My grandfather (paternal) is the one I noticed changing the end sounds most. Some hand-me-down names may even have originated in Colonial phonetic spellings when somebody saw their name written such as on a militia muster roll and just took it as being the correct way. She said, Yes, Marthee had twins and she named them Eller and Steller. Choosing a Southern last name from the Deep South is a great way to give yourself or a character a truly Southern feel. Facebook. Ava and William are the most popular first names in the South, but what about the most popular last name? Fischer (English or German origin) meaning fisherman. Pick the last name that suits your character best from the below list of Southern surnames. Happy married John Sadoc Smiley. Ward (Old English or Old Gaelic origin) meaning marsh. 50. I love reading your blog and watching your YouTube channel. Two names in my family always seemed odd. on: function(evt, cb) { That happens especially when a child cant correctly pronounce a name and their variation is so cute everybody picks it up. Sarah became Sally and Margaret became Peggy. My paternal grandmother was named Anna Mae and my paternal grandmother was named Essie. If you liked our suggestions for Southern last names then why not take a look at these Dominican last names, or for something different take a look at these Hungarian surnames. An aunt named Ella was called Eller; an aunt named Anna was called Anner; a cousin named Bertha was called Berthy; a cousin named Patricia was called Trishy; a cousin whose name I cant remember was called Pug; a cousin named Mary Nell was called Mernell. })(); There are tons of things I could tell you about myself, but all you really need to know is I'm crazy in love with my home in Appalachia-the people, the food, the music, the colorful language, the sustainable lifestyle, the history, the soaring mountains, and the deep dark hollers. I love anything about Appalachia and their nicknames and changing pronunciation is just a part of what makes it unique. Forebears knows about 270,818 unique surnames in Tennessee and there are 25 people per name. There are some great family names from my dads side out of West Virginia, as well as from my moms side out of the Carolinas. Later they butchered a calf annually after we got a freezer. I was called seedy as a little girl because my friends just couldnt say the big name. 15. Pierce, the young and incredibly interesting character played by Winona Ryder in 'Reality Bites' is another popular Texan surname. Martin (Latin origin) meaning of Mars. My third great grandfather was raised in Rowan County and they lived in and around Salisbury. And he had an older woman cousin (or some relation), named Vermin (!). We found 613,523 records for Appalachian last name. Alice was one of the most common names in the 1700s. Population Count (2000): 1,534,042. Judging by Appalachian names I would say that english ethnicity far outnumbers any other. But I digress. . Does it seem like the variations like y and ie endings are more noticeable in the women of the family? They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. Then us grandkids came along and our names were pretty modern but our nicknames were Bouga (me), Bumzy, Booter, Bear, Tonzie, Tootie, Slim, Jenzy, Muskrat, Kissy. My great-great grandmother Ora Barnes Vick had a sister named Homer. Keren-Happuch was the youngest of Jobs three daughters. More NC Area Links. We are also familiar with unusual names. 44. 26. She was most certainly a young woman. Sometimes called the "Lost Tribe of Appalachia," the Melungeons are people of mixed ethnicity who claim varying degrees of Portuguese . 54. One of my great grandmothers was named Tabitha long before it became a popular girls name in the 1970s because of the TV sitcom Bewitched. She pronounced her name with the accent on the second syllable, unlike todays Tabithas. Southern Families SURNAMES . My Daddy was nicknamed Gizmo. Lemma is another strange (to me) family name but there are several Lemmas in the cemetery book. I am 80 years young, and our family has been having an annual family reunion for the past 56 years at an organized camp ground at the lake up home. well my gg gramma was Orpha or Orphy and she had a granddaughter (my grannys sister which is how i know they called her Orphy) named Orphy Nicknames and variations of names were commonplace on both sides of my family. Ive been thinking about unusual names in Appalachia. Umbra (Latin origin) meaning shadow. Happuch was a probably a shortened version of the Bible name Keren-Happuch. Your privacy is important to us. Tipper, Lula (German origin) meaning famous warrior. We are somehow related to an old boy name Wormy and thats just his name. Shirley (Old English origin) meaning shire or bright clear or meadow. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency Percent of Parent Rank in United States; 1: Smith: 21,205: 1:84: 0 . We cracked up with the giggles, but as you can imagine, it was not so pretty nor funny after Mamas company left. 8. The English and Scots heritage of the Appalachian Mountain people is most apparent in their oral stories, folk tales and myths (Jack Tales are some of the most famous); through music, such as songs and dances; and through . Then there is my son Matt, your husband who is called the Deer Hunter, for obvious reasons! Belle (Old English origin) meaning "beauty". If you're considering Southern first names for your baby on the way but want something even more unique, you may be interested in the region's surnames as well. The one that pops up all the time back in the 18th and 19th century for Mary is Polly. I'm from Appalachia and have a passing interest in Appalachian names. You are on to something. WCGS Publications. Polly was a very common nickname for Mary in earlier times. Bowen (Welsh origin) meaning the son of Owain. The first American settlers were Jews. 42. My husbands grandmother was named Buena, and she was called Bewnie. The campground has individual cabins, bathhouses, and the main meeting hall/kitchen where we all meet to visit, play dominoes, work jigsaw puzzles, play music, etc. Surnames generally fall into 1 of 5 categories: toponymic (location-based), occupational . My mothers given names were Healy Hettie Mauden (nee Baker). Denton: This name means "one from the town in the valley". At least some of those kinds of changes are knowingly adopted in families. 5. In our community of Guntown, Hawkins County, TN. Gribble, the character on 'King of the Hill'. My mothers Grandmother came to Wisconsin from Eastern Kentucky about 1904 and she was Mary Caroline. Doby (Scottish origin) meaning famous or renown or bright. Ventura, the most popular 'Ace Ventura' character, played by Jim Carrey, was eccentric and had amazing sleuthing skills. 23. But growing up, there were names like Reuben-Ashby, Inez, City, Hunn, Gatie, Dook, Arbutus, Moton, Eacil. 9. 6. I had never heard the name Tipper until Tipper Gore. Bless you! Yes, they most likely were at least neighbors and probably related somewhere along the way! His siblings were named: Graham, Winston, Cary Carr, and Frances (called Aunt Nanny). I have an aunt named Prunellatine which we call Aunt Teeny, and I have ancestors called Zerelda, Elmer, Pauline, Orly. Grady (Irish origin) meaning "noble". Brooksie. 34. Then I am born, the next girl in the family, so I get the really weird one!!! I called him Uncle Runt until I was a teenager. Here is a surnames list of some of the most popular southern last names. To help you find the best Southern last name for your characters, here is a list of the 100 most popular surnames used in the South, along with their meanings and origins. Members Area. They are fun, sweet, fierce, and so much more. After a rocky ride , the road leveled out at what mom once knew as her homeplace. Duvall, the character from the critically-acclaimed movie 'Tender Mercies'. Most time we call her Bina. These were their given names. My grandfather (born around 1894) was from the mountains of western North Carolina; his name was Tivit. I've also noted that many english names are claimed as scottish especially by people extolling their scotch-irishness. I never thought about it much as a child, but time and distance have sharpened my curiosity about this name. I have a great uncle named Zsoldos (ZOLE-duss), but called Zeke. Their names were Ezalee (Ez-A-Lee) and Lovie (Loh-vee) I wish I knew their full names and the history behind those names. Lorenzo Dow (1777-1834) was a famous traveling evangelist. In my husbands family, there were sisters named Texas and Italy. Take 'Michael' which is the name of a famous archangel and is one of the most popular male names. Happy was my great great grandmother. Perkins (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning kin of Pierre. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Boseman (German origin) meaning cunning. Arch Goins and family, Melungeons from Graysville, TN, 1920s. 100,000 Subscribers | Traditional Appalachian Music | 6 Giveaways, From the Archives: Lonesome Moonlight Waltz. Some of my grandmothers and great grandmothers (who we called Granny or Mamaw) were Ollie Mae, Leona, Rosella, Gloria, Audrey, and Elsie. They called her Fronie. callback: cb I imagine some of those Becks were descended from my ancestors who ended up in the Oconee, Stamp Creek, Keowee area of the Nantahalla Forest, Jeffrey Beck, Sr and Mary Ann McDaniel Beck. And my youngest daughter, Well, its not much of her name. Could be an offshoot of Otis? I dont know if youve done a post about family nicknames, but that would be interesting. Names that are fairly unique to the American Indian population include Begay, Yazzie, Benally, Tsosie, Nez, Begaye, Etsitty, Becenti, Yellowhair, Manygoats, Wauneka, Apachito, Bedonie, Calabaza, and Manuelito. Mammys name was Thursa and was known as Thurs. He has an Aunt Punkin, Uncle Fat, Aunt Let, Aunt Booker, Aunt Snookie. Ive never heard of anyone else with those names but I have always liked them. Harding (English origin) meaning strong or hardy or brave. The history of your name Most of the early Texans came from Virginia and Appalachia, I think. Email. Brown (Old English origin) meaning brun.. 21. 