512 Southern Last Names for Boys and Girls & Their Meaning

Southern last names, rich in history and tradition, often carry deep meanings and stories of their own.

These Southern surnames passed down through generations have a unique charm that resonates with the spirit of the American South.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration for naming your newborn, tracing your own family roots or just fascinated by the culture down South, this article on Southern last names for boys and girls will take you on an exciting journey through some beloved Southern surnames that have stood the test of time.

We’ll delve into the meanings and origins of these Southern last names, shedding light on their cultural significance and the legacies they represent.

From the classic and timeless to the more contemporary, these Southern last names have a way of connecting us to the past while paving the path for the future.

So grab your cowboy hat and let’s unravel the hidden meanings behind these beloved Southern last names!

257 Southern Last Names for Girls and Their Meaning

Here are 257 unique  Southern last names (surnames) for girls and their meaning.

Abigail – “Father’s Joy”

Ada – “Noble, Nobility”

Addie – A diminutive of various names

Addison – “Son of Adam”

Adeline – “Noble, Nobility”

Agnes – “Pure, Chaste”

Alice – “Noble, Truth”

Alma – “Nourishing, Kind”

Amelia – “Work of the Lord”

Amy – “Beloved”

Anastasia – “Resurrection”

Anna – “Grace”

Annabelle – A combination of Anna and Belle

Annie – A diminutive of Ann or Anne

April – “Opening, Spring”

Arabella – “Beautiful Lion”

Ashley – “Meadow of Ash Trees”

Aubrey – “Noble Ruler”

Augusta – “Great, Magnificent”

Aurora – “Dawn”

Autumn – The season name

Ava – “Bird”

Barbara – “Foreign Woman”

Beatrice – “Bringer of Joy”

Belle – “Beautiful”

Bertha – “Bright, Glorious”

Betty – A diminutive of Elizabeth

Blanche – “White, Fair”

Bonnie – “Pretty, Charming”

Brenda – “Little Raven”

Bridget – “Strength, Exalted One”

Brittany – “From Britain”

Brooke – “Small Stream”

Camilla – “Young Ceremonial Attendant”

Camille – “Perfect”

Caroline – “Free Man”

Carolyn – A variant of Caroline

Carrie – A diminutive of Carol or Caroline

Cassandra – “Shining Upon Man”

Catherine – “Pure”

Cecilia – “Blind”

Celeste – “Heavenly”

Charlotte – “Free Man”

Chloe – “Blooming”

Christina – “Follower of Christ”

Claire – “Clear, Bright”

Clara – “Clear, Bright”

Clarissa – “Fame, Bright”

Clementine – “Mild, Merciful”

Colleen – “Girl, Lass”

Connie – A diminutive of Constance, meaning “Steadfastness.”

Cora – A variant of Coral, meaning “Coral” or “Maiden.”

Cordelia – “Heart, Daughter of the Sea.”

Courtney – “Short Nose” or “Courteous.”

Crystal – “Clear, Bright Ice.”

Daisy – “Day’s Eye” or “Flower Name.”

Danielle – Female form of Daniel, meaning “God is my Judge.”

Darla – A diminutive of Darlene, meaning “Darling.”

Deborah – “Bee” or “Industrious.”

Debra – A variant of Deborah.

Denise – “Follower of Dionysius,” referring to the Greek god of wine.

Diana – “Divine” or “Heavenly.”

Diane – A variant of Diana.

Dixie – A term often used for the Southern United States.

Dora – “Gift” or “Pandora.”

Dorothy – “Gift of God.”

Edith – “Prosperous in War.”

Edna – “Delightful” or “Rejuvenation.”

Eleanor – “Bright, Shining Light.”

Eliza – A diminutive of Elizabeth, meaning “God is my Oath.”

Elizabeth – “God is my Oath.”

Ella – “Shortened form of Eleanor or Ellen.”

Ellen – “Bright, Shining Light.”

Ellie – A diminutive of Eleanor or Ellen.

Elodie – “Marsh Flower.”

Emily – “Industrious, Striving.”

Emma – “Universal” or “Whole.”

Erin – “Ireland” or “Peace.”

Esther – “Star” or “Hidden.”

