Last Names That Are Adorable First Names

The use of O-prefixes could create the next wave of Irish-inflected names, offering an innovative way of honoring a relative with the old-fashioned moniker Brian. On Downton Abbey, the surname O'Brien was heard so often, it began to seem like a first.

A novel way to get to the nicknames Ash or Ford

Like a mash up of Hayes, Blaze, and Brooks, the surname style Bayes feels like it could fit in with other single syllable choices like Tate and Rhys. Deriving from either the Middle English baili meaning "bailiff" or the Old French baile referring to the outer, protective wall of a castle, Bayes is also associated with Bayes Theorem. Developed by philosopher, statistician, and reverend, Thomas Bayes, in the 18th century, it provides a mathematical formula for calculating the probability of a cause when you are given its effect.

Updates Lindsey for the 21st century.

Belden is a little-used surname-name that might work in this age of Belles.

The O'Haras are descended from Eaghra -- pronounced and phonetically spelled Ara -- the lord of Luighne, the modern Leyney in County Sligo. As a name, this makes a satisfying new twist on Harry.

At one time associated with the fictional detective Bulldog Drummond, this formal surname name does boast the cute nickname Drum.

A WASPy surname that fits in with names like Clayton, Layton, and Payton. Drayton peaked in 2012, when it was given to 78 baby boys in the US.

Although it's more commonly seen as a surname, Haviland is occasionally used as a first name, particularly for girls.

Transformation of the stolid Gilbert into an animated surname name.

A merry surname cousin of Kerrigan, could make a lively choice for a happy little girl.

Like Silver, Golden is a shimmering metallic color name, almost too dazzling for an ordinary girl.

Familiar English surname now associated with the Abercrombie & Fitch offshoot.

Dropping the H off hot surnames gets you a whole new name. The trend is multiplying: Hadley becomes Adley, Harley become Arley, Harlow becomes Arlowe, and now Halston becomes Alston.

As a word name, Court brings with it a plethora of potential meanings, from a legal gathering, to a stage for basketball or tennis, to a street. Sharp and strong, Court feels right at home with other rugged picks like Rhett and Jett. And yet, Court remains remarkably rare in the US. The alternate spelling Cort is only slightly more popular.

A jaunty English surname which may derive from "betony", the name of a pretty purple-flowering shrub. A famous bearer is British historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes.

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.

Preppy surname that would make a fashionable first name for a girl.

With Leon and Leo both popular options, Lionel on the rise, and other lion-inspired names such as Ariel and Leandro gathering attention, Lyons might work for a contemporary baby.

Palin has suddenly become a hot new surname-name given usually to girls. The inspiration can only be former Alaska governor Sarah, though the name Palin is her husband's -- her original surname is Heath. Palin herself is no stranger to the adventurous baby name, as the mother of daughters Bristol, Piper, and Willow, and sons Track and Trig.