A last name, also known as a surname, is a family name passed down through generations and typically shared by members of the same family. They generally fall into one of four categories based on its origin.
- Patronymic or matronymic surnames (Johnson) are derived from the mother or father’s name.
- Occupational surnames (Smith and Taylor) are based on an occupation or trade.
- Toponymic surnames (Hill and Woods) come from the name of a place or geographical feature.
- Descriptive surnames (Brown and Armstrong) describe a trait, quality, or behavior.
The use of last names helps us distinguish between individuals with the same given name and provides insights into family history, geographic origin, or ancestral occupation, depending on the exact surname.
RELATED: 100 Most Common Last Names Found in the United States Today
But just because last names like Wilson, Jackson, Avery, and Reagan have traditionally been used as a surname, that doesn’t mean parents today can’t flip the switch and start using last names as first names.
In fact, parents have been doing it for centuries, and it’s only getting more popular as time goes on.
Some parents use last names as first names to pay homage to a surname they gave up in marriage, while others pay homage to some of their distant ancestors, most of whom might have unique surnames.
If using last names as first names excites you, then you’ll love the baby name ideas we’ve picked for you!
Last Names as First Names (Baby Boy Edition)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2010), the top ten most popular surnames in the US (at the time) included Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown, Jones, Garcia, Miller, Davis, Rodriguez, and Martinez.
For reference, nearly 2.5 million people are named Smith, while 1.1 million people are named Martinez.
None of those names really pop out as good options for last names as first names, but you could always go with similar variations, such as John for Johnson, William for Williamson, and Martin for Martinez.
If you’re looking for more options for your baby boy, consider these popular last names as first names!
20. Wilson
Estimated US Population (Surname): 801,882 people
Origin: Wilson is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Wilson is derived from a patronymic surname meaning “son of Will,” where Will is a diminutive of William.
Similar Names: Willis, Williams, Williamson, Wilbur, Weston, Watson, Wilfred, Wilmer, Walter, Winslow, Wiley.
19. Thomas
Estimated US Population (Surname): 756,142 people
Origin: Thomas is of Aramaic origin.
Derivation: The name Thomas is derived from the Aramaic word Ta’oma’, meaning “twin.” It became a common Christian name due to Saint Thomas the Apostle.
Similar Names: Tom, Tommy, Tomas, Thompson, Tim, Timothy, Thaddeus, Theodore, Tristan, Tatum, Tate.
18. Anderson
Estimated US Population (Surname): 784,404 people
Origin: Anderson is of Scandinavian origin.
Derivation: The name Anderson is derived from a patronymic surname meaning “son of Anders,” where Anders is the Scandinavian form of Andrew, meaning “manly” or “brave.”
Similar Names: Andrew, Andre, Anders, Andreas, Andretti, Ashton, Aaron, Adrian, Anson, Archer, Avery.
17. Taylor
Estimated US Population (Surname): 751,209 people
Origin: Taylor is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Taylor is derived from an occupational surname for a tailor, from the Old French word tailleur, meaning “to cut.”
Similar Names: Tyler, Tanner, Trenton, Thatcher, Travis, Trevor, Trey, Terrence, Tate, Talon.
16. Jackson
Estimated US Population (Surname): 708,099 people
Origin: Jackson is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Jackson is derived from a patronymic surname meaning “son of Jack,” where Jack is a diminutive of John or Jacob.
Similar Names: Jack, Jake, Jaxon, Jax, Jameson, Johnson, Jonathan, Julian, Jensen, Justin.
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15. Martin
Estimated US Population (Surname): 702,625 people
Origin: Martin is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Martin is derived from the Roman name Martinus, which is a derivative of Mars, the Roman god of war.
Similar Names: Marcus, Mark, Marcel, Mariano, Marvin, Marlon, Matthew, Miles, Max, Mitchell.
14. Lee
Estimated US Population (Surname): 693,023 people
Origin: Lee is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Lee is derived from a surname meaning “meadow” or “clearing” from the Old English word leah.
Similar Names: Liam, Leo, Levi, Lance, Lucas, Logan, Lewis, Leon, Larry, Lincoln.
13. Clark
Estimated US Population (Surname): 562,679 people
Origin: Clark is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Clark is derived from an occupational surname for a scribe or clerk, from the Old English word clerec.
