Last names, also known as surnames, originated as a way to identify individuals beyond their given names, which were often common and repeated frequently within certain communities and cultures.
But at some point in history, parents started to look at old last names in a different light. Instead of using them exclusively as surnames, they started to experiment using them as first names. And it worked!
In fact, a lot of old last names, such as those that end in -son and -er, are now some of the most popular baby names in the US, according to annual data released by the U.S. Social Security Administration.
But old last names aren’t limited to those ending in -son and -er. They could also be inspired by former US presidents (like Lincoln), vintage celebrities (like Presley), and fictional characters (like Finch).
What we’re trying to say is that your opportunities are endless when using old last names as a first name. And if that’s the type of name you’d like for your son or daughter, then you’ll love the list we made below!
Using Old Last Names as First Names: Baby Boy Edition
If you were to take a look at the most popular baby names in the US in 2023, you’d find a lot of old last names listed inside the top 50. Just look at the name Hudson, the 21st most popular boy name in 2023.
The names Alexander (No. 22) and Asher (No. 23) came in right behind Hudson, while Jackson (No. 28), Mason (No. 30), Miles (No. 43), Grayson (No. 44), and Carter (No. 49) also ranked inside the top 50.
While data for 2024 won’t be released for another couple of months, we expect the old last names above to continue their prowess as given names. So, don’t worry – they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
With that said, let’s take a look at some old last names that would make the perfect first name for a boy!
10. Quinn
Estimated U.S. Population: 76,986 people with the last name
Origin: Quinn is of Irish origin.
Derivation: The name Quinn is derived from the Irish surname Ó Cuinn, meaning “descendant of Conn,” which translates to “chief” or “wise.”
Similar Names: Finn, Flynn, Quinlan, Quinley, Quinnley, Quinton, Quin, Gwen, Brynn, Wynn.
9. Walker
Estimated U.S. Population: 523,129 people with the last name
Origin: Walker is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Walker is derived from an occupational surname referring to someone who “walks” on cloth to thicken it, a process in textile making.
Similar Names: Parker, Sawyer, Tanner, Carter, Ryder, Porter, Hunter, Archer, Wilder, Fisher.
8. Ford
Estimated U.S. Population: 184,832 people with the last name
Origin: Ford is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Ford is derived from an Old English term meaning “river crossing” or “ford.”
Similar Names: Grant, Clark, Reid, Wade, Cole, Knox, Flint, Brooks, Dean, Hayes.
7. Hudson
Estimated U.S. Population: 134,963 people with the last name
Origin: Hudson is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Hudson is derived from the surname meaning “son of Hudde,” a medieval nickname for Hugh or Richard.
Similar Names: Harrison, Holden, Hunter, Hayden, Huxley, Logan, Grayson, Mason, Lawson, Wilson.
6. Carson
Estimated U.S. Population: 56,872 people with the last name
Origin: Carson is of Scottish and Irish origin.
Derivation: The name Carson is derived from a Scottish surname, possibly meaning “son of Carr” or related to an Irish term for “marsh.”
Similar Names: Carter, Carson, Cameron, Cooper, Colton, Clayton, Camden, Callan, Colson, Corbin.
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5. Winston
Estimated U.S. Population: 21,667 people with the last name
Origin: Winston is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Winston is derived from an Old English place name meaning “joyful stone” or “wine’s town.”
Similar Names: Weston, Wilson, Walton, Winslow, Wilton, Kingston, Princeton, Easton, Ashton, Stanton.
4. Sullivan
Estimated U.S. Population: 220,990 people with the last name
Origin: Sullivan is of Irish origin.
Derivation: The name Sullivan is derived from the Irish surname Ó Súilleabháin, meaning “descendant of Súilleabhán,” a personal name possibly meaning “dark-eyed one.”
Similar Names: Donovan, Finnegan, Callahan, Killian, Rafferty, Rowan, Brennan, Teagan, Keegan, Carrigan.
3. Ramsey
Estimated U.S. Population: 78,350 people with the last name
Origin: Ramsey is of Scottish and English origin.
Derivation: The name Ramsey is derived from a place name meaning “wild garlic island” in Old English.
Similar Names: Remy, Radley, Ridley, Riley, Rafe, Rafferty, Landry, Tinsley, Langley, Hartley.
