Author: NameDat Peep

As we go through life, we meet an endless number of people and learn thousands of different names. We get so used to hearing certain names over and over, but we don’t often stop to think about what they actually mean or sound like. 

Celebrities have become famous for naming their children odd names that sound like something else, like Apple (Gwyneth Paltrow), Blue Ivy (Beyonce and Jay Z), and Sunday (Mike Myers). But even some familiar names that we can have extra meanings or connotations. 

7 Common Names that Sound Like Other Things

The Social Security Administration of the US government created a list of the 100 most common names over 100 years, from 1919 to 2018. Among those are several names that also sound like something else. Check them out below, along with a few other top picks. 

1. Chuck

Chuck is often a nickname for Charles, which is the 10th most common male name on the list. Chuck began to be given as a first name in place of Charles, however, in the 20th century. Chuck Berry, for example, is known as one of the pioneers of rock music and was born in 1926.

Chuck also means “to throw away,” and so if you think carefully about it, the name is reminiscent of something being tossed or hurled. 

2. Mark

16th on the list of most common male names is Mark, with 1,345,366 people having that name. Mark originally comes from the name Marcus, which is most probably derived from the Latin god Mars. Saint Mark from the bible inspired the propagation of this name even further.

However, the word “mark” has several definitions, including “to create a distinction” and “a written or printed symbol.” It can sound like something you put on a piece of paper, like when a teacher writes “marks” on an exam. 

3. Christian

This has become quite a popular name in recent years and is number 71 on the list, at 419,307 people. The name, of course, comes from “Christ” and basically just means someone who is a Christian. However, we often forget that it technically sounds like it is referring to the religion of Christianity. 

4. Amber

Amber is number 89 on the list of most common female names. Almost 370,000 people have had this name. Interestingly, this name became very popular after the release of Kathleen Winsor’s novel, Forever Amber. 

Although we may not think twice when we hear this as a name, amber is actually a type of gemstone formed from the resin of fossils. It might also remind you of the color amber, which has a yellowish-orange hue. Others might even think of the movie Jurassic Park, where scientists recreated dinosaurs from the DNA preserved in amber from millions of years ago. 

5. Rose

This name is the 93rd most common female name, with 357,944 people having the name. Rose is, of course, the name of a flower, and therefore sounds like the blossoms given often given in the name of love. Many other flower names have also become exceedingly popular over the years, including Lily, Petunia, Violet, Daisy, Jasmine, Iris, and Pansy.

When hearing the name Rose, movie buffs might also be reminded of the famous character from the movie Titanic. 

6. Angel 

This name is not included on the list of the 100 most common names. However, it is still a somewhat common name in many cultures around the world. 

The name Angel originally derives from the masculine Latin name of medieval times: Angelus. It has since been used more often as a feminine name. Obviously, it sounds like the mystical and heavenly creature we know from religious and spiritual beliefs. The Latin name was adapted from the Greek word, Angelos, meaning “messenger.” 

7. Belle

Just like Angel, this name is also not on the list of 100 most common names, but it’s well known, especially after the huge rise in popularity of the Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast. 

Belle is used as a female name. And believe it or not, many people don’t realize it actually means “beautiful” in French. It is also a short form of the name Isabella or Isabel. Another close name that was later created is Maybelle (sometimes spelled Mabel). 

It’s fascinating to stop and think about what a name really sounds like or means. We tend to ignore the special attributes of first names we’re accustomed to, so it’s fun to take a closer look at what else these names could mean! 

Did you know that there are many common first names derived from natural products? Yes, the world’s natural resources are potential first names that you probably wouldn’t even think to consider. But like the natural world itself, the names are beautiful.              

1. Barack

The first name of the charismatic 44th President of the US, which he owes to his Kenyan father, refers to a famous Hungarian apricot brandy as well. No, don’t ask whether Barack takes a little brandy in the backyard!

2. Jasmine

You might easily associate Jasmine with Aladdin’s famous Princess Jasmine. However, Jasmine refers to a beautiful Persian flower. It also is a popular spice.

3. Tamarind

The beautiful girl’s name, Tamarind, refers to a sweet-sour fruit. In Arabic, Tamarind translates into “date from India.” If you suspect that little baby girl is destined to travel the world, name her Tamarind!

4. Brie

Brie is the name of a well-known French cheese-manufacturing region (and who doesn’t love cheese?). This name may also be spelled as “Bree” or “Brielle.”

5. Amandine

The name Amandine may be uncommon in North America, but it’s a French version of Amanda, the more familiar name. Notably, Amandine means “what is garnished or prepared with almonds.”

6. Kobe

Also the name of the famous late US basketball star Kobe Bryant, the name Kobe refers to a Japanese steakhouse. It also means “supplanter” in Hebrew.

7. Saffron

When you first hear the name Saffron, you may probably think about Saffron Burrows, the renowned British actress and star of “Mozart in the Jungle.” Saffron is currently listed as #714 on the Nameberry product list and is a vibrant seasoning and coloring agent from the saffron crocus flower.

8. Peaches

Not only is it the name of a fruit, but Peaches is also an adorable name popularized by Peaches Geldof, the late British model and TV personality. 

