Transferred use of surname. John Alden was one of the passengers on the 'Mayflower', and his son, also called John, was accused during the Salem witch trials.
Variant of Allen.
Bearers include poet Allen Ginsberg, basketball player Allen Iverson and American musician Allen Toussaint.
As a surname, notable bearers include film director Woody Allen, singer Lily Allen and musician and
Bearers of this surname include British comedian Clive Anderson, 'X-Files' actress Gillian Anderson and actress Pamela Anderson.
Angus is the anglicized form of the Scottish and Irish Gaelic name Aonghus. It is both a first name and surname.
Surname, from one of several Middle English personal names.
It might mean ‘son of Hann’, ‘son of Hand’, ‘son of Agnes', or even ‘son of Anselm’.
Occupational name for a bow-man or one who used or made bows and arrows. Used interchangably as a given, or first, name and a surname.
Arman is most commonly found in English speaking countries as a surname, but it also occurs as a given name. It is from the family of hereditary surnames and signifies a familiar relationship.
Arman also occurs quite frequently in those wit
Arthur is a name that probably dates back as far as pre-Roman times in Britain. It is possibly derived from the Celtic "artos" (bear), the Irish Gaelic "art" (stone), or the Welsh term "arth gwyr," or "bear man." Its modern form may be based partly on t
Arvin has been used both as a surname as well as a given name. It's origin is Breton and was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman conquest of 1066. It was introducced and used frequently in England in it's anglicized form, Herve.
From the Old English 'aesc' - ash tree, and 'tun' - settlement.
The name is borne by American actor Ashton Kutcher.
Transferred use of surname from Austin, the contracted form of Augustine. It was famously borne by British novelist Jane Austen.
A contracted form of Augustine and originally a surname. Austin is a city in Texas. Austin was a British car manufacturer, that was later called the British Motor Corporation. They were responsible for the first Mini and later the Austin Rover group.
A modern respelling of Austin.
A baron is the lowest grade or title in the English aristocracy.
Baron William is the name of Donald Trump's son with wife Melania.
From the Germanic element 'ber' (bear), from Middle English 'barrette' (troubl, strife) or from the Old French 'barette' (cap). Now mainly in use as a surname.
Also an anglicisation of Fionbharr.
Transferred use of the Scandinavian surname
Benjamin is the anglicized form of the Hebrew Binyamin. In the Old Testament, Benjamin was the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob. Benjamin was the 24th most popular boy's name in the US in 2006, and the 11th most popular in the UK. It is also commonly fou
Of ultimately Greek origins, brought to English via Latin.
Either from the Old English 'blæc' (black, dark) or 'blac' (bright, shining). Originally a surname this is now also used as a given name. Blake's 7 was a British science fiction TV series, shown in the late 1970s. The main character was named Roj Blake.
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts, USA. Its name is a contraction of "Botolph's town"; St. Botolph is an English patron saint of farmers and the Danish patron saint of travellers.
Surname from the Old English words 'brad' (broad) and 'ford' (ford). Several places in England bear this name, the largest being a city in West Yorkshire.
Variant spelling of the surname Bradley.
Brady is a surname that has recently come into use as a first name. 'The Brady Bunch' was a 1970s TV show which aimed to present the challenges involved in blending a family - Mike Brady and his three sons having Carol Martin and her three daughters join
Originally a surname which was derived from a place name meaning "broom hill" in Old English. Brandon is the name of the second-largest city in the Canadian province of Manitoba, and is the name of several towns throughout the U.S. and U.K.
Most known as the name of a popular tourist town in Missouri.
Anglicized spelling of Swiss German Brändle and Brändli, topographic names for someone who lived near a place where there had been a forest fire or in an area of town that had been burned down. It has also been used in the Midlands of the UK as a surname
The exact origin and etymology of the name Braulio is unclear, although it is a Spanish name which stems from an ancient Germanic root name meaning "shine" or "fire". It is found more commonly as a surname than as a given name.
Braulio, Bis
This name reached #534 in the United States in 2005.
Originated as a surname for those who lived by or in an area that had been burned. Also comes from a old Celtic word that meant "steep" or "steep hill" and was granted to those living on one.
It was also a reference to those who had been
Brice probably comes from the Gaulish adjective "brictio", meaning "spotted, dappled", and which gave "brizh" in modern Breton.
The name might have been originally attributed to boys who were born with freckles.
[breess] is
A common respelling of the name "Brian," Bryan also occurs quite regularly as a surname.
Surname of American sports celebrity Kobe Bryant and newscaster Bryant Gumble.
This is a traditional Scottish surname, sometimes also found as Bryden or Briden. In the latest trend of finding names that end with the "den" or "dan" suffix, this surname has been brought to light and become trendy as a first name. The meaning of the s
Author Bill Bryson is a famous bearer of Bryson as a surname. Bryson is relatively popular in the southern states of the USA, in particular being the 49th most popular name in South Carolina in 2006.
This surname came from the Old English 'byre' (byre) and was used to refer to someone who lived at the cattle sheds or was employed there.
Cade is a surname with three separate English origins. It may be from an Old English first name which originally denoted something round or lumpy and swollen. Cade may also be derived from the Middle English word for barrel, thus denoting a barrel-maker.
The meaning and origin of Caden is unknown, though it is possible that it is derived from a Gaelic surname ultimately meaning "battle."
A respelling of the name Caden.
Originally a French surname; based on the Picard dialect form of the word 'chauve' meaning 'bald'.
John Calvin was a church reformer of the 16th century, after whom the Christian group Calvinism is named. Calvinists believe in predestinati
A place name used as both surname and, occasionally, first name, possibly meaning 'winding valley'. Camden is a famously bohemian area of London.
The surname of a Scottish clan now also used as a first name. The meaning is unsure, but the name is often taken to be derived from 'cam' (crooked) and 'beul' (mouth).
Many Western U.S. cities and towns are called "Carson" after American explorer and frontiersman Kit Carson.
