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Pretty Last Names: With Gorgeous Meanings

Updated
These pretty last names are gorgeous enough for an angel!

Finding the perfect surname adds depth to a character or offers a fresh start for a new stage in life. We gathered a list of pretty last names that range from elegant and refined to soft and angelic.

Whether you need a moniker for a fantasy novel or just appreciate the art of naming, these options bring charm and sophistication. Sit back and explore these beautiful surnames that are sure to leave a lasting impression.


63 Pretty Last Names (That Are Also Elegant and Refined)

Discover an array of beautiful last names that exude timeless sophistication and charm.

  1. Ainsley: This name comes from Old English and means “one’s own meadow” for a beautiful connection to nature.
  2. Ainsworth: Its Old English roots combine the given name Ægen with “worþ” (enclosure).
  3. Allison: This popular moniker means “son of Alan” or “son of Alexander.”
  4. Aoki: This Japanese name means “green wood” and signifies a harmony with nature.
  5. Ariston: It translates to “the best” in Greek for a truly amazing family.
  6. Bannister: This comes from the French word “banastre” (basket) and was originally given to basket makers.
  7. Barlow: This sophisticated surname means “barley hill,” “barn hill,” or “boar clearing.”
  8. Beaumont: In French, Beaumont means “beautiful mountain” and signifies strength.
  9. Belvedere: This is Italian for “beautiful view” and was historically given to families in picturesque locations.
  10. Carlisle: It means “fortress of Lugus” in English and refers to a stronghold or castle.
  11. Carrington: This classy English and Scottish surname means “settlement of Cerihere’s people.”
  12. Chevalier: This translates to “knight” in French to embody chivalry and bravery.
  13. Clarendon: This classic English last name is associated with several parishes and a palace.
  14. Claybourne: It means “boundary of clay” in English and works well for families who go with the flow.
  15. Cresswell: This gorgeous Old English surname means “watercress river” and has a natural allure.
  16. Darcy: Of Irish origin, this means “dark one” and is associated with Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice.
  17. Dubois: In French, Dubois translates to “of the woods” and embodies timeless elegance.
  18. Dumont: This translates to “of the mountain” in French to represent strength and stability.
  19. Everly: It means “wild boar in the clearing” in English and symbolizes the untamed beauty of nature.
  20. Fitzroy: This is perfect for a prominent family as it means “son of the king” in Old French.
  21. Fulbright: It means “bright people” in German and suits intellectual families.
  22. Gracewood: This is a modern choice that combines elegance with strength.
  23. Halifax: Of English origin, this signifies historic charm and a captivating presence.
  24. Harper: This is one of England’s prettiest last names and was originally given to harp players.
  25. Harrington: This nice-sounding English surname means “stony town” or “Haefer’s town.”
  26. Hawthorne: This English name derives from the thorny hawthorn bush and symbolizes beauty amidst challenges.
  27. Heathcliff: This literary classic is associated with a character from Emily Brontë’s novel Wuthering Heights.
  28. Ivory: Of English origin, this means “pale white” and relates to the precious material.
  29. Jennings: Meaning “son of Jan” in English, Jennings represents a strong family lineage.
  30. Kensington: This classy Old English name means “Cynesige’s town.”
  31. Lancaster: This classy English name is associated with a city in northwestern England.
  32. Lysander: Of Greek origin, this means “liberator” and embodies the strength to overcome challenges.
  33. Montagu: This is a variant of Montague borne by several British earls.
  34. Montgomery: As lovely as it is strong, Montgomery is of Norman origin and means “Gumarich’s mountain.”
  35. Nightingale: Of English origin, Nightingale symbolizes beauty and the melodic charm of a songbird.
  36. Olivier: An attractive French surname, it means “olive tree” and symbolizes peace.
  37. Pembroke: Of Welsh origin, this means “headland” and is associated with a town in Wales.
  38. Pendleton: This English last name means “overhanging settlement” and is associated with a textile manufacturer.
  39. Peregrine: This English surname is associated with a character in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
  40. Pereira: From Portuguese and Galician, this means “pear tree” and symbolizes natural beauty.
  41. Pomeroy: A cute French surname, it means “apple orchard” and adds a touch of sweetness.
  42. Quincy: Of English origin, this is inspired by a Roman given name for the “fifth son.”
  43. Quinlan: This is one of the most beautiful surnames in Ireland and means “handsome form.”
  44. Rainier: It carries an air of nobility and means “army counsel” in French.
  45. Ravenscroft: This rare surname has Gothic charm and derives from the Old English “hræfn” (raven).
  46. Riviera: Of Italian origin, this was originally given to those who lived on the bank of a river.
  47. Romano: This Italian surname has timeless appeal and was originally given to a person from Rome.
  48. Rutherford: This means “ox river crossing” in English and has a lovely association with nature.
  49. Sterling: Derived from the Scottish city of Stirling, this surname is as elegant as silver.
  50. Tennyson: This is a great choice for literature lovers and is associated with English poet Alfred Tennyson.
  51. Thoreau: Of French origin, this is associated with the famous philosopher Henry David Thoreau.
  52. Thornfield: Inspired by the English word “thorn,” Thornfield embodies protection and resilience.
  53. Vale: From English meaning “valley,” this is an attractive surname for nature lovers.
  54. Vanderbilt: Of Dutch origin, this means “low hill” and connects to a prominent US family.
  55. Waverly: This soft, nature-inspired English surname means “from the brushwood meadow.”
  56. Wentworth: In English, Wentworth means “winter enclosure” and exudes natural beauty.
  57. Whitmore: Of English origin meaning “white moor,” this classy surname suggests a refined style.
  58. Windsor: It means “riverbank with a windlass” and is associated with the royal family of England.
  59. Wycliffe: Meaning “white cliff” in English, this nature-inspired surname has a timeless sophistication.
  60. Xavier: Of Basque origin, this means “new house” and embodies a pioneering spirit.
  61. Yale: From a Welsh place name meaning “fertile upland,” this is associated with the prestigious university.
  62. Yardley: A surname for someone from several towns in England, this means “branch clearing.”
  63. Zephyr: Of Greek origin, this means “west wind” and is inspired by the Greek god Zephyros.

