Good Last Name: Choosing the Perfect Surname

Looking for a good last name? Whether you're searching for a new surname for personal reasons, for a fictional character, or just out of curiosity, the perfect name can be a powerful thing. A good last name can evoke certain emotions, suggest a personality, and even hint at a person's history. This list offers a diverse selection of last names with their detailed meanings, providing inspiration for your search for the perfect fit.
1. **Abernathy:** From the Old English words "æþer" meaning "noble" and "denu" meaning "valley," indicating a person who lived in a noble valley.
2. **Adams:** A common English surname derived from the given name Adam, meaning "man" or "earth."
3. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," derived from the Greek name Andreas, meaning "manly" or "strong."
4. **Armstrong:** A Scottish surname meaning "strong arm," referring to a person's strength or prowess in battle.
5. **Ashford:** A place name meaning "a ford near ash trees."
6. **Bailey:** A common English surname with several possible origins, including "bailey" meaning "bailiff" or "steward," or "bailey" meaning "an enclosed courtyard."
7. **Barnes:** A place name meaning "barley farm" or "place near barley fields."
8. **Bennett:** A surname meaning "little son," derived from the Old French word "benet."
9. **Blackburn:** A place name meaning "black burn" or "dark stream."
10. **Blake:** A surname meaning "black" or "dark," likely derived from a person's dark hair or complexion.
11. **Bloom:** A surname meaning "flower" or "blossom," often associated with beauty and prosperity.
12. **Bond:** A surname meaning "agreement" or "contract," possibly referring to a person's occupation or social standing.
13. **Bowman:** An occupational surname for a person who makes or uses bows and arrows.
14. **Bradley:** A place name meaning "broad clearing" or "broad meadow."
15. **Brooks:** A place name meaning "brook" or "small stream."
16. **Brown:** A surname meaning "brown," likely derived from a person's hair color, complexion, or clothing.
17. **Butler:** An occupational surname for a person who worked as a steward or servant.
18. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname meaning "bent mouth," likely referring to a geographical feature.
19. **Carter:** An occupational surname for a person who transports goods in a cart.
20. **Chandler:** An occupational surname for a person who makes or sells candles.
21. **Chapman:** An occupational surname for a person who buys and sells goods, often as a traveling merchant.
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname for a person who worked as a scribe or clerk.
23. **Collins:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Colin," derived from the Gaelic name "Cailean," meaning "dog" or "hound."
24. **Cooper:** An occupational surname for a person who makes barrels or other wooden containers.
25. **Crawford:** A place name meaning "croft" or "small farm," possibly referring to a specific location in Scotland.
26. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," derived from the Hebrew name "David," meaning "beloved."
27. **Dawson:** A place name meaning "son of David," likely referencing a person who lived near a specific location.
28. **Dean:** A surname meaning "valley" or "dean," referring to a person who lived in a valley or worked as a church official.
29. **Dennis:** A surname meaning "son of Dionysus," derived from the Greek god of wine and fertility.
30. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Edward," derived from the Old English name "Eadweard," meaning "wealthy guardian."
31. **Evans:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Evan," derived from the Welsh name "Evan," meaning "the Lord is gracious."
32. **Fisher:** An occupational surname for a person who catches fish.
33. **Fitzgerald:** A surname meaning "son of Gerald," derived from the Germanic name "Gerald," meaning "spear rule."
34. **Foster:** An occupational surname for a person who raises or cares for children, often as a foster parent.
35. **Fox:** A surname derived from the animal "fox," possibly referring to a person's cunning nature or a person who lived near a fox den.
36. **Franklin:** A surname meaning "free man," referring to a person of free social standing.
37. **Gardner:** An occupational surname for a person who tends to gardens or orchards.
38. **Garrett:** A surname meaning "spear ruler," derived from the Germanic name "Gerard."
39. **George:** A surname meaning "farmer" or "earthworker," derived from the Greek name "Georgios," meaning "earthworker."
40. **Gibson:** A surname meaning "son of Gilbert," derived from the Germanic name "Gilbert," meaning "bright pledge."
41. **Gill:** A surname meaning "young goat" or "small valley," possibly referring to a geographical location or a person's occupation.
42. **Goodman:** A surname meaning "good man," often referring to a person's character or reputation.
43. **Graham:** A Scottish surname meaning "gravel" or "sandy ground," likely referring to a geographical location.
44. **Gray:** A surname meaning "gray," likely referring to a person's hair color, complexion, or clothing.
45. **Green:** A surname meaning "green," possibly referring to a person's association with a green landscape or a person's occupation as a gardener.
46. **Griffin:** A surname meaning "strong" or "powerful," possibly derived from the mythical creature of the same name.
47. **Hall:** A surname meaning "dwelling" or "large hall," referring to a person's residence or social status.