In English, a "carter" is someone who carries materials in a cart. Carter is a common English surname, though it has recently gained popularity as boys' first name in English-speaking countries. As a surname, famous bearers include US President Jimmy Car
At first a placename based on the Celtic name of a nearby river it later made the transfer to surname and finally in the twentieth century to given name.
Chandler was a main character on the popular American television show "Friends".
In English, to "chase" means to hunt or pursue. Until about twenty years ago, Chase was encountered most frequently as a surname; it is now among the top 100 names for boys in the U.S.
Chester is rarely used in modern times, although it is probably due for a comeback. Chet or Chas/Chaz are common nicknames for Chester. It is also found as a surname, where it likely originated designating someone who lived near or worked in a camp, fort
Clark is a common surname and appears in several American place names. It was the middle name of 31st American President, Herbert Clark Hoover.
Clark Gable was an Academy-award winning actor, famous for his role of Rhett Butler in 'Gone wit
English habituation surname that became, at one point, popular to use as a first name. Currently, Cleveland is well known as the most populous city in the state of Ohio, as well as being home to the Rock and Toll Hall of Fame.
Famous bearer
Could also mean 'fence settlement' from old English.
Famous bearers include American President Bill Clinton and his wife, Secretary of State, Hilary Rodham Clinton, funk musician George Clinton.
A river in Scotland. The Gaelic name is Cluaidh.
It may mean "warm" as in Welsh clyd, "snug", or perhaps it has the more appropriate meaning of "powerful enough to be heard from a distance".
An anglicised form of one of the Gaelic surnames 'Ó Cuidighthigh' (descendant of Cuidighthigh - originally a byname for a helpful person) or 'Mac Óda' (son of Óda).
Cohen is either a Jewish surname from the Hebrew 'kohen' (priest) or an anglicised Irish surname from 'Ó Cadhan' (descendant of Cadhan).
Cohen is not a personal name in Hebrew. In the Jewish faith, a kohen is assumed to be a direct male de
Colby is perhaps best known for being the name of a type of cheese, first made in Colby, Wisconsin. It is also the name of small liberal-arts college in the U.S.
Perhaps came into first-name use as a nickname for Nicholas. Cole is also a common surname, derived from the Old English "cola," meaning "coal." Perhaps the most well-known Cole in history is "Old King Cole," the subject of an English nursery-rhyme.
Coleman is a name and (more commonly) a surname with several different origins. As both an Irish and an English surname it is derived through Old Irish from the Latin 'columba' ('dove'). It can also be an anglicization of the Irish Gaelic surname Ó Clumhá
"Colten" or "Colton" is a place name - Cola was an Old English name.
"Colten" or "Colton" is a place name. "Coal town" is one likely translation, but many places called Colton originated as "Cola's town," where Cola was an Old English first name.
In 'Le Morte Darthur' by Thomas Malory, the Holy Grail is found in the Castle of Corbin or Corbenic.
Corbin Bleu is an American actor.
Respelling of the Spanish surname Cordero. More commonly found as a surname. The surname was an occupational one adopted by families who made their living as sheperds.
More commonly found as a surname. The surname was an occupational one adopted by families who made their living as sheperds.
The name of an ancient Roman gens (family). Its origin isn't certain, but it is believed to come from the Latin 'cornu' (horn).
Pope Cornelius was pope between 251 and 253 AD. Cornelius the centurion is considered to be the first Gentile co
A nickname derived from Cornelius but an English surname with both an English and French etymology as well. The surname has the same origin as Cornelius. They are both from the Latin 'cornu' or 'horn'. Cornell could be related to the French Corneille as w
Of Spanish origin but not in use as a firstname in Spanish speaking countries.
A craig or a crag is a rocky hill or mountain. A crag and tail formation is formed when a glacier passes over resilient rock (usually of the igneous kind - granite, for example) which cannot be eroded. The rock is left protruding from the terrain. An exam
Also commonly found used as a surname.
Cullen is the surname of the lead characters, the Cullen family, of Stephenie Meyer's 'Twilight' series of novels.
Transferred use of the surname. It serves as a short form for the names Curtis and Conrad as well.
Darnell is a name that has become a given name but originated as an Old English habituation surname given to or taken by those who lived in a hidden copse or a hard to find area. Another line of etymology points to an Old French origination brought to En
From the Old English name "Deorwine," "dear friend."
Most common as a surname, though it has come into popular use as a first name in the U.S. Perhaps the most famous bearer of this name was naturalist Charles Darwin, who authored "The Ori
A French surname derived from David whose English use is probably influenced by Devin.
Dawson gained popularity as a first name in the American teen drama "Dawson's Creek."
Could either be derived from Dalton or Deighton hence the different meaning possibilities.
A deacon is the name given to someone who works in the Christian church but is not a priest or minister - the role can change from denomination to denomination. As a verb, to deacon has various meanings. It can mean 'to pack fruit or vegetables so that on
A dean can also be a member of the clergy or, in universities and similar, someone with control over a certain academic department.
Dean Martin (born Dino Paul Crocetti) was an American actor and musician, and was a member of the 'Rat Pack'
Of uncertain origin but possibly from a Norman place name.
'Dexter's Laboratory' is the name of an animated children's television show - the lead character is boy genius Dexter. 'Dexter' is also the name of a TV series based on books by Jeff Lindsay, in which the lead character, Dexter Morgan, is a serial killer
Donald comes from the Scottish clan name Domhnall. It is a name frequently used in both Scotland and Ireland. At one time, it's popularity in Scotland rivaled that of Ian, however, Disney's character Donald Duck lead to it's use becoming less frequent. <
Douglas was formerly used as a girl's name in English during the 17th and 18th centuries, but is now considered to be exclusively masculine.
Drake is also the word for a male duck.
Famous Drakes include Drake Bell who appears in the children's TV sitcom Drake & Josh. It was the surname of Francis Drake, a British sailor who in 1588 famously continued to play bowls after being i
Dustin Hoffman is a two-time Oscar winning actor.