9. Daisy

At first, Daisy was considered primarily as “Margaret’s nickname.” The name Daisy refers to a peculiar edible flower that tastes great when served with salad.

10. Basil

You probably love to use the ordinary basil product with salads, pizzas, and pasta. Yes, it does well with a delicious taste on virtually everything. A typical boy’s name, Basil, actually means “brave and royal.” It is also the name of a revered saint in the Orthodox Christian church, St. Basil the Great.

11. Juniper

The sweet name Juniper can be bestowed on both boys and girls. It is also the berry that gives gin its special, piney flavor.

12. Barlett

Barlett is a name that refers to a specific variety of pear. Its other meaning is “son of the earth.” Interesting, isn’t it?

13. Ginger

Ginger may be one of the Spice Girls, but it is also a much-respected flower cultivated for its root. The flavor is popular in Asian cuisine and as a medicinal solution to many common ailments like sore throat and upset stomach.

14. Rosemary

The ever-popular Rosemary refers to a beautifully scented herb. So, fitting, you must think. Rosemary may well be contrasted with Dijon, a spicy, sweet name usually reserved for a boy. Of course, Dijon is a French capital city. Significantly, the city is renowned for its high-quality mustard and wine products.

15. Kale

Hearing Kale, you are likely reminded about the typical leafy green that we all love. Well, Kale is also a popular boys’ name. The name became increasingly popular in the US after 2008 when Shia Baleouf acted as Kale Brecht in Disturbia, a blockbuster movie. By 2014 the name ranked #972 on the baby name database.  

16. Harissa

Harissa is a North African spicy staple delicacy that goes well with chili pepper. As you must know, Harissa is also a pretty girlie name.

17. Clove

Clove is a popular boys’ name, which is mostly inspired by spice. You may alternatively use “Clovis” instead of Clove.

18. Charlotte

The name Charlotte is not just a powerful French name, but also a ladyfingers dessert. 

19. Angelica

Angelica is not only a beautiful girl’s name, but it is also a wild celery plant. You’re better off referring to this herb as Angelica, too, because you may not want to use its alternative: Masterwort.

20. Sherry

Sherry is a popular alcoholic beverage made from white grapes and fortified with Brandy (another product-based name!). The name Sherry became popular as a girl’s name in the 1960s.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a unique name for your child that isn’t farfetched or over the top, just look to what the world gives us. You’ll find plenty of inspiration in the herbs and products we use every day.

First names come and go in popularity, and it is always interesting to see how trends change with time. Names that were common ten years ago are often nowhere to be seen today. Go back 50 years, and some may be making a comeback. It can be equally interesting to compare national trends against regional trends. What is popular nationally may not always be reflected regionally—eyes towards the American Midwest.

Since the Social Security Administration is holding back the announcement of the most popular names for 2019, we went a year back and checked out 2018 instead. How does the American Midwest’s list compare? Pretty closely.

The Top Names for Girls in the Midwest 

For the entire United States, the top five most popular names for girls in 2018 were: Emma, Olivia, Ava, Isabella, and Sophia. With the exception of Isabella and Sophia, the top five most common names for girls in the midwest are the same.

Emma

Germanic for “whole” or “universal.” It was initially popular in the 1880s but then fell out of favor. A century later, it steadily started to climb the ranks again. 

Olivia

How cute! This name, which only found true popularity in the second half of the 20th century, means “olive.”

Charlotte

The feminine form of Charles, the French name means “petite” or “free-man.” It also refers to a delicious French dessert!

Harper

In Old English fashion, this name describes what the person would have done. It refers to someone who plays the harp or makes harps.

Ava

Depending on which meaning you’d like to choose, Ava in Persian means “voice” or “sound.” In English, it is a version of Eve. In Germanic, the meaning is a bit unknown, but is most likely “desired.”

Honorable mentions: Amelia, Sophia, Evelyn.

The Top Names for Boys in the Midwest

In the United States, the top five most popular names for boys in 2018 were: Liam, Noah, William, James, and Oliver. The Midwest hits every name on this list, just not in the same order.

Oliver

Like Olivia, Oliver refers to an “olive tree.” However, Oliver was consistently much more popular throughout history and culture. Iterations of the name are found in Norman French, Old Norse, Germanic, and English.

Liam

An Irish name short for William, it first started gaining popularity in the 1980s.

William

This Germanic name literally translates to “will helmet.” It has been one of the most common names in the United States for over a century.

Henry

Another strong German name meaning “home ruler.”

Noah

The Hebrew name means “rest” and “repose.” The story of Noah and the Ark is one of the most well-known stories of the Old Testament.

Honorable mentions: Logan, Benjamin, Mason.

How Do These Names Rank at the State Level?

If we dive even further into these names, you’ll see that not every state in the midwest would agree with the overall regional ranking.

Girl Names by State

At a state level, Emma was number one in Indiana but finished second in Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Olivia was first in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, and North Dakota. The name came in second in Indiana and Minnesota. 