2. Sterling
Estimated U.S. Population: 25,894 people with the last name
Origin: Sterling is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Sterling is derived from the word for “little star,” originally referring to high-quality silver.
Similar Names: Stellan, Steel, Stone, Steele, Strider, Sutton, Skyler, Silas, Sawyer, Struan.
1. Emerson
Estimated U.S. Population: 30,702 people with the last name
Origin: Emerson is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Emerson is derived from an English surname meaning “son of Emery.”
Similar Names: Everett, Emory, Ellis, Elliot, Emmett, Anderson, Easton, Edison, Harrison, Hudson.
Using Old Last Names as First Names: Baby Girl Edition
Baby boys aren’t the only ones taking advantage of old last names as first names. They can also double as unique and timeless options for a baby girl, especially if you’re having a hard time finding a name.
Just look at the name “Harper,” an occupational surname that refers to someone who played the harp. According to the SSA, Harper was the 11th most popular girls name in 2023 with 7,769 live births.
Other old last names that are growing popular as first names in the US include Avery (No. 29), Madison (No. 36), Addison (No. 66), Kinsley (No. 68), Everly (No. 69), Emery (No. 70), and Kennedy (No. 72).
If you’re looking for old last names that make good first names for girls, here are some of our favorites!
10. Addison
Estimated U.S. Population: 18,169 people with the last name
Origin: Addison is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Addison is derived from a surname meaning “son of Adam.”
Similar Names: Madison, Allison, Adley, Adelyn, Adair, Emerson, Anderson, Ellison, Avery, Harlow.
9. Mackenzie
Estimated U.S. Population: 13,733 people with the last name
Origin: Mackenzie is of Scottish origin.
Derivation: The name Mackenzie is derived from the Scottish surname meaning “son of Coinneach,” which translates to “fair” or “handsome.”
Similar Names: Kennedy, McKenna, Morgan, Cameron, Finley, Kenzie, Callahan, Sullivan, Cassidy, Quinn.
8. Winslett
Estimated U.S. Population: 26,008 people with the last name
Origin: Winslett is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Winslett is derived from a surname meaning “Wynn’s stream” in Old English.
Similar Names: Winifred, Winslow, Waverly, Weston, Whitney, Windsor, Wynter, Wilhelmina, Willow, Whitley.
7. Harper
Estimated U.S. Population: 124,461 people with the last name
Origin: Harper is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Harper is derived from an occupational surname for a person who played the harp.
Similar Names: Piper, Sawyer, Parker, Hunter, Harlow, Hadley, Hayden, Hollis, Emerson, Sutton.
6. Delaney
Estimated U.S. Population: 33,218 people with the last name
Origin: Delaney is of Irish origin.
Derivation: The name Delaney is derived from an Irish surname meaning “descendant of Dubhshláine,” possibly meaning “dark challenger.”
Similar Names: Tierney, Darcy, Finley, Kennedy, Cassidy, Bellamy, Marlowe, Sloane, Hadley, Bailey.
RELATED: 100 Most Common & Old Last Names Found in the United States Today
5. Ellis
Estimated U.S. Population: 188,968 people with the last name
Origin: Ellis is of Welsh and English origin.
Derivation: The name Ellis is derived from the Welsh name Elisud or the English form of Elijah, meaning “Yahweh is my God.”
Similar Names: Elias, Elliot, Everett, Emerson, Ellis, Ethan, Elijah, Evan, Emory, Easton.
4. Piper
Estimated U.S. Population: 22,329 people with the last name
Origin: Piper is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Piper is derived from an occupational surname for someone who played the pipe or flute, often used in a musical or festive context.
Similar Names: Harper, Parker, Pippa, Payton, Penelope, Paisley, Paige, Peyton, Priscilla, Paxton.
3. Blair
Estimated U.S. Population: 78,026 people with the last name
Origin: Blair is of Scottish origin.
Derivation: The name Blair is derived from a Scottish surname meaning “plain” or “field.”
Similar Names: Blaine, Blaire, Bryce, Brooks, Blake, Brynn, Sloane, Reese, Quinn, Shea, Tate.
2. Riley
Estimated U.S. Population: 133,872 people with the last name
Origin: Riley is of Irish and English origin.