Similar Names: Clarke, Carter, Clay, Clayton, Clint, Cliff, Calvin, Camden, Cade, Conrad.
12. Lewis
Estimated US Population (Surname): 531,781 people
Origin: Lewis is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Lewis is derived from the Old French name Ludovicus, which is a Latinized form of Ludwig, meaning “famous warrior.”
Similar Names: Louis, Louie, Luca, Lucian, Levi, Leonard, Laurence, Lionel, Lawson, Lyle.
11. Allen
Estimated US Population (Surname): 482,607 people
Origin: Allen is of Celtic origin.
Derivation: The name Allen is derived from the Gaelic word Ailín, meaning “little rock” or “handsome.”
Similar Names: Alan, Alain, Alec, Albert, Alden, Amos, Adam, Adrian, Alex, Arlen.
10. King
Estimated US Population (Surname): 465,422 people
Origin: King is of English origin.
Derivation: The name King is derived from a title or nickname for someone who acted in a kingly manner or who worked in a royal household.
Similar Names: Kingsley, Kingston, Knight, Kendrick, Kane, Kent, Kyle, Keenan, Keaton, Kip.
9. Scott
Estimated US Population (Surname): 439,530 people
Origin: Scott is of English and Scottish origin.
Derivation: The name Scott is derived from a surname originally denoting a person from Scotland or of Scottish descent.
Similar Names: Sean, Shawn, Shane, Simon, Sawyer, Spencer, Sam, Seth, Stanley, Silas.
8. Nguyen
Estimated US Population (Surname): 437,645 people
Origin: Nguyen is of Vietnamese origin.
Derivation: The name Nguyen is derived from a common Vietnamese surname, which possibly originated from the Chinese word Ruan, referring to a stringed instrument.
Similar Names: Nhi, Nam, Nhat, Nhiem, Nghi, Nhung, Nhan, Nhat, Nhan, Nho.
7. Nelson
Estimated US Population (Surname): 424,958 people
Origin: Nelson is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Nelson is derived from a patronymic surname meaning “son of Neil,” where Neil means “champion.”
Similar Names: Neil, Nolan, Nicholas, Nathan, Nate, Nathaniel, Nash, Norman, Neville, Niles.
6. Mitchell
Estimated US Population (Surname): 384,486 people
Origin: Mitchell is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Mitchell is derived from the medieval nickname for Michael, meaning “who is like God?”
Similar Names: Michael, Micah, Mickey, Milton, Miles, Morgan, Mason, Malcolm, Max, Matthew.
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5. Carter
Estimated US Population (Surname): 376,966 people
Origin: Carter is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Carter is derived from an occupational surname for a transporter of goods by cart, from the Old English word craet.
Similar Names: Carson, Cooper, Chandler, Colton, Caleb, Cameron, Casey, Connor, Chase, Cody.
4. Turner
Estimated US Population (Surname): 348,627 people
Origin: Turner is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Turner is derived from an occupational surname for someone who worked with a lathe, from the Middle English word turnier.
Similar Names: Tucker, Tanner, Thatcher, Tyler, Travis, Trent, Trevor, Tyson, Troy, Theo.
3. Parker
Estimated US Population (Surname): 336,221 people
Origin: Parker is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Parker is derived from an occupational surname for a gamekeeper, from the Old French word parchier.
Similar Names: Palmer, Peyton, Paxton, Preston, Porter, Percy, Perry, Patrick, Patton, Pierce.
2. Stewart
Estimated US Population (Surname): 324,957 people
Origin: Stewart is of Scottish origin.
Derivation: The name Stewart is derived from an occupational surname for a steward or manager of a household or estate, from the Old English word stigweard.
Similar Names: Stuart, Sterling, Spencer, Sullivan, Stephen, Sawyer, Seth, Sheldon, Shawn, Sidney.
1. Cooper
Estimated US Population (Surname): 280,791 people
Origin: Cooper is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Cooper is derived from an occupational surname for a barrel maker, from the Middle English word couper.
Similar Names: Carter, Colton, Clayton, Carson, Connor, Caleb, Chandler, Cody, Casey, Camden.
Last Names as First Names (Baby Girl Edition)
When choosing the perfect name for a baby girl, parents today are looking beyond traditional options and tapping into unique trends that reflect the individuality and style they hope to instill in their future daughter.
