Names That Mean Son

One of many common surnames that was derived from Peter, along with Peterson, Parks, Parkinson, and Perkins.

The Mc and Mac surnames are asserting themselves as first names and this is one of the most popular. Though outside the U.S. Top 1000, it's among the fastest rising names for boys.

Fitz is the same as Mac or O' or even son -- it designates a name that originated as a patronymic.

Feminist twist on Hansen and Jansen.

Uncommon surname name used by Zak Williams for his son—it was his father Robin Williams's middle name.

Though this spelling is not seen too often in the US, it is a common surname spelling in the land of kilts.

Fresh way to pass down Roger.

If -son names are your style, here's a rare one you may not have come across before! Armison is derived from the Germanic name Ermin or Armin (possibly related to Herman), meaning "whole" or "universal" – the same route that gave us the Emma names.

A spelling spin on presidential surname McKinley.

This surname could work as a given name to honor an ancestral Jacob.

Could be a possible substitute for the dated Dawson, but the first syllable is a little--well--raw.

Ealair is the Gaelic form of Hilary, making McKellar an inventive way to honor a Hilary, Hillary, or Ellery in your life.

Interesting possibility for the son or grandson of a Gregory.

To honor an ancestral Peter.

Jameson has cracked the Top 100, so you may want to look towards greener pastures. Jacobson has the same appeal, and — trivia bonus — Jacob and James are variations of the same name.

As soon as a name becomes mega-popular, parents start to look for spelling variations to set their child apart. This is one of the less graceful ones.

Forget Donald. Honor Grandpa Don with this new spin.

This variation of Biblical Benjamin is used in Ethiopia. With various "Ben" names in style, from Bennett to Bentley, Benyam feels fresh but approachable. The name is also commonly spelled Binyam or Biniyam, but the Benyam more easily leads to the friendly nickname Ben.

Like the other O' names, this is a wonderful way to pass down a family name.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick used Hodge as the middle name of their daughter Tabitha.