Last Names for Guys: A Comprehensive Guide to Meaningful Surnames

Are you looking for the perfect last name for your male character in your novel, or maybe you're simply curious about the origins and meanings of last names? This comprehensive guide provides a list of over 40 last names for guys, along with their detailed meanings. We've compiled a diverse collection of surnames, ranging from classic and traditional to unique and modern, all with rich histories and compelling stories behind them.
1. **Anderson:** Son of Andrew, a name of Greek origin meaning "manly" or "strong."
2. **Baker:** A surname that originated from the occupation of baking bread.
3. **Bell:** A name that describes someone who makes or sells bells.
4. **Bennett:** Meaning "blessed" or "good," this name is of Old French origin.
5. **Black:** A name that describes someone with dark hair or skin.
6. **Brown:** This surname likely describes someone with brown hair or skin.
7. **Campbell:** A name of Scottish origin meaning "crooked mouth."
8. **Carter:** A name that describes someone who transports goods by cart.
9. **Clark:** A name that describes someone who is a scholar or scribe.
10. **Collins:** Meaning "son of Colin," a name of Irish origin meaning "victory."
11. **Cook:** A surname that originated from the occupation of cooking.
12. **Davis:** Meaning "son of David," a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved."
13. **Edwards:** Meaning "son of Edward," a name of Old English origin meaning "wealthy guardian."
14. **Evans:** Meaning "son of Evan," a Welsh name meaning "the Lord is gracious."
15. **Fisher:** A name that describes someone who catches fish.
16. **Foster:** Meaning "one who nourishes," this name is of Old English origin.
17. **Garcia:** A name of Spanish origin meaning "bear."
18. **Gardner:** A name that describes someone who tends a garden.
19. **Harris:** Meaning "son of Harry," a name of German origin meaning "home ruler."
20. **Harrison:** Meaning "son of Harry," a name of German origin meaning "home ruler."
21. **Henderson:** Meaning "son of Henry," a name of German origin meaning "ruler of the house."
22. **Hill:** A name that describes someone who lives on a hill.
23. **Jackson:** Meaning "son of Jack," a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is gracious."
24. **James:** Meaning "supplanter," this name is of Hebrew origin.
25. **Jenkins:** Meaning "son of Jenkin," a name of Welsh origin meaning "white."
26. **Johnson:** Meaning "son of John," a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is gracious."
27. **Jones:** Meaning "son of John," a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is gracious."
28. **Kelly:** A name of Irish origin meaning "bright-haired."
29. **Kennedy:** Meaning "handsome head," this name is of Gaelic origin.
30. **King:** A name that describes someone who is a ruler.
31. **Knight:** A name that describes someone who is a mounted warrior.
32. **Lewis:** Meaning "famous warrior," this name is of French origin.
33. **Lopez:** A name of Spanish origin meaning "wolf."
34. **Martin:** Meaning "warlike," this name is of Latin origin.
35. **Miller:** A name that describes someone who grinds grain into flour.
36. **Mitchell:** Meaning "son of Michael," a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?"
37. **Moore:** A name that describes someone who lives by a moor.
38. **Morgan:** Meaning "sea defender," this name is of Welsh origin.
39. **Murphy:** A name of Irish origin meaning "sea warrior."
40. **Nelson:** Meaning "son of Neil," a name of Gaelic origin meaning "champion."
41. **Parker:** A name that describes someone who is a park keeper.
42. **Patterson:** Meaning "son of Patrick," a name of Latin origin meaning "nobleman."
43. **Phillips:** Meaning "son of Philip," a name of Greek origin meaning "lover of horses."
44. **Powell:** Meaning "pool" or "lake," this name is of Welsh origin.
45. **Reed:** A name that describes someone who lives by a reed bed.
46. **Richards:** Meaning "son of Richard," a name of German origin meaning "strong ruler."
47. **Robinson:** Meaning "son of Robin," a name of German origin meaning "bright fame."
48. **Rodriguez:** A name of Spanish origin meaning "son of Rodrigo."
49. **Rogers:** Meaning "son of Roger," a name of German origin meaning "famous spear."
50. **Ross:** Meaning "headland" or "promontory," this name is of Scottish origin.
51. **Russell:** Meaning "red fox," this name is of French origin.
52. **Ryan:** Meaning "little king," this name is of Irish origin.
53. **Sanchez:** A name of Spanish origin meaning "Saint John."
54. **Scott:** Meaning "from Scotland," this name is of Scottish origin.
55. **Smith:** A name that describes someone who works with metal.
56. **Stewart:** Meaning "steward," this name is of Scottish origin.
57. **Taylor:** A name that describes someone who cuts cloth.
58. **Thomas:** Meaning "twin," this name is of Aramaic origin.
59. **Thompson:** Meaning "son of Thomas," a name of Aramaic origin meaning "twin."
60. **Turner:** A name that describes someone who works with wood.
61. **Walker:** A name that describes someone who walks or travels.
62. **Wallace:** Meaning "foreigner," this name is of Welsh origin.
63. **Walter:** Meaning "ruler of the army," this name is of German origin.
64. **Ward:** Meaning "guard" or "protector," this name is of Old English origin.
65. **Washington:** Meaning "settlement by the water," this name is of English origin.
66. **Watson:** Meaning "son of Walter," a name of German origin meaning "ruler of the army."
67. **White:** A name that describes someone with fair hair or skin.
68. **Williams:** Meaning "son of William," a name of German origin meaning "resolute protector."
69. **Wilson:** Meaning "son of William," a name of German origin meaning "resolute protector."
70. **Wright:** A name that describes someone who works with wood.
71. **Young:** A name that describes someone who is young or inexperienced.