Ethel – “Noble” or “Noble Maiden.”

Evangeline – “Bearer of Good News.”

Evelyn – “Desired” or “Life.”

Faith – “Complete Trust” or “Belief.”

Faye – “Fairy” or “Faith.”

Felicity – “Happiness” or “Good Fortune.”

Florence – “Prosperous” or “Flourishing.”

Frances – “Free” or “From France.”

Frankie – A diminutive of Frances.

Genevieve – “Woman of the Family” or “People.”

Georgia – “Farmer” or “Tiller of the Soil.”

Gertrude – “Spear of Strength” or “Strong Spear.”

Gloria – “Glory” or “Fame.”

Grace – “Elegance” or “Divine Grace.”

Gwendolyn – “Fair Bow” or “White Ring.”

Hannah – “Grace” or “Favor.”

Harper – “Harp Player” or “Minstrel.”

Harriet – “Home Ruler” or “Estate Ruler.”

Hazel – “The Hazel Tree” or “Commander.”

Helen – “Bright, Shining Light.”

Henrietta – “Ruler of the Household.”

Holly – “Plant with Red Berries” or “Symbol of Christmas.”

Hope – “Desire and Expectation of Good.”

Ida – “Hardworking” or “Industrious.”

Irene – “Peace.”

Iris – “Rainbow” or “Messenger of the Gods.”

Isabella – A variant of Elizabeth, meaning “God is my Oath.”

Isabelle – A variant of Isabella.

Isolde – “Fair Lady” or “Ice Ruler.”

Ivy – “Climbing Vine Plant.”

Jacqueline – “Supplanter” or “May God Protect.”

Jaime – A variant of James, meaning “Supplanter.”

Jamie – A diminutive of James or a variation of Jacob, meaning “Supplanter.”

Jane – “God is Gracious.”

Janet – A diminutive of Jane, meaning “God is Gracious.”

Janice – A variation of Jane, meaning “God is Gracious.”

Jean – A variant of Jane, meaning “God is Gracious.”

Jeanne – A French variant of Jane.

Jennie – A diminutive of Jennifer or Jane.

Jennifer – “Fair, White Wave” or “Fair Phantom.”

Jessica – “Foresight” or “To Behold.”

Jill – A diminutive of Jillian or Gillian.

Joan – “God is Gracious.”

Joanna – “God is Gracious.”

Jocelyn – “Joyful.”

Josephine – “God will Increase.”

Judith – “Praised” or “Woman of Judea.”

Julia – “Youthful.”

Julie – A diminutive of Julia.

June – The month name.

Karen – “Pure” or “Clear.”

Kate – A diminutive of Katherine, meaning “Pure.”

Katherine – “Pure.”

Kathleen – A diminutive of Katherine, meaning “Pure.”

Kathryn – A variant of Katherine.

Kelly – “Bright-headed” or “Warrior.”

Kimberly – “Cyneburg’s Field.”

Kristen – A variant of Christina, meaning “Follower of Christ.”

Kristine – A variant of Kristen.

Laura – “Laurel-Crowned” or “Bay Tree.”

Lauren – “Laurel-Crowned.”

Lavinia – “Purity” or “Woman of Rome.”

Leah – “Weary” or “Meadow.”

Lena – “Light” or “Pledge.”

Leslie – “Garden of Hollies.”

Lila – “Night” or “Beauty.”

Lillian – “Lily” or “Purity.”

Lily – “Lily Flower.”

Linda – “Pretty One” or “Tender.”

Lisa – A diminutive of Elizabeth, meaning “God is my Oath.”

Lois – “Desirable” or “Better.”

Lola – A short form of Dolores, meaning “Sorrows.”

Lorelei – A German name associated with a siren or water nymph.

Loretta – “Laurel” or “Sweet Bay Tree.”

Louise – A French name, meaning “Famous in Battle.”

Lucille – “Light” or “Brightness.”

Lucy – A diminutive of Lucille, meaning “Light.”

Lydia – “From Lydia,” a region in Asia Minor.

Mabel – “Lovable” or “Amiable.”

Madeline – A variant of Magdalene, meaning “Woman from Magdala.”

Maggie – A diminutive of Margaret, meaning “Pearl.”