Derivation: The name Riley is derived from the Irish surname Ó Raghallaigh or from the Old English “ryge leah,” meaning “rye clearing.”
Similar Names: Reilly, Ripley, Ryan, Ryder, Rowen, Riley, River, Rigby, Ridley, Reagan.
1. Avery
Estimated U.S. Population: 39,564 people with the last name
Origin: Avery is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Avery is derived from an English surname that evolved from the Norman French form of Alfred, meaning “elf ruler.”
Similar Names: Emery, Everly, Emerson, Addison, Ellis, Hadley, Ashby, Bailey, Riley, Sutton.
Old Last Names Inspired By Former Presidents
The United States started having Presidents with the inauguration of George Washington on April 30, 1789. The office, as well as its role and responsibility, were and are established in the U.S. Constitution.
As of 2024, there have been 46 Presidents of the United States, but only 45 people have served because Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms and is counted as both the 22nd and 24th president.
Of those 45 presidents, you’d be surprised at how many have old last names that could be first names. In fact, Grover Cleveland is one of them – and so are the presidents who preceded and succeeded him.
With that said, here are some of the most popular old last names inspired by former Presidents of the US.
10. Truman
Estimated U.S. Population: 5,521 people with the last name
Origin: Truman is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Truman is derived from an English surname meaning “trusty man” or “faithful man.”
Similar Names: Franklin, Theodore, Winston, Wilson, Bennett, Harrison, Edison, Sullivan, Fletcher, Lawson.
Who is Harry S. Truman? Harry S. Truman became the 33rd president of the United States after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He is known for making the decision to use atomic bombs on Japan during World War II, initiating the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe, and leading the U.S. during the early years of the Cold War.
9. Kennedy
Estimated U.S. Population: 176,865 people with the last name
Origin: Kennedy is of Irish and Scottish origin.
Derivation: The name Kennedy is derived from the Irish surname Ó Cinnéide, meaning “descendant of Cinnédidh,” which means “helmet head” or “chief.”
Similar Names: Cassidy, Reagan, Finley, Delaney, Mackenzie, McKenna, Keegan, Callahan, Sullivan, Teagan.
Who is John F. Kennedy? John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, is remembered for his inspirational leadership during the Cold War, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the establishment of the Peace Corps, and his commitment to the space race. He was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, in 1963.
8. Cleveland
Estimated U.S. Population: 31,123 people with the last name
Origin: Cleveland is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Cleveland is derived from a place name meaning “land of cliffs” in Old English.
Similar Names: Franklin, Clayton, Jefferson, Monroe, Truman, Sullivan, Ford, Harrison, Landon, Preston.
Who is Grover Cleveland? Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States, the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms. He is known for his opposition to corruption, economic conservatism, and for restoring the executive branch’s power during his terms.
7. Tyler
Estimated U.S. Population: 66,056 people with the last name
Origin: Tyler is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Tyler is derived from an occupational surname for someone who made or laid tiles.
Similar Names: Taylor, Tanner, Tucker, Turner, Ryder, Carter, Parker, Sawyer, Cooper, Hunter.
Who is John Tyler? John Tyler became the 10th president of the United States after the death of William Henry Harrison, making him the first vice president to assume the presidency due to a president’s death. His presidency is noted for the annexation of Texas and his firm stance on states’ rights, which often put him at odds with his own Whig Party.
6. Clinton
Estimated U.S. Population: 16,263 people with the last name
Origin: Clinton is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Clinton is derived from a surname meaning “settlement on a hill” in Old English.
Similar Names: Clayton, Carlton, Preston, Franklin, Harrison, Truman, Milton, Landon, Hudson, Kingston.
Who is Bill Clinton? Bill Clinton, the 42nd president, is known for presiding over a period of economic prosperity, welfare reform, and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). His presidency was also marked by personal scandal, leading to his impeachment, though he was acquitted by the Senate.
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5. Taylor
Estimated U.S. Population: 751,209 people with the last name
Origin: Taylor is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Taylor is derived from an occupational surname for a tailor, someone who makes clothing.
Similar Names: Tyler, Tanner, Harper, Sawyer, Parker, Tucker, Spencer, Carter, Mason, Hunter.
Who was Zachary Taylor? Zachary Taylor was the 12th president of the United States and a former military leader celebrated for his victories in the Mexican-American War. His presidency was cut short due to his death just 16 months into his term, making him one of the shortest-serving U.S. presidents.