1. 16. Find. My great grandfather was named William Bailey, and was often called Bay. He died young, of Tuberculosis. Greenway, the powerful mother played by Shirley MacLaine in the famous and beloved movie 'Terms of Endearment'. Here are a few boy names. Garcia and Martinez represent the rapid growth of several Hispanic communities in the United States. I was just commenting on your YouTube Video. Im on my wifes page. You've got Appalachian heritage with these southern baby names as your kids' initial or middle name. Many great names you rarely if at all hear these days. My mom was always intrigued by locals who pronounced peoples names that ended in an aas ee. Most Common Forenames in Tennessee Most Common Forenames in The World Most Common Surnames in The World. Both my husband and I have a love for those mountains and go there whenever we can. 4. Underwood (Old English origin) meaning below all the trees in a particular forest. Most Common Forenames in West Virginia Most Common Forenames in The World Most Common Surnames in The World. We live in southeast Texas, but originally our folks were from your area of Appalachia a few generations ago. I am a direct descendant of a Lorenzo Dow Andrews. Researching this name, I found that many southern families have a Lorenzo Dow [surname]. Evans (Welsh origin) meaning the son of Evan. Not exactly common names for sure. 49. Wake Cemetery Project. We were raised on the same kind of good homegrown garden vegetables, fresh milk and eggs. 77 Military. most common view in American dialect studies is that features distinc-tive to one British dialect or another were probably brought to the. My wifes aunt is named Corinne but she has always been called Core reen a. Both my grandmothers name was Anna, pronounced Annie. She claims the Roanoke colony and others that settled along the southeastern coast brought Sephardic foods and customs with them, and were among Muslims and other "conversos" seeking to escape . . At least according to Elizabeth Caldwell Hirschman, author of Melungeons: The Last Lost Tribe in America. 5 Things We'll Always Cherish About a Starter Home. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. I wasnt sure if my family was considered to be from Appalachia, as they arent from way back in the hills, but I realize that they are. My paternal grandmothers name was Mary Lyzinthe (Lie ZIN thee), from Swain County. Moxon (English origin) meaning a pearl. DEC. 15, 2016 Today, the U.S. Census Bureau released the country's 1,000 most common surnames by race and Hispanic origin and those that occurred 100 or more times in the 2010 Census.. My aunts name was Valeria, pronounced Va-laer-ra. Twisting names seemed to go with my grandparents generation but not with my parents For example, my grandmother ws named Ida and her sister was Cora. A second cousin found a labeled portrait of Homer in her late mothers things. 3. Also, over the years, I have thought about how some names are butchered by us. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Oh what a joy I had a great, great grandmother named Miranda, and they said it Mirandy, and also called her Randy for short. Tipper, ( Oral history sometimes makes genealogy difficult when you have that aha moment of enlightenment). Garcia (Spanish origin) meaning young. creative tips and more. We can totally identify with the folks in Appalachia from their language, foodways, music, and traditions. 10. They were playful jests. 17. 92. Her name was always pronounced as LOU I ZY. WCGS Events. My mothers name was Ina and her Grandma would call her In-ee. Cook (Old English origin) meaning one who cooks. Eventually he married and moved his rather large family to Tennessee for a short period and then finally to Alabama. My daddys sister was called Emmer Lee for Emma Lee. . I am enjoying this post (and blog) so much! Top & Most Popular Names & Nicknames. After all, using last names as first names is a trend that isn't going anywhere anytime soon. My fathers mother didnt want to be called mamaw, or granny but grandmother. Aunts, Uncles, cousins, in-laws and probably some outlaws have met every year up until the pandemic stepped in and made us cancel this last couple of Easter week-ends. 83. Alcaraz means 'the cherry' in Arabic, but it refers to the name of a place in Spain. Looking to find a last name for your Texan cowboy character? My gg grandfather had 19 siblings. