Hartley is the surname of an English saint and means from the meadow. If you are looking for a modern unique baby boy name that has a rich history, Hartley is a great baby boy name option.

💙HAYES

Hayes is also an old English name meaning hedged area. It’s a stunning baby boy name and sounds so regal. Hayes is not a top baby boy name so if you are looking for unique baby boy name option Hayes could be a great fit!

💙HEATH

This beautiful surname turned baby boy girl is of Middle English origin, and the meaning of Heath is "heath". Heath is a word for untended land where certain flowering shrubs grow. I love the unique factor of the baby boy name Heath and would definitely use!

💙HUDSON

The name Hudson is primarily a male name of English origin that means Son Of Hudd. Hudd is a diminutive form of Richard, Hugh, or the Old English name Hudde. Hudson was originally an English surname now also used as a first name. Hudson is traditional surname yet a unique baby boy name option.

💙HUNTER

There are so many Old English surnames on this list and Hunter is one of those. Hunter makes a fabulous baby boy first name and means on who hunts.

💙JEFFERSON

This last name for baby name option is classic and old English origin. Jefferson translates to son of Jeffrey. It can be viewed as a southern baby boy name as well.

💙JARVIS

Jarvis is an unusual and unique baby boy name meaning a conqueror. It has history in English and French origin.

💙KENDRICK

Kendrick is a surname for boys from various countries with varied meanings from each culture. Kendrick means chief hero and high hill in Welsh and keen power in English.

💙KINGSLEY

Kingsley is an unusual baby boy name while using a last name as a first name. It's a name fit for a king meaning kings meadow.

💙LAFAYETTE

Lafayette makes it way to the surname for boys first name list. It has French origin and means faith.

💙LANE

Lane is translated to path and roadway but makes a classic surname a modern baby boy name.

💙LANGLEY

This is the unique baby boy name you didn’t even know you needed in your life. Meaning long meadow and coming from English origin, Langley is a classic baby boy name that you will remember.

💙LANGSTON

Langston is a regal option for a sophisticated baby boy name. Langston is from English origin and means long, narrow town.

💙LAWRENCE

Lawrence is a Latin surname and makes a unique baby boy name fit for a traditional baby boy.

💙LINCOLN

This surname for a baby boy first name gained tremendous popularity in 2016 coming in the top 50 for baby boy names. The name Lincoln comes from English origin and means town by the pool.

💙LINDEN

Linden is a stunning baby name that was extremely popular from 1930-1960. During that time period the spelling was a bit varied using the spelling Lyndon as a ode to president Lyndon. This surname is such a great baby boy name option that means linden tree hill.

💙MADDOX

This baby boy surname gained immense popularity after Angelina Jolie named her son Maddox in 2003. Maddox is a Welsh surname meaning son of Madoc. Historically Maddox gave a masculine image and would make a great and strong baby boy name. Maddox is ranking as a top baby name now.

💙MARSHALL

Marshall surname to first name for a baby comes from German Origin and means horse servant.

💙MAVERICK

If you are aiming to raise an independent baby boy them Maverick is a name for you. This surname for a baby name is from English origin and means independent and nonconforming.

💙MAXWELL

Scottish origin for the surname Maxwell as a baby name. It means great stream, and Maxwell is considered a classic and attractive Scottish baby name.

💙MILLER

English origin for this classic surname of Miller. Miller means one who grinds gain but presents as a sophisticated and preppy surname turned first name for a baby boy.

💙MURRAY

This baby boy name means settlement by the sea. If you want a noble name from the Scottish origin then this ancient noble surname would be a great classic surname given a fun twist as a first name.

💙NOLAN

Nolan is a strong Irish surname that has gained popularity as a baby boy name. If you want your baby boy to grow into a strong champion, like its meaning, then Nolan is the surname turned first name for your baby boy.

💙PALMER

I am a little biased with this surname turned baby boy name option since I named my son Palmer, but I think it’s a preppy surname that makes a fabulous first name for a baby boy. It’s from English origin and means palm bearing pilgrim.

💙PAXTON

Paxton means peace town and is a surname from Latin origin turned popular baby boy name. It has such a strong Prescence with the x in the middle of it.

💙PERCY

This surname is a British surname that is aristocratic and made for a royal baby boy.

💙PRESCOTT

Prescott is a baby boy name fit for a sophisticated baby boy derived from English origin and meaning priest’s cottage.

💙PRESTON

This surname turned baby boy first name is very similar to above only meaning Priest’s estate.

💙PRESLEY

Are you sensing a trend here with surnames for boy name options? Presley is gaining momentum as a girl’s baby name however is a strong baby boy name option too meaning Priest’s meadow.

💙QUINCY

French surname meaning estate of the fifth son. Quincy is a unique baby boy name option that you are sure to love!

💙RANDALL

Randall is a traditional surname for a baby boy name from English origin meaning protector.

💙REED

I love the baby boy name Reed. It is a short but powerful surname turned into first name option for a baby name.

💙REMINGTON

Remington is an English origin surname fit for a proper young gentleman.

💙RYLAND

Ryland is one of the most prominent surnames on this list but is still unique for a baby boy name. Ryland means land where the rye is gown and comes from English origin.

💙SAWYER

Sawyer is a surname with English origin and means woodcutter. Sawyer is not only a fabulous surname switched to a baby boy first name but is currently ranking as atop unisex name too!

💙SHEPPARD

Sheppard is an English name meaning Shepherd. While it may be a name that has been around for centuries it’s a preppy surname option.

💙SLOANE

Irish origin brings up this surname meaning expedition and invasion. Sloane isa unique first name for a baby boy.

💙SMITH

Smith is the top surname in the United Staes with more than 2.5 million people sharing that last name. It is derived from the old English meaning blacksmith as an occupation. However, as a first name for baby boy it is unique and fresh!

💙STANLEY

This may be one of my favorite surname turned first name baby boy options. It means stony meadow and is popular for baby boy names.

💙STERLING

A beautiful English surname meaning Little Star and perfect for a baby boy that is going to shine.

💙TATE

A cheerful name for a cheerful baby boy. This is a strong surname turned first name option and could be a nickname from the name below!

💙TATUM

This surname dates back to the 11th century and means Tate’s homestead. This surname to first name reached top 1000 in 2010.

💙VAUGHN

This surname reached a peak in popularity in 1949. It means small in its Welsh origin. I absolutely love this surname as a first name for a baby boy. Its traditional yet modern and makes a beautiful baby boy name.

💙WINSTON

I hope the surname baby boy name option make you feel joyful, because it translates to joy stone and is from English origin.

In conclusion, the trend of using surnames as first names for baby boys offers a unique opportunity to celebrate heritage while embracing modernity. Whether you're drawn to the rugged charm of Anderson or the timeless elegance of Harrison, there's a surname-inspired name to suit every style and taste. With these top picks, parents can give their little boys names that are not only fashionable but also rich in history and significance.