A modern makeover: The surnames that have been given a second life as first names for baby boys and girls
There's nothing more stressful than trying to decide on the perfect name for your baby.
Inspiration can come from the most unlikely places, and for some parents-to-be it's actually a surname which starts to sound like a great option as a first name.
Long before names like Warren, Gordon, Glenn and Curtis were commonly known as given names, they were surnames, proving that a little bit of time and a little bit of love turns them into much-loved monikers.
Here are some last-name inspiration for those who need a first name for their bub.
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Ashley
Every '90s girl knows an Ashley, or an Ashleigh, but it's also been known as a surname.
With Irish roots, the name dates right back to the 12th century and over time turned into a name parents have come to love for both boys and girls, although it does feel more feminine these days.
Banks
Another gender-neutral option with plenty of cool factor is Banks.
What started out as a surname that refers not to the place where people keep their money, but to riverbanks or hillsides, and the people who live and work on them, has become a very cool first name.
Hilary Duff and husband Matthew Korma went with the name for their daughter, Banks Violet, giving it a really modern vibe.
Blair
While many would associate the name Blair with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, it's a really chic option for a girl.
The name has been gaining momentum for years, first kicking off as a first name for girls in the '80s and still steadily climbing.
It's got a history of being a boys name, too, making it another really great gender neutral option if that's what you're looking for.
Bowie
While most people would recognise Bowie as a surname, thanks to musician David Bowie, it's another name getting the first name treatment.
It started to gain momentum as a first name after his death in 2016, and has been climbing the ranks since.
Traditionally a surname of Scottish origin meaning "blond, yellow", it's now gaining popularity as a name for little boys.
Brooks
Sure, Brooke is one of those names that never seems to go out of style for girls, but Brooks is an edgy new take for boys.
The surname has been around forever, but it really works as a cool and new name for a boy.
Calvin
The name Calvin has a long French heritage that first began in the northern region of Normandy, but it's worth considering as a first name.
It's a name with a fashion edge, thanks to Calvin Klein or one for EDM fans with a nod to Calvin Harris.
Clark
Classic, strong and just a name that feels like it's going to stand the test of time.
While it was once a surname, it's been popular as a name since 1881, well used in the 1940s and 1950s and is having another upswing.
It's got the vintage "old feels new" vibe which is becoming a big trend for a lot of new parents.
Cooper
Cooper started as an occupational surname in England, derived from the maker and repairer of wooden barrels.
It was one of the first surname names that flipped to become a first name option, and seems to be keeping steady with popularity.
Aussie parents are particularly fond of the name too.
Ellis
Ellis is now starting to feel like a more modern option for parents who want an 'El' name.
While it is mostly male, there are little girls with the name too.
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