One such trend that has many parents intrigued is using last names as first names.
Whether inspired by a famous figure, a beloved family surname, or simply a name that resonates with parents, using last names as first names helps convey a sense of heritage, elegance, or modern flair.
If that’s the type of name you want for your daughter, then you’ll love these last names as first names!
20. Bailey
Estimated US Population (Surname): 277,845 people
Origin: Bailey is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Bailey is derived from an occupational surname for a bailiff or steward, from the Old French word bailiff.
Similar Names: Bradley, Bentley, Brady, Brody, Barrett, Blake, Bryce, Byron, Bennett, Beckett.
19. Kelly
Estimated US Population (Surname): 267,394 people
Origin: Kelly is of Irish origin.
Derivation: The name Kelly is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning “descendant of Ceallach,” a personal name meaning “bright-headed.”
Similar Names: Kellan, Keegan, Kevin, Kieran, Kian, Kyle, Keith, Ken, Kendrick, Kerr.
18. Brooks
Estimated US Population (Surname): 251,663 people
Origin: Brooks is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Brooks is derived from a surname meaning “dweller by the brook,” from the Old English word broc.
Similar Names: Bryce, Blake, Brent, Bradley, Brady, Barrett, Beckett, Benson, Bryant, Brendan.
17. Madison
Estimated US Population (Surname): 28,411 people
Origin: Madison is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Madison is derived from a surname meaning “son of Maud,” where Maud is a medieval form of Matilda.
Similar Names: Mason, Morgan, Meredith, Maxson, Malcolm, Manson, Melvin, Marcus, Miles, Milo.
16. Harper
Estimated US Population (Surname): 124,461 people
Origin: Harper is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Harper is derived from an occupational surname for a harp player, from the Middle English word harpere.
Similar Names: Hayden, Harlow, Hendrix, Hunter, Hudson, Harrison, Henry, Holden, Heath, Hugo.
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15. Avery
Estimated US Population (Surname): 39,564 people
Origin: Avery is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Avery is derived from a surname based on the Old French given name Alfred, meaning “elf counsel.”
Similar Names: Aiden, Adrian, Asher, Ashton, Archer, Alton, Axel, August, Amos, Arthur.
14. Reagan
Estimated US Population (Surname): 16,491 people
Origin: Reagan is of Irish origin.
Derivation: The name Reagan is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Riagáin, meaning “descendant of Riagán,” a personal name meaning “little king.”
Similar Names: Rowan, Riley, Ryan, Ronan, Rory, Reed, Rhett, Remy, Royce, Rex.
13. Quinn
Estimated US Population (Surname): 76,986 people
Origin: Quinn is of Irish origin.
Derivation: The name Quinn is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Cuinn, meaning “descendant of Conn,” where Conn means “chief” or “wise.”
Similar Names: Quinton, Quentin, Quincy, Quest, Quade, Quinnell, Quinlan, Quill, Qadir, Quiller.
12. Morgan
Estimated US Population (Surname): 286,280 people
Origin: Morgan is of Welsh origin.
Derivation: The name Morgan is derived from the Old Welsh name Morcant, meaning “sea chief” or “sea defender.”
Similar Names: Murray, Mason, Micah, Max, Malcolm, Miles, Maddox, Milo, Myles, Mitchell.
11. Kennedy
Estimated US Population (Surname): 176,865 people
Origin: Kennedy is of Irish origin.
Derivation: The name Kennedy is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Cinnéidigh, meaning “descendant of Cinnéidigh,” a personal name meaning “helmet-headed” or “ugly head.”
Similar Names: Kieran, Keegan, Kevin, Kyle, Keith, Kent, Kendrick, Killian, Knox, Kane.
10. Jordan
Estimated US Population (Surname): 208,403 people
Origin: Jordan is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Jordan is derived from the Hebrew word Yarden, meaning “to flow down” or “descend,” referring to the Jordan River.
Similar Names: Joshua, Jacob, Jason, Justin, Julian, Jeremy, Jared, James, Jack, Jonathan.
9. Mackenzie
Estimated US Population (Surname): 13,733 people
Origin: Mackenzie is of Scottish origin.
Derivation: The name Mackenzie is derived from the Gaelic surname MacCoinnich, meaning “son of Coinneach,” where Coinneach means “handsome.”