Dwight was the original middle name given to 34th US President Eisenhower. To avoid confusion with his father, who was also named David, he began to go by his middle name and used Dwight throughout his life. The nickname for Dwight is "Ike", which he also
This title from Old English 'eorl', meaning nobleman, was often used as a nickname for a servant employed in a noble household.
Famous bearers include acclaimed actor James Earl Jones, 39th American President James Earl Carter, former Chief
From the Anglo-Saxon 'eád' or German 'ôt' - 'good, property, inheritance' and 'gar' or 'ger' meaning 'spear'. This combines in the meaning 'spear of prosperity', 'protector of the good (with the spear)'.
Originally and English name which b
A diminutive of the Old French Elie, possible cognate of Elijah. The popular medieval diminutive gave rise to a surname which is the immediate source for the modern use of Elliot.
There are many places of this name in England; it is impossible to decide from which the family appellation is derived.
Multiple origins are considered. It could mean, from the Old English, "Ella's town". Or the derivation might be from the Saxon
Elvis, borne by legendary rock-n'-roll American singer Elvis Presley, is a name of uncertain derivation. It has been suggested that it was related to such first names as Alvis, or Elwin, or even maybe to the surname Elwes.
Transferred use of the surname meaning "son of Emery".
Ervin is a variant of the surname Irvine, which has three separate origins. It can be from one of two places in Scotland, either Irvine or Irving. Both places are named for a Celtic river whose name probably meant 'green water'. It can also be derived fro
Originally a surname derived from the first name Everard
A Middle English term from the feudal system indicating a free, land-owning gentleman.
Franklin is the first name of two US Presidents, Franklin Pierce and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and is the surname of US patriot and statesman Benjamin F
Gannon is predominantly a surname. It is an anglicised form ultimately derived from the Gaelic name Fionnán, which is itself derived from 'fionn' (white, fair).
Garrett is a name that derives from the names Gerard or Gerald, both containing the Germanic "gar" element, meaning "spear."
Garrett is regularly found as a surname as in the cases of 1970's teen pop idol Leif Garrett, Pat Garrett (who was
Garrison may be derived from "Garrett's son." It is also the name for a military barracks or fortification.
William Gilbert was an Elizabethan physician and scientist who investigated electricity and magnetism. WS Gilbert was one half of the opera creating duo Gilbert and Sullivan. He was a librettist or lyricist. Gilbert and George are a pair of modern artists
Gordon is a Scottish clan name, that is now used as a first name. Gordon Brown is the current British Prime Minister.
Flash Gordon was a comic strip, television show and film. Gordon is also the name of the Big Engine in Thomas the Tank Eng
Grant is both a personal name and a surname. It is the surname of 18th President of the United States and Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant.
Graydon has made one appearance on the Top 1000 list in 1905, when color names, along with jewel and nature names, were at their height of popularity.
Modern variant of Gray. Familial surname indicating someone is the "son of Gray" or "son of the gray haired".
Occupational and personal surname, which later became popular as a given name, derived from Herman designating a soldier or warrior...a man in the army. Variant spelling of Harmon.
Harrison is a common surname - examples of bearers include Beatle George Harrison and US Presidents William Henry and Benjamin Harrison, who were grandfather and grandson.
It is the first name of actor Harrison Ford, and Harrison Schmitt w
Hendrix is most commonly associated with rock guitar musician Jimi Hendrix, who died at the age of 27.
Famous Herberts include: 31st US President Herbert Clark Hoover and 41st US President George Herbert Walker Bush. Herbert is also found frequently as a surname.
Cartoons Family Guy and South Park both have characters with this name: the eld
Holden is an English surname which was first taken from the same English place name. It is made up of the Old English elements 'hol' (deep, hollow) and 'denu' (valley). It is used fairly regularly as a first name in the USA, where it has been in the top 1
Houston is the name of largest city in the state of Texas, United States.
Originally a place in Scotland, the name Houston comes from the genitive case of the medieval personal name Hugh and the Middle English 'tune, toun', meaning "settlement, vi
Howard is the family surname of the English Dukes of Norfolk. Famous members of the family include Katherine Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII and Thomas Howard, her uncle and the uncle of Anne Boleyn.
Other people bearing the surname H
Hudson is of uncertain origin with possible ties to Huda, Hudde, Hugh, and Richard.
Hudson Bay in north-east Canada and the Hudson River which marks the border between New York and New Jersey were named after the explorer Henry Hudson.
Victor Hugo was a French novelist and poet, famous for 'Les Misérables' and 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'.
The current President of Venezuela is Hugo Chávez and Hugo Banzer is a former Bolivian president.
Hugo Grotius, who
Irvin is a variant of the surname Irvine, which has three separate origins. It can be from one of two places in Scotland, either Irvine or Irving. Both places are named for a Celtic river whose name probably meant 'green water'. It can also be derived fro
Irving is a variant of the surname Irvine, which has three separate origins. It can be from one of two places in Scotland, either Irvine or Irving. Both places are named for a Celtic river whose name probably meant 'green water'. It can also be derived fr
Irwin is a variation on the surname Irvine, as descended from one of the Middle English names composed of elements meaning 'wild boar' and 'friend'.
Traditionally a surname, Jackson has gained recent popularity as a first name. This rise in popularity is probably due to parents using Jackson as a longer form of the nickname Jack. Jack is traditionally a nickname for the name John.
Fa
Transferred use of the surname, which is from Gervaise, a first name brought to England by the Normans.
Surname of third US President Thomas Jefferson, who penned the Declaration of Independence. It was also the middle name of William Jefferson Clinton.
Johnson is a familial surname that rarely occurs as a first name. Famous bearers include Sports hero Earvin "Magic" Johnson and 17th President of the US Andrew Johnson.