58 Beautiful Last Names (That Are Enchanting and Alluring)

Check out our list of pretty last names captivating enough for a superstar.

  1. Alderwood: An English surname meaning “elder tree forest,” it symbolizes wisdom and enduring beauty.
  2. Astor: An Occitan surname meaning “hawk,” this is prevalent in American and British high society.
  3. Astoria: Of Greek origin, this means “star” and embodies celestial beauty.
  4. Auburn: A fiery English surname, it is inspired by the beautiful reddish-brown shade.
  5. Avery: It means “ruler of elves” in Germanic and offers a magical aura.
  6. Belladonna: An Italian surname meaning “beautiful lady,” it is associated with the deadly nightshade plant.
  7. Bellamy: It means “beautiful friend” in French and represents companionship.
  8. Bellefontaine: Of French origin, this means “beautiful fountain” and symbolizes vitality.
  9. Carter: This surname is trendy and associated with rapper Dwayne Carter, Jr. (Lil Wayne).
  10. Cavanaugh: From the Irish Gaelic name Caomhánach, it means “a student of saint Caomhán.”
  11. Chantal: A French surname meaning “stony,” it honors Saint Jeanne-Françoise de Chantal.
  12. Charming: This magical English surname is associated with Prince Charming from fairytales.
  13. Clancy: This reflects a family with a deep connection to Irish heritage.
  14. Cooper: An occupational surname, this denotes a maker of barrels or tubs.
  15. Dayton: An English surname, it means “day settlement” or “bright and sunny town.”
  16. Delaney: In Irish, Delaney means “child of dark defiance” and represents a strong will.
  17. Delphine: This gorgeous surname derives from the city of Delphi in ancient Greece.
  18. Dresden: In German, it means “people of the forest” and has a magical quality.
  19. Elysian: A rare surname, it is inspired by heavenly fields in Greek mythology.
  20. Emerson: It means “son of Emery” and was borne by famous American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson.
  21. Emery: Of Germanic origin, this translates to “industrious” or “brave ruler.”
  22. Everett: An English surname meaning “brave as a wild boar,” it embodies courage.
  23. Everhart: As beautiful as it is strong, Everhart is of Dutch origin and means “brave boar.”
  24. Fitzgerald: This famous Irish surname is associated with novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald.
  25. Fletcher: An occupational surname for an “arrow-maker,” it comes from the Old French “fleche.”
  26. Fontaine: One of several pretty surnames from France, it means “fountain” in Old French.
  27. Gabrielle: It means “God is my strength” in French and symbolizes divine beauty.
  28. Harland: Of Old English origin, this simply means “hare land.”
  29. Hollis: This cute topographic surname describes someone living by holly trees.
  30. Jolie: This sophisticated French surname means “beautiful” or “pretty.”
  31. LeBlanc: This French surname means “the white” and was originally for someone with blonde hair.
  32. Lennox: One of the most beautiful surnames for nature lovers, this means “place of elms” in Scottish.
  33. Lockhart: Of Scottish origin, this means “strong lock” and has a mysterious quality.
  34. London: England’s capital embodies history, grandeur, and a cosmopolitan vibe.
  35. Lumière: This radiant French surname means “light” and has a luminous allure.
  36. Maddox: A cool Welsh surname, it means “fortunate” or “blessed one.”
  37. Marcello: From Italian meaning “young warrior,” this is perfect for a family of heroes.
  38. Monroe: Of Scottish origin, this means “mouth of the river” and is associated with Marilyn Monroe.
  39. Montague: This aristocratic English surname was borne by Romeo’s family in Shakespeare’s play.
  40. Montclair: This gorgeous surname means “clear mountain” in French.
  41. Orsini: Of Italian origin meaning “bear,” this represents someone strong and fiery.
  42. Portman: This attractive surname is associated with actress Natalie Portman.
  43. Radcliffe: An English last name meaning “red cliff,” this gives off a sophisticated aura.
  44. Ravenna: Like the “raven,” this Italian surname is mysterious and enchanting.
  45. Rosalie: A romantic French given name and surname, it means “rose.”
  46. Rosalind: It means “soft horse” in English and was influenced by the Latin “rosa linda” (beautiful rose).
  47. Ryder: An English surname for a warrior on horseback, it is associated with bravery.
  48. Sawyer: Derived from the Old English word “sawiere,” this means “woodcutter.”
  49. Silverwood: A habitational name, this is inspired by the silver bark of birch trees.
  50. Sinclair: One of the prettiest Scottish surnames, this means “renowned” or “illustrious.”
  51. Sylvaine: A French surname meaning “of the woods,” this is perfect for nature enthusiasts.
  52. Thalassa: Among the most beautiful last names for ocean lovers, this is associated with a Greek sea goddess.
  53. Valencia: Of Spanish origin, this comes from the Latin “valentia” (strength, bravery).
  54. Valerian: From the Latin “valere” (to be strong), this fits families with irresistible allure.
  55. Westbrook: In English, this last name signifies a peaceful, flowing brook.
  56. Whitman: This English surname means “white man” and is associated with poet Walt Whitman.
  57. Winters: An enchanting English surname, it is as captivating as the season it represents.
  58. Worthington: Historically, this was a habitational surname for people from Lancashire and Leicestershire.