Similar Names: Malcolm, Maddox, Mason, Morgan, Marcus, Max, Miles, Magnus, Melvin, Mitchell.
8. Addison
Estimated US Population (Surname): 18,169 people
Origin: Addison is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Addison is derived from a surname meaning “son of Adam.”
Similar Names: Aiden, Adrian, Ashton, Archer, August, Alden, Asher, Anderson, Axel, Alfred.
7. Medina
Estimated US Population (Surname): 188,497 people
Origin: Medina is of Arabic origin.
Derivation: The name Medina is derived from the Arabic word madīnah, meaning “city,” often referring to the holy city of Medina in Saudi Arabia.
Similar Names: Marwa, Maryam, Miriam, Mona, Mahira, Mira, Malia, Malika, Maya, Mina.
6. Kendall
Estimated US Population (Surname): 31,209 people
Origin: Kendall is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Kendall is derived from a place name meaning “valley of the River Kent.”
Similar Names: Kyle, Kevin, Keith, Kent, Kingston, Kieran, Knox, Kane, Kellan, Kai.
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5. Hadley
Estimated US Population (Surname): 21,771 people
Origin: Hadley is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Hadley is derived from an Old English place name meaning “heather field.”
Similar Names: Hayden, Harper, Harlow, Hunter, Hendrix, Holden, Heath, Hugo, Harrison, Hudson.
4. Hayden
Estimated US Population (Surname): 37,451 people
Origin: Hayden is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Hayden is derived from an Old English place name meaning “hay valley.”
Similar Names: Harvey, Harrison, Heath, Hugh, Hugo, Hendrix, Holden, Hudson, Huxley, Hank.
3. Brady
Estimated US Population (Surname): 73,145 people
Origin: Brady is of Irish origin.
Derivation: The name Brady is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Brádaigh, meaning “descendant of Brádach,” a personal name meaning “spirited.”
Similar Names: Brody, Bradley, Barrett, Blake, Bryce, Bennett, Brandon, Brent, Brock, Bryce.
2. Harlow
Estimated US Population (Surname): 11,726 people
Origin: Harlow is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Harlow is derived from a place name meaning “rocky hill.”
Similar Names: Harper, Hayden, Hendrix, Holden, Hugo, Hudson, Heath, Hunter, Hayden, Harmony.
1. Finley
Estimated US Population (Surname): 37,672
Origin: Finley is of Scottish origin.
Derivation: The name Finley is derived from the Gaelic name Fionnlagh, meaning “fair warrior.”
Similar Names: Flynn, Fergus, Finn, Felix, Fletcher, Fraser, Forrest, Franklin, Freeman, Francis.
Famous Celebrities With Last Names as First Names
The concept of using last names as first names isn’t new to society. But while parents have been doing it for thousands of years, modern-day celebrities are doing a good job of popularizing it for parents today.
For example, David and Victoria Beckham have a daughter named Harper, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon have a daughter named Monroe, and Jessica Alba and Cash Warren have a son named Hayes.
And if you need more examples, we can’t forget about Kristen Bell and Dax Shepherd, who named their eldest daughter Lincoln, and Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr, who named their only son Flynn.
If you want to take after your favorite celebrities and use last names as first names, here are some ideas!
10. Monroe
Origin: Monroe is of Scottish origin.
Derivation: The name Monroe is derived from a Scottish surname meaning “mouth of the Roe River.”
Who is Marilyn Monroe? An iconic American actress, model, and singer, Marilyn Monroe became a major sex symbol in the 1950s and 1960s. Known for her roles in “Some Like It Hot,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” and “The Seven Year Itch,” Monroe’s persona and tragic life have left a lasting impact on pop culture.
9. Lennon
Origin: Lennon is of Irish origin.
Derivation: The name Lennon is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Leannáin, meaning “descendant of Leannán,” a personal name meaning “lover.”
Who is John Lennon? A British musician, songwriter, and peace activist, John Lennon gained worldwide fame as a co-founder of The Beatles, one of the most influential bands in music history. His solo works, including “Imagine” and “Give Peace a Chance,” further cemented his legacy as a voice for peace and change.
8. Hudson
Origin: Hudson is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Hudson is derived from a surname meaning “son of Hudd,” where Hudd is a medieval diminutive of Hugh.
