Some last names that would be suitable for horror stories include 'Bates'. Norman Bates from 'Psycho' is a very famous horror character. 'Chaney' is also a good option. Lon Chaney was a horror icon, and the name has a bit of an old - fashioned horror charm. Additionally, 'Sullivan' can be used in a horror context, perhaps for a character who is a deranged killer in a small town horror story.
Consider 'Mortimer'. It has a connection to death with the 'mort' part, which means death in Latin. A family with this name in a horror story could be involved in dark magic or be keepers of some sort of deathly secret that haunts the town they live in.
Last names can enhance the atmosphere in horror stories in multiple ways. Firstly, names like 'Hawthorne' can evoke a sense of an old, spooky New England setting. Secondly, a name such as 'Frostbite' can add a cold, unforgiving element. It makes the reader feel a chill. Also, names like 'Shadowbrook' can make the reader think of a place filled with hidden terrors, just by the sound and connotations of the name.
Another one is 'Hawthorne'. It has a gothic feel to it. In a scary story, a Hawthorne could be a family cursed by an ancient witch or living in a haunted house filled with secrets and terrors. There could be dark family secrets passed down through generations with this name.
Bloodworth. This last name implies that the family might have a connection to bloodshed or something very dark related to blood. It could be a family of vampires or serial killers in a story, and it immediately makes the reader feel a sense of unease.
Some creative last names for stories could be 'Dawnbreaker'. It gives an impression of a new beginning or someone who breaks through the darkness. Another one is 'Starwhisper'. It has a very dreamy and mysterious feel, suitable for a character in a fantasy story. Also, 'Shadowveil' can be a great option, which implies mystery and secrecy.
Smith. It's a very common last name, but that commonness can be used in interesting ways in a story. For example, a character named Mr. Smith could be an everyman, representing the ordinary people in society. He could be caught up in extraordinary events, which would create an interesting contrast.
Starling. This name gives the impression of something small yet significant, like a starling bird that can be both unassuming and remarkable at the same time. It could be used for a character who has hidden talents or a big impact on the story despite initial appearances.
Blackwood. It has a dark and mysterious feel, like an old, haunted forest. Another one could be Crowley. It gives off an air of the occult and the unknown. And then there's Dracula. It's directly associated with vampires, which are classic horror figures.