Emma and Olivia did not win the “race” ultimately, however. The number one name in Iowa and South Dakota was Harper, with Evelyn being the most popular in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Ohio completely bucked the trend by choosing Ava as the most popular girl’s name.

Coming in at number three is Charlotte, followed by Harper and Ava.

Boy Names by State

Oliver was first in Indiana, Iowa, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, and came in second in Kansas, Michigan. Minnesota, and Missouri.

Hard on Oliver’s heels and coming in at number two is Liam. Liam came in first in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Ohio, and second in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

Third place went to William, with Henry and Noah coming in at numbers four and five, respectively.

At a state level, Illinois chose Noah as number one, Minnesota chose Henry, and South Dakota chose Grayson. Sorry, Grayson, you weren’t picked enough to make it on the top five list.

Wrapping Up

Don’t let a common name stop you from naming your child! If you love a name, use it. It’s popular for a reason. The Midwest is pretty big, and yes, you will run into other Olivias or Liams, but at least you’ll know that they have a great name, too. 

Did you know there are about 45,000 surnames or last names used in England? Each of these surnames comes with its own special history. Like many others, you might be wondering if last names have always been important. And how did surnames change over time?

If you want to get to know their history, let’s take the time to find out.

We Must Study Credible Sources to Understand the Origin of Last Names

Generally, last names are known to evolve from almost endless sources. These include physical attributes, heraldic charges, trades, counties, and other objects. 

To search for a family tree, we need to study credible lists of specific names. This is the only way to recognize our ancestors, if and when we stumble upon them.

The Origin of English and British Last Names 

Notably, before the Normans conquered Britain, there were no identifiable surnames as we understand them today. Everyone was known by their given name, occupations, or nicknames. Some families and individuals either changed names or took up an alias at some point. 

When communities were smaller, it was easy to identify everyone by a single personal name. Things changed as the population increased; it became necessary to identify people by a second or last name. 

This brought about some of the more “interesting” names. Some of these included William from Sutton, Roger son of Edward, and William the Short. As time passed, many of these names were gradually corrupted. Their original meaning today is unclear.

Norman Invaders Introduced Last Names to England in the 11th Century

Experts think that surnames were initially introduced in England by Norman barons post-1066 AD. Soon, the trend spread to other areas. At first, people could change or drop their surnames as they wished. 

Afterward, the names stuck and could even be passed on to others. In time, people developed permanent surnames like Green and Pickering, Fletcher and Smith or Wilkins, and Johnson. By 1400 most families in England and Scotland were using hereditary surnames.

After the Norman invasion, most personal names of the early Celtics and Saxons disappeared altogether. Yes, names like Oswin, Oswald, and Oslaf quickly vanished with the Norman invasion. Soon after, it was neither sensible nor fashionable to carry these names; they were no longer passed on.

The Union of England and Wales in the 16th Century Promoted Last Names 

After 1400 new surnames were formed while immigrants brought in some. Notably, many Highland Scottish, Welsh, and Irish names originated from Gaelic sources. The integration of these surnames became complete after the union of England and Wales in 1536.

Some families and individuals have taken up an alias or changed their names altogether. While some have done this on a whim, others acted due to legal considerations. This drives home the point that, even though the study of surnames is crucial in genealogical research, there’s a possibility that the importance of these names might be overrated.

Countries, Estates, Towns, and Landscape Features Gave Rise to Last Names

Mot surnames and local names in various countries are derived from specific sources. These include the names of a country (consider the Moore (Morocco), Beamish (Bohemian), and the Lubbock (Lubeck). 

Estates and towns also contributed significantly, like Bristowe (Bristol) and Vyse ( Devizes), as did features of the landscape (hills, streams, or woods). Consider names like Woods, Woodman, Greenwood, Woodruffe, Attwood and Woodcutter.

Some names may have been given to migrants who left certain places in the surname formation period. These include names like Berkley, Bedford, and Pickering. Alternatively, such names reflect the identities of landowners who likely hosted the migrants. Others got their last names from a hamlet or farm. Devon and Pennines are classic examples.

Trees were not left behind in inspiring last names either. Think about Leaf, Root, Bark, Stock, and Curzon — all these refer to a stem. Others include Oakham, Oakley, Ockham, and Noakes, which refer to an oak tree.

Last Names Evolved From Nicknames, Occupational, and Baptismal Names

It’s no wonder that occupations contributed to last names evolving in society as well. Consider surnames like Taylor, Cook, Smith, Wright, and Turner. Others include Brewer, Goldsmith, Potman, Fiddler, Baker, Piper, Hornblower, Bellringer, and Bannister or Bathkeeper.

And we can’t forget about some of the unique nicknames that gradually developed into surnames. These included Nice, Pappilon (meaning inconsistent or dainty), and Foljambe (meaning deformed leg), Smallman, Slowman, Blunt, and Fairsex.

Some last names came from Baptismal names, especially in places like England. Some of these are Williamson or William, Littlejohn, and Brownjohn.

Conclusion

The history of the surnames in various countries in the world makes for an interesting study. In many places, the development of last names derived from countries, towns, hamlets, rivers, trees, nicknames, occupations, and baptismal names. You just need access to some comprehensive and credible sources of genealogy to unlock the mystery.