"Johnson" is sometimes used as American slang to reference a man's geni
Keaton is traditionally a surname, famous bearers include silent film actor Buster Keaton, actress Diane Keaton and actor Michael Keaton (Keaton is a stage name).
Keegan derives from the surname MacAodhagáin, meaning "son of Aodhagáin." Aodhagáin is another form of the name Aodh, meaning "fire."
Keegan is the surname of former England football manager and player Kevin Keegan.
Occupational surname given to those who were in the employment of making barrels. It was also a name used to describe someone who was a glutton.
Keifer Sutherland is a famous American actor.
Keith was originally Scottish and probably came from a form of 'coillte' or 'ceiteach', meaning "woods".
It might also have been influenced by Welsh 'coedwig' (forest), and even by Old English 'cuth' (knowledgeable).
Keith is
Transferred use of a Scottish surname, derived from the name of the village in the parish of the same name in Kirkcudbrightshire.
The name may be the Old English for "town of the keels", probably referring to town where ships were built.
Kendrick might be derived from the Old Welsh Cynwrig, composed of cyn (high, chief) and gwr, wr (hero, man) or wrig (hill, summit).
As a Scottish surname, it is a short form of MacEanraig (son of Henry; son of the home rule).
It may also be
Kenneth was particularly popular from the 1930s to 1960s, when it was in the US top 20. It has since declined in popularity, and in 2006 was the 128th most popular male name. It currently retains popularity in the East coast states.
There
The etymology of this surname is uncertain. Kenyon is the name of one of the main characters of Hawthorne's novel "The Marble Faun." It is also the name of a small liberal arts college in the U.S.
Occupational surname given to those who were in the employment of making barrels. It was also a name used to describe someone who was a glutton.
Often seen as an alternative spelling to the traditional Kyle, Kiel is, in fact, of a different line of etymology. Of unknown meaning, Kiel is a surname of Germanic origin which is derived from the town of the same name in Saxony.
Short form of Kingsley, King is also bestowed as an independent given name based on the English vocabulary word.
King is often used to honor Martin Luther King, American civil rights leader. It is a common surname and was the former surnam
This was virtually unknown of as a name prior to No Doubt's Gwen Stefani and Bush singer Gavin Rossdale naming their son this in 2006. They chose the name from their fondness for Kingston, Jamaica.
Middle English name for someone who lived or worked in a church from the Old Norse 'kirkja'.
Respelling of Cordell.
Kyle is the name of a former district of Ayrshire in Scotland. It is also the term for a narrow strip of water between two islands or between an island and the mainland, as in 'the Kyle of Tongue' on the northern coast.
It was the 10th most
Originally a surname which was derived from an Old English place name
This name was originally used as a surname.
A variant spelling of the name Lane, Layne is commonly encountered as a surname.
Anglicized spelling of the surname, Leighton.
Likely from the place name, Leicester, or in the 10th century "Ligora caester" more or less meaning Ligora's fort.
Lewis is a long accepted English spelling of the French name, Louis. It was the 20th most popular boy's name in the UK in 2006 and 2nd in Scotland, but was ranked only 678th in the US. The Isle of Lewis is one of the islands off the west coast of Scotland
The original Lincoln is a city in England, although there are now Lincolns all over the world. It was taken as a surname and is now becoming popular as a first name (it was the 300th most popular boy's name in the US in 2006). For those who don't live nea
Linden can also be a variant of the name Lyndon. The linden tree is a deciduous tree known as a "lime" tree in British English, though not related to the citrus tree of the same name.
French first name, pet form of Léon. It is also an English surname from which the English usage of the name is probably derived. The French pronounciation is lee-YO-nel.
Originally a surname which was derived from a Scottish place name
Most famous bearer of this surname turned personal name is 36th President of the United States Lyndon B. Johnson. Other famous bearers include political activist and economist Lyndon LaRouche,
Surname derived from the Welsh personal name Madoc.
Related to the other Welsh surname Maddock.
Used in the US as a variant spelling of Marquis.
Marqués is the Spanish word for the nobility rank marquis.
Marques is a surname of Southern French origin (Occitan), Catalan (Marquès), and Spanish origin (Marqués): from marqués ‘marq
The boy name Marquez is a variant of Marquis.
It is also a Spanish surname, derived from the personal name Marcos.
Transferred use of the surname, derived from the Old French mareschal (marshal), which is from the Old High German, meaning "horse servant".
Surname, variant spelling of Martel which is a pet form of Martin.
It is also a Catalan surname, from the occupational name for a smith, or nickname for a forceful person, from martell ‘hammer’ (Late Latin martellus).
Surname occasionally found as a first name. Original meaning is undoubtedly traced back to Martinez from Martinus, meaning "belonging to Mars".
Transferred use of a surname, derived from the French 'maçon' (bricklayer, stoneworker), connected with Old English 'macian' (to make). The Freemasons are a fraternal organisation or brotherhood with obscure origins.
It was the 39th most
From the English word meaning "dissident", usually referring to semi-wild, unbranded cattle in the Western United States, from the surname of a 19th century Texas rancher who did not brand his calves.
Modern use of the surname as a first name. Mav
From the surname, meaning "son of Finley".
William McKinley Jr. was the 25th President of the United States; he was assassinated by an anarchist in 1901.
McKinley also the name of the highest mountain peak in North America -
Brought to England with the Norman conquest, maybe via the French form Milon, Miles is of uncertain derivation.
It might be derived from Milon, French form Milo, which is possibly of Germanic origin or from a Greek and Roman personal name.
Surname derived from the place names; from the Old English middel (middle) and tun (settlement); or mylentun (settlement by the mill).
The surname is most famous as that of the poet John Milton, and the given name is sometimes bestowed in h
Transferred use of a surname, derived from Michel, a Medieval variant of Michael.
Mitchell is a common surname, borne by 'Gone with the Wind' author Margaret Mitchell, and musician Joni Mitchell. Mitch is a character in Tennessee Williams'
Transferred used of a surname from various French place names. Montel is related to the Occitan 'montell' meaning "little mountain".