Magnolia – A flower name, symbolizing dignity and nobility.

Margaret – “Pearl.”

Marguerite – A French variant of Margaret.

Marie – A French form of Mary, meaning “Bitterness.”

Marigold – A flower name, representing the golden color of the flower.

Martha – “Lady” or “Mistress.”

Mary – “Bitter” or “Rebellious.”

Matilda – “Mighty in Battle.”

Maureen – A diminutive of Mary, meaning “Bitterness.”

Megan – A Welsh name, meaning “Pearl.”

Melanie – “Dark” or “Black.”

Melissa – “Bee.”

Mercedes – “Mercies” or “Wages.”

Michelle – “Who is Like God?”

Mildred – “Gentle Strength.”

Minnie – A diminutive of Mary, meaning “Bitterness.”

Mirabelle – “Wonderful” or “Of Admirable Beauty.”

Miranda – “Worthy of Admiration.”

Molly – A diminutive of Mary, meaning “Bitterness.”

Monica – “Advisor” or “To Advise.”

Nancy – A diminutive of Ann or Anne.

Natalie – “Born on Christmas Day.”

Nellie – A diminutive of Eleanor or Ellen.

Nicole – “Victory of the People.”

Nina – “Little Girl” or “Grace.”

Nora – “Honor” or “Light.”

Norma – “Rule” or “Norm.”

Octavia – “Eighth” or “Born Eighth.”

Olivia – “Olive Tree.”

Ophelia – “Help” or “Aid.”

Pamela – “All Honey” or “Sweet.”

Patricia – “Noble” or “Noblewoman.”

Paula – A feminine form of Paul, meaning “Small” or “Humble.”

Peggy – A diminutive of Margaret, meaning “Pearl.”

Penelope – “Weaver.”

Penny – A diminutive of Penelope.

Persephone – “Bringer of Destruction” or “Bringer of Death.”

Phoebe – “Bright” or “Radiant.”

Phyllis – “Green Bough” or “Leafy Foliage.”

Piper – “Flute Player” or “Piper.”

Rachel – “Ewe” or “Lamb.”

Rebecca – “To Bind” or “Tied Up.”

Regina – “Queen.”

Renee – A French name, meaning “Reborn” or “Born Again.”

Rita – A diminutive of Margarita, meaning “Pearl.”

Roberta – Feminine form of Robert, meaning “Bright Fame.”

Robin – “Bright Fame.”

Rosalie – A combination of Rose and Lalie, meaning “Rose” and “Talkative.”

Rosalind – “Pretty Rose.”

Rose – “Rose Flower.”

Rosemary – “Dew of the Sea.”

Ruby – “Red Gemstone.”

Ruth – “Compassionate Friend” or “Pity.”

Sadie – A diminutive of Sarah, meaning “Princess” or “Lady.”

Sandra – A diminutive of Alexandra, meaning “Defender of the People.”

Sarah – “Princess” or “Lady.”

Savannah – “Treeless Plain” or “Open Plain.”

Scarlett – “Red” or “Scarlet.”

Seraphina – “Fiery Ones” or “Burning Ones.”

Sharon – “Plain” or “A Place in Israel.”

Sheila – “Blind.”

Shelby – “Willow Farm.”

Shirley – “Bright Meadow.”

Sophia – “Wisdom.”

Stella – “Star.”

Stephanie – “Crown” or “Garland.”

Susan – “Lily.”

Susanna – “Lily.”

Suzanne – A French variant of Susan.

Sydney – “Wide Meadow.”

Tammy – A diminutive of Tamsin or Tamara.

Tara – “Rocky Hill” or “Star.”

Taylor – “Cutter of Cloth” or “Cloth Cutter.”

Teresa – “Harvester” or “Reaper.”

Tessa – A diminutive of Teresa, meaning “Harvester.”

Theodora – “Gift of God.”

Theresa – A variant of Teresa.

Tiffany – “Manifestation of God.”

Tina – A diminutive of Christina, meaning “Follower of Christ.”

Tracy – “Warlike” or “Fighter.”

Vanessa – Invented name with no specific meaning.

Veronica – “Bearer of Victory.”

Vicki – A diminutive of Victoria, meaning “Victory.”