Have you ever tried to trace your own surname’s history? Rise to the challenge and begin an exciting journey of self-discovery.

Commonly mispronounced names have been at the heart of seemingly harmless jokes for decades. But could mispronouncing last names have an even greater effect on the person than we realize?

How Mispronouncing Last Names Affects Us 

Recently, I stumbled on an article written by Ruchika Tulshyan about how her colleagues’ struggle to say her name was negatively affecting her not only her psychologically, but also in her career. 

Ruchika admitted she suffered losing out on job opportunities due to her name. Specifically, a hiring manager decided not to call her back for an interview and attributed that her name is one of the determining factors. Her experience coincides with a study showing that white sounding-names were about 25-30% more likely to get an interview callback for a job.   

And then there’s Arvind Narayana, a computer science professor from Princeton University. He shared a story on Twitter about how his difficultly-pronounced name also stands in the way of his job’s progression. 

Arvind stated that even with all of his achievements, people still hardly knew who he is due to the easily forgettable name. He needed to run some extra miles in order to get people to acknowledge him.

Being super active on Twitter and writing a somewhat popular blog are some of the things he did to bolster outreach. He continued to do this despite the negative feedback that an online presence could have on his career field.

But to Narayana, it’s something that he has to do to make sure that people know he “exists.” 

Mispronouncing Last Names Influences Children Too

This problem isn’t only prevalent in the workplace environment. It happens in schools as well, according to a study called “Teachers, please learn our names!: racial microaggressions and the K-12 classroom.” 

The study claimed that names mispronunciation by teachers against their students—especially minorities—can possibly harm the perceptions of a child toward him/herself and the world. Calling it microaggressions might be a stretch, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that this seemingly trivial problem will, more than possibly, provide lasting impacts on the child’s well-being. 

Correctly pronouncing people’s names—whether it’s their first or last name—is so important to promote inclusiveness and a sense of belonging. 

We can minimize these detrimental effects by learning how to spell people’s names correctly, starting with the more common ones. 

List of Some British and American Last Names Pronunciation 

Unfortunately, the spelling in the English language is less consistent compared to other languages around the world. Just the letter “c” has different sounds depending on the word, like /k/ for “car,”/c/ for “check,” and /s/ for “city.”  

For that reason, these name pronunciations—some of which you thought you’ve figured out—might surprise you.

1. John Dowland, doh-lund (or dow-lund) 
2. Cathy Berberian,  ber-be-ree-an (English) 
3. Frederick Delius, deh-lee-us 
4. Henry Purcell, purr-sell (stress the “purr”) 
5. Roger Goeb, gayb 
6. Leon Kirchner, kirch-ner (English) 
7. Monica Huggett, hug-gett 
8. George Antheil, ann-tile 
9. Nathan Milstein, mils-tein (English) 
10. Leonard Bernstein, berns-tein (similar to “pine”) 
11. William Schuman, shoo-mn (English) 
12. Gunther Schuller, shoo-ler (English) 
13. Ivan Tcherepnin, tcher-rep-nin 
14. Lennox Berkeley, ber-ke-lee 
15. Alan Hovhaness, hoh-vahn-ness 
16. Frederic Rzewski, zheff-skee (Polish & English) 
17. Bryn Terfel, brinn tehr-vl (Welsh) 
18. Ralph Vaughan Williams, ralph vawn wil-lee-ams 
19. Sir Adrian Boult, ay-dree-en bolt 
20. Maria Jette, jet-ee 
21. Gil Shaham, geehl sha-hahm (Hebrew & English) 
22. Jan Degaetani, dih-giy-uh-tah-nee 
23. Gervase de Payer, jehr-vayz de pay-er 
24. Richard Bonynge, bahn-eeng (British) 
25. Ellen Taafe Zwilich, tayf zwil-ik 
26. George Rochberg, rawch-bug 
27. Raymond Leppard, leh-pard  
28. Peter Schikele, shi-kul-lee 
29. Kathleen Ferrier, feh-ree-uh 
30. David del Tredici, treh-dih-chee 
31. Vincent Persichetti, per-see-chet-tee 
32. James Levine, le-vine 
33. Claus Adam, ah-dam 
34. Gustav Leonhardt, lay-on-hart (English) 
35. Emmy Loose, loh-zuh 
36. Niels Gade, neelz gah-thuh (as in “the”) 
37. Emil Gilels, eh-meel gee-lehls 

The list of names above is only a small part of what is possibly be hundreds or even thousands of name variations you’ll encounter. Truth be told, there isn’t any surefire method for anyone to sound out a name with 100% accuracy. Frankly, it’s pretty impossible. 

Dealing with a Difficult Last Name

• When the person introduces him/herself, ask him/her to pronounce it, and actively listen. 
• If you still struggle to remember the correct pronunciation, take advantage of websites that can help you pronounce names such as nameshouts.com and hearnames.com. 

• Once you’re able to pronounce your name, don’t continue to bring up how tough it is. It might only make the person feel uneasy. 
• If you’ve known the person for quite a while and realized you’ve been mispronouncing their last name this whole time, apologize and ask them to teach you how to say it correctly. 

