Top 100 Last Names as First Names for Girls & Their Meanings

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Choosing a name for your baby girl is one of the most exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, parts of parenthood. If you’re looking for something unique yet timeless, why not consider a surname-turned-first-name? Last names as first names have a strong, sophisticated charm, and many carry rich histories and beautiful meanings.

To help you on your naming journey, we’ve compiled 100 stunning last names that work beautifully as first names for girls, along with their meanings. We’ve even categorized them to make your search easier!

Classic & Timeless

These names have an elegant, enduring quality that never goes out of style.

  1. Addison – “Son of Adam” (English)
  2. Ainsley – “One’s own meadow” (Scottish)
  3. Bailey – “Bailiff” or “Berry clearing” (Old English)
  4. Bennett – “Blessed” (Latin)
  5. Campbell – “Crooked mouth” (Scottish)
  6. Collins – “Young warrior” (Irish)
  7. Davis – “Beloved” (Welsh)
  8. Ellis – “Benevolent” (Welsh)
  9. Emerson – “Son of Emery” (German)
  10. Harper – “Harp player” (English)

Nature-Inspired

For parents who love earthy, organic names with a connection to the natural world.

  1. Ashley – “Ash tree meadow” (Old English)
  2. Brooke – “Small stream” (English)
  3. Everly – “From the boar meadow” (English)
  4. Harlow – “Army hill” or “Rock hill” (Old English)
  5. Holland – “Land by the ridge” (Dutch)
  6. Lennox – “Elm grove” (Scottish)
  7. Marlow – “Remnants of a lake” (English)
  8. Sage – “Wise herb” (Latin)
  9. Sierra – “Mountain range” (Spanish)
  10. Willow – “Graceful tree” (English)

Strong & Powerful

These names carry a bold, confident energy perfect for a little girl destined to stand out.

  1. Blair – “Field or plain” (Scottish)
  2. Bridger – “One who bridges” (English)
  3. Carson – “Son of the marsh-dwellers” (Scottish)
  4. Delaney – “Dark challenger” (Irish)
  5. Donovan – “Dark warrior” (Irish)
  6. Fallon – “Leader” (Irish)
  7. Finley – “Fair warrior” (Scottish)
  8. Kendall – “Valley of the River Kent” (English)
  9. Madden – “Little dog” (Irish)
  10. Presley – “Priest’s meadow” (English)

Whimsical & Romantic

Soft, dreamy names with a lyrical quality.

  1. Avery – “Ruler of the elves” (English)
  2. Blythe – “Free spirit, happy” (Old English)
  3. Darcy – “Dark one” (Irish)
  4. Elodie – “Foreign riches” (French)
  5. Hadley – “Heather meadow” (English)
  6. Hollis – “Holly trees” (English)
  7. Jovie – “Joyful” (Latin)
  8. Lennon – “Dear one” (Irish)
  9. Maren – “Star of the sea” (Latin)
  10. Waverly – “Meadow of quivering aspens” (English)

Vintage & Literary

Names with old-world charm or ties to classic literature.

  1. Austen – After Jane Austen, meaning “great” (English)
  2. Bronte – “Thunder” (Greek)
  3. Dashiell – “Page boy” (French)
  4. Fitzgerald – “Son of Gerald” (Irish)
  5. Hemingway – “Home ruler” (English)
  6. Keats – After poet John Keats, meaning “kite” (English)
  7. Parker – “Keeper of the park” (Old English)
  8. Shelby – “Willow farm” (Old Norse)
  9. Salinger – After J.D. Salinger, meaning “dweller at the willow grove” (English)
  10. Wilde – “Untamed” (Old English)

Modern & Trendy

Fresh, stylish choices that feel current yet timeless.

  1. Arden – “Eagle valley” (English)
  2. Beckett – “Beehive” (English)
  3. Briar – “Thorny plant” (English)
  4. Cameron – “Crooked nose” (Scottish)
  5. Dakota – “Friend” (Native American)
  6. Greer – “Alert, watchful” (Scottish)
  7. Hayden – “Fire” (English)
  8. Logan – “Little hollow” (Scottish)
  9. Quinn – “Wise” (Irish)
  10. Rylan – “Island meadow” (English)

International Flair

Names with global roots and exotic appeal.

  1. Bellamy – “Beautiful friend” (French)
  2. Channing – “Young wolf” (French)
  3. Dempsey – “Proud” (Irish)
  4. Giuliani – “Youthful” (Italian)
  5. Hidalgo – “Nobleman” (Spanish)
  6. Kazmi – “Patience” (Arabic)
  7. Leighton – “Herb garden” (English)
  8. Monroe – “Mouth of the Roe River” (Scottish)
  9. Rafferty – “Prosperity” (Irish)
  10. Santiago – “Saint James” (Spanish)

Unisex & Androgynous

Names that work beautifully for any gender.

  1. Ashton – “Ash tree town” (English)
  2. Brady – “Spirited” (Irish)
  3. Carter – “Cart driver” (English)
  4. Devon – “Defender” (English)
  5. Elliott – “The Lord is my God” (Hebrew)
  6. Jordan – “Flowing down” (Hebrew)
  7. Morgan – “Sea-born” (Welsh)
  8. Reagan – “Little ruler” (Irish)
  9. Remy – “Oarsman” (French)
  10. Sawyer – “Woodcutter” (English)

Sweet & Playful

Names with a lighthearted, charming feel.

  1. Brinley – “Burnt meadow” (English)
  2. Drew – “Strong, courageous” (Greek)
  3. Ellery – “Joyful” (English)
  4. Harley – “Hare’s meadow” (English)
  5. Kelsey – “Ship’s victory” (Old English)
  6. Larkin – “Rough, fierce” (Irish)
  7. Marley – “Pleasant wood” (English)
  8. Peyton – “Fighting-man’s estate” (English)
  9. Rory – “Red king” (Irish)
  10. Tatum – “Cheerful” (English)

Elegant & Regal

Names fit for a little queen.

  1. Channing – “Young wolf” (French)
  2. Courtney – “From the court” (English)
  3. Gentry – “Nobility” (English)
  4. Kennedy – “Helmeted chief” (Irish)
  5. Meredith – “Great ruler” (Welsh)
  6. Montgomery – “Man power” (French)
  7. Sinclair – “Saint’s follower” (French)
  8. Spencer – “Steward” (English)
  9. Sullivan – “Dark-eyed” (Irish)
  10. Whitney – “White island” (Old English)

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re drawn to the strength of Donovan, the whimsy of Waverly, or the timeless elegance of Addison, last names as first names offer endless possibilities. Each one carries a story, a heritage, and a unique charm that can make your little girl’s name truly special.

Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re still searching, don’t worry; the perfect name is out there waiting for you. You can even use our last name generator for more Surnames.

Happy naming!

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