Victoria – “Victory.”

Violet – “Purple-Blue Flower.”

Virginia – “Maiden” or “Virgin.”

Vivian – “Alive” or “Life.”

Vivienne – A variant of Vivian.

Wanda – “Wanderer” or “Wanderer.”

Wendy – A name coined by J.M. Barrie in “Peter Pan.”

Whitney – “White Island” or “White Water.”

Wilhelmina – “Resolute Protector.”

Willa – “Resolute Protector.”

Wilma – A diminutive of Wilhelmina.

Yvonne – “Yew Tree” or “Archer.”

Zephyrine – “West Wind” or “Breezy.”

Zoey – A variant of Zoe, meaning “Life.”

255 Southern Last Names for Boys and Their Meaning

Here are 255 unique Southern last names (surnames) for boys and their meaning.

Aaron – “High Mountain” or “Exalted.”

Abraham – “Father of Many” or “Father of a Multitude.”

Adam – “Man” or “Humanity.”

Addison – “Son of Adam.”

Aiden – A variant of Aidan, meaning “Little Fire.”

Albert – “Noble” or “Bright.”

Alex – A diminutive of Alexander, meaning “Defender of the People.”

Alexander – “Defender of the People.”

Alfred – “Elf Counsel” or “Wise Counsel.”

Allen – “Little Rock” or “Harmony.”

Alvin – “Noble Friend” or “Elf Friend.”

Andrew – “Manly” or “Strong.”

Anthony – “Priceless” or “Highly Praiseworthy.”

Arthur – “Bear” or “Noble.”

Austin – “Great” or “Magnificent.”

Beau – “Beautiful” or “Handsome.”

Benjamin – “Son of the Right Hand.”

Billy – A diminutive of William, meaning “Will Helmet” or “Resolute Protection.”

Blake – “Black” or “Dark.”

Bobby – A diminutive of Robert, meaning “Bright Fame.”

Bradley – “Broad Clearing” or “Broad Meadow.”

Brandon – “Hill Covered with Broom” or “Ravine Hill.”

Brian – “Noble” or “Strength.”

Brooks – “Small Stream” or “Brook.”

Bruce – “Thick Brush” or “Woods.”

Bryan – A variant of Brian, meaning “Noble” or “Strength.”

Caleb – “Faithful” or “Dog.”

Calvin – “Bald” or “Little Bald One.”

Cameron – “Bent Nose” or “Crooked River.”

Carl – “Man” or “Free Man.”

Carter – “Cart Driver” or “Transporter of Goods.”

Chance – “Fortune” or “Luck.”

Charles – “Free Man” or “Manly.”

Christopher – “Bearer of Christ” or “Christ-Bearer.”

Clayton – “Muddy Town” or “Town on Clay.”

Clifford – “Ford Near a Hill” or “Lives Near a Cliff.”

Clinton – “Hilltop Town” or “Settlement on a Hill.”

Cody – “Helpful” or “Cushion.”

Cole – “Coal Black” or “Dark.”

Colton – “Coal Town” or “Settlement of Coal Miners.”

Connor – “Lover of Hounds” or “Wise.”

Cooper – “Barrel Maker” or “Craftsman.”

Corey – “Hollow” or “Dweller in a Hollow.”

Cornelius – “Horn” or “Horned.”

Curtis – “Polite” or “Courteous.”

Daniel – “God is My Judge.”

David – “Beloved.”

Dean – “Valley.”

Dennis – “Wild” or “Frenzied.”

Derek – “Ruler of the People.”

Devin – “Poet” or “Bard.”

Dominic – “Belonging to the Lord.”

Donald – “Ruler of the World.”

Douglas – “Dark Water” or “Dark Stream.”

Dustin – “Valiant” or “Courageous.”

Dylan – “Son of the Sea” or “Born from the Ocean.”

Earl – “Nobleman” or “Chief.”

Eddie – A diminutive of Edward, meaning “Wealthy Guardian.”

Edward – “Wealthy Guardian” or “Guardian of Prosperity.”

Edwin – “Prosperous Friend.”

Eli – “High” or “Ascended.”

Elijah – “My God is Yahweh.”

Elliot – “The Lord is My God.”

Elliott – A variant of Elliot.