Variant of Miles.
Famous bearers of Nash as a surname include mathematician John Nash, whose story was told in the film 'A Beautiful Mind' and 18th century English architect John Nash, who was responsible for the design of Marble Arch and the remodelling of Buckingham Pala
Famous Neils include the first man to walk on the Moon, Neil Armstrong, writers Neil Gaiman and Neil Postman, and singers Neil Diamond and Neil Tennant of the 'Pet Shop Boys'. Neil Kinnock is a British politician, who was leader of the Labour Party in the
It is also used as an anglicisati
Danish surname meaning son of Ole, a variant of Olaf.
From medieval times this was a nickname for Piers or Percival. It is also a surname ultimately derived from the Gallo-Roman name Persius.
To pierce something is to make a hole in something or to penetrate it.
Pierce Brosnan is an actor, most famous for playing James Bond. Franklin Pierce was the 14th American President.
Elvis Presley was an American musician and actor, also known as 'The King'. Since his death in 1977, his home, Graceland, has become a site of pilgrimage for Elvis fans, and there are numerous Elvis tribute acts.
Quincy is the middle name of sixth US President, John Quincy Adams. He was named after his great-grandfather, John Quincy, Speaker of the Massachusetts Assembly and militia officer in the Revolutionary War.
Famous bearers of Quinn as a surname include actor Anthony Quinn, journalist Kimberley Quinn and various politicians named John Quinn.
Ramiro is ancient and Tuetonic in origin. The surname Ramirez derives from the name Ramiro. The meaning is derivative from Ramiro, a Spanish martial who served under King Leovigild of the Visigoths.
Randall Flagg is a fictional character created by Stephen King in his nine part 'Dark Tower' series.
Randall is commonly found as a surname.
Raymond was the name of seven Counts of Toulouse, up until the 13th century.
Raymond Poincaré was a French politician, who was President of France during the First World War. Raymond Chandler was an author.
'Everybody loves
Transferred use of the surname, from the place name Rimington in Yorkshire, so called from the old name of the stream on which it stands (Old English Riming "boundary stream") with the Old English tun (enclosure, settlement).
Remington Stee
Rhett is an aglicized form of a Dutch surname meaning "advice, counsel". Quite notably, it is the name of a character in Margaret Mitchell's "Gone with the Wind" and brought to the screen by legendary actor Clark Gable.
Nickname for Ricardo and Federico. In use as a surname as well.
Nature name or noun used as both a given name and a surname,
Ridge Forrester is a character on the American Soap Opera "The bold and the Beautiful".
Transferred use of the surname, from the place name in Somerset, an area of land in the marshes near Markham.
This is first recorded in the form Rodenye; it derives from the genitive case of the Old English personal name Hroda (a short form of the
Transferred use of the surname; often given in honour of American presidents Theodore Roosevelt or Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Ross is a region of north Scotland. The Ross Ice Shelf is the largest ice shelf in Antarctica, it was named after Captain James Ross who discovered it in 1841. It was the place where James Scott and his party died, having failed to become the first people
Transferred used from the surname Ryker.
As a Danish surname, it is the surname form of Richard sometimes used as a given name.
As a Dutch surname, it is originally a nickname from an agent derivative of Middle Dutch riken (t
Transferred use of the English surname, for someone who lived near a piece of land where rye was grown, from Old English ryge (rye) land (land).
It may also be a variant of Dutch surname Reiland, possibly from a variant of the Germanic pers
Iago is the Spanish version of James. Santiago de Compostela (Saint James of Compostela) in Spain is a Christian pilgrimage destination that has been popular since the Middle Ages.
The Old Man and the Sea is a short novel written by Ernest
From a French surname used for someone who made soap.
Sawyer's rise in popularity on boys in the U.S. is likely the combined effect of the increasing popularity of surnames as first names, and public interest in the character named Sawyer on the television show "Lost."
Tom Sawyer is a literary
Came originally from Old English to mean Scotsman.
Robert Scott was the leader of the losing team in the 'Race to the Pole', and died on his return. Walter Scott was a novelist.
'Beam me up, Scotty' is a phrase associated wi
From the French word to dispense.
Surname of the Princess of Wales, Lady Diana Spencer.
Alternate spelling of Spencer.
Stanley was the name of the character played by Marlon Brando in the film "A Streetcar Named Desire", which is based upon the play by Tennessee Williams. Stanley is also a place name across the UK and the US.
Morgan Stanley is an investm
Pound sterling is the official name for the British currency. As an adjective, sterling relates to something being thoroughly excellent. Sterling silver is an alloy of silver, commonly used to make cutlery.
From the English word, steward, or caretaker of the house.
Used almost exclusively as a surname.
This surname has four separate origins. In English-speaking countries it is simply an occupational surname for a tanner (a tanner is someone who treats animal hide to make leather). In German it is either a variant of the surname Tann (meaning 'forest', a
Transferred used of a Spanish and Portuguese surname, originally the name for someone from Tábara in Spain or from the Portuguese places named Tavares, and maybe meaning "descendent of the hermit; descendent of the retired man".
From 'theraein', 'to hunt'. Theron was an ancient king of Sicily, though the name is today encountered mostly as a surname.
From a Middle English dialect word from the north of England.
A Norman French name ultimately derived from the verb 'traverser' (to cross).
The River Trent is an English river that traditionally marked the divide between north and south England. It flows through towns such as Nottingham, Stoke-on-Trent and Burton upon Trent.
Troy, as a surname, derives from the French city of Troyes. The ancient Greek island of Troy is, presumably, why Troy has become popular as a first name. The meaning is unknown. The name can also be an anglicisation of the Gaelic Troightheach, which me
From an English surname that was derived from Tucian. Tucian and Tucker are both occupation surnames referring to someone who fulls or increases the weight of cloth.
Tyler is a city in Texas, presumably named so after John Tyler, the 10th US President.
