Presidents may serve four-year terms, but their names often serve for centuries. Many of today’s most stylish first names began as surnames tied to early American leaders — some chosen in tribute, others simply adopted because they sound strong, familiar, and unmistakably American. Either way, these names carry a little extra historical electricity, and just enough swagger to run the sandbox like a cabinet meeting.
In honor of President’s Day, we’re launching a Presidential Name Countdown, starting at #19 and working our way to #1, spotlighting the presidential surnames that continue to show up on modern birth certificates — names shaped by history, powered by meaning, and still very much in the running.
Starting at #19, here are the presidential names still winning votes with parents. Let the countdown begin! 🎉
19. Truman (ranked #1,000+ for boys) • Honest strength • steady leadership 🧭
President Harry S. Truman, the 33rd U.S. president, guided the nation through the closing chapter of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War, making some of the most consequential leadership decisions of the 20th century. The surname Truman originates from an Olde English nickname-turned-surname meaning “faithful man” or “trustworthy person,” a meaning that aligns remarkably well with the name’s straightforward, plainspoken character. Simple, sincere, and grounded, Truman carries an appealing honesty — the kind of name that feels dependable without pretense. It reflects a classic American naming style built on integrity and strength of character.
18. Nixon (ranked #873 for boys) • Bold distinction • modern edge ⭐
President Richard Nixon, the 37th U.S. president, presided over a dramatic era in American history marked by major foreign-policy achievements — including opening diplomatic relations with China — alongside one of the most consequential political scandals in modern politics. The surname Nixon (“son of Nicholas”) comes from the Greek name Nicholas meaning “victory of the people.” Despite its...err, um... complex historical associations, Nixon carries a sharp, modern sound that fits squarely within today’s trend of bold surname-style first names. Compact, distinctive, and memorable, Nixon has an unmistakable edge — a name that stands out immediately and doesn’t easily blend into the background.
17. Jefferson (ranked #711 for boys) • Visionary intellect • founding-era legacy 📜
President Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the nation’s third president, helped shape the philosophical foundation of the United States with ideals centered on liberty, education, and civic responsibility. The surname Jefferson (“son of Jeffrey”) is from the Germanic Jeffrey meaning “divine peace.” That combination gives Jefferson a meaning that feels both visionary and stabilizing — a name tied to big ideas and enduring principles. With its dignified cadence and unmistakable historical resonance, Jefferson feels intellectual, expansive, and quietly commanding — the kind of name that sounds equally suited to a statesman, scholar, or future architect of something meaningful.
16. McKinley (ranked #742 for girls) • Heroine energy • historic strength ⛰️
President William McKinley presided over America’s arrival as a global power at the turn of the 20th century, and for more than 100 years the tallest mountain in North America carried his name (Mount McKinley, now Denali). The surname comes from Scottish Gaelic meaning “son of the fair hero,” which sounds suspiciously like someone destined to headline history. Blues legend Muddy Waters was born McKinley Morganfield, giving the name musical swagger to match its presidential stature. Today McKinley has become especially popular for girls—proof that “fair hero” easily translates to heroine energy.
15. Wilson (ranked #644 for boys) • Scholarly leadership • steady protector 📜
President Woodrow Wilson was the professor-turned-president who tried to redesign the world order after World War I, championing the ambitious (if ultimately unsuccessful) League of Nations — proof that some Wilsons dream big, even on a global scale. The surname itself is patronymic, meaning “son of Will(iam),” derived from William meaning “resolute protector.” In other words, Wilson quietly translates to the child of determination, which explains why the name carries such steady, dependable energy. It’s scholarly without being stuffy, presidential without trying too hard — the kind of name that sounds equally at home on a Supreme Court brief, a bestselling novel, or a Little League roster.
14. Ford (ranked #570 for boys) • Built-to-last strength • American classic 🚗
When Gerald Ford stepped into the presidency in 1974 following the Watergate crisis, his defining role was simple but enormous: stabilize the country and help it move forward. Fittingly, the name Ford comes from Olde English meaning “river crossing,” a place where travelers safely pass from one side to another. A name built on the idea of transition, passage and steady guidance during uncertain moments. Short, sturdy, and unmistakably American, Ford also carries an industrial-strength vibe thanks to its long association with automobiles, giving it a modern mechanical edge that feels both practical and confident.
