surnames as first names

tct1219

just an observation:

based on comments, a lot of you seem to hate last names as first names.

if you do like them, what are your criteria for making it a first name (being able to be shortened to a common name, etc.)?

naflmj

I don't have any on my list but I do like them. I don't know that there's criteria, some just sound better.

PianoPlayingSarah

I would only use a surname as a first name if it was a family name.

rebus82

I don't have criteria, some names just don't sound right as a first name. Others do. I think it also depends on the last name it will be paired with.?

thatgirlang

I like a lot of them (Jackson, Carson, Carter, Parker, Landon) but usually for boys more than girls.

NikiT

I like a lot of them as well.  (Many common first names actually started out as last names anyway).  It just has to have a nice sound to it for me to like a last name as first. 

Emie28

thatgirlang:

I like a lot of them (Jackson, Carson, Carter, Parker, Landon) but usually for boys more than girls.

Ditto this.

JnJHud

I tend to like them because they sound like strong, solid names to me. I don't think there's any required criteria so much as I have to like the sound and flow of the names with our last name. I do like names that can be shortened, though.

Here are some that I like...

Boys: Jackson, Anderson, Cameron, Cooper, Hunter, Harrison

Girls: Addison, Madison, Taylor

newportbride715

I don't have strong feelings either way for boys- I like some, not others.

I don't like them for girls though.

mZoe

To be honest, I don't like this trend. Although a co-worker of mine named his son Smith, and I have to say, this is my favorite of all I have heard.

hero

I knew someone named Tulley (Tuhl -lee). It was her grandmother's maiden name. The name really suited her.

destinationAZ

thatgirlang:

I like a lot of them (Jackson, Carson, Carter, Parker, Landon) but usually for boys more than girls.

ditto....I don't have a problem with it either but it depends on the name.

franciscaz

thatgirlang:

I like a lot of them (Jackson, Carson, Carter, Parker, Landon) but usually for boys more than girls.

That is exactly how I feel.  After all my child is named Harmon.  We are also considering either Barrett or Bennett for another boy and maybe Camden if we have boy/boy twins.

DarcyLongfellow

I have no problem with last names as first names.  So long as it's a last name from YOUR family.  I hate the trend to use other people's surnames for your kid -- ie, Kendall, Madison, Parker, etc. 

ErinInVA

Our DD's name is a Scottish surname. We love it because it's SO's heritage. I was a little concerned about the name prior to her arrival, but now that she is here, I can't imagine her with any other name!

LMS05

mZoe:

To be honest, I don't like this trend. Although a co-worker of mine named his son Smith, and I have to say, this is my favorite of all I have heard.

Ditto. This trend is actually annoying to me. ?

thatgirlang

LMS05:

This trend is actually annoying to me.  

Bradley is on your list. It's a surname. I guess it's DH's pick?

Emie28

thatgirlang:

LMS05:

This trend is actually annoying to me.  

Bradley is on your list. It's a surname. I guess it's DH's pick?

Garrett is also a surname.

mZoe

Emie28:

thatgirlang:

LMS05:

This trend is actually annoying to me.  

Bradley is on your list. It's a surname. I guess it's DH's pick?

Garrett is also a surname.

I've only known boys with these names as first ones.

thatgirlang

mZoe:

Emie28:

thatgirlang:

LMS05:

This trend is actually annoying to me.  

Bradley is on your list. It's a surname. I guess it's DH's pick?

Garrett is also a surname.

I've only known boys with these names as first ones.

Sure, but they're still surnames. I don't think people realize how many common first names were surnames first. Most of us probably like some of them and don't even realize it.

mZoe

thatgirlang:

mZoe:

Emie28:

thatgirlang:

LMS05:

This trend is actually annoying to me.  

Bradley is on your list. It's a surname. I guess it's DH's pick?

Garrett is also a surname.

I've only known boys with these names as first ones.

Sure, but they're still surnames. I don't think people realize how many common first names were surnames first. Most of us probably like some of them and don't even realize it.

I suppose, but it still doesn't make me a fan. I just think there's so many endless choices for names, why pick surnames?

Emie28

mZoe:

Emie28:

thatgirlang:

LMS05:

This trend is actually annoying to me.  

Bradley is on your list. It's a surname. I guess it's DH's pick?

Garrett is also a surname.

I've only known boys with these names as first ones.

That's cool, but that in no way changes the fact they are both surnames. Garrett is actually my bff's last name.

I love it as a first name too, it was actually on my list, but dh thought it would be weird having our child named after my friend.