Ellis – “Benevolent” or “Kind.”

Elmer – “Noble” or “Famous.”

Elvin – “Friend of Elves” or “Noble Friend.”

Elvis – “All-Wise” or “Elf Friend.”

Emmanuel – “God is with Us.”

Ernest – “Serious” or “Earnest.”

Ethan – “Strong,” “Firm,” or “Steadfast.”

Eugene – “Well-Born” or “Noble.”

Evan – “Young Warrior” or “The Lord is Gracious.”

Everett – “Strong as a Boar” or “Brave.”

Ezekiel – “God Strengthens.”

Ezra – “Helper” or “Helper of the People.”

Felix – “Happy” or “Fortunate.”

Ferdinand – “Brave Traveler” or “Bold Voyager.”

Fernando – A Spanish variant of Ferdinand.

Floyd – “Gray-Haired” or “Grey.”

Frank – “Free” or “Free Man.”

Franklin – “Free Landholder” or “Free Man of Nobility.”

Frederick – “Peaceful Ruler” or “Ruler of Peace.”

Gabriel – “God is my Strength” or “Messenger of God.”

Garrett – “Spear Strength” or “Brave with the Spear.”

Gary – “Spear” or “Mighty with the Spear.”

George – “Farmer” or “Tiller of the Soil.”

Gerald – “Rule of the Spear” or “Ruler with a Spear.”

Gilbert – “Bright Pledge” or “Bright as Gold.”

Glenn – “Narrow Valley” or “Wooded Valley.”

Gordon – “Large Fort” or “Hill Near the Marsh.”

Grant – “Great” or “Grand.”

Gregory – “Vigilant” or “Watchful.”

Grover – “Forest Keeper” or “Grovesman.”

Gus – A diminutive of Augustus or Gustav, meaning “Venerable” or “Exalted.”

Harold – “Army Ruler” or “Leader of an Army.”

Harrison – “Son of Harry” or “Son of Henry.”

Harry – A diminutive of Henry, meaning “Ruler of the Household.”

Harvey – “Battle Worthy” or “Eager for Battle.”

Henry – “Ruler of the Household.”

Logan – “Hollow” or “Little Hollow.”

Lorenzo – “Laurel-Crowned” or “From Laurentum.”

Louis – “Famous Warrior” or “Renowned Fighter.”

Lucas – “Light” or “Illumination.”

Luke – “Light” or “Illumination.”

Luther – “People’s Army” or “Warrior of the People.”

Lynn – “Lake” or “Waterfall.”

Madison – “Son of Maud” or “Son of the Mighty Warrior.”

Malcolm – “Disciple of Saint Columba” or “Servant of Columba.”

Marcus – “Mars” or “Warlike.”

Mark – “Warlike” or “Martial.”

Marshall – “Horse Keeper” or “Steward.”

Martin – “Warrior of Mars” or “Warlike.”

Marvin – “Friend of the Sea” or “Sea Lover.”

Mason – “Worker in Stone” or “Bricklayer.”

Matthew – “Gift of God.”

Maurice – “Dark-Skinned” or “Moorish.”

Max – A diminutive of Maximilian or Maxwell, meaning “Greatest” or “Great Stream.”

Michael – “Who is Like God?”

Miles – “Soldier” or “Merciful.”

Mitchell – “Who is Like God?”

Morris – “Dark-Skinned” or “Moorish.”

Nathan – “Gift of God.”

Nathaniel – “Gift of God.”

Nelson – “Son of Neil” or “Son of the Champion.”

Nicholas – “Victory of the People.”

Noah – “Rest” or “Comfort.”

Norman – “Norseman” or “Northman.”

Oliver – “Olive Tree.”

Oscar – “God Spear” or “Deer Lover.”

Owen – “Young Warrior” or “Noble Born.”

Patrick – “Nobleman” or “Noble.”

Paul – “Small” or “Humble.”

Percy – “Pierce Valley” or “Pierced Valley.”

Perry – “Pear Tree” or “Dweller Near the Pear Tree.”

Peter – “Rock” or “Stone.”

Philip – “Lover of Horses.”

Phillip – A variant of Philip.

Porter – “Gatekeeper.”