13. Pierce (ranked #540 for boys) • Sharp clarity • rock-solid strength 🪨
President Franklin Pierce, the 14th U.S. president, governed during the tense decade just before the Civil War. While his presidency is often remembered as one of the more turbulent in the nation’s early history, the name Pierce itself has always projected strength and clarity. Derived from Piers, the medieval form of Peter, it ultimately traces back to the Greek petros, meaning “rock.” The word also carries an energetic edge through its English verb form “to pierce,” suggesting focus, precision and the ability to cut straight through noise or distraction. Strong, streamlined, and quietly commanding, Pierce is the kind of name that feels both polished and purposeful — a single syllable with unmistakable backbone.
12. Monroe (ranked #571 for girls) • Historic power • Hollywood sparkle ✨
President James Monroe, the fifth U.S. president, presided over the famously calm “Era of Good Feelings” and gave the nation one of its most enduring foreign-policy cornerstones, the Monroe Doctrine, which essentially told European powers: “Thanks, but we’ve got this hemisphere covered.” His Scottish surname comes from Gaelic roots meaning “mouth of the river,” a place where currents meet and momentum builds — an image that feels fitting for a name associated with expansion, direction, and national confidence. Monroe is now more commonly used for girls, but we can thank another famous Monroe for that: Marilyn Monroe, who transformed a stately presidential surname into a name with unmistakable star power and glamour. The result is a rare combination: historic authority meets cinematic sparkle.
11. Taylor (ranked #353 for girls and #667 for boys) • Tailored polish • timeless unisex 🧵
President Zachary Taylor, nicknamed “Old Rough and Ready,” was a battlefield hero long before he ever stepped into the White House — not exactly the image you’d expect from a surname that originally meant “tailor,” someone skilled at cutting cloth with precision and care. The name speaks to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the ability to shape something perfectly to fit. Few presidential surnames have reinvented themselves quite like this one. Once a medieval occupational name, Taylor evolved into one of the most enduring unisex favorites, but in recent decades it has become especially beloved for girls, thanks to its polished sound and modern versatility. Strong without feeling heavy and familiar without feeling ordinary, Taylor is the naming equivalent of a perfectly tailored jacket: flattering and always in style.
10. Reagan (ranked #244 for girls) • Bold charisma • fearless spirit 🎤
President Ronald Reagan brought Hollywood timing and headline-making charisma to the Oval Office, earning the nickname “The Great Communicator.” His Irish surname comes from Ó Riagáin, traditionally interpreted as “descendant of the little ruler,” but some linguistic readings connect the root element riag to a spirited temperament — suggesting meanings such as impetuous, spontaneous or boldly energetic. It’s a fitting dual personality for a name that feels both charismatic and commanding: part natural leader, part fearless trailblazer. In modern naming, Reagan has evolved into a standout favorite for girls, admired for its confident rhythm and unmistakable presence. It’s the kind of name that feels ready for action — lively, self-assured, and just unpredictable enough to keep life interesting.
9. Grant (ranked #241 for boys) • One-syllable authority • greatness 🏛️
President Ulysses S. Grant, the Civil War general who led Union forces to victory before becoming the nation’s 18th president, carried a name that sounds exactly like his reputation: strong, direct, and impossible to overcomplicate. The surname Grant comes from Old French graunt meaning “great,” “large” or “tall,” originally used as a nickname for someone of imposing stature. The word itself also evolved into the modern verb “to grant” meaning to bestow, authorize, or give — adding an unexpected layer of generosity and authority to the name’s symbolism.
8. Tyler (ranked #191 for boys) • Dependable classic • practical strength 🛠️
President John Tyler made history by unexpectedly becoming president in 1841 after the sudden death of William Henry Harrison, setting the constitutional precedent that the vice president fully assumes the office rather than serving merely as an acting placeholder — a small technical moment that turned out to be a very big deal. His surname originated as an English occupational name for a “tile maker” or “roof tiler,” someone who quite literally helped keep the roof over everyone’s head. Over time, Tyler shed its medieval trade roots and evolved into one of the most enduring modern first names, known for its relaxed, approachable energy and effortless familiarity. Tyler has a dependable, roll-up-your-sleeves practicality to it — the kind of name that gets the job done.
7. Hayes (ranked #160 for boys) • Fiery roots • modern cool 🔥
President Rutherford B. Hayes came to power after one of the most dramatic and disputed elections in U.S. history (1876), a moment that effectively ended the Reconstruction era and reshaped the political direction of the country. The surname Hayes, widely associated with Irish roots (Ó hAodha), is often interpreted to mean “the fiery one.” A name born of flame, energy, and inner spark. Despite its blazing etymology, modern Hayes feels sleek, composed, and contemporary cool. Short and stylish, Hayes carries the subtle suggestion of contained strength: steady warmth, bright intelligence and just enough flame to light the way forward.