It’s not just about sounding “good” — learning to pronounce last names correctly is a sign of goodwill. It might take time and effort. But it will show other people that you truly want to respect them and help them feel comfortable. 

Every now and then, we hear about people who have names that are only best described as bizarre. Some of those names are so odd that you can’t even believe they’re real, but trust us, they definitely are. If you thought Frank Zappa’s kids found themselves in an interesting name situation — Moon Unit and Dweezil — check out the other names on this list.

25. Cricket

Busy Philipps, a well-known actress, and her husband Marc Silverstein named their second daughter Cricket. After they named their first daughter Birdie, maybe we should’ve seen that coming. But still, we never would have guessed that they’d pick the name of an insect. 

24. Awesome

This name was originally registered in Scotland. Maybe the parents are hoping the kid will grow up to fulfill his or her namesake?

23. Denim

This one would actually have a nice sound to it if it weren’t for the meaning attached to the word. Denim will, of course, always refer to the material that jeans are made of. None of this bothered Toni Braxton when she named her son this, though. 

22. Huckleberry

Bear Grylls, British adventurer famous for “Man vs. Wild,” named his son Huckleberry. His first son is named Marmaduke. 

21. Fanta

In 2017, there were 24 girls with this name. Other popular brands that ended up first names include Tesla, Evian, and Maybelline.

20. Halo

This name is given more often to girls, but many boys have it as well. Perhaps it’s not so different than the slightly more conventional “Heaven,” “Trinity,” “Angel,” and more. 

19. Pharaoh

In 2017, 145 boys had this name. It’s a creative way to name your child something “kingly.”

18. Moroccan 

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon named their son this. He also has a twin sister named Monroe. 

17. Puma

The singer-songwriter Erykah Badu, who has a common name but spelled in a unique way, named her daughter Puma. Maybe she wanted to bestow her child with a strong and fierce name. At least it wasn’t Cougar. 

16. Darth

Although this name might remind you of the famous character from Star Wars, it was actually a given name far before the movies ever came out — in the 1920s! Though still nowhere near popular, at least ten girls had this name back then. 

15. Sunday

Country star Keith Urban and celebrity wife Nicole Kidman named their daughter Sunday. We already had the name Wednesday (made popular by The Addams Family), so why not other days of the week? Funny enough, Mike Myers also has a daughter named Sunday. 

14. Lemon

Can you believe that at least 25 girls had this as a first name in 2017? It seems an odd choice if you’re going to pick a food. 

13. Envy

This name is especially strange, as you wouldn’t expect parents to use a word known as one of the Seven Deadly Sins.

12. Apple

Another fruit name like Lemon, Gwyneth Paltrow, famously named her daughter this in 2004. Though, it’s kind of cute if you think about it. 

11. Audio

American Actress Shannyn Sossamon gave her son this name. Even odder: his middle name is Science. 

10. Java

While this has a cool sound, the word “java” will probably always be reminiscent of coffee. Josh Holloway named his daughter this.

9. Eureka

Perhaps the parents of these children wanted to feel like they had created an astounding science experiment. 

8. Capone

We’re not sure who would want to name their child after a famous gangster who had about 400 people murdered, but evidently, there are some out there. 

7. Calcifer

This sounds like a cross between “Lucifer” and “Calcium.” 

6. Zorawar

We don’t even know where to start with this one. 

5. Moo

Yep… that’s right. Like the sound a cow makes. And it’s totally real. 

4. Beowulf

This is a name from mythology, but it is just so odd that anyone would pick this for their child. 

3. Moon Unit

Frank Zappa, a famous music artist, gave this name to his daughter in 1967. It made headlines because it was so bizarre. Moon Unit is now an actress. 

2. ABCDE

Yep, you read that correctly. Can you believe there were over 300 girls with this name in the 1990s? The pronunciation is usually “ab-si-dee.”

And finally, last but not least, the most bizarre of them all:

1. X Æ A-12

This name, given to Elon Musk and his partner Grimes’ baby born in May, is so insanely bizarre it’s impossible even to know how to pronounce it without some guidance. Looking more like a name for a high-tech futuristic robot, the pronunciation is supposed to be “ex-ash-ay-twelve.” 

In most countries, people’s names consist of both their first and last names. The first name is usually the given name, while the last name expresses the family name, although the order is reversed in some countries and cultures. Unlike the first name, however, your last name can potentially tell you a story about your ancestors.

In fact, your last name could explain the occupation, physical characteristics, or even the geographical features of your forefathers’ hometown. For instance, some English names like Baker, Brewer, and Clarke allude to—bakers, brewers, and clerks. Other surnames like Wood and Hill give us a little bit of information about the location of where the ancestors used to live.

Some of the world’s most-used surnames are so famous that you might be familiar with them, even if they came from a different part of the planet.

Johnson, one of the most frequent surnames in America

Johnson is a family name that originated from the UK. Johnson means “the son of John.” Going by the same rule, there are also other variations in Europe, including Carlson (the son of Carl) and Hansen (the son of Hans), which came from the Scandinavian subregion.