Tyson is a very popular brand of poultry in the United States. Tyson Gay is an American sprinter. Mike Tyson is a boxer who served a sentence for rape in the early 1990s.
This name comes from the Germanic elements 'odal' ('prosperity, fortune') and 'ric' ('power'). It was the name of a 10th century saint.
Most common as a surname, Usher has gained recent popularity as a first name because of the R&B singer of that name.
Vail is a very popular skiing community in Colorado.
Vance Brand is a former American astronaut.
Walker-on-Tyne is a village in north-east England. There are also five US cities named Walker. Additionally, "Walker, Texas Ranger" was a popular American television show for many years.
Walker is a common occupational surname and the mid
From the combination of the Germanic elements "rule" and "army".
Famous Walters include journalist Walter Cronkite, author Walter Scott, explorer and sailor Walter Raleigh. Animator Walt Disney was a Walter.
Name borne by the 29th US President, Warren Gamaliel Harding. Other famous bearers include Rapper Warren G., film star Warren Beatty, rock star Warren Zevon and philanthropist Warren Buffet.
The Warren Commission was the unofficial name of
Waylon might be derived from a surname, from a place name meaning "land by the road".
It might also be a variant of Wayland and derived from an Old English name, possibly meanig "land of war".
Wayne Rooney and Wayne Bridge are English football or soccer players. Wayne Gretzky is a former Canadian ice-hockey player and Wayne Newton is a singer.
The Wend were a Slavic people; this surname came from the Germanic personal name Wendel.
Historically, Wesley was used in memory of the founders of the Methodist church, John and Charles Wesley. At first, it was principally used by Methodists, but it has since spread to general use.
Famous bearers include actor Wesley Snipes,
William comes from the Germanic elements 'wil' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection). It was the 10th most popular name for boys in the US in 2006, and the 7th most popular in the UK.
There have been many rulers named William, incl
Wilson is a common surname found rarely as a personal name. Famous bearers include 28th President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, 40th president Ronald Wilson Reagan and R&B rock and roll singer Wilson Pickett.
Wilson is also an Ameri
Winston was the first name of British prime minister Winston Churchill. His ancestor - John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough's father was named Winston, as it was the maiden name of this Winston Churchill's mother, Sarah Winston.
O
Historically, Wyatt was predominantly used only as a surname, though it occasionally made an appearance as a first name (e.g. the American cowboy Wyatt Earp). It is now very popular as a first name in the U.S.
Yale is the name of one of the U.S.'s most famous universities.
The name Yancy may derive from the first name John (or its Breton form, Yann), though common lore has it that it is a Native American corruption of the word "yankee." It is most commonly encountered as a surname.
Zachary is an English form of the name Zechariah. It is in use as both a surname and a first name, though it is far more common as a first name. It is also the name of a town in the U.S. state of Louisiana.
Zachary Taylor was the twelfth
Zane originated from a surname of unclear origins.
It was the name used by author of western novels Zane Grey (originally Pearl Zane Gray). Zane was a family surname. It is also the name used by radio DJ Zane Lowe (born Alexander Zane Lowe)
Variant spelling of Ashley.
Variant spelling of Ashley.
Variant spelling of Ashley.
Variant spelling of Ashley.
A modern feminine form of Carl or a pet form of names such as Carlene. Also often found as a surname.
Respelling of Chanel.
At first a French family name. It came into use as a first name at the beginning of the 20th century.
Possibly derived from the Irish name Caollaidhe, Kayley may also be a variation on the popular name Hayley.
The name Kimberley derives from many sources, and its meaning therefore varies widely. It can mean "Cyebald's forest clearing," "royal forest clearing," and "royal fortress in the forest clearing," among other things. The common element in all these mea
This name started as a nickname for Elizabeth but is now used as a given name on its own.
A respelling of the name Madison.
Malorie Blackman is a British children's author.
Place name referring to a range of Spanish mountains that was considered holy. The name Montserrat is used by the Catalans, and this is a derivative of that name.
Place name referring to a range of Spanish mountains that was considered holy. This name is heavily used by the Catalans.
Paisley is a town in Scotland, near to Glasgow. It was famous for its weaving industry in the 19th century - Paisley pattern, which involves a Persian inspired tear-shaped design, comes from the town.
Pearl is also a surname, and was used with some frequency on boys in the early twentieth century. Its use as a masculine name faded as Pearl grew in popularity as a feminine name.
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" protagonist H
Scarlett O'Hara is the protagonist of Margaret Mitchell's novel "Gone with the Wind". It is a little known fact that Scarlett's full name is "Katie Scarlett O'Hara", after her Irish father's mother.
Scarlett Johansson is a popular American
Tiffany is a traditional name used by Catholic parents for daughters born on January 6th. Tiffany & Co. is a luxury brand of jewelry and is the Tiffany referred to in the title of the 1961 Audrey Hepburn movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's."
Zola is a European surname with uncertain origins. It gained popularity as a female first name in the 19th century, along with other names like Lola, Nola, Iola, etc.
Zola is also a Zulu word meaning "peaceful" or "quiet."
A nickname for Abigail, and also a surname from Middle English originally used for someone who worked at an abbey. Abbey is also the name of a British bank.
Addison, which means 'son of Adam', is one of the surnames which has been enthusiastically taken up in the current trend to find 'unique' names for baby girls. It has been climbing the American charts since 1994 and in 2006 was the 27th most popular name
A derivative of Ansley, a Scottish surname of a habituation nature. Has enjoyed moderate success in the latest trend of choosing surnames as given names. Traditionally a masculine name, it is sometimes used in these modern times for a girl.
Scottish surname of a habituation nature. Has enjoyed moderate success in the latest trend of choosing surnames as given names, along with it's varients Ainslie and Ainsley. traditionally a masculine name, it is sometimes used in these modern times for a
A surname derived from a place name, which probably comes originally from a Celtic word meaning 'high'.
Giorgio Armani is an Italian fashion designer.
