Choosing a name for your little one is an exciting yet challenging task. If you’re looking for something strong, timeless, and unique, why not consider a last name as a first name? Surnames-turned-first-names have a classic, distinguished feel; think Harrison, Carter, or Sullivan.
In this list, we’ve compiled 120 last names that make excellent first names for boys, along with their meanings. To make your search easier, we’ve grouped them into categories based on their origins and vibes. Let’s dive in!
Strong & Masculine Surnames
These names exude strength, resilience, and leadership; perfect for a little boy destined to stand tall.
- Anderson – “Son of Andrew” (Greek)
- Bennett – “Blessed” (Latin)
- Callahan – “Bright-headed” (Irish)
- Donovan – “Dark warrior” (Irish)
- Everett – “Brave as a wild boar” (English)
- Fletcher – “Arrow-maker” (English)
- Griffin – “Strong lord” (Welsh)
- Harrison – “Son of Harry” (English)
- Lawson – “Son of Lawrence” (English)
- Marshall – “Horse keeper” (French)
Nature-Inspired Surnames
For parents who love earthy, outdoorsy names with natural charm.
- Ashby – “Ash tree farm” (English)
- Brooks – “Near the brook” (English)
- Clayton – “Clay settlement” (English)
- Forrest – “Woodsman” (English)
- Glen – “Valley” (Scottish)
- Heath – “Heathland dweller” (English)
- Landon – “Long hill” (English)
- Oakley – “Oak meadow” (English)
- Sterling – “Little star” (English)
- Vaughn – “Small” (Welsh)
Noble & Regal Surnames
Names that sound like they belong to knights, kings, and gentlemen.
- Barrett – “Bear strength” (German)
- Bentley – “Meadow with coarse grass” (English)
- Channing – “Young wolf” (French)
- Ellington – “Ella’s town” (English)
- Fitzgerald – “Son of Gerald” (Norman)
- Kensington – “Town of Cynsige’s people” (English)
- Prescott – “Priest’s cottage” (English)
- Remington – “Place on a riverbank” (English)
- Sinclair – “Saint’s follower” (French)
- Winston – “Joyful stone” (English)
Occupational & Trade Surnames
These names stem from old professions, giving them a hardworking, grounded feel.
- Archer – “Bowman” (English)
- Baker – “Bread maker” (English)
- Cooper – “Barrel maker” (English)
- Fisher – “Fisherman” (English)
- Hunter – “One who hunts” (English)
- Mason – “Stone worker” (English)
- Parker – “Park keeper” (English)
- Sawyer – “Woodcutter” (English)
- Thatcher – “Roof thatcher” (English)
- Tyler – “Tile maker” (English)
Irish & Celtic Surnames
For a touch of Gaelic charm and heritage.
- Brady – “Spirited” (Irish)
- Brennan – “Little raven” (Irish)
- Connelly – “Love, friendship” (Irish)
- Delaney – “Dark challenger” (Irish)
- Finnegan – “Fair” (Irish)
- Keegan – “Small flame” (Irish)
- Kennedy – “Helmeted chief” (Irish)
- Murphy – “Sea warrior” (Irish)
- Quinn – “Wisdom” (Irish)
- Sullivan – “Dark-eyed” (Irish)
Sophisticated & Timeless Surnames
Classic names that never go out of style.
- Addison – “Son of Adam” (English)
- Beckett – “Beehive” (English)
- Carter – “Cart driver” (English)
- Davis – “Son of David” (Welsh)
- Ellis – “Benevolent” (Welsh)
- Graham – “Gravelly homestead” (Scottish)
- Hayes – “Hedged area” (English)
- Preston – “Priest’s town” (English)
- Spencer – “Steward” (English)
- Warren – “Park keeper” (French)
Modern & Trendy Surnames
Fresh, stylish picks that are rising in popularity.
- Ainsley – “Solitary meadow” (English)
- Banks – “Riverbank dweller” (English)
- Colby – “Coal town” (English)
- Dawson – “Son of David” (English)
- Easton – “East-facing place” (English)
- Holden – “Deep valley” (English)
- Lincoln – “Lake colony” (English)
- Madden – “Little dog” (Irish)
- Paxton – “Peace town” (English)
- Ryder – “Horseman” (English)
Short & Punchy Surnames
One-syllable names that pack a punch.
- Blake – “Dark” (English)
- Bryce – “Speckled” (Scottish)
- Clark – “Scribe” (English)
- Dean – “Valley” (English)
- Grant – “Great” (Scottish)
- Jace – “Healer” (Greek)
- Knox – “Round hill” (Scottish)
- Reed – “Red-haired” (English)
- Shaw – “Wolf” (English)
- Vance – “Marshland” (English)
Unique & Rare Surnames
For parents who want something truly distinctive.
- Alden – “Old friend” (English)
- Baxter – “Baker” (English)
- Cormac – “Charioteer” (Irish)
- Dashiell – “Page boy” (French)
- Elton – “Ella’s town” (English)
- Fawkes – “Falcon” (English)
- Huxley – “Hugh’s meadow” (English)
- Langston – “Long stone” (English)
- Orson – “Bear cub” (Latin)
- Whitman – “White man” (English)
Literary & Artistic Surnames
Names inspired by famous writers, poets, and creatives.
- Austen – After Jane Austen (English)
- Beckett – After Samuel Beckett (Irish)
- Byron – After Lord Byron (English)
- Coleridge – After Samuel Taylor Coleridge (English)
- Emerson – After Ralph Waldo Emerson (English)
- Fitzgerald – After F. Scott Fitzgerald (Irish)
- Hemingway – After Ernest Hemingway (English)
- Keats – After John Keats (English)
- Shelby – After Shelby Foote (English)
- Wilde – After Oscar Wilde (Irish)
Southern & Country Charm Surnames
Names with a warm, down-home feel.
- Beau – “Handsome” (French)
- Colt – “Young horse” (English)
- Dallas – “Meadow dwelling” (Scottish)
- Hank – “Ruler of the home” (German)
- Jasper – “Treasurer” (Persian)
- Levi – “Joined in harmony” (Hebrew)
- Maverick – “Independent” (American)
- Rhett – “Advice” (Dutch)
- Waylon – “Land beside the road” (English)
- Wyatt – “Brave in war” (English)
International & Exotic Surnames
Names with global flair and rich histories.
- Alonso – “Noble and ready” (Spanish)
- Cruz – “Cross” (Spanish)
- Dante – “Enduring” (Italian)
- Enzo – “Home ruler” (Italian)
- Fabian – “Bean grower” (Latin)
- Luciano – “Light” (Italian)
- Mateo – “Gift of God” (Spanish)
- Rafael – “God has healed” (Hebrew)
- Santos – “Saints” (Spanish)
- Xavier – “New house” (Basque)
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn to rugged, nature-inspired names like Forrest and Brooks, or sophisticated classics like Harrison and Spencer, there’s a surname-turned-first-name for every style.
Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re expecting, may this list help you find the perfect name for your little gentleman.
Happy naming!