This type of surname is often called a baptismal name, as the child would be bestowed with these last names when they were baptized at a church. It’s not until the 18th century that the practice of giving children baptismal names was getting more common. Baptismal names are given as the need to differentiate people was becoming more necessary thanks to the community’s growing population.

As for the name “John” itself, it can be traced back to its use in the Tanakh or Hebrew Bible. The root word is “Yôḥānān” or in its longer form “Yəhôḥānān,” meaning “YHWH (Yahweh) has been gracious.” “John” as a name got more popular in Europe as religious figures like “John the Baptist” and “John the Evangelist” became more prominent.

In the US, Johnson is the second most common surname, according to the 2010 census. The 5th name on the list, Jones, is simply a variation of John. As for the most common one, it’s Smith, which we’ll discuss next.

Smith, once among the most well-respected family names in the middle ages

Smith is simply another example of a name that is occupational, or comes from one’s ancestor’s profession in the past. In this case, if your last name is Smith, it’s virtually guaranteed that one of your fore-parents worked as a blacksmith, making weapons as well as selling tools.

The Smith family had an exceptional place in society during the medieval period. Among their works, blacksmiths had a special responsibility to create swords, spears, or any other form of battle equipment for their own kingdom’s knights. Due to this privilege, Smith was considered a prideful family.

As a side note, Smith is derived from the word ‘smite,’ a synonym for ‘hit,’ ‘smack,’ or ‘beat.’

Kim, the most common Korean family name

Kim is arguably one of the most common names in Korea. Not just in its homeland, Kim is also quite popular in the US, ranked at 77, according to the same census mentioned before. This is the case as the Korean-American citizens make up a considerable part of the diverse American population.

You might have also heard the name “Kim” from other sources. Fans of K-Pop are likely more familiar with the name. Well, we can expect that some of your music favorite ‘idols’ bear the surname Kim too.

The current Supreme Leader of North Korea and his predecessors, Kim Jong-un, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Il-sung, are other examples. Three of them are blood-related and come from the ruling Kim family.

Kim was the name of the family that ruled over Silla, a kingdom of the Korean Peninsula that unified most of the Korean land in 668. This is why Kim become a common name. The word ‘Kim’ can also be transliterated as ‘geum’ for “gold.”

Nguyen, a surname used by about 35% of Vietnamese

Nguyen is another foreign name that is also quite widespread in America, sitting at 38th for the most prevalent last name in the country. Even if Nguyen is used by most Vietnamese, surprisingly, the concept of surname or family name is a relatively new thing for the Vietnamese culture, or at least it’s not something that is considered important by them.

The tradition of family names appeared only during China’s occupation of Vietnam. Basically, Nguyen is a mispronunciation of Ruan, a common Chinese surname. Back then, Chinese imperialists used their own surname—one of which is “Ruan”—to identify people under their own surveillance. This makes it easier to keep a tax record of them.

Somewhere along the way, Nguyen became the most widespread name in the country.

What’s In a Name?

It’s amazing how names are not only an integral part of someone’s identity but can also illuminate the history of one’s heritage. How about you? Do you know the story of your last name?

Some of the most fascinating baby names are gender-neutral. Rather than identifying whether you’re male or female, they focus on meaning and telling a story. Names are fascinating and can be a personality-defining part of your child’s life, not to mention that gender-bending names is a huge trend right now. 

So here are some truly unique names that are totally gender-neutral. Now you can pick a name before you get to the hospital, even if you’re keeping the baby’s gender a surprise. 