A place name and surname from the Old English words 'æsc' (ash) and 'leah' (wood). This name transferred from surname to male first name but in recent decades has become increasingly popular for girls.
Traditionally a masculine name, Avery is used on both boys and girls today. Avery is also fairly common as a last name.
It is the name of several towns and counties in the U.S.; there is also a crater on the Moon named Avery.
A bailey can also mean the outer wall of a castle, or the courtyard between the two outer walls of a castle.
Baileys Irish Cream is a whiskey and cream alcoholic drink.
Bailey features in the top 30 most popular names of most
The meaning of "plain", suggests that Blair is someone who comes from the plains, and not that he is plain-looking.
In recent years, Blair has gained popularity as a girl's name.
English and Scottish surname from the Old English words 'brad' (broad) and 'leah' (wood, clearing).
The Bradley method is a way of natural childbearing developed by obstetrician Robert Bradley. More about it can be found on our sister site,
A surname from the Old French 'Bret', meaning a Breton (someone from Brittany).
Cain has four separate origins. From the Hebrew, it means 'a spear'. In Jewish, Christian and Islamic tradition, Cain was the world's first murderer. In Welsh Cain is a feminine name meaning 'beautiful' or 'fair' (this usage is completely unrelated to the
Cameron is used both as a surname and a given name; the Camerons are a clan from the Scottish Highlands. The name is believed to be from the Gaelic 'cam' (crooked) and 'srón' (nose).
Cameron Crowe is a film director, and Cameron Mackintosh
Casey was first used as an honorary nickname for American folk hero Jonathan 'Casey' Jones. He acquired his nickname from his birthplace, Cayce, in Kentucky. Casey is also a last name, an anglicised form of the Irish Gaelic surname Ó Cathasaigh. This mean
Anglicised form of the Gaelic surname Ó Caiside ('descendant of Caiside'). This surname is currently also used as a first name for both genders. It was the surname of Wild West bank and train robber Butch Cassidy, and American singer Eva Cassidy.
Derived from the Irish surname of debated origin.
It may be derived from the Germanic first name Godfrey (God's peace), and may have been encouraged by the Gaelic 'cuairteoir' (visitor).
It might also come from the Gaelic 'coire' (a cauldro
A spelling variation of the male name Corey. As a female name it is a nickname of a Cor- name such as Cornelia or Cora.
Courtney or Courtenay came to England with the Norman Conquest in 1066. There various places in Northern France named Courtenay, as well as the Courtenay family being an important dynasty in the Middle Ages, both in France and in England, where they are
Dallas is a city in Texas that grew due to it's importance in the oil and cotton industries. 'Dallas' was a long-running TV show that focussed on the Ewing family.
Delaney is a surname derived alternately from an Old English word for "alder grove," or the Irish surname Ó Dubhshláine, "Dubhshláine" being a combination of the Gaelic words "dark" and "defiance."
This is the name of a county in the south of England. It comes from a British tribal name which may mean 'worshippers of the god Dumnonos'.
In the US this is an abbreviation of the Mason Dixon line and as such refers to the region south of the line.
Transferred use of the surname originating from the personal name Elis.
Since recent times considered as an Anglicized form of the Welsh name Elisud though still more widely seen as a Middle English variant of Elias, or a derivation of Elisha.
Of German roots, Evelyn is an English variant of Aveline. Aveline is itself related to Ava, Medieval short form of Germanic names beginning with the element "avi", of unknown meaning, possibly "desired".
It can also be considered a cognate
Coming from the surname Hadley.
A common spelling of this name, it is found mostly on females. It was the 25th most popular name in the US in terms of spelling. If you go by sound and combine all the HAY lee pronunciations together (eg Hailey, Hayley, Haley, Hayleigh etc.) then Hailey (
Haley is a surname that has gained popularity as a first name for both sexes.
It was the 75th most popular female name in the US in terms of spelling. If you go by sound and combine all the HAY lee pronunciations together (eg Hailey, Hayley
Hali did not appear on the US top 1000 popular names in 2006 in terms of spelling. If you go by sound and combine all the HAY lee pronunciations together (eg Hailey, Hayley, Haley, Hayleigh etc.) then Hali (or HAY lee) was the 6th most popular name in Ame
A surname with two likely origins. Halley is both a diminutive of Hall from the French language and an Old English surname, likely referring to a place name. This place is unknown however.
Harley-Davidson is a company that manufactures motorcycles.
Harley Street, in London, is a centre of private medical care.
As a boys name, Harley features in the British top 100.
Transferred use of the surname.
Nelle Harper Lee is the author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Stephen Harper is the current Prime Minister of Canada.
Harper's Magazine is a monthly American magazine, that deals with the arts, p
Hayden is a variant of the surname Hadyn, spelled to reflect the usual English and Welsh pronunciation of the name. As a boys name, it was the 73rd most popular name in the United States. A famous bearer is Star Wars actor Hayden Christensen.
Originally a surname which was derived from the name of an English town.
It was the 306th most popular name in the US in terms of spelling. If you go by sound and combine all the HAY lee pronunciations together (eg Hailey, Hayley, Haley, Ha
Hillary Rodham Clinton is an American presidential candidate, and wife of former president Bill Clinton.
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Though usually used as a feminine name today, Joyce is a traditionally masculine name. It derives from an old Breton name meaning "experienced in battle," but many parents today choose it because it contains the word "joy."
Famous bearers
Keenan is probably a diminutive of Kean, respelling of Cian or Anglicized form of Ó Cathán, meaning "descendant of Cathán".
It also serves as the Anglicized form of Gaelic Cianán, "little ancient one", a name that sometimes suggested a reincarnated
From the town Kilby in Leicestershire. The town was initially called Cilebi which meant Child's town, with Child being a personal name in this case. The town's name comes from the Old English cild meaning child and tun meaning town or settlement. Tun w
A respelling of the Irish surname Kelly.
