Uncommon Surname-Last Names as Baby names

Kaiser, as in roll and Wilhelm, appeared for the first time on the US Top 1000 in 2017. It fits the two-syllable -er ending style that's all the rage, and it lends itself to the short form Kai. But we hope this Germanic version of what is essentially a title rather than a name doesn't keep rising on the charts.

Keller is a German surname that originated as an occupational name for a cellar or store master, which seems to be the background of several of the most stylish new German names for boys. One of the stylish new two-syllable -er ending names for boys, Keller is rising up the ranks heading for the Top 1000. It may be an honorific for Helen Keller.

This could be viewed as another name fallen to the trend of using a K initial over a C beginning, or it could tie the name more closely to the Hebrew title for a priest, which is transcribed as kohen. It entered the US Top 1000 in 2011 and has been rising ever since, entering the Top 400 in 2023.

British place-name unlikely to evoke much passion in any baby namer.

An increasingly viable option for girls, perhaps influenced by the rise of similar-sounding Nola and unisex names more generally.

Indie actress Parker Posey put a female imprint on this sophisticated surname that's still about three times as common for boys but rising for both sexes. Parker has the advantage of its nature connection, relating it to such occupational names as Gardener and Forester.

An appealing Spanish surname that also works as an elaboration of cool nature name River.

The most famous Sinclair was the (male) writer Lewis, but these days the name works at least as well for a girl.

A name with some sterling qualities, most associated with the British currency and silver markets. Sterling is more commonly a male name or surname, but is occasionally used for girls as well.