Coolest Last Names to Give Your Book

Choosing the perfect last name for a book character can be a challenging task for any author. Whether you’re writing a fiction novel, a science fiction story, or a historical tale, it’s important to have the perfect last moniker to capture the essence of your hero or heroine. It’s also important to make sure the last name isn’t one that’s commonly used by other authors, so that it stands out among the rest. Here are some of the coolest last names you can give your book character and make them stand out from the crowd.

Historical Last Names

1. Stuart – This Scottish last name means “steward” and was most famously held by British monarchs.

2. Kennedy – Meaning “helmeted chief” or “armored head,” this Irish last name is most associated with the Kennedy family in the US.

3. Winchester – This Norman French surname comes from the Old English words for “hunting fortress.”

4. Fitzgerald – This Irish surname means “son of Gerald” and was made famous by the Fitzgerald dynasty.

5. de la Croix – This French surname comes from the Latin words for “of the cross,” and was popularized by Jean-Baptiste de la Croix.

6. Brunswick – This Germanic last name comes from the words for “Bruno’s estate” and was the name of many royal houses.

7. Chaucer – This Old English last name means “maker of shoes” and is most famously held by the poet Geoffrey Chaucer.

8. Howard – This English last name comes from the Old Norse words for “guardian of the High Castle” and was the name of a powerful British dynasty.

9. Fairfax – This Norman surname means “blond-haired foreign rule” and was the last name of a prominent British noble family.

10. de Bourbon – This French last name comes from the Latin words for “of the Bourbons” and is most famously held by the royal family of France.

Mystical & Magical Last Names

1. Moonstone – This mystical last name means “shaped like a moon” and is great for fantasy stories.

2. Fey – This Welsh last name comes from the Celtic word for “heather” and is usually used to refer to a type of fairy.

3. Stardust – This magical last name comes from the English words for “star” and “dust” and calls to mind the whimsical world of fairytales and make-believe.

4. Phoenix – This mythical last name comes from the Greek word for “blood red” and refers to the legendary bird of rebirth.

5. Wiggenstaff – This unique last name is derived from the Old English words for “white magic” and “staff,” and is perfect for an enchanting character.

6. Cyrus – This biblical last name means “lord” and was famously held by the legendary Croesus of Lydia.

7. Cassandra – This Greek last name comes from the words for “she who entangles men” and was the name of the mythical prophetess.

8. Cole – This English name means “swarthy” and can be used to refer to fairies, trolls, or any other magical beings.

9. Wolfe – This Germanic last name means “wolf” and can be used to invoke a mysterious character.

10. Rowan – This Celtic last name, derived from the tree of the same name, is a great pick for a magical character.

Dark & Intimidating Last Names

1. Blackwood – Some stories require a menacing last name and this one fits the bill perfectly. It comes from the Old English words for “dark wood”.

2. Crestfallen – This fitting last name comes from the Old English words for “fallen from a crest” and is perfect for a villainous character.

3. Maleficent – This sinister last name comes from the Latin words for “evil doing” and is a great pick for a wicked witch or warlock.

4. Scarsdale – This dark last name is derived from the Old English words for “field of scars” and is perfect for a gothic story.

5. Bonebreaker – This intimidating name comes from the Old English words for “bone” and “breaker” and makes an excellent option for a villain.

6. Lowes – This old English last name means “fires” and is perfect for a character who is both cunning and ruthless.

7. Caligari – This German last name comes from the Latin words for “wearing boots” and is perfect for a military hero or warmonger.

8. Price – Though it might seem like an innocent last name, it actually comes from the Old French word for “priest” and is great for a mysterious character.

9. Vampyr – This Dutch last name is derived from the English words for “the undead” and is great for a vampire character.

10. Darkblade – This English last name means “dark-bladed sword” and is perfect for a warrior-type character.

Science Fiction & Futuristic Last Names

1. Empire – This fitting last name means “through the stars” and is perfect for a space-age hero or villain.

2. Icarean – This modern last name is derived from the Greek myth of Icarus and refers to a journey into a new world of possibilities.

3. Garmon – This science fiction last name comes from the Icelandic words for “guardian of the gates” and is perfect for a robotic protector.

4. Starcast – This futuristic last name comes from the English words “star” and “cast” and is perfect for a space traveler.

5. Vector – This Latin last name means “carrier” and is great for a character who has the power to transport people and objects through time and space.

6. Processor – This interesting last name comes from the Latin word for “to progress” and is perfect for a robotic character.

7. Galactica – This Spanish last name means “from the stars” and is perfect for a hero who comes from a galaxy far away.

8. Infinity – This futuristic last name comes from the Latin word for “without end” and is perfect for a character who has transcended time and space.

9. Trekker – This English last name comes from the Dutch word for “to travel” and is perfect for a space adventurer.

10. Lancer – This French last name comes from the Latin word for “lance bearer” and is perfect for a character who uses a spear as their weapon.

Choosing the perfect last name for a book character can be a difficult task, but with a little bit of research and inspiration, you can find the perfect fit. Whether you’re looking for a historical or mystical moniker, or something more dark or futuristic, hopefully this list will give you some ideas to fuel your creativity and make your character the star of the show.