48. **Harris:** A surname meaning "son of Harry," derived from the Germanic name "Henry," meaning "home ruler."
49. **Harrison:** A surname meaning "son of Harry," often referring to a person who inherited a family estate or property.
50. **Harvey:** A surname meaning "warlike" or "brave," derived from the Germanic name "Hereweard," meaning "army guardian."
51. **Hawkins:** A surname meaning "son of Hawk," likely referring to a person who was known for their hunting skills.
52. **Hayes:** A place name meaning "enclosed field" or "hedge."
53. **Henderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Henry," derived from the Germanic name "Henry," meaning "home ruler."
54. **Herman:** A surname meaning "man of the army," derived from the Germanic name "Hermann," meaning "army man."
55. **Hill:** A place name meaning "hill" or "elevated ground."
56. **Hobbs:** A nickname surname meaning "short" or "hobbled," possibly referring to a person's physical appearance.
57. **Hodges:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Hodge," derived from the Old English name "Hod."
58. **Hoffman:** A German surname meaning "court man," often referring to a person who served in a royal court.
59. **Holmes:** A place name meaning "hollow" or "valley," possibly referring to a geographical location.
60. **Howard:** A surname meaning "brave guardian," derived from the Old English name "Hereweard," meaning "army guardian."
61. **Hunter:** An occupational surname for a person who hunts animals.
62. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," derived from the English name "Jack," a shortened form of "John," meaning "God is gracious."
63. **James:** A surname meaning "supplanter" or "he who takes the place of another," derived from the Hebrew name "Yaakov."
64. **Jenkins:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jenkin," derived from the English name "Jenkin," a shortened form of "John."
65. **Jennings:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jenning," derived from the English name "Jenning," a variant of "Jenkin."
66. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "John," meaning "God is gracious."
67. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "John," meaning "God is gracious."
68. **Jordan:** A surname meaning "to descend," referring to the Jordan River or a person who lived near the river.
69. **Kennedy:** A Scottish surname meaning "descendant of the head" or "chief," referring to a person who was a leader or chief.
70. **King:** A surname meaning "ruler," referring to a person who holds a position of power or authority.
71. **Knight:** A surname meaning "mounted warrior," referring to a person who served as a warrior on horseback.
72. **Lewis:** A surname meaning "famous warrior," derived from the French name "Louis," meaning "famous warrior."
73. **Lincoln:** A place name meaning "settlement near a pool," referring to a specific location in England.
74. **Lloyd:** A Welsh surname meaning "grey" or "fair-haired," likely referring to a person's appearance.
75. **Long:** A descriptive surname meaning "tall" or "long," likely referring to a person's physical appearance.
76. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf," possibly referring to a person's strength or courage.
77. **Lucas:** A surname meaning "light" or "bringer of light," derived from the Latin name "Lucas," meaning "light."
78. **Lyons:** A place name meaning "lion" or "den of lions," likely referring to a specific location.
79. **MacDonald:** A Scottish surname meaning "son of Donald," derived from the Gaelic name "Domhnall," meaning "world ruler."
80. **Mackenzie:** A Scottish surname meaning "son of Kenneth," derived from the Gaelic name "Coinneach," meaning "handsome" or "born of fire."
81. **Madison:** A place name meaning "son of Matthew," likely referring to a specific location in England.
82. **Martin:** A surname meaning "warlike" or "brave," derived from the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "warlike."
83. **Matthews:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Matthew," derived from the Hebrew name "Matthew," meaning "gift of God."
84. **Maxwell:** A Scottish surname meaning "great stream," likely referring to a geographical location.
85. **Mayer:** A German surname meaning "mayor" or "chief magistrate," referring to a person who held a position of authority.
86. **McCarthy:** An Irish surname meaning "son of Carthaigh," derived from the Gaelic name "Carthaigh," meaning "lover of love."
87. **McClain:** A Scottish surname meaning "son of MacLellan," derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Lellan," meaning "son of the little wolf."
88. **McDaniel:** A Scottish surname meaning "son of Daniel," derived from the Hebrew name "Daniel," meaning "God is my judge."
89. **McDonald:** A Scottish surname meaning "son of Donald," derived from the Gaelic name "Domhnall," meaning "world ruler."
90. **McGregor:** A Scottish surname meaning "son of Gregor," derived from the Gaelic name "Griogair," meaning "watchful" or "alert."
91. **McGuire:** A Scottish surname meaning "son of Guire," derived from the Gaelic name "Guire," meaning "brave" or "valiant."
92. **McIntosh:** A Scottish surname meaning "son of Angus," derived from the Gaelic name "Aonghas," meaning "one strength."
93. **McKinley:** A Scottish surname meaning "son of Finlay," derived from the Gaelic name "Fionnlaidh," meaning "fair-haired warrior."