The surname Kelsey originated as a place name in Lincolnshire, England. It comes from the Old English name Cenel (which itself came from a word which meant 'fierce' or 'brave') plus the Old English noun 'eg' (meaning 'island' or 'low-lying land'). As a fi
Surname from the place name Kendal in Cumbria, recorded in 1095 as Kircabikendala ‘village with a church in the valley of the Kent river’.
It is also an Anglicized form of the Welsh personal name Cynddelw, which was borne by a famous 12th-century W
John F Kennedy was the thirty-fifth President of the United States. He was President during the Cuban Missile Crisis, he proposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which outlawed segregation in public places and schools, and he set the goal for America having
County Kerry is located in the Munster region of the Republic of Ireland.
The name of the county may mean "country of the children of Ciar", ciar meaning "dark" and probably implying "dark hair and brown eyes".
Modern respelling of Courtenay.
Laurence is an English masculine name and a French feminine name. Friar Laurence is a character from Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet".
Lee is a surname that has become very common as a first name in English speaking countries.
As a first name, famous Lees include actor Lee Marvin, Lee Majors, singer Lee Ryan and the assassin of John F Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald.
Became popular in names such at Katie-Leigh, Jodi-Leigh.
From the Gaelic surname for the lands of Lesslyn in Aberdeenshire, the words "leas cuilinn" meaning garden of hollies.
Leslie was the birth name of the 38th President Gerald R. Ford. President Ford was adopted as a baby.
Lindsay is derived from the Brithonic name "Lindissi," a corruption of the Latin "Lindum Colonia" - the Roman name for Lincoln. "Lindum" may derive from the old Gaeli "lindu," meaning "dark lake." Lindsay is a unisex name today, usually feminine in the
Lindsey is a variant spelling of Lindsay, but can also come from a Middle English phrase meaning "Lelli's island."
London itself is of obscure etymology, but is possibly connected with the Celtic element 'lond' which means 'wild'. The Latinised Roman name for London was Londinium.
The name of one of the four sacred creatures in Viet Nam, the dragon. It is in part taken from several place names such as Ha Long Bay.
From the surname Massey, which derives from places names for a person called Maccius.
MacKenzie is a common Scottish surname, traditionally denoting membership in the MacKenzie clan. The MacKenzies have been a significant clan in Scotland for at least 700 years.
MacKenzie itself is an Anglicization of the Gaelic MacCoinneach
Macy's are a chain of American department stores founded by Rowland Macy.
William H Macy is an actor and Macy Gray is a singer, born Natalie Renee McIntyre
A respelling of Madison.
Transferred use of the surname meaning "son of Maud"; and also perhaps "Mad's son", Mad being a common pet form of Matthew during the Middle Ages.
Although Madison, today, is given as a name to both genders, it isn't a legitimate unisex nam
Popular variant of MacKenna.
Transferred use of the English surname, derived from the Old French meaning "luckless, unfortunate".
As a surname, famous bearers include Thomas Malory, author of 'Le Morte Darthur', and mountaineer George Mallory who died during an attemp
As a boy's name, Marley is the transferred use of a surname derived from place names.
The first element of these place names is respectively Old English (ge)maere ‘boundary’, myrig ‘pleasant’, and mearð ‘(pine) marten’. The second element in each c
Claremont McKenna is a famous liberal arts college situated in Los Angeles.
McKenzie is the name of a river in Oregon which flows into the Willamette. In British law, a "McKenzie friend" is someone who assists a person in court who does not have official legal representation. McKenzie is also a popular British clothing line.
From the Latin for mountainous; name of an American state.
Famous bearers include sports legend, football player Joe Montana.
From the Old Welsh masculine name Morcant, which is derived from Welsh mor (sea) or mawr (great), and can (bright, white) or cant (circle, completion).
This name is common as a surname in both Wales and Ireland and is becoming increasingly popular
Originally an occupational surname denoting a position as a page in a noble household, Paige is now a popular girls' name in English-speaking countries.
Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Ríagáin ("descendent of Riagán").
The meaning is uncertain. It is likely to be related to rí and thus means "like a king", or it may come from ríogach and mean "impulsive".
Ronald Reagan was th
In Shakespeare's 'King Lear', Regan is one of King Lear's daughters, who turns against her father once she has been given her inheritance.
In some cases a transferred use of the English surname, a local name from a place named with Old English ryge (rye) and leah (wood, clearing).
In other cases it probably represents a respelling of the Irish surname Reilly, which is from an old Iris
The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland.
Shannon Lucid is an astronaut and Shannon Elizabeth is an actress. Examples of male Shannons include musicians Shannon Hoon and Shannon Leto.
May have also come from a contraction of the French city of Saint Denis.
Sydney is a variant of the name Sidney, and can be used on both males and females.
Sydney Carton is the male hero of Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities."
Sydney Bristow is the heroine in the television show "Alias."
From the Old English personal name 'Tata', possibly a short form of various compound names with the obscure first element tat, or else a nursery formation. Tate is a common surname in Britain.
Henry Tate established the Tate Gallery in Lond
Traditionally a surname used on boys, this name has recently become popular for girls, particularly in the U.S.
Taylor was originally an occupational surname which denoted someone who worked as a tailor.
Zachary Taylor was the 12th President of the United States. Taylor is a brand of guitars and the name of Taylor University in Indiana. Taylor Alis
From the name Thierry (Germanic for "ruler of the people") or a pet form of Terence (Latin name of uncertain origin) or Theresa (meaning "harvester").
Also an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Treasach ('warlike, fierce')
Also an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Treasach ('warlike, fierce')
Whitney Houston is an American singer and actress. Whitney Young was a male American civil rights leader.
Will is a common nickname for any names starting in "Will/Wil" such as Willard, William, Willem, Wilson or Wilford.
Famous bearers include lead character Will Turner played by Orlando Bloom in Disney's "Pirates of the Carribean" series, Co
The middle name of Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's firstborn daughter, Harlow Winter Kate Madden.