Names That Mean Son

Although appearing as a patronym (nope, it doesn't mean "son of Elizabeth"), Macbeth originated as a given name. It is derived from the Gaelic MacBeatha, describing a religious man.

This Romani name may derive from the Yiddish name Zindel, which is itself a name derived from Alexander.

Zeldin originated as a surname, designating the son of a Zelde, and feels like a fresh Jewish baby name for the 21st century.

White-haired hero of the manga and anime series Bleach.

Yancy has begun to rise in usage among baby girls, perhaps in part due to the similarity to the classically feminine name Nancy.

One of the lesser-heard (but possibly most usable) members of the quirky, dintinguished "Fitz" names.

An interesting international possibility for a third son.

Kavanagh, which can also be spelled Cavanagh, Cavenagh, Kavanaugh, and Cavanaugh, is one of the few traditional Irish surnames not to start with Mc or O'. Kavanagh relates to the name first Kevin or Caomhan. Early kings of Leinster bore the name Kavanagh.

With parents looking for fresh -son names, this Irish option — best-known on actor Liam Neeson — may appeal.

Appealing way, à la Dawson, to honor an ancestral Lawrence, given to a couple dozen baby girls per year in the US. Lawson is also an English pop rock band.

Benjamin for purists. See BENJAMIN.

You may be more familiar with Jimena, the feminization of this name. Jimeno is just as upbeat and attractive — we'd love to see more parents embrace this rarity. It was given to fewer than five baby boys in the last year on record.

The surname of filmmaker J.J. Abrams, used as a first name. It first appeared on the US charts in 2020. The M1 Abrams is a model of army tank.

In ancient Mesopotamia, Dumuzid was the god of shepherds and fertility and husband of the goddess Inanna. Tammuz, the Semitic transcription of the name, is more likely to be used today.

If you're looking for an Irish last name that moves beyond Casey and Cassidy, this one is pleasant sounding and worth considering. Kavanaugh, which can also be spelled Cavanagh, Cavenagh, Kavanagh, and Cavanaugh, is one of the few traditional Irish surnames not to start with Mc or O'. Kavanagh relates to the name first Kevin or Caomhan. Early kings of Leinster bore the name Kavanaugh.

This attractive Scottish surname-name is found in Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove, as the surname of hero Augustus/Gus McCrae. Also spelled MacCrae or McRay among other variations, the meaning is variously given as son of grace or luck.

Nichol, a Medieval English form of Nicholas, has been pretty much lost to history but survives today in the surname form of Nichols.

McCarthy is one of the most common Irish surnames, all fair game as first names for American babies, especially baby girls!