94. **McLaughlin:** A Scottish surname meaning "son of Lachlan," derived from the Gaelic name "Lachlan," meaning "land" or "lake."
95. **Miller:** An occupational surname for a person who grinds grain.
96. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Michael," derived from the Hebrew name "Michael," meaning "who is like God."
97. **Moore:** A place name meaning "moor" or "open heathland," likely referring to a geographical location.
98. **Morgan:** A Welsh surname meaning "sea defender," derived from the Welsh name "Morgan," meaning "sea defender."
99. **Murphy:** An Irish surname meaning "sea warrior," derived from the Gaelic name "Murchadh," meaning "sea warrior."
100. **Nelson:** A place name meaning "son of Neil," likely referring to a specific location in England.
101. **Newman:** A surname meaning "new man," often referring to a person who was recently arrived in a new location or who was considered to be a new member of a community.
102. **Nichols:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Nicholas," derived from the Greek name "Nikolaos," meaning "victory of the people."
103. **Nixon:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Nic," derived from the English name "Nic," a shortened form of "Nicholas."
104. **Noble:** A surname meaning "noble" or "of high birth," often referring to a person's social standing.
105. **Norman:** A surname meaning "northman," referring to a person who originated from Scandinavia.
106. **Norton:** A place name meaning "north town," referring to a specific location in England.
107. **Oliver:** A surname meaning "olive tree," derived from the Latin name "Olivarius," meaning "olive tree."
108. **Owen:** A Welsh surname meaning "noble" or "well-born," derived from the Welsh name "Owen," meaning "noble."
109. **Palmer:** An occupational surname for a person who made or sold palm branches.
110. **Parker:** An occupational surname for a person who cared for a park or who worked as a park ranger.
111. **Patterson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Patrick," derived from the Latin name "Patricius," meaning "nobleman."
112. **Payne:** A surname meaning "baker" or "bread maker," derived from the Old French word "pain," meaning "bread."
113. **Pearson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Peter," derived from the Greek name "Petros," meaning "rock."
114. **Perry:** A place name meaning "pear tree" or "place near a pear tree."
115. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Philip," derived from the Greek name "Philippos," meaning "lover of horses."
116. **Pierce:** A surname meaning "piercer" or "stone cutter," possibly referring to a person's occupation.
117. **Powell:** A Welsh surname meaning "son of Howell," derived from the Welsh name "Howell," meaning "whole" or "sound."
118. **Price:** A Welsh surname meaning "son of Rhys," derived from the Welsh name "Rhys," meaning "ardor."
119. **Pruitt:** A surname meaning "prudent" or "wise," likely referring to a person's character or reputation.
120. **Quinn:** An Irish surname meaning "descendant of Conn," derived from the Gaelic name "Conn," meaning "chief" or "leader."
121. **Ramirez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Ramiro," derived from the Germanic name "Ramiro," meaning "famous counsel."
122. **Reed:** A surname meaning "reed" or "reed bed," possibly referring to a geographical location or a person's occupation.
123. **Reeves:** An occupational surname for a person who works as a bailiff or sheriff.
124. **Reynolds:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Reginald," derived from the Germanic name "Reginald," meaning "strong counsel."
125. **Rice:** A surname meaning "rice" or "rice paddy," possibly referring to a geographical location or a person's occupation.
126. **Richardson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Richard," derived from the Germanic name "Richard," meaning "powerful ruler."
127. **Riddle:** A surname meaning "riddle" or "enigma," likely referring to a person's intelligence or a person who was known for their riddles.
128. **Rivera:** A Spanish surname meaning "riverbank" or "place near a river," likely referring to a geographical location.
129. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert," derived from the Germanic name "Robert," meaning "bright fame."
130. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," derived from the English name "Robin," a shortened form of "Robert."
131. **Rodgers:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Roger," derived from the Germanic name "Roger," meaning "famous spear."
132. **Rogers:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Roger," derived from the Germanic name "Roger," meaning "famous spear."
133. **Rose:** A surname meaning "rose" or "rose bush," often associated with beauty and love.
134. **Ross:** A Scottish surname meaning "headland" or "promontory," likely referring to a geographical location.
135. **Russell:** A surname meaning "red-haired," likely referring to a person's hair color.
136. **Ryan:** An Irish surname meaning "little king," derived from the Gaelic name "Ríain," meaning "little king."
137. **Salazar:** A Spanish surname meaning "savior," derived from the Arabic name "Salah," meaning "savior."
138. **Sanders:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alexander," derived from the Greek name "Alexandros," meaning "defender of men."
139. **Santos:** A Spanish surname meaning "saints," often referring to a person's piety or religious devotion.
140. **Savage:** A surname meaning "wild" or "untamed," possibly referring to a person's personality or a person who lived in a wild or untamed area.
141. **Sawyer:** An occupational surname for a person who saws wood.
