This baby name generator with last name finds popular U.S. first names that fit a surname by comparing syllables and letter patterns. Enter a last name, choose its spoken syllable count, and select a boy, girl, or either list to see matches.
Made by NameHatch. The name lists were last checked Nov. 9, 2026.
How to use the name generator
- Enter the last name you want to pair with a first name.
- Choose the surname’s spoken syllable count. Use the pronunciation your family says aloud.
- Select Boy, Girl, or Either.
- Browse the first 20 matches shown for each list. Select “Show all” to see the remaining matches, then say your favorites with the full surname.
How the matcher chooses names
The matcher filters ranks 1–500 from Parents’ 2025 U.S. baby-name lists. A first name must have a different syllable count and first letter from the surname, and its ending letter must differ from the surname’s first letter. Name syllables use common U.S. English pronunciations, so the pronunciation you enter can affect the matches.
The Parents 2025 U.S. boy-name list was updated June 16, 2026; its 2025 U.S. girl-name list was updated May 18, 2026. Both are based on Social Security Administration data. The SSA announced its 2025 rankings on May 8, 2026; see its 2025 baby-name release.
These filters are rules of thumb, not a verdict on whether a name is right for your family. They help narrow a popular-name list by sound and spelling; your own ear, preferences, and family traditions still decide the best fit.
Worked example: Smith
Enter Smith, choose 1 syllable, and select Either. The tool shows: “812 popular baby names match the rules of thumb for Smith.” Matching names: 812; Matching boy names: 375; Matching girl names: 437; First boy match: Liam; First girl match: Olivia; More boy matches: 355; More girl matches: 417.
Common results from the matcher
These examples show the tool’s results for four surname and list combinations.
| Last name | Last-name syllables | Name list | Tool result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith | 1 syllable | Either | “812 popular baby names match the rules of thumb for Smith.” Matching names: 812; Matching boy names: 375; Matching girl names: 437; First boy match: Liam; First girl match: Olivia; More boy matches: 355; More girl matches: 417. |
| Miller | 2 syllables | Boy | “171 popular baby names match the rules of thumb for Miller.” Matching names: 171; Matching boy names: 171; Matching girl names: 0; First boy match: Oliver; More boy matches: 151; More girl matches: 0. |
| Davis | 2 syllables | Girl | “256 popular baby names match the rules of thumb for Davis.” Matching names: 256; Matching boy names: 0; Matching girl names: 256; First girl match: Olivia; More boy matches: 0; More girl matches: 236. |
| Émile | 2 syllables | Boy | “152 popular baby names match the rules of thumb for Émile.” Matching names: 152; Matching boy names: 152; Matching girl names: 0; First boy match: Oliver; More boy matches: 132; More girl matches: 0. |
How to read your matches
“Matching names” counts every name that fits your selection, including names behind “Show all.” Boy and girl counts show the matches in each list. Names are ordered by popularity, so the first match is the highest-ranked name that fits the rules. Say each favorite with the full surname to hear its rhythm.
Questions about first names and last names
What first name goes well with my last name?
There isn’t one universal match: choose a full-name pairing you enjoy saying. This generator narrows the options by syllable and letter patterns, but it does not judge family meaning, nicknames, initials, or personal taste. Try each favorite with the surname aloud, including likely nicknames, and keep the combination that feels right to you.
How can I find a girl’s first name based on my last name?
Choose Girl to see results from the girls’ list. Enter the last name’s spoken syllable count and the matcher applies the same rules: a first name must have a different syllable count and first letter, and its ending letter must differ from the surname’s first letter. Matches are ranked by popularity; the first 20 appear up front and the rest are under “Show all.”
Can I use both a middle and last name?
No. This matcher uses only a last name; it has no middle-name field. Enter the surname you want to pair with a first name, then choose Boy, Girl, or Either. When weighing the matches, say the complete first-middle-last name aloud yourself—the results do not compare middle names or measure how the full three-part name flows.
Can I use this as a boy or girl name generator?
Yes. Choose Boy to see matches from the boys’ list, Girl for the girls’ list, or Either to include both. The tool applies the same surname rules to the selected list or lists, so use the combined option to browse more broadly or narrow the list to one category.
Can this generator find unique names that go with my last name?
It can help you discover combinations you like, but it is not designed to find rare names: its source is the top 500 names on each 2025 U.S. list. If you want a less common name, treat these popular matches as a starting point and explore beyond the lists rather than expecting the tool to rank unusual names.
Related baby-name resources
After making a shortlist, try the Baby Name Compatibility Checker to compare how names sound together. For another way to assess a full name, read how to check whether a baby name fits your last name.
Want to explore names with your partner? NameHatch offers a shared shortlist for couples; start a free trial.