58 Pretty Surnames (That Are Soft and Angelic)

Explore our selection of beautiful last names that sound absolutely heavenly!

  1. Aether: From Greek meaning “heavenly,” this is associated with a god of the upper sky.
  2. Allegra: This pretty Italian surname means “joyful” and exudes happiness.
  3. Amaterasu: This gorgeous Japanese name means “shining over heaven.”
  4. Amethyst: A rare and pretty English surname, it is inspired by the purple gemstone.
  5. Amorette: One of the sweetest last names from France, it means “little love.”
  6. Angel: Associated with the heavenly being, this represents divine beauty and grace.
  7. Angeles: A Spanish surname meaning “angels,” this is associated with the Virgin Mary.
  8. Angelis: Of Greek origin, this means “angel” and embodies celestial beauty.
  9. Angelou: This lovely last name means “son of the angel” in Greek.
  10. Aureliana: Of Latin origin, this means “golden” and gives off a warm vibe.
  11. Avalon: A mythical island in Arthurian legend, this is also rarely used as a surname.
  12. Azrael: In Hebrew texts, Azrael is the angel of death, which gives this surname religious significance.
  13. Bell: A cute English surname, it signifies a bell ringer or a maker of bells.
  14. Bellerose: This French surname means “beautiful rose” and is as lovely as a blooming flower.
  15. Berry: An English surname, it was initially for a “dweller near the berry trees.”
  16. Bright: A beautiful last name, it fits someone as radiant and luminous as an angel.
  17. Buchanan: In Gaelic, this means “house of the canon” and has a religious flair.
  18. Caldwell: It means “cold spring” in Scottish and has a peaceful feel.
  19. Calmwater: Of English origin, this relates to the tranquility of a gentle stream.
  20. Celestia: In Latin, this beautiful surname means “heavenly” or “of the sky.”
  21. Cerelia: It derives from Ceraelia, an ancient Roman festival inspired by the goddess Ceres.
  22. Channing: Of English origin, this means “canon,” a Christian religious leader.
  23. Christian: This is derived from the Latin Christianus (follower of Christ).
  24. Cielo: This sweet Italian and Spanish surname means “sky.”
  25. Deangelo: A popular combo of the suffix “de” with the Italian “Angelo” (angel, messenger).
  26. Delacroix: In French, this beautiful surname means “of the cross.”
  27. Dovecote: This is an angelic surname associated with doves.
  28. Dulcinea: It is inspired by the Spanish word “dulce” (sweet).
  29. Everglen: This picturesque English surname invokes images of a serene forest.
  30. Fairchild: Meaning “beautiful child” in English, this represents innocence.
  31. Forsythe: One of many pretty surnames from Scotland, it means “man of peace.”
  32. Gracefield: This modern last name is as charming as a field of flowers.
  33. Halloway: It means “holy way” in English and exudes purity.
  34. Hartley: In English, Hartley means “deer meadow” and embodies grace.
  35. Hartwell: Of English origin, this means “rivers of the stags” and fits warm-hearted families.
  36. Ingram: Meaning “angel raven” in Germanic, this pretty last name dates back to medieval times.
  37. Lavender: Inspired by the flower, this fits families with a soft and gentle presence.
  38. Love: From the English word, this gives families an endearing presence.
  39. Lovelace: Derived from a medieval nickname, it is associated with poet Richard Lovelace.
