English Last Names

Spence is occasionally used as a name all on its own and it has more of a sense of completeness than many nickname-names.

Selby, a rarely heard British surname, feels sleeker and more distinctive than Shelby. Todd Selby, known primarily by his last name, is a hip photographer of interiors.

Rigby is a rather stiff British surname, which might call to mind the Beatles "Eleanor Rigby" or, from the recent past, Cathy Rigby, the first American woman to win a medal in World Gymnastics competition. The problem with Rigby may be its similarity to the word "rigid."

This is a both fresher and cooler spin on David.

Peabody is a quintessentially Waspy surname that your child won't thank you for -- either the pea part or the body part, or the meaning part.

This familiar surname with a surprising meaning could be added to your list of undiscovered 'last names first' names.

Chapman is derived from céapmann, an Old English occupational name for a merchant or marketman. The slang word "chap" came from chapman — which was also used as a term for a customer in 17th and 18th century England.

This traditionally male surname name could find new life for girls thanks to its similarity to the popular Abby and Abigail.

This can be a cool and unusual way to honor your family Robert, conjuring up memories of Robinson Crusoe and Swiss Family Robinson, as well as narrative poet Robinson Jeffers, born John Robinson, who shared his mother's middle name.

An old money surname passed down in notable American families. Christopher Plummer's middle name was Orme.

A surname name, most popularly associated with actor Heston, has a blue-blooded ring to it. Charlton is also a more unusual pathway to evergreen nickname Charlie.

A well-to-do English surname with a comedic undertone, thanks to the Griswold family of National Lampoon's Vacation.

Painter is among the most creative choices in this very fashionable category of names, with a particularly pleasant sound. Whereas most occupational names conjure up physical labor, this one feels like a gateway to the arts.

With its slightly cocky feel, this well-used surname is not often heard as a first.

We don't see that bright a future for this one either.

A surname very rarely heard as a first, associated with Hall of Fame basketball star Patrick Ewing and, in the 1980s, the oil-rich Ewing family on the nighttime soap, "Dallas"

Surname known as the last name of the other side of the Kardashian clan.

A softer take on Hunter. Huntley is evenly distributed between girls and boys, coming in at 47% female and 53% male at last count.

This habitational surname works as a modern way to honor a Carrie, Carolyn, or Caroline.