Authors' Surnames as First Names for Boys

Alcott evokes shades of nineteenth-century New England, and memories of the author of the books Little Women and Little Men. Louisa May Alcott was the daughter of Amos Bronson Alcott, noted educator, writer and philosopher, and colleague of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.

This name has been off the USA Top 1000 list since before 1900, but it has some great musical credentials: consider American blues singer Alger "Texas" Alexander and country music legend Pat Alger.

Andersen is primarily a masculine name derived from a Scandinavian patronymic surname meaning 'son of Anders' (the Nordic form of Andrew, ultimately from the Greek 'andreas' meaning 'manly' or 'brave'). The surname gained international recognition through Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, famous for his fairy tales. As a first name, Andersen represents the growing trend of using surnames as given names, offering a distinguished and scholarly sound. While relatively uncommon as a first name, it provides the friendly nicknames 'Anders' or 'Andy.' The name carries Scandinavian cultural associations and suggests a connection to literary heritage, appealing to parents seeking something distinctive with Nordic roots and cultural significance.

Parents who love the great English novelist Jane Austen may choose this spelling of the popular name Austin to honor the author of Emma and Pride and Prejudice.

Beckett is one of the big baby name hits of the decade.

Possibility for fans of science fiction writer Ray.

Burnett is a masculine name of Old French and Germanic origins, derived from the word 'brun' meaning 'brown' or 'dark-haired/complexioned.' It originated as a surname for people with brown hair or those who made brown cloth. As a first name, Burnett has never been widely popular but maintains a steady, if uncommon, presence. It carries an air of distinction and tradition, often associated with intellect and seriousness. The name has connections to notable families in Scotland, where Burnett is an established clan name. Its refined sound gives it an elegant quality while maintaining masculine strength, appealing to parents looking for a sophisticated name with historical depth.

Clancy, one of the original crossover Irish surname names, is as energetic and appealing as ever — full of moxie, more distinctive than Casey, and also one of the less obvious of the red-headed names.

Conrad has a somewhat intellectual masculine image, a solid name that has been consistently on the popularity lists, especially well used in the 1920s and 30s, and given a pop of rock energy by the Elvis-like character of Conrad Birdie in Bye, Bye, Birdie--("We love you Conrad, oh yes we do!").

The genial yet upscale and preppy Cooper was one of the first occupational last names to catch on -- and Cooper remains a pleasing option.

Douglass is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Douglas, which originated as a Scottish surname meaning 'dark water' or 'dark stream.' This specific spelling with the double 's' is most famously associated with Frederick Douglass, the renowned 19th-century abolitionist, writer, and statesman who was born into slavery and became a powerful advocate for freedom and equality. The name carries historical weight and dignity, particularly in connection to civil rights and social justice. While less common than the single-s spelling, Douglass maintains the strong, classic character of the original while subtly distinguishing itself. It conveys traditional masculinity combined with intellectual substance.

Dark horse Irish surname.

Sleekened spelling.

Faulkner is an old occupational surname that was used for someone who kept and trained falcons when falconry was a popular sport in medieval Europe. Anyone using it in contemporary America would probably be honoring Southern novelist William Faulkner. While we love the author, Falconer would probably be a slightly easier name to carry on the playground.

Fielding is a surname style name, originally given to someone who lived in the country or worked in the fields, however it might also be considered a word name relating to sports (cricket and baseball specifically) or with the term for dealing with something difficult by evading it.

Made famous by F. Scott Fitzgerald and John Fitzgerald Kennedy; still works best as a middle name.

Flynn, a charming Irish surname, is still used only quietly, despite its easygoing, casual cowboy charm, unlike Finn which is a star of this genre. Flynn was the choice of Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr for their baby boy, and is also the middle name -- used as his first -- of a son of Miranda's fellow supermodel Elle Macpherson, of Gary Oldman's son Gulliver and Marley Shelton's daughter West.

The long association to the Ford Motor Company doesn't stand in the way of this being a strong, independent, single-syllable name.