4. Grant
Estimated U.S. Population: 142,277 people with the last name
Origin: Grant is of Scottish origin.
Derivation: The name Grant is derived from the Old French “grand,” meaning “tall” or “large.”
Similar Names: Clark, Reid, Ford, Dean, Graham, Blaine, Wade, Brooks, Knox, Hayes.
Who is Ulysses S. Grant? Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president, was a leading Union general during the Civil War before serving two terms as president. His presidency focused on Reconstruction, civil rights for formerly enslaved people, and battling corruption within his administration.
3. Lincoln
Estimated U.S. Population: 16,477 people with the last name
Origin: Lincoln is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Lincoln is derived from a place name meaning “lake colony” in Old English.
Similar Names: Harrison, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Franklin, Edison, Truman, Marshall, Winston, Wilson.
Who is Abraham Lincoln? Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, is one of the most revered presidents in American history, known for leading the country during the Civil War, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, and his efforts to preserve the Union. He was assassinated in 1865.
2. Hayes
Estimated U.S. Population: 194,246 people with the last name
Origin: Hayes is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Hayes is derived from an Old English word meaning “hedged area” or “enclosure.”
Similar Names: Ford, Brooks, Wade, Reid, Grant, Dean, Blaine, Graham, Clark, Knox.
Who is Rutherford B. Hayes? Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th president, is known for ending Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South, which marked a turning point in post-Civil War America. His presidency was characterized by efforts to reform civil service and address corruption.
1. Arthur
Estimated U.S. Population: 28,102 people with the last name
Origin: Arthur is of Celtic origin.
Derivation: The name Arthur is derived from the Celtic words for “bear” and “king,” possibly meaning “bear king” or “strong as a bear.”
Similar Names: Theodore, Albert, Frederick, Edward, Henry, George, Walter, Vincent, Winston, Edmund.
Who is Chester A. Arthur? Chester A. Arthur, the 21st president, assumed office after the assassination of James A. Garfield. He is remembered for advocating civil service reform and signing the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which sought to curb patronage and corruption in government hiring practices.
Old Last Names Inspired By Vintage Celebrities
Vintage celebrities, particularly from the early to mid-20th century, played pivotal roles in shaping modern entertainment, fashion, and popular culture. In fact, many of them are still heavily celebrated to this day.
For example, stars like Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, and James Dean became not only screen legends but also cultural icons whose influence extended far beyond their film careers.
Other vintage celebrities, like Frank Sinatra and Gregory Peck, became involved in civil rights movements and even politics, using their influence to advocate for racial equality and social change all over the world.
And using their old last names as inspiration for a given name is a great way to honor their legacies!
10. Monroe
Estimated U.S. Population: 55,136 people with the last name
Origin: Monroe is of Scottish origin.
Derivation: The name Monroe is derived from a Scottish place name meaning “mouth of the Roe River.”
Similar Names: Lincoln, Franklin, Kennedy, Truman, Edison, Harrison, Jefferson, Madison, Grant, Marshall.
Who is Marilyn Monroe? Marilyn Monroe was an iconic American actress, model, and singer who became one of the most famous sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s. Known for her roles in films like Some Like It Hot and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, she captivated audiences with her beauty, charm, and vulnerability.
9. Presley
Estimated U.S. Population: 18,384 people with the last name
Origin: Presley is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Presley is derived from a place name meaning “priest’s meadow” in Old English.
Similar Names: Paisley, Winsley, Kingsley, Hadley, Harlow, Waverly, Finley, Bentley, Wesley, Oakley.
Who is Elvis Presley? Elvis Presley, often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll,” was a legendary American singer and actor who revolutionized the music industry with his unique blend of rock, country, and blues. Known for hits like Hound Dog and Jailhouse Rock, he remains one of the most influential cultural icons of the 20th century.
8. Harlow
Estimated U.S. Population: 11,726 people with the last name
Origin: Harlow is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Harlow is derived from a place name meaning “rocky hill” in Old English.
Similar Names: Harper, Hadley, Marlowe, Willow, Winslow, Monroe, Hayden, Hartley, Hollis, Sutton.