  40. Luminelle: A blend of “luminous” and the French suffix “-elle,” this radiates beauty.
  41. Luna: This cute surname comes from the Latin word for “the moon.”
  42. Marigold: A pretty surname inspired by the flower, it symbolizes natural beauty.
  43. Oakley: It means “oak clearing” in English and represents strength.
  44. Page: An English surname, it originally referred to a young servant or attendant.
  45. Paloma: Meaning “dove” in Spanish, Paloma symbolizes peace and beauty.
  46. Rosario: Of Spanish and Italian origin, this means “rosary” and represents devotion.
  47. Saint: A rare English surname, it derives from the Latin “sanctus” (holy).
  48. Santiago: In Spanish, Santiago means “saint” and has an angelic feel.
  49. Sebastian: A respectable Greek surname, it means “venerable” and is associated with Saint Sebastian.
  50. Seraphim: Derived from Hebrew, this means “fiery ones” or “angelic beings.”
  51. Snow: An English surname, it embodies purity, serenity, and the beauty of winter.
  52. Sommer: The German word for “summer,” this embodies warmth and joy.
  53. Starlily: A poetic creation, this combines radiant stars with the delicate beauty of lilies.
  54. Starr: Derived from the English word “star,” this has a beautiful, celestial quality.
  55. Sweeting: It conveys sweetness and warmth, derived from the Middle English “sweting” (darling).
  56. Whitaker: In English, Whitaker means “white field” and evokes images of a meadow.
  57. Willoughby: A sweet English surname, this means “willow town.”
  58. Zion: With biblical origins, Zion symbolizes strength and heavenly beauty.

Pretty Last Names FAQS

What Are Some Fancy Last Names?

Fancy last names add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any character or family tree. Classy options like Worthington, Kensington, Beaumont, Montgomery, and Harrington have a rich history. These surnames bring immediate refinement and style, making you feel like you are in a Jane Austen novel.

What Is a Pretty Last Name for a Girl?

Plenty of pretty last names for girls add a touch of charm and grace. Lovely options include Everhart, Rosalind, Hawthorne, Delaney, and Sinclair. These beautiful surnames carry a sense of elegance that makes any girl’s name sound enchanting.

What Are Some Pretty Fake Last Names?

Creating fake last names for book or film characters is a fun, creative process. Favorites include pretty surnames like Sterling, Everly, Whitman, Monroe, and Ellis because they sound sophisticated and timeless. Feel free to mix letters or invent new names that fit your character’s personality.

How Do I Choose a Pretty Last Name for a Character?

When choosing a surname for a character, consider the meaning, origin, and how it flows with their first name. Think about the character’s personality; a soft name like “Willow” suits a gentle character, while “Sterling” fits someone strong and refined. Reading the name aloud ensures it has the right rhythm and tone for your story.

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About the Author

Chelsea Nelthropp

Chelsea Nelthropp previously worked with special needs children before transitioning to her current passion, freelance writing. She's written on a plethora of topics and enjoys the diversity of her work. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys hiking, creating artwork, reading about true crime, and spending time with her husband and their adorable French Bulldog, Stella.