40 Uncommon Baby Names for For Boys and Girls

1. Alva: It means brightness in Hebrew. It has Scandinavian and Norse origins.    
2. Avignon: It’s a great French name, and it’s actually a town in Southeastern France.
3. Aubrey: It sounds a bit effeminate, but it has gained traction as a boy’s name too. It means a person with magical powers.
4. Brooks: It means a creek or a stream of water. It can also be short for Brooklyn. It has both Swedish and English roots.
5. Brayden: It’s an old English surname that means a broad valley. You can also interchange the “y” with an “i.”
6. Cassidy: It has an Irish origin, and it means clever. It was modified from the surname “Caiside.”
7. Corin: Traditionally, a boy’s name, but it’s a great gender-neutral name. It’s a Latin name for spear.   
8. Domenique: It has French and Latin roots and means lord. You can also replace the first “e” for an “i.”
9. Derry: It means oak grove, and it’s actually derived from the old Irish word “Daire.” It’s also a city in Ireland.
10. Elixen: This exotic name is derived from the word Elixir, which means a magical liquid.
11. Essery: It means a cart maker, and it is derived from the German name “Esser.”
12. Ennis: This name has Gaelic roots, and it means Island. You can also drop the “i” and replace it with “e.”
13. Finney: It means a heap of wood. The name comes from the place located in Cheshire.
14. Florian: This name has Latin origins, and it comes from the word Florus which means yellow.
15. Gizeh: It’s a great unisex name with an Arabic origin. It means shaped stone, and also, it’s the name of an ancient city in Egypt.  
16. Hyeon: This name is actually Korean, and it’s a play on the name “Hyun.” It gives it a more western appeal. It means virtuous or worthy.
17. Hilliard: The name was used for boys, but now it’s more gender-neutral. It has English origins, and it means battle guard. You can also drop the “i” on either side and replace it with a “y.”
18. Jaspreet: This is a great Indian name that both men and women carry. It means someone who praises the Lord.
19. Jourdain: This is a nice French unisex name that means flowing down. Alternative spelling would be “Jourdayn” or “Jordain.”    
20. Kieran: This name is interesting because a sixth-century saint had this name. It has Irish roots, and it means dark or black.
21. Kamber: It has German roots, and it’s named after an old occupation called comb making. Another variation is Kymber.
22. Lux: This name is Greek, and it means light. It also comes from the word “luz,” which is Spanish and has the same meaning.
23. Louvain: This unusual name is actually the name of a city located in Belgium. “Leuven” is the alternative version, but also a great name.
24. Marquette: This name is French, so it sounds very rich and exquisite. It means one who owns land.
25. Madan: This name originates from India, and it means God of love. An alternative spelling is Madaan.
26. Misha: In Russia, it is used as a man’s name, but it works well as a unisex name. It means gift from God.
27. Rami: This is an Arabic name, and it means someone who is good marksmen. Another variation would be “Ramie” or “Ramy.”
28. River: This is a name that is reminiscent of nature. It means a body of water and is a great unisex name.  
29. Sydney: It means big island, and it has English roots. It’s also a city in Australia. The first “y” can be replaced with “i” for an alternative spelling.
30. Sabriel: It has English origins, and it means God’s hero.
31. Tyme: This is an alternative spelling of “time.” You can add “h” to make it “Thyme” like the herb.
32. Trinity: It has Latin and Spanish roots, and it means threefold or triad.
33. Tristan: It means bold, and it has Celtic and Welsh roots.
34. Voss: It means fox in German. Usually a boy’s name, but it’s a great unisex fit.
35. Yarden: It means Jordan in Hebrew, but the name is unisex.
36. Yancy: Nancy with the “n” removed for “y,” which makes it unisex.
37. Yonah: It comes from the Hebrew word “Yonina,” which means dove.
38. Zene: It has originated from Africa, and it means beautiful or gorgeous.
39. Zajac: This name is Polish, and it means rabbit.
40. Zayn: This is an Arabic name, and it means beautiful. An alternative spelling is “Zyn.”

What’s in a name? Everything from personality to potential. Some last names like Jones, Smith, and Williams have persevered over time and are still holding the frontline. Meanwhile, others have gradually begun to lose their vitality. These names are now threatening to fade into the background.

Some names are so common that if you walked into a crowded theater anywhere in the world and yell, “John!” A few heads are bound to turn towards you. Yet there are some last names that you may fail to find more than 5 people bearing it in a city of over 500,000 people.

List of Rare Last Names and Their Meaning

But there is a big difference between a less common name and a truly rare one. Check out this list of the 15 rarest last names in the world.

1. Fernsby

This is an English name that originated in the earliest century but seemed to have lost most of its vitality over the years. The name means a house or location near a fern. A fern is a plant that has no flowers and is currently very popular in West Africa.

2. Villin or Villan

As you may have already guessed, this name is the old English word for what we have as a villain today. People used to refer to aggressive untrustworthy people this way, and the name stuck.

3. MacQuoid

Most names that start with Mac are of Scottish origin, and so it is assumed that MacQuoid must be from Scotland as well. There are just two recorded people living in England with this last name. The name means obscure. Unlike names like MacDonald, MacPherson, this particular last name is very difficult to come by.

4. Culpepper

Around the time people started referring to William, who was a blacksmith, as William Smith was the same time people started calling Sabrina, who was a herbalist, Sabrina Culpeper. Although the name means someone who plucks herbs, it also could mean a false prophet. This is understandable as people used to worship some of the herbalists back then.

5. Tumbler

You may have seen and heard of glass tumblers, those tall glass cups, but this word was used to describe acrobats whose main stunt involved tumbling. The word was derived from the English term, tombere, which means a dancer. Now, most people that bear that surname are in Scotland.

6. Birdwhistle

Birdwhistle is a name so rare that, currently, less than 10 people in the world have it as a surname. Do you know any Birdwhistles? The name is made up of two distinct English words bird and whistle. It is related to some lost medieval villages like Birtwisle and others.

7. Bread

Believe it or not, people had surnames like Bread. Yes, the famous breakfast food, bread. Since most early English people were proud bakers, bakers were cherished for their amazing bread. Names like these have slowly died out, and old very few people still answer those surnames. Besides, the teasing now would be relentless.

8. Ajax

If you are familiar with programing language, then you must have heard of Ajax. It is of Welsh origin and started in the 17th century. It’s believed that the name migrated from France to the United States during the religious persecution.

9. Edevane

This name is of Welsh origin and had two words, Ed from Old English, meaning prosperity and happiness, and Evane, which means little. It means a little happy one.

10. Shor

This means the bull, and it originated from the Hebrew and Turkic languages. But that is not all, in southern Siberia, there is a tribe called the Shor people.