142. **Schmitt:** A German surname meaning "blacksmith," referring to a person who works with metal.
143. **Scott:** A surname meaning "Scot," referring to a person who originated from Scotland.
144. **Sellers:** An occupational surname for a person who sells goods.
145. **Shaw:** A place name meaning "wood" or "grove," likely referring to a geographical location.
146. **Shepherd:** An occupational surname for a person who cares for sheep.
147. **Simmons:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Simon," derived from the Hebrew name "Simon," meaning "hearing."
148. **Simpson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Simon," derived from the Hebrew name "Simon," meaning "hearing."
149. **Smith:** An occupational surname for a person who works with metal.
150. **Snider:** A surname meaning "tailor" or "seamster," referring to a person who makes clothing.
151. **Snow:** A surname meaning "snow," possibly referring to a person who lived in a snowy region or a person who was born during a snowfall.
152. **Snyder:** A surname meaning "tailor" or "seamster," referring to a person who makes clothing.
153. **Solomon:** A surname meaning "peace," derived from the Hebrew name "Shlomo," meaning "peace."
154. **Spencer:** An occupational surname for a person who worked as a steward or manager.
155. **Stewart:** An occupational surname for a person who worked as a steward or manager.
156. **Stone:** A surname meaning "stone" or "rock," possibly referring to a person's strength or a person who lived near a rocky area.
157. **Strong:** A surname meaning "strong" or "powerful," likely referring to a person's physical strength or their character.
158. **Sullivan:** An Irish surname meaning "black-eyed," derived from the Gaelic name "Suibhne," meaning "black-eyed."
159. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for a person who makes clothes.
160. **Thomas:** A surname meaning "twin," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma," meaning "twin."
161. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma," meaning "twin."
162. **Thornton:** A place name meaning "thorn bush" or "place near a thorn bush."
163. **Todd:** A surname meaning "fox" or "quick-witted," likely referring to a person's personality or a person who was known for their cunning.
164. **Turner:** An occupational surname for a person who works with wood, particularly as a wood turner.
165. **Underwood:** A place name meaning "under the wood" or "place near a forest."
166. **Vargas:** A Spanish surname meaning "truth" or "veracity," often referring to a person's character or reputation.
167. **Vaughn:** A Welsh surname meaning "small" or "young," likely referring to a person's age or stature.
168. **Vega:** A Spanish surname meaning "meadow" or "field," likely referring to a geographical location.
169. **Velazquez:** A Spanish surname meaning "little beard," likely referring to a person's physical appearance.
170. **Velasquez:** A Spanish surname meaning "little beard," likely referring to a person's physical appearance.
171. **Vincent:** A surname meaning "conquering" or "victorious," derived from the Latin name "Vincentius," meaning "conquering."
172. **Walker:** An occupational surname for a person who walks or travels on foot.
173. **Wallace:** A Scottish surname meaning "wealthy" or "prosperous," likely referring to a person's social standing or wealth.
174. **Walter:** A surname meaning "ruler of the army," derived from the Germanic name "Walter," meaning "ruler of the army."
175. **Ward:** A surname meaning "guard" or "protector," likely referring to a person's occupation or social standing.
176. **Warren:** A place name meaning "enclosed park" or "place near an enclosed park."
177. **Washington:** A place name meaning "settlement near a ford," likely referring to a specific location in England.
178. **Watson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Walter," derived from the Germanic name "Walter," meaning "ruler of the army."
179. **Watts:** A surname meaning "watchman" or "guard," likely referring to a person's occupation or social standing.
180. **Weaver:** An occupational surname for a person who weaves cloth.
181. **Webb:** A surname meaning "weaver," referring to a person who weaves cloth.
182. **Wells:** A place name meaning "well" or "spring," likely referring to a geographical location.
183. **West:** A surname meaning "west," referring to a person who lived in a western region or a person who was facing west.
184. **Wheeler:** An occupational surname for a person who makes or repairs wheels.
185. **White:** A surname meaning "white," likely referring to a person's hair color, complexion, or clothing.
186. **Williams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "William," meaning "resolute helmet."
187. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Will," derived from the English name "Will," a shortened form of "William."
188. **Winters:** A place name meaning "winter" or "place near a winter settlement."
189. **Wise:** A surname meaning "wise" or "learned," likely referring to a person's intelligence or knowledge.
190. **Wood:** A surname meaning "wood" or "forest," likely referring to a geographical location or a person who worked with wood.
191. **Wright:** An occupational surname for a person who works with wood or who makes tools or implements.
192. **Young:** A surname meaning "young" or "youthful," likely referring to a person's age.
193. **Zimmerman:** A German surname meaning "carpenter," referring to a person who works with wood.
194. **Zuniga:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Zuniga," derived from the Basque name "Zuniga," meaning "place of the oak trees."