Cool Last Names: 500 Great Last Name Ideas for Fictional Characters

Very often, as a writer, you can have the perfect type of story, plot twist, and all the characters clearly defined – but you just cannot figure out cool last names for them.

Those who write novels and short stories know that names elevate the scene and help build each character; imagine the difference Forrest Gump was actually called Forrest Everton!

Keep reading, and you will find out some of the best and most poetic names for your fictional characters.

Let’s dive into it – we cannot wait!

What’s In a Name?

When we are writing a character, we paint a picture in our reader’s mind; the names of our characters are usually both the first impression and the finishing touches of those pictures.

Can you imagine any other name for Phoebe Buffay from Friends? We certainly can’t! It’s eccentric enough to match her perfectly, but not so far out there that she is unrelatable. That name was a crucial part of her character development.

When you see certain movies, you will notice how important the role names play in character development, for example:

• The whole Game of Thrones’ Stark family, who generally have a rather grim and, some might say, stark demeanour.
• Hiccup Horrendous from How to Train Your Dragon, who is a complete misfit in a family of tough-as-nails Vikings.
• Mr. Bean. It just makes him that extra bit funnier.

You can get creative with each name to give every one of your fictional characters cool last names that are unique and add something to the story.

Unique Last Names

You would never want to give such a name to your character that they become easily forgettable – unless they’re meant to be! – because each character should stand out in their own right, particularly your main characters.

Use a striking last name to make them distinct or introduce weird and quirky names and make them sound really unique.

When it comes to using unique and cool last names, they not only show the integrity and ancestry of a person but can give a sense of their moral inclination, so you need to be particular when choosing them.

Here we have 50 unique last names, so your character always stands out among the others and avoids falling into the “generic character” trap.

• Pierce
• Whitlock
• Seinfield
• Adler
• Stallard
• Griffin
• Elrod
• Pereira
• Zibia
• Amana
• Madden
• Wickham
• Lozano
• Blaine
• Harper
• Cooper
• Arden
• Geller
• Wayne
• Damaris
• Amos
• Quinn
• Hale
• Hart
• Silvius
• Elliot
• Lorenzo
• Ludovico
• Fernandez
• Vandenberg
• Finch
• Alastair
• Salvatore
• Curran
• Luz
• Zibia
• Rossi
• Fleet
• Allen
• Granger
• Cyprus
• Viotto
• Simmons
• Arden
• Lennox
• Francis
• Donovan
• Abbott
• Costanza
• Wilson

50 Good Surnames

If you have already decided on the first name, then picking up a good last name will be easier for you. Simply say aloud your chosen first name and a potential surname together, and you will find out which ones hit it off.

The moment you hear it, you will know that it’s the one in that “Aha!” moment, so hang in there.

Also, the last names given below are not only cool, but they are rather cute too so that they can make or break a character in no time. Surnames depict your character’s complete background and status, so you can utilize this simple-yet-dynamic character development tool just the way you want.

You can also name any fictional pets with these names – I’m sure they wouldn’t mind!

• Bennet
• Poverly
• Erickson
• Boyle
• Austin
• Gonzales
• Sierra
• Armas
• Curran
• Arrington
• Huxley
• Emerson
• Aven
• Bennis
• Marley
• Alvarez
• Monroe
• Carter
• Cox
• Gray
• Benton
• Hayes
• Dawson
• Adams
• Laurier
• Bezos
• Gasper
• Campbell
• Raven
• Solace
• Jenkins
• Ermine
• Lockwood
• Forbes
• Barrick
• Darby
• Godfrey
• Verlice
• Michaelson
• Dawkins
• Ashley
• Hope
• Cherith
• Kelly
• Hansley
• Lopez
• Oatrun
• Hindley
• Katz
• Gatlin

Last Names for Boys

When you describe a boy in the story, you shouldn’t give him a name with a lack of personality. He’s going to need a cool last name to suit his personality: either a hardy and macho name, or perhaps he’s the emotional, sad, or jolly type.

Take time to make sure that the name suits the overall plot and synchronizes with other characters.

Also, have an idea of how many syllables you are going to use; too long and it will be clunky, too short and it may not have the impact you desire. Plus, it may not fit with the overall flow of your novel and feels forced whenever it is read.

Here are the 50 best last names to bring your boy to life!

• Mercer
• Bensen
• Eslinger
• Brennan
• Tillerson
• Breslin
• Nolan
• Vandal
• Conard
• Adderly
• Chadwick
• Tabrizi
• Hitchcock
• La Grange
• Ripperton
• Hawk
• Roland
• Strode
• Dalton
• Ledger
• Escobar
• Welsh
• Cyrus
• Swafford
• Kaminsky
• Hooper
• Pittman
• Atwood
• Warrick
• Whitby
• Whitner
• Hardy
• Everson
• Jameson
• Fontana
• Decker
• Atkinson
• Patterson
• Refferty
• Gribble
• Belinski
• Marsh
• Bourne
• Root
• Abawi
• Lynch
• Hardin
• Acosta
• Vasher
• Perkins

Uncommon Surnames

If you want to leave a mark on memories, find surnames for your characters that have a deep and intellectual meaning.

