Potential Character Surnames

  1. Dalett
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Larry Hernandez is at it again — the reality TV star known for his show Larrymania has successfully popularized each of his three daughters' names. He and Kenia Ontiveros created totally new names for their girls — Daleyza, Dalary, and Dalett, who was born in May 2020.
  2. Danilo
    • Origin:

      Ukrainian; Serbian; Italian; Brazilian Portuguese, variation of Daniel
    • Meaning:

      "God is my judge"
    • Description:

      Makes a Biblical favorite new and interesting.
  3. Darcy
    • Origin:

      Irish or French
    • Meaning:

      "dark one, or from Arcy, or from the fortress"
    • Description:

      Delicate ballerina name with grace, charm, and heft courtesy of Jane Austen's Mr.
  4. Darien
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Darian
    • Meaning:

      "rich, kingly"
    • Description:

      The Darien spelling, which relates to the posh Connecticut town, peaked at Number 393 in 1994 but more recently has been just hanging on at the bottom of the Top 1000. Still, a name with an appealing sound and feel that may ascend again.
  5. Darrell
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "dear one, beloved"
    • Description:

      Beach boy name of the 1960s, Darrell is still a presence on the charts and may graduate into a stately surname name.
  6. Dart
    • Origin:

      English place- and word name
    • Description:

      This British river name sounds sleek and strong but perhaps a bit too energetic.
  7. Darwin
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "dear friend"
    • Description:

      Enough parents have found naturalist Charles Darwin, the father of the theory of evolution, a worthy hero to keep Darwin relatively consistently in the Top 1000 (it dropped off in 2021 but is back in 2022)—though some might just like its trendy two-syllable sound. It has a lovely meaning too—"dear friend."
  8. Davin
    • Origin:

      Hybrid of David and Devin
    • Description:

      Davin is one of those hybrid names that is appealing for both genders, though it is more common for boys. Though Davin has a strong and attractive sound, either David or Devin would be preferable. It has been declining in use over the last decade.
  9. Daylen
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Daylen is a D-starting spin on the trendy Jaylen. Day is an appealing nickname.
  10. Dayton
    • Origin:

      English, variation of Deighton
    • Meaning:

      "place with a dike"
    • Description:

      If Dayton, like Trenton and Camden, is finding favor with parents, it's more because of its popular two-syllable surname feel and -on ending than the industrial city in Ohio.
  11. Deangelo
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "from the angel"
    • Description:

      This name obviously has the prefix De- that denotes "son of"—in this form it can mean either "son of Angelo" or "from the angel."
  12. Decker
    • Origin:

      German occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "roofer"
    • Description:

      Brawny name chosen for his son by rocker Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue.
  13. Delancie
    • Description:

      Delancie is a feminine name with French-inspired origins, possibly derived from the French surname 'de Lancy' or as a variation of Delancey, which refers to historical place names. The name has an elegant, aristocratic quality with its flowing syllables and refined sound. Though rare as a first name, Delancie carries an air of sophistication and uniqueness that appeals to parents seeking distinctive options. The name offers versatility with potential nicknames including Della, Lancy, or Cee. While lacking extensive historical usage as a given name, Delancie has occasionally appeared in anglophone countries, particularly in the United States. Its fashionable sound combines traditional elements with contemporary appeal, making it an uncommon choice with a polished character.

  14. Delfino
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "of Delphi"
    • Description:

      Heard more often as a surname in Italy, its meaning has also been linked to the dolphin--which would make a cool nursery motif.
  15. Delphene
    • Description:

      Delphene is an elegant feminine name that appears to be a variation of Delphine, which derives from the Greek city of Delphi, famous for its oracle dedicated to Apollo. The name carries associations with the dolphin (delphis in Greek) and the delphinium flower. This rare elaboration adds an extra syllable to the more common Delphine, giving it an even more graceful, flowing quality. Delphene evokes images of classical antiquity and French sophistication, as Delphine has been particularly used in France. The name has a timeless, refined aura that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet melodious. Though uncommon in usage statistics, Delphene fits well with the revival of elaborate vintage names with romantic European connections.

  16. Delphin
    • Description:

      Delphin is a masculine name derived from Greek origins, related to Delphi, the sacred site of the famous oracle in ancient Greece. The name is connected to the Greek word 'delphis' meaning dolphin, an animal considered sacred to Apollo. In French tradition, Saint Delphin was a 4th-century bishop of Bordeaux. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Delphin has seen some usage in France and other European countries. The name carries classical connotations and evokes the intelligence and playfulness associated with dolphins. Its connection to the sacred site of Delphi also implies wisdom and prophetic insight. The feminine version, Delphine, is more widely used than the masculine form.

  17. Denzel
    • Origin:

      Cornish
    • Meaning:

      "from the high stronghold"
    • Description:

      This old Cornish name took on a whole new identity via Denzel Washington, who has inspired several thousand namesakes. The actor was named after his father, who was named for a Dr. Denzel, who delivered him.
  18. Deshawn
    • Origin:

      American invented name, variation of Shawn
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Classically, the De- prefix indicates "son of," so any variation of this name could work for the child of a dad named Shawn or Sean.
  19. Diggory
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "Lost one"
    • Description:

      This buoyant name has the same bouncy rhythm as Rafferty and Barnaby, but is virtually unused. It has plenty of literary cred, too: characters in The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter and Thomas Hardy’s The Return of the Native have all borne the name.
  20. Dionis
    • Description:

      Dionis is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, fertility, and festivity. This feminine adaptation carries the divine associations of its mythological roots while offering a softer, more feminine form. The name has historical usage in various European cultures, particularly in Greek and Romanian communities. Dionis has a classical elegance with its mythological connections, suggesting a free-spirited and joyful personality. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers an intriguing alternative to more familiar classical names. The name's brevity combined with its rich historical background makes it appealing for parents seeking something distinctive yet culturally anchored with ancient roots.