Who is Jean Harlow? Jean Harlow was a glamorous American actress known as the “Blonde Bombshell” of the 1930s. She rose to fame with her roles in films like Platinum Blonde and Red Dust, becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars before her untimely death at the age of 26.
7. Stewart
Estimated U.S. Population: 324,957 people with the last name
Origin: Stewart is of Scottish origin.
Derivation: The name Stewart is derived from an occupational surname meaning “steward” or “guardian of the household.”
Similar Names: Stuart, Spencer, Stanley, Sullivan, Sherman, Sawyer, Fletcher, Franklin, Lawson, Nelson.
Who is James Stewart? James Stewart was a celebrated American actor known for his distinctive voice and everyman persona. He starred in classic films such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Rear Window, and Vertigo, becoming one of the most beloved actors of his generation.
6. Gable
Estimated U.S. Population: 9,779 people with the last name
Origin: Gable is of French origin.
Derivation: The name Gable is derived from the Old French word “gabelle,” referring to a tax or toll, and later became associated with the architectural term for a house’s gable.
Similar Names: Clark, Grant, Dean, Reid, Vaughn, Hayes, Brooks, Ford, Knox, Cole.
Who is Clark Gable? Clark Gable, often referred to as “The King of Hollywood,” was an iconic American actor best known for his role as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind. With his rugged charm and screen presence, Gable became a leading man in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
RELATED: 30 Old Last Names for Boys That Make Exceptional First Names
5. Brando
Estimated U.S. Population: 383 people with the last name
Origin: Brando is of Italian origin.
Derivation: The name Brando is derived from the Germanic root “brand,” meaning “sword” or “firebrand.”
Similar Names: Bruno, Rocco, Enzo, Marco, Nico, Arlo, Milo, Hugo, Leo, Franco.
Who is Marlon Brando? Marlon Brando was a groundbreaking American actor whose intense performances and method acting redefined modern film acting. Known for his roles in A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront, and The Godfather, he remains a towering figure in cinematic history.
4. Hope
Estimated U.S. Population: 17,562 people with the last name
Origin: Hope is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Hope is derived from the Old English word for “hope,” symbolizing aspiration and optimism.
Similar Names: Faith, Joy, Grace, Charity, Bliss, Mercy, Haven, Promise, Honor, True.
Who is Bob Hope? Bob Hope was a British-American comedian, actor, and entertainer known for his quick wit, comedic timing, and numerous performances for U.S. troops. With a career spanning nearly 80 years, he became one of America’s most beloved entertainers through radio, television, and film.
3. Kelly
Estimated U.S. Population: 267,394 people with the last name
Origin: Kelly is of Irish origin.
Derivation: The name Kelly is derived from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning “descendant of Ceallach,” a personal name meaning “warrior” or “bright-headed.”
Similar Names: Casey, Kerry, Kelsey, Kennedy, Quinn, McKenna, Cassidy, Morgan, Finley, Delaney.
Who is Grace Kelly? Grace Kelly was an American actress who became a Hollywood star before marrying Prince Rainier III of Monaco, becoming Princess Grace of Monaco. Known for her elegant beauty and roles in films like Rear Window and To Catch a Thief, she remains a symbol of glamour and sophistication.
2. Leigh
Estimated U.S. Population: 10,213 people with the last name
Origin: Leigh is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Leigh is derived from an Old English word meaning “meadow” or “clearing.”
Similar Names: Lee, Lane, Lainey, Loren, Lyle, Lux, Lou, Lennon, Lyric, Lark.
Who is Vivien Leigh? Vivien Leigh was a British actress best known for her iconic roles as Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind and Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire. Her beauty and intense portrayals made her one of the most memorable actresses of her time.
1. Cole
Estimated U.S. Population: 195,289 people with the last name
Origin: Cole is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Cole is derived from a surname meaning “coal” or “charcoal,” often referring to someone with dark features.
Similar Names: Cody, Chase, Cade, Clark, Clay, Cash, Crew, Cruz, Case, Cale.
Who is Nat King Cole? Nat King Cole was a renowned American singer and pianist whose smooth voice made him a leading figure in jazz and pop music. Known for hits like Unforgettable and Mona Lisa, he was one of the first African American entertainers to achieve mainstream success in the United States.