Make sure that the names meaning or association is in accord with the message of your novel. It will help to reinforce the basic issue that you are trying to address with your work, making your narrative stronger with just a single word.

Finding the perfect last name feels like a big responsibility… and it is!

If you are unjust in choosing, giving them a common name where something unusual is needed, that particular character may fade into obscurity or even worse, won’t be in alignment with your novel!

So, let me introduce you to some of the best uncommon surnames that you can use for your characters.

• Denver
• Harvick
• Kentala
• Fontana
• Hilliard
• Hinsen
• Hinsen
• Booth
• Farrell
• Stawarski
• Featheringham
• Ginart
• Griffith
• Escobar
• Cotheran
• Tartal
• Conklin
• Fletcher
• Verlice
• Ragsdill
• Baldwin
• Doxon
• Goulding
• Madris
• Fitzgerald
• Cabada
• Petrunich
• Cohen
• Concord
• Bressett
• Devlin
• Crassus
• Alinsky
• Goddard
• Gleason
• Desmith
• Latcha
• Callahan
• Benwikere
• Freling
• Arrowwood
• Ardolf
• Henris
• Bensen
• Ellenburg
• Danton
• Costner
• Marudas
• Dolivo
• Husher

Cute Last Names

When naming your protagonist, giving them a name that infers optimism and strength might not be enough. Sometimes a cute name will help build a feeling of affection toward them, so the reader can relate to the character.

Cute last names are not always cringy if used correctly, plus they can be used for children too.

For choosing the perfectly cute last name, you need to find one that instantly works well with (and sometimes is even cuter than) the first name you have selected.

The names given below are cute surnames that we adore; some of them can even be used as first names so, let’s dig into our cool and cute last names.

• Darcy
• Zade
• Frost
• Harlow
• Irwin
• Flanagan
• Brady
• Marsh
• Winters
• Hamilton
• Earwood
• Mackenzie
• Carson
• Delaney
• Candy
• Harrison
• Brennan
• Parker
• Miller
• Luna
• Taylor
• Lennox
• Capra
• Laurier
• Easton
• Darcy
• Finn
• Bishop
• Dempsey
• Ferber
• Rose
• Sawyer
• Greyson
• Wong
• Jackson
• Jane
• Monroe
• Bright
• Nixon
• Smith
• Lane
• Addison
• Campbell
• Brooks
• Sillivan
• Berry
• Jane
• Archer
• Floris
• Porter

Fantasy Surnames

If your story delves into the realms of fantasy, a book related to science fiction, or you are into roleplaying, then naming a character with a magical name would be a great idea.

Don’t hold back and give it a go!

Also, you must make sure the surname the pick does not already belong to a famous or iconic fantasy character – your character would not have any strong identity in front of it.

If you are a Dungeon & Dragons fan, this part is perfect for you – you can name the characters in your game from right here. For even more selection, see our collection of fantasy names for many different races/classes, including many name generators for elves, paladins, aasimar, drow, orcs, and many more.

Now, let’s find out which fantasy-related last names that can make your character stand out.

• Chanalet
• Sisko
• Mintz
• Hardarm
• Verninne
• Montero
• Kobayashi
• Darby
• Neredras
• Elffire
• Humblecut
• Ambers
• Covenbreath
• Keenstone
• Forebluff
• Vessezac
• Warbelly
• Asteria
• Deepwing
• Warmane
• Larmalart
• Walsh
• Bersa
• Everson
• Suva
• Roserun
• Evert
• Benoit
• Gaillot
• Terrarock
• Dunlop
• Strode
• Aiken
• Gaimbert
• Kenny Presto
• Alinac
• Sagepunch
• Bertillon
• Vernize
• Lamadras
• Bobellon
• Boneflare
• Orbarrow
• Yarrow
• Yale
• Larmanton
• Stiner
• Sufelon
• Fourspire
• Yellen

Aesthetically Pretty Last Names

A good last name creates a vibe. It’s a big part of the aesthetic of your character, which is important because it contributes to the reader’s feelings toward the character, making it far more appealing (or not!) to the audience.

Cool last names that are aesthetically pleasing are also great for protagonists or children in your story as they usually exude positive energy. One such surname can change the whole dynamic of your character, so keep reading!

