Unique baby names are all the rage, it seems. Whether parents are bringing back old-fashioned baby names or inventing totally new ones, many of them are on the prowl that for one special name that no other child will have. So, why not turn to some standard, classic names that no one else is using? Or at least that no one is using as a first name. It turns out that many traditional and well-known last names actually make really cool, eclectic-sounding first names. Remember Smith Jerrod from Sex and The City? Sure, that wasn't his birth name (his parents cursed him with being named Jerry Jerrod), but it totally should have been because it was effortlessly cool, and it was a name that almost no one else had.
Many people wouldn't think to take a last name and promote it to first name status, but it actually works surprisingly well! Using a last name as a first name offers a certain "cool" factor that some other classic baby names just don't have. Plus, most last names are recognizable enough that spelling and pronunciation won't be an issue. And many last names also have the benefit of being fairly gender-neutral. A last name like Lennon, Parker, or Kennedy could easily work as a first name for a boy or a girl, and all three names are classics but still feel fresh and stylish enough to fit with current baby name trends.
To offer some last-name-turned-first-name inspiration, we've gathered 40 last names of all lengths and styles that would make incredible first names for boy or girl babies. For parents who are expecting, these are the trendy baby names we're almost certain have not yet made it onto the short list. And who knows? At the end of the day, it could be that one of the not-so-popular first names on this list actually ends up being "the one."
LINCOLN
Not only is Lincoln a city in England (and Nebraska!), it's also the name of Kristen Bell's oldest daughter.
ANDERSON
Anderson is contemporary as a first name but has strong roots as a well-known last name. Plus, it can be shortened to Andi or Andy for parents who love nicknames.
HUTTON
Hutton comes from old English and was traditionally a boy's name, though we're kind of loving it for a little girl.
SMITH
As a surname, Smith likely comes from "blacksmith." But as a first name, it definitely sounds like the coolest kid in school.
FINLEY
Quite a few parents have jumped on the Finley bandwagon in recent years, but the name, which means fair-haired warrior, still has yet to achieve "most popular" status.
PENN
Penn Jillette is a trailblazer in more than just magic and entertainment — he's also one of the few to rock this very cool first name.
ADLER
Grace Adler is one of the title characters on Will and Grace, but we're really all about her last name. Adler is chic, gender neutral and one of those names that never goes out of style.
BRADY
We're living for this vintage name that comes from Old English. Despite its long history, Brady has a unique charm that makes it feel ultra-modern.
LENNON
Lennon may get overlooked as the surname of Beatles legened John Lennon, but it's a beautiful name in its own right and perfect for a boy or a girl.
ELLIS
This traditional English last name originally made the jump to first-name status in the 1800s, but in the 2010s, Ellis is still relatively rare.
MONROE
This Gaelic surname, popularized by actress Marilyn Monroe, is so stylish and pretty that we can't believe it's not already a number one baby name.
GRIFFIN
Griffin is a Welsh name that has only recently been used as a first name. Something tells us this one is going to give Grayson a run for its money.
MADIGAN
Madigan is an Irish last name that serves as the perfect alternative to other popular names such as Madison and Madeleine.
WILSON
Wilson has moved back and forth from first name to last name throughout much of history. It might conjure memories of Tom Hanks's beloved ball in Castaway. But don't forget it's also associated with a former US president, Woodrow Wilson.
KENNEDY
The presidential name trend continues with this gender-neutral addition to the list. Kennedy comes from Gaelic and is arguably one of the most well-known last names in the country.
JONES
It doesn't get cooler than Jones. The name sounds at once familiar and utterly original — it's really the best of both worlds.
SAWYER
The name Sawyer has successfully made the jump from being the last name of one famous Tom to being a trendy name choice for girls and boys alike.
DUNCAN
Duncan is a last-name-turned-first-name that many parents forget about. That works to parents' advantage if they're looking for a gem that's still under the radar.
ARDEN
In Shakespeare, the Forest of Arden is synonymous with love and beauty. In real life, the name is ultra-feminine and whimsical without being too dainty.
SULLIVAN
It's hard to believe that Sullivan hasn't taken over the baby name world yet, especially since actor Patrick Dempsey chose it for one of his twin sons.
BAILEY
It's believed that Bailey comes from the French word for "bail officer," but don't let that sour any impressions of this sweet and simple name choice.
CARTER
Carter has been a surname since the Middle Ages, but in the 2010s it's making a new identity for itself as an adorable first name for any kid.
HARPER
Harper is one of the most popular names on this list, and for good reason. The name, meaning harp, is a favorite of celebrities and regular parents alike.
DAVIS
Bette, Miles — the name Davis has some seriously cool associations, and rocking it as a first names gives kids the chance to make it all their own.
BELLAMY
The name Bellamy comes from French and means "beautiful friend." Does it get any sweeter?
WALKER
There's just something about Walker. The English name has been around for hundreds of years, but it has a hipster vibe that makes it so 2010s.
SUTTON
Sutton is a charming name that has yet to take flight. It's never made it onto the list of top 1,000 US baby names.
WEST
Move over, Kim and Kanye. Other parents can choose directional names too, and West is the perfect update to old school names such as Wes, Wesley, and Weston.
CAREY
Lots of people choose the name Mariah. Why not opt for Carey instead? It's a unique spelling that gives a classic name an update.
DAWSON
This name has 90s vibes via Dawson's Creek, but it still sounds strikingly unique and charming.
HENDRIX
Hendrix is actually derived from Henri, which is another trendy name. And the association with a certain famous Jimi makes it extra cool.
PARKER
Parker Posey is one of the more famous ladies to rock this cool name. Although the name Parker has been used for boys for a while, it still has a lot of room for growth as a girl name.
LANGFORD
Langford is one of those last names that hasn't quite made the jump to being a first name, but why not? It's got a dignified, stately vibe that's perfect for a future president or supreme court justice.
TAYLOR
Taylor may be the ultimate first name to come from a last name, thanks to Taylor Swift. But its famous association doesn't make it any less adorable.
CRAWFORD
Chase Crawford may be a famous actor, but his last name? Not so famous — yet, that is.
MCKINLEY
McKinley, like former president William McKinley, is a surprisingly adorable name that fits right in with the Mckenzies and McKennas of the world.
NASH
Nash inspires images of Nashville, Tennessee, and musician Graham Nash. It has a cool, almost Southern vibe that's perfect for a baby boy.
PARSON
Parson is an old school word for priest, but it's also an adorable alternative to names such as Carson.
KNOX
Knox is one of the Jolie-Pitt kids. It's also a strikingly unique and adorable name that's perfect for any little guy.
CAMPBELL
The name Campbell sounds stately and traditional as a last name, but moving it to being a first name gives it a total makeover that leaves it sounding hip and stylish.