11. Seaberg

This is a half translation of the name Sjoberg. Sjo is the Swedish name for the sea, hence Seaberg. Berg also means mountain.

12. Salem

The series Salem may have made the name very popular, but the same thing cannot be said about people bearing the last name Salem. It is Arabic for Peace, and also refers to a medieval village in England.

13. Regner

In Germany, Regner used to refer to someone from the village Regen. It is also a name that originated from the old Norse tribe. The name means warrior judgment. It is derived from old Norse name Ragnar. If you are a Vikings fan, then you know it

14. Pickrell 

This was originally the name of a fish. Whatever the characteristics of this fish made people start referring to very hot-tempered people as Pickrell.

15. Nakashima

Nakashima can also be called Nakajima and is one of the Asian last names that are very difficult to come across except in movies. This word means isolated, or island.

Obviously, not every trend sticks. And the same can be said about last names. Some surnames are better left to history books. 

Spanish last names are as popular as the language and culture from which they originate. Many last names of Spanish origin have spread across the globe due to colonization and immigration. They can be found in Spain, Mexico, South America, Central America, the Philippines, and the Caribbean islands. In Spanish households, the last name of a person includes the father’s as well as the mother’s last name. Here is a list of the 20 most common Spanish last names.

1. Hernández

The last name Hernández means “son of Hernan.” The majority of people bearing this last name live in Mexico. 

2. López

This Spanish last name is incredibly widespread, especially in countries like Mexico, Spain, the US, and the UK. López means “son of Lope,”, which is derived from the Latin word “Lupus.” It means “wolf” in Latin.

3. García

García means “young” in Basque and is very common in the Iberian Peninsula, Americas, France, and the Philippines. It is also believed to have come from the Basque word Hartz, which means “bear.”

4. Rodrìguez

Rodrìguez is the Spanish variant of the Germanic last name, Roderick. In German, it means “famous power.” In Latin, it means “son of Rodrigo.” People who have this last name live in Latin America and Spain, mainly.

5. Sánchez

This last name means “son of Sancho.” It is derived from the Latin word Sanctus, which translates to “holy or saintly.” Sánchez originates from Spain and is common throughout much of Latin America.

6. Alonso

Alonso is the Spanish variant of the last name, “Alfonso,” which has Germanic origins. The last name means “noble and ready.” Many emperors who ruled parts of modern-day Portugal and Spain had this name.

7. Gómez

This typical Spanish surname comes from “Gomes,” which is an Old Galician and Portuguese surname. Gomis is the Catalan variant of the surname. Goma means “man” and the suffix -ez means “descendent of.”

8. Pérez

The family name Pérez translates to “son of Pedro.” Pedro is the Spanish version of Peter. Pérez has distinct Jewish roots. This is why the family name also originated from Israel.

9. Díaz

Díaz means “son of Diego.” Diego means “teaching” in Greek. Díaz is also believed to have originated from the Spanish word “dias,” or days. Apart from Latin America, the surname is also commonly found in Southern Italy.

10. Torres

Torres is a common Spanish and Portuguese last name. It comes from the Latin word “turris,” which means “towers.” In Italy, it is considered a Spanish-Jewish surname.

11. Romero

Romero is not just common in Spanish, but in Italian as well. It means “pilgrim to Rome.” It is also the Spanish word for the herb rosemary. Because of Spanish colonization, Romero is a popular Filipino surname.

12. Castro

The surname originates from the Iberian Peninsula and comes from the Latin word for “fortification.” Its English variant is Chester. 

13. Gutiérrez

Gutiérrez is the Spanish version of English last names like Watson, Walters, and Watkins. Gutiérrez means “son of Gutierre,” which means “ruler of the army” in German.

14. Fernández

Fernández means “brave traveler” in German and refers to the “son of Fernando” is Spanish. Fernández is common in Spanish-speaking nations as well as former Spanish colonies.

15. Martínez

This common Spanish last name means “son of Martin,” Martin meaning “Mars” in Latin. Martínez is widely used in Spanish colonies and also shared in neighboring European nations due to emigration.  

16. González

González means “son of Gonzalo.” Gonzalo means “war.” The surname is one the most common surnames in Spain, United States, and many South American countries.

17. Jiménez

In Spanish, the last name Jiménez refers to “son of Jimeno.” It is derived from the Hebrew word Simon which translates to “he has heard.” Most people bearing the Jiménez surname reside in Mexico.

18. Domínguez

This surname means “son of Domingo.” Its Latin variant “Dominicus” means “lordly.” Domínguez is popular in the US and Philippines, along with many Spanish speaking countries.

19. Navarro

Navarro is a common Spanish, French, and Italian last name. Navarro was a topographical surname used to denote a person from Navarre. The surname means “plain next to mountains” in Basque.

20. Ortega

Ortega is a topographical Spanish last name, referring to the many villages of this name in the region. It is from the Latin word Urtica which means “nettle.” The surname is common in Latin America.

Conclusion

Spanish last names are all around the world. Tracing where they are found, and the fact that they are so commonly found, gives us considerable insight into the history of Spain and its many colonies.