• Ferguson
• Fleet
• Peck
• Hale
• Lewis
• Holmes
• Solace
• Floris
• Angelo
• Freddy
• Simmons
• Lupin
• Driscoll
• Aberra
• Cassidy
• Jenkins
• Hill
• Cruz
• Brooks
• Martin
• Hyde
• Furi
• Darcy
• Grace
• Benz
• Werner
• Lily
• Abbington
• Harper
• Finch
• Oswald
• Ashford
• Amos
• Berry
• Merigold
• Verlice
• Rossi
• Stallard
• Duke
• Evert
• Olson
• Yearwood
• Langston
• Clarke
• Omega
• Russo
• Cherith
• Madison
• Sierra
• Francis

Fancy Surnames

We’re all aware of societal hierarchy. That’s just the way it is.

With that in mind, certain eccentric characters need something else to back their personality up. That necessary element starts with their name as the first impression on the audience so, for graceful and high-born characters, always pick a fancy last name.

Also, you should draw a line between fancy and tacky – the last name you choose should in no way be overwhelming for the audience. Subtly fancy is the way to go.

Let us give you a few ideas for fancy last names.

• Zedler
• Raven
• Slade
• Bertillon
• Cromwell
• Mailon
• Morcerf
• Gairil
• Ramirez
• Titanite
• Caskcut
• Lamanie
• Rylan
• Havenash
• Mercier
• Gatlin
• Gaignory
• Mintz
• Astaril
• Cadieux
• Elrod
• Levine
• Madden
• Riley
• Holly
• Bertillon
• Curran
• Hardshout
• Dalton
• Yarrow
• Mondelli
• Virac
• Cretillon
• Dagon
• Hayes
• Elfwind
• Cohen
• Knight
• Colt
• Paxton
• Montana
• Sages
• Youngvigor
• Violet
• Bancroft
• Cobain
• Magnes
• Abiril
• Bandini
• Chabaffet

Funny Last Names

Funny last names often play a key role in building the character and giving an impression that the character has a comic fold to them. A great example is Chandler Bing. His surname alone was the center of attention every time it came up, short, sharp, and marginally comical!

Funny surnames do a lot in building characters.

Also, these amusing surnames are often used in children’s books to make the story light-hearted and comical for the children.

So, if you are a children’s book writer or humorous genre writer, the below-given cool last names could be a game-changer for you.

For children’s books, don’t be afraid to stoop to using potty humor, just avoid being overly explicit with it. Again, some subtlety is required.

• Cornfoot
• Zeiper
• Turtle
• Penny
• Wiwi
• Looney
• Bottum
• Looker
• Pantii
• Showers
• Rosebush
• Rump
• Caporaso
• Kale
• Bonefat
• Gorey
• Ekbote
• Hunter
• Long
• Denaro
• Hirwe
• Piggs
• Ho
• Boustany
• Greedy
• Hashwe
• Butcher
• Accusato
• Dukare
• Berger
• Tambe
• Peccati
• Bobade
• Bacon
• Nutters
• Goings
• Doug
• Jelly
• Mungi
• Willy
• Pizzeria
• Grump
• Swindells
• Onions
• Tesla
• Holder
• Sharp
• Standing
• Rump
• Ruff

Rich Surnames

There I don’t mean “Richie Rich.”

If you join rich last names with a high-class first name, you can make your character sound like they either come from money or have grafted to achieve their monetary success.

Such characters need really cool last names – you cannot compromise on that.

Using a surname that leaves the impression of wealth can even feed irony or sarcasm, or simply establish a personality trait of your character. It is not only easier than talking about it in the text, but it also is a better way to assert that someone is rich.

Here are some cool ideas for affluent last name inspiration!

• Grimaldi
• Balenciaga
• Pinault
• Reynolds
• Sterling
• Otto
• Swarovski
• Lowells
• Dorrance
• Schroder
• Roosevelts
• Ferdinand
• Cartier
• Hilti
• Gordon
• Dolce
• Clifford
• Green
• Lauder
• Versace
• Orleans
• Hadid
• Lincoln
• LeCoultre
• Lacoste
• Armani
• Sackler
• Almas
• Byron
• Oppenheimer
• Hoffman
• Merck
• Lynch
• Arnault
• Boucheron
• Schindler
• Tiffany
• Windsor
• Bernadotte
• Dalio
• Morgan
• Bloomberg
• Wang
• Astor
• Ford
• Van Damme
• Kamprad
• Buffet
• Fisher
• Ortego

The Last Word

Picking names for your novel, game, or Dungeons & Dragons character is often a challenge, but it does not have to be a roadblock, not with the 500 unique and cool last names above. The right one will create the vibe your character deserves, and each of them is up for the task.

We highly recommend you always try out both the first and last names together by saying them aloud together, writing it down, and saying it again. If it looks or sounds awkward, skip it without a second thought!

Keep going and you will find the perfect name, and your novel will be in perfect flow.

We hope this collection helped you, and good luck with your character creation!