I think the point is that giving a child a first name that was originally a surname is not a new concept. There are just those such as Bradley and Garrett that have been used as first names enough that people don't seem to realize that they are also surnames.

thatgirlang

mZoe:

I suppose, but it still doesn't make me a fan. I just think there's so many endless choices for names, why pick surnames?

What I am saying is that people probably choose surnames not even realizing that they are surnames. And over time some names become more known as first names anyway. You just said you only know Bradley as a first name for boys- perfect example.

Emie28

thatgirlang:

mZoe:

I suppose, but it still doesn't make me a fan. I just think there's so many endless choices for names, why pick surnames?

What I am saying is that people probably choose surnames not even realizing that they are surnames. And over time some names become more known as first names anyway. You just said you only know Bradley as a first name for boys- perfect example.

THIS THIS THIS

There are endless possiblities and those include surnames. My maiden name is Taylor. It has become a pretty popular first name. I in no way feel offended people would want to use it as a first name.

mZoe

I am aware that those names originated as surnames. What I'm saying is I still don't like the idea of giving your child a last name as a first name. Two last names sounds like a law firm.

thatgirlang

mZoe:

I am aware that those names originated as surnames. What I'm saying is I still don't like the idea of giving your child a last name as a first name. Two last names sounds like a law firm.

LOL. Ok, I guess I was confused by the post when you said you only knew Garrett and Bradley as first names. I thought you meant that you didn't know them as surnames.

Anyway, I understand what you're saying about not liking surnames used as first names. I have no argument for either side. Everyone has their preference.

I was just saying that I think some people do it unintentionally, particularly with names that are currently more popular as first names anyway.

tct1219

mZoe:

I am aware that those names originated as surnames. What I'm saying is I still don't like the idea of giving your child a last name as a first name. Two last names sounds like a law firm.

i agree. my married name is comprised of 3 surnames (if you count my first name taylor) and it could definitely be the name of a law firm. that said, there are a couple of names for boys (technically surnames but also fairly common first names) that i would use for my son.

Emie28

mZoe:

I am aware that those names originated as surnames. What I'm saying is I still don't like the idea of giving your child a last name as a first name. Two last names sounds like a law firm.

Henry, James, Oliver, and Spencer are also all surnames.

 

jensahokie

We obviously like surnames as a first name (Parker)... I actually loved Addison (and other names ending in 'son') but my last name is Anderson, so Addison Anderson just didn't work for us. 

mZoe

tct1219:

mZoe:

I am aware that those names originated as surnames. What I'm saying is I still don't like the idea of giving your child a last name as a first name. Two last names sounds like a law firm.

i agree. my married name is comprised of 3 surnames (if you count my first name taylor) and it could definitely be the name of a law firm. that said, there are a couple of names for boys (technically surnames but also fairly common first names) that i would use for my son.

I guess you could count me into that category as well, since Henry and Marley are both "considered" surnames. Either way, they are first names within our family and that's what WE consider them

thatgirlang

Emie28:

Henry, James, Oliver, and Spencer are also all surnames.

 

I didn't know these! See, I am proving my own point. LOL

mZoe

This thread is extremely tiring. I guess when it comes down to it, all names originated from surnames. The end.

thatgirlang

mZoe:

This thread is extremely tiring. I guess when it comes down to it, all names originated from surnames. The end.

YES!  (So, you're saying that no one can easily say they hate surnames as first names.... right?) I actually know that no one was really taking this concept so literally.

I never expected to respond in here this much. LOL

mZoe

thatgirlang:

mZoe:

This thread is extremely tiring. I guess when it comes down to it, all names originated from surnames. The end.

YES!  (So, you're saying that no one can easily say they hate surnames as first names.... right?) I actually know that no one was really taking this concept so literally.

I never expected to respond in here this much. LOL

I don't know what I'm saying, actually. This whole thing has made my mind boggle. If I had to decipher, I'm saying that I just hate the idea of giving your child two last names. To repeat myself - it sounds like a law firm.

jensahokie

Law firm is better than stripper name   Our daughter is going to have surnames for all 3 since we are honoring my mom's family with her middle name.

mZoe

jensahokie:

Law firm is better than stripper name   Our daughter is going to have surnames for all 3 since we are honoring my mom's family with her middle name.

Different strokes for different folks

Embers

Well just as with the more traditional names, it really depends on the name for me.  I know that for girls, I really like Delaney and Emerson, but they're both in our families already so I can't use them.  I also like some of the boy options- Carter Cooper Landon etc.