This list of cool last names covers all the bases, including cute and pretty last names for girls, powerful and interesting last names for guys, uncommon and unique last names for fantasy characters and more. But before you dive in, read up! Knowing these tips for how to choose a cool last name can help you make the perfect first name and surname pairing.

How To Choose a Cool Last Name

Before you scroll through the list of  last name ideas, check out these tips for how to pick a name for your beloved characters:

  1. Consider the meaning. With each name, there is a meaning behind it and by choosing the name with the right meaning, you can give insight into who your character is. Do the legwork to research what a last name means and consider how that applies to your characters. As you do so, you might even explore a new facet of your character’s personality.
  2. See how it sounds with the first name. While this tip might seem obvious, it’s worth paying special attention to. How a last name sounds with the first name can often be the deciding factor as to how real the name sounds. And don’t just read them to yourself—say the name out loud a few times and in a few different scenarios, too.
  3. Count how many syllables it is. You find a last name you love, but how many syllables is it? This really does matter, because most last names only have a couple of syllables. The longer it is or the more syllables there are, the more likely it will trip up your reader.
  4. Ask yourself what “feeling” the last name creates and if it matches with your character’s persona. You know your characters so well, but your reader is just meeting them for the first time. How their name feels is as important as what it is. Keep this in mind and how you want your reader to feel about a character.
  5. Consider its uniqueness. Depending on the character, you might want a more unique last name. However, a more tertiary character might call for a simpler, more common last name. Take into account how familiar your reader will feel with the name and whether that will distract from your story.

Cool Last Names for Girls

  1. Elsher
  2. Solace
  3. Levine
  4. Thatcher
  5. Raven
  6. Bardot
  7. St. James
  8. Hansley
  9. Cromwell
  10. Ashley
  11. Monroe
  12. West
  13. Langley
  14. Daughtler
  15. Madison
  16. Marley
  17. Ellis
  18. Hope
  19. Cassidy
  20. Lopez
  21. Jenkins
  22. Poverly
  23. McKenna
  24. Gonzales
  25. Keller

Cool Last Names for Guys

  1. Collymore
  2. Stoll
  3. Verlice
  4. Adler
  5. Huxley
  6. Ledger
  7. Hayes
  8. Ford
  9. Finnegan
  10. Beckett
  11. Gatlin
  12. Pierce
  13. Zimmerman
  14. Dawson
  15. Wilson
  16. Adair
  17. Gray
  18. Curran
  19. Crassus
  20. Anderson
  21. Adams
  22. Carter
  23. Hendrix
  24. Lennon
  25. Gasper

Cool Last Names for Fantasy Characters

  1. Mintz
  2. Ashbluff
  3. Marblemaw
  4. Bozzelli
  5. Fellowes
  6. Windward
  7. Yarrow
  8. Yearwood
  9. Wixx
  10. Humblecut
  11. Dustfinger
  12. Biddercombe
  13. Kicklighter
  14. Vespertine
  15. October
  16. Gannon
  17. Truthbelly
  18. Woodgrip
  19. Gorestriker
  20. Caskcut
  21. Oatrun
  22. Sagespark
  23. Strongblossom
  24. Hydrafist
  25. Snakeleaf

Unique Last Names

  1. Barlowe
  2. Caddel
  3. Hart
  4. Katz
  5. Laurier
  6. Madden
  7. Elrod
  8. Whitlock
  9. Ashford
  10. Amos
  11. Fleet
  12. Moses
  13. Singh
  14. Remington
  15. Sharpe
  16. Beam
  17. Spade
  18. Driscoll
  19. Undergrove
  20. Finch
  21. Crawford
  22. Finch
  23. Cyprus
  24. Dagon
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