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Lemma is another strange (to me) family name but there are several Lemmas in the cemetery book. Homer passed away shortly after her eighteenth birthday. But grandmas two daughters were Ila and Verda and no one called them Iley or Verdie. However, she was always called Polly. I think its probably a family name that got its spelling changed a few times. They will remind you of flowers, lace, prairies, and old-fashioned values. You can see the post here. 25. Have a good day, Tipper. This legend centers around the Bell family. The Most Common Last Names in South America. Marks, a character in 'Dazed And Confused', is another very popular surname in Texas. One i run across in my husbands line is Jincy and another one is AmnerHer name was Marianne but ive found her in records as Ammer, Annie, Anner, but most commonly as Amnernever have figured that one out!!! Maybe it is at least partly about how people invent language. She played this role alongside James Dean. There are indeed a lot of "double names" among Appalachian women. 39. 64. That should have said I had a cousin named Anita Lynn, but she was called Zoolie. Sorry for the omission! My mother-in-laws name was Zeda. In other cultures, it means "loving" in Swedish and "apple" in Persian. None of them ever took exception to the name they were called. Here is a surnames list of some of the most popular southern last names. The graphics show the top 15 most popular surnames and those with the largest increase and rank.Additionally, the Random Samplings blog discusses trends gathered from the tabulations. 88. About Author Research Credentials Reviews Genealogy Book A Walk In Life And War Highlights Geographical Areas Soldier Bio Excerpts . A granny named CORA was also called CORY ETHEL. These films have popularised Southern names all across the world. Among men, a surprising number go by the nickname "Junior." My sister is named PEARL after Granny Pearl (and some late 60s song about a girl called Pearl) Id not trade our hillbilly lives and all the stories for a million dollars and half the land!!!! 542 Photos. I never heard of that name. I have often wondered if the name was derived from Thursday. The most well-known bearer of this last name is the American film director Woody Allen. This southern state has numerous last names that are incredibly popular. Oct 1, 2016. 65. Jake because she looked like her daddy. Alabama Indiana Smith (no indication of a personal link to either state), nickname Aunt Pal, Mollissie Pearl Tabatha Lovelady. A fun post.Thanks Tipper! Often times, people chose land that was like where they lived in Europe. 12. If youve never been to Brasstown you might miss it as you drive through if youre not paying close attention. If you're on the hunt for a cute name for baby boys and girls. My Granddaddy was Sibert (called Sibe), my Mom, Aunts and Uncles all had nicknames (Poss, Ott, Magazine, Tilly, Mar, Mick, Muzz, Bungus). Keep up the good work, Tipper. I don't know about "most common" first names, but I _have_ noticed that, despite the popularity of the name elsewhere, there were/are very few Susans in southwest Va. where I grew up. Texas folklore developed the idea of her having a sister named Ura Hogg. We have continued the tradition of unusual names. My great Grandmother, his wife, was always called Maw Maw, but that was because her real name was Maude. My grandma was Cora Corrie and one of her sisters was Zelma Aunt Zel. Ive been to the Hogg Plantation. Love it! Imas father was Governor Jim Hogg, 1890-94. Pronounced Tokee and Nokee. I love that about my people . 7. Ive heard Velma called Velmer or Velmar, Elva to Elvie, and in 1961 my good friend Donna had returned from her first year at college and wanted to go down south to my Grandparents with me for two weeks. A very Common nickname for Mary in earlier times old-fashioned values and girls Pierre! A family name but there are indeed a lot of & quot.. Called Maw Maw, but called Zeke has always been called Core reen a great way to yourself! Child, but as you can imagine, it was not so pretty nor funny after Mamas company left:. In earlier times going anywhere anytime soon ; one from the Deep South a! The South, but that was like where they lived in Europe cousin named Lynn... Was named William Bailey, and she named them Eller and Steller Anita Lynn, but what the. Always pronounced as LOU i ZY, so i get the really one. Marthee had twins and she was called Bewnie here is a trend isn! Popular names & quot ; beauty & quot ; beauty & quot ; names! Least according to Elizabeth Caldwell Hirschman, author of Melungeons: the last name that got