Preston – “Priest’s Town” or “Town of the Priest.”

Quincy – “Estate of the Fifth Son” or “Fifth Born.”

Ralph – “Wolf Counsel” or “Counselor Wolf.”

Randall – “Shield Wolf” or “Wolf’s Shield.”

Randy – A diminutive of Randall.

Raymond – “Wise Protector” or “Counselor.”

Reggie – A diminutive of Reginald, meaning “Ruler’s Counsel.”

Reginald – “Ruler’s Counsel.”

Ricardo – “Rich and Powerful Ruler.”

Richard – “Brave Ruler” or “Strong Leader.”

Robert – “Bright Fame” or “Famous.”

Roberto – A variant of Robert, meaning “Bright Fame.”

Rodney – “Island Clearing” or “Famous Island.”

Roger – “Famous Spear” or “Spearman.”

Ronald – “Ruler’s Counsel” or “Mighty Ruler.”

Ronnie – A diminutive of Ronald, meaning “Mighty Ruler.”

Roy – “King” or “Red.”

Russell – “Little Red One” or “Fox Colored.”

Ryan – “Little King.”

Salvador – “Savior” or “Rescuer.”

Samuel – “Heard by God.”

Santiago – “Saint James.”

Scott – “From Scotland.”

Sean – A variant of John, meaning “God is Gracious.”

Seth – “Appointed” or “Placed.”

Shane – “God is Gracious.”

Shannon – “Little Old Wise One” or “Small and Wise.”

Shawn – A variant of John, meaning “God is Gracious.”

Sherman – “Shear Man” or “One who Shears Wool.”

Sidney – “Wide Island” or “Wide Meadow.”

Silas – “Wood” or “Forest.”

Simon – “He who Hears” or “Listener.”

Solomon – “Peace” or “Peaceful.”

Spencer – “Steward” or “Administrator.”

Stanley – “Stony Clearing” or “Rocky Meadow.”

Stephen – “Crown” or “Garland.”

Steven – A variant of Stephen, meaning “Crown” or “Garland.”

Stewart – “Steward” or “Administrator.”

Stuart – A variant of Stewart.

Sylvester – “Wild” or “Forest Dweller.”

Taylor – “Cloth Cutter” or “Tailor.”

Terry – “People’s Ruler” or “Ruler of the People.”

Theodore – “God-Given” or “Gift of God.”

Thomas – “Twin.”

Timothy – “Honoring God.”

Todd – “Fox” or “Clever.”

Tommy – A diminutive of Thomas, meaning “Twin.”

Tony – A diminutive of Anthony, meaning “Priceless” or “Highly Praiseworthy.”

Travis – “To Cross Over” or “Crossing.”

Trent – “Gushing Waters” or “Flood.”

Trevor – “Prudent” or “Sensible.”

Troy – “Foot Soldier” or “Soldier.”

Tyler – “Tile Maker” or “Roof Maker.”

Ulysses – “Angry” or “Wrathful.”

Vance – “Thresher of Grain” or “Harvester.”

Vernon – “Alder Tree” or “Alder Grove.”

Vincent – “Conquering” or “Victorious.”

Virgil – “Flourishing” or “Flourishing, Verdant.”

Walter – “Ruler of the Army.”

Wayne – “Wagon Maker” or “Wagon Driver.”

Wesley – “Western Clearing.”

Weston – “Western Town.”

William – “Resolute Protector.”

Willie – A diminutive of William, meaning “Resolute Protector.”

Wyatt – “Brave in War” or “Little Warrior.”

Zachary – “Remembered by God.”

Conclusion on Southern Last Names and Their Meaning

The above Southern last names for boys and girls reflect a fusion of old-world charm and contemporary vibrancy, always staying true to their meaningful origins.

As we’ve explored the meanings and stories behind these Southern last names, it becomes evident that they aren’t just labels; they are cultural markers, family ties and personal legacies.

Each Southern surname carries with it a sense of identity, a testament to the enduring legacy of the American South.

Whether you are looking for a traditional Southern last name that honors your family heritage or a unique moniker that sets your child apart, the Southern naming tradition offers a plethora of options to choose from.

So, take your time, explore the possibilities and embrace the charm of Southern last names for your little one.

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