Surnames as first names for your baby

Struggling to think of a baby name and been through all the guides? How about casting your net wider and picking a surname for a first name? It's a great way to give new life to a family name or maybe take inspiration from to your favourite celebrity. We've picked out some of the best – and many names work well for both girls and boys!

This traditional surname most famously belongs to actor Jim Carey, but it would make a sweet pick for a baby boy or girl.

Of Irish origin, the name means 'dark' or 'black'.

Carter is of English origin and means 'transporter of goods by cart' – well, that makes sense!

This boys' name has been rising in popularity in the UK since 2015.

The surname Casserley was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat, according to House of Names.

It would definitely be a unique choice for your baby, whatever their sex.

Of Irish origin, Cassidy means 'curly-haired', so would be a perfect pick for your curly-haired little one!

It's more popular as a girls' name, but is a great unisex option.

Cooper is of English origin, meaning 'barrel maker'.

It'd be a strong choice for any petrol head parents, as a nod to the Mini Cooper car!

This name isn't as rare as you think ... Of English origin, it means 'the settlement in the valley'.

Dalton has been steadily rising in popularity since 2016.

Ahh, just the sound of this name makes us feel at peace.

Like the bird, your baby could be just as peaceful and sweet ... COULD be!

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Belonging to former Strictly Come Dancing winner Kelvin Fletcher and McFly singer Tom Fletcher, it's certainly a strong surname, but could be a lovely choice for a baby boy.

Fletcher means 'arrow maker' from its English origin.

There's something very sleek and stylish about the name Gray, so it's a good thing it works for both boys and girls.

It's also short enough to use as part of a double-barrelled name.

Of English and Aboriginal origin, Harrison means 'son of Harry', which is why it's so fitting Prince Harry chose the moniker for his son Archie's middle name.

Hatcher was considered a name for someone who lived by a gate, from the Middle English word 'hacche', according to ancestry.com.

If you're looking for something more unique, this is one for your list!

Aww, Honey is so sweet – literally.

It makes us think of the lovely Miss Honey from Matilda, but is super cute as a girls' first name.

Jackson is a classic name, belonging to stars like Janet Jackson and Samuel L Jackson.

Of English origin, it unsurprisingly means 'son of Jack'.

Kennedy is of Irish origin, meaning 'misshapen head' ... hmmm ...

Whatever the shape of your baby's head, this is a great unisex option and is still quite uncommon in England and Wales.

You might instantly think of John Lennon when you hear this name, and it actually has a very sweet meaning.

Of English and Irish origin, it means 'lover'.

MacKenzie is a traditionally Scottish name, meaning 'son of Kenneth'.

The unisex name peaked in 2005, but has fallen out of favour in the past few years ... is it time for a comeback?

Of Irish origin, McKenna means 'son of the handsome one' – we bet you or your partner will LOVE to tell others that!

Despite its meaning, the name is actually given to more girls than boys.

When you get past thinking of the Mitchells from Eastenders, this boys' name is of English origin, meaning 'who is like God'.

Mitchell was in the top 100 boys' names in the '90s, but has since become more rare.

Ideal for a baby girl as gorgeous as Marilyn Monroe.

The name means 'mouth of the Roe river' and is of Scottish origin. Mariah Carey also chose the famous name for her daughter.

Morris is a lovely boys' name of English origin that means 'dark-skinned'.

It could even be an option for any fans of The Smiths, after frontman Morrissey.

Oakley is of English origin and means 'oak wood or clearing'.

In 2019, it made it into the top 100 boys' names for the first time – the surnames are clearly making a comeback!

As a first name, Oliver is already incredibly popular – it's been most popular boys' name in England and Wales for SIX years!

Of Latin origin, it means 'olive tree'.

Yep, we know, like Elvis ... But Presley is actually of English origin and means 'priest's meadow'.

You might just HAVE to buy your baby some Blue Suede Shoes!

Quinn is of Irish origin, meaning 'descendent of Conn'. It's thought the name derives from Old Irish, where cond means 'intellect' and orcenn means 'chief.'

This unisex name is super cute.

Your little one is sure to be a ray of sunshine, so why not go for Ray as a name? It means 'wise protector'.

It belongs to famous people like Ray Charles and Ray Winstone, but is also similar to lead character Rey, in the latest Star Wars films.

Just over 20 babies were named Ripley in 2019, so it's still a rare choice for parents looking for something unique.

Of English origin, it means 'strip of clearing in the woods'.

Hands up, who else was in love with Smith Jerrod in Sex and The City?

The classic surname was given a cool edge when he came onto our screens, but originally relates to blacksmiths.

Remember when Selena Gomez starred in Disney's Wizards of Waverley place?

Well the name Waverley is actually of English origin, meaning 'meadow of quivering aspens'.

Four baby girls were named Waverley in 2019, but it ceased to exist before that!

Wren is of English origin and a nod to the cute brown bird.

As a girls' name, it's been rapidly increasing in popularity since 2014.