Who is Kate Hudson? An American actress and entrepreneur, Kate Hudson rose to fame with her role in the romantic comedy “Almost Famous,” for which she won a Golden Globe. She is also known for her performances in “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and “Bride Wars,” and for co-founding the fitness brand Fabletics.
7. Presley
Origin: Presley is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Presley is derived from a place name meaning “priest’s meadow.”
Who is Elvis Presley? Widely known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley was a groundbreaking American singer and actor who revolutionized music in the 1950s. Hits like “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Hound Dog” made him a cultural icon, and his film career included notable movies like “Viva Las Vegas.”
6. Keaton
Origin: Keaton is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Keaton is derived from an Old English place name meaning “place of hawks.”
Who is Diane Keaton? An acclaimed American actress and filmmaker, Diane Keaton is best known for her roles in classic films such as “Annie Hall,” for which she won an Academy Award, “The Godfather” series, and “Something’s Gotta Give.” Her quirky style and unique on-screen presence have made her a beloved figure in Hollywood.
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5. Brando
Origin: Brando is of Italian origin.
Derivation: The name Brando is derived from a diminutive form of the name Brand, meaning “sword” or “fiery torch.”
Who is Marlon Brando? Regarded as one of the greatest actors in film history, Marlon Brando revolutionized acting with his method style. His most famous roles include Stanley Kowalski in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” Vito Corleone in “The Godfather,” and Terry Malloy in “On the Waterfront,” the latter two earning him Academy Awards.
4. Ryder
Origin: Ryder is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Ryder is derived from an occupational surname for a mounted warrior or messenger.
Who is Winona Ryder? An American actress known for her versatile roles across genres, Winona Ryder gained fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with films like “Beetlejuice,” “Edward Scissorhands,” and “Heathers.” She made a notable comeback in recent years with her role as Joyce Byers in the hit TV series “Stranger Things.”
3. Phoenix
Origin: Phoenix is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Phoenix is derived from Greek mythology, referring to the mythical bird that regenerates from its ashes, symbolizing rebirth.
Who is Joaquin Phoenix? An acclaimed American actor known for his intense and transformative performances, Joaquin Phoenix earned widespread acclaim for his roles in “Gladiator,” “Walk the Line,” and “Her.” He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the Joker in the film “Joker” (2019).
2. Dylan
Origin: Dylan is of Welsh origin.
Derivation: The name Dylan is derived from the Welsh elements dy meaning “great” and llanw meaning “tide” or “flow.”
Who is Bob Dylan? A legendary American singer-songwriter and Nobel laureate, Bob Dylan is celebrated for his influential contributions to music and culture. With classic songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Like a Rolling Stone,” and “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” he became a voice of the 1960s counterculture movement.
1. Jolie
Origin: Jolie is of French origin.
Derivation: The name Jolie is derived from the French word jolie, meaning “pretty” or “beautiful.”
Who is Angelina Jolie? An American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian, Angelina Jolie gained fame through roles in films like “Girl, Interrupted,” for which she won an Academy Award, and action hits like “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.” Known for her humanitarian work, she also directed films such as “Unbroken” and “First They Killed My Father.”
Why Do So Many People Have Last Names as First Names?
Using last names as first names is a growing trend among parents who want to go against the norm when naming their child, but still want something that’s easily recognizable and easy to say or pronounce.
Some popular last names that have transitioned seamlessly into first names include Harper, Blake, and Reese. Each of these names has gained popularity due to its modern sound and gender-neutral appeal.
Other names, like Sloane, Kennedy, or Emerson, convey a sense of sophistication and strength, while names like Ellis, Winslow, or Hollis offer a fresh twist while still carrying that unique surname charm.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Check Out Our Baby Name Generator for More Baby Name Ideas!
But don’t worry if using last names as first names doesn’t appeal to you. Your options are endless when choosing a baby name – and we have thousands of more baby name ideas at our Mamas Uncut blog!
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.
Baby Name Generator
No baby name sounding good? Want a quick way to generate unique baby name ideas? Try our baby name generator below!
Set your terms (sex of the baby, number of letters, popularity, etc.) and then get a list of names that meet your criteria. Maybe the perfect name is just waiting to be generated for you.