6. Harrison (ranked #121 for boys) • Heritage leadership • modern polish 🏠
The name Harrison holds rare double-presidential distinction, belonging to both William Henry Harrison, whose presidency famously lasted just 31 days, and his grandson Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president of the United States — proving that leadership runs in the family. The surname itself is a classic English patronymic (“son of Harry”) with Harry from the Germanic Heimirich meaning “ruler of the home.” In essence, Harrison translates to “household leader,”carrying unmistakable legacy energy. Today, Harrison strikes a confident balance between heritage and modern polish. It has the tailored feel of a name that could headline a law firm, anchor a nightly news broadcast, or captain the varsity team — distinguished without feeling distant, traditional without feeling predictable.
5. Kennedy (ranked #89 for girls) • Charismatic leadership • Camelot era glow ⭐
President John F. Kennedy, the 35th U.S. president, remains one of the most iconic figures in modern American history — remembered for his youthful leadership, the call to “ask not what your country can do for you,” and a presidency that captured the imagination of an entire generation. His Irish surname comes from Ó Cinnéide, often interpreted to mean “descendant of the helmeted head” or “armored chief,” a meaning that carries unmistakable imagery of protection, courage, and leadership under pressure. Over the past few decades, Kennedy has transformed from an iconic political surname into one of the most stylish modern first names, especially popular for girls. Confident, charismatic, and instantly recognizable, Kennedy carries a sense of purpose and presence.
4. Arthur (ranked #105 for boys) • Legendary courage • noble strength 🛡️
President Chester A. Arthur may not always headline presidential trivia nights, but his administration surprised critics with major civil service reforms that helped modernize how the federal government hired employees — not bad for someone initially dismissed as a political insider. The name Arthur is derived from ancient Celtic roots associated with the word “bear,” a powerful symbol of ferocity, strength, protection and authority. Arthur’s legend, of course, extends far beyond the presidency. Thanks to the enduring tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, the name carries centuries of heroic storytelling, noble leadership, and sword-in-the-stone destiny.
3. Lincoln (ranked #73 for boys) • Quiet dignity • historic leadership 🎩
Few presidential names carry the historic gravity of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president whose leadership through the Civil War preserved the Union and reshaped the nation’s moral and political course. Yet the name Lincoln began not as a heroic title, but as an English place name meaning “lake settlement.” From quiet geographic origins grew one of the most powerful leadership associations in American history. Today, Lincoln blends dignity with surprising approachability. It feels thoughtful, grounded and quietly commanding — the kind of name that suggests steady resolve rather than loud ambition.
2. Carter (ranked #45 for boys and #507 for girls) • Forward motion • dependable leader ⚙️
President Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president, may be remembered not only for his time in office but for the decades that followed — humanitarian work, global diplomacy, and the rare example of a president whose post-White House years arguably became his most influential chapter. The surname Carter began as an English occupational name meaning “transporter of goods by cart,” someone responsible for moving essential supplies from one place to another — a role built on reliability, hard work, and forward motion. That symbolism gives Carter an appealing modern resonance: a name associated with progress, dependability, and getting things where they need to go. Carter has become one of the strongest surname-to-first-name success stories of the past few decades. It’s the kind of name that sounds equally at home on a startup founder, a team captain, or a future leader — steady hands on the wheel, always moving forward.
Drumroll Please.... 🥁🥁🥁 the #1 Presidential Name is.... 🥁🥁🥁
1. Jackson (ranked #35 for boys) • All-American powerhouse • bold classic ⭐
President Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. president, was one of the most forceful and controversial figures in early American politics — a frontier general whose larger-than-life personality reshaped the presidency into a far more populist and powerful office. The surname Jackson is a classic English patronymic “son of Jack,” with Jack ultimately derived from John, from Hebrew meaning “graced by God.” Today, Jackson radiates unmistakable American energy — bold, upbeat, and built for motion. It’s the kind of name that sounds equally natural on an MVP roster, a country music headliner, or the future founder of something ambitious. Strong without feeling formal and familiar without ever feeling ordinary, Jackson has become one of the defining modern classics — a name that doesn’t just show up on the list, it leads it.
Final Thoughts
From frontier generals and reformers to scholars, diplomats, and unlikely leaders, the presidents behind these names helped shape the American story — but their surnames have taken on lives of their own. Today they appear in classrooms, on team rosters, and on future résumés, proving that the right name can outlast any single moment in history.
Presidents leave office. Great names never do.
Which presidential name is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! 👇