Old Last Names That End In ‘ER’ or ‘SON’
Last names that end in ‘son’ typically originate from a tradition known as patronymic naming, which means that the surname was formed based on the father’s first name, usually with the addition of “son.”
Last names that end in ‘er’ often have roots in occupational, locational, or descriptive origins. These surnames were typically derived from a person’s profession, place of residence, characteristic, or trait.
We already mentioned some of the popular old last names that end in ‘er’ and ‘son,’ including Harper, Piper, Tyler, Emerson, Addison, Madison, Carson, Hudson, and Walker, but that’s just the beginning!
Let’s take a look at 10 other old last names that end in ‘er’ or ‘son’ that can be used as a first name.
10. Jackson
Estimated U.S. Population: 708,099 people with the last name
Origin: Jackson is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Jackson is derived from a surname meaning “son of Jack.”
Similar Names: Jameson, Harrison, Anderson, Grayson, Jefferson, Lawson, Carson, Mason, Colson, Landon.
9. Harrison
Estimated U.S. Population: 181,091 people with the last name
Origin: Harrison is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Harrison is derived from a surname meaning “son of Harry.”
Similar Names: Hudson, Anderson, Grayson, Lawson, Mason, Dawson, Jamison, Carson, Jackson, Wilson.
8. Anderson
Estimated U.S. Population: 784,404 people with the last name
Origin: Anderson is of Scandinavian origin.
Derivation: The name Anderson is derived from a surname meaning “son of Andrew.”
Similar Names: Harrison, Jameson, Addison, Emerson, Hudson, Carter, Mason, Grayson, Lincoln, Lawson.
7. Madison
Estimated U.S. Population: 28,411 people with the last name
Origin: Madison is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Madison is derived from a surname meaning “son of Maud.”
Similar Names: Addison, Emerson, Allison, Mason, Harrison, Cameron, Kennedy, Morgan, Finley, Landon.
6. Jameson
Estimated U.S. Population: 13,255 people with the last name
Origin: Jameson is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Jameson is derived from a surname meaning “son of James.”
Similar Names: Jackson, Harrison, Anderson, Jefferson, Lawson, Carson, Mason, Dawson, Hudson, Colson.
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5. Carter
Estimated U.S. Population: 376,966 people with the last name
Origin: Carter is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Carter is derived from an occupational surname for someone who transported goods by cart.
Similar Names: Cooper, Parker, Hunter, Sawyer, Archer, Tanner, Porter, Ryder, Walker, Fisher.
4. Cooper
Estimated U.S. Population: 280,791 people with the last name
Origin: Cooper is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Cooper is derived from an occupational surname for a barrel maker.
Similar Names: Carter, Parker, Sawyer, Hunter, Tanner, Archer, Porter, Walker, Ryder, Fletcher.
3. Hunter
Estimated U.S. Population: 162,440 people with the last name
Origin: Hunter is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Hunter is derived from an occupational surname for a person who hunted game.
Similar Names: Parker, Archer, Carter, Ryder, Sawyer, Cooper, Tanner, Walker, Fisher, Wilder.
2. Archer
Estimated U.S. Population: 34,949 people with the last name
Origin: Archer is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Archer is derived from an occupational surname referring to a bowman or someone who uses a bow and arrow.
Similar Names: Hunter, Carter, Parker, Sawyer, Cooper, Tanner, Fletcher, Ryder, Walker, Wilder.
1. Spencer
Estimated U.S. Population: 139,951 people with the last name
Origin: Spencer is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Spencer is derived from an occupational surname for a steward or keeper of provisions.
Similar Names: Sawyer, Parker, Carter, Cooper, Hunter, Archer, Tanner, Porter, Walker, Mason.
Thinking of Using Old Last Names as a First Name?
Last names, or surnames, come from a variety of origins and traditionally served as identifiers of lineage, profession, or characteristics that the individual had. It was another way to properly identify someone.
But times are changing. And so are naming conventions.
In fact, using old last names as first names has become increasingly popular in modern naming trends, and this practice often brings a unique, sophisticated, and sometimes distinguished feel to a child’s name.
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With that said, we don’t expect everyone to be interested in old last names as first names. If you’re still struggling to find the perfect baby name for your child, check out our baby name generator and daily blog!
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Baby Name Generator
No baby name sounding good? Want a quick way to generate unique baby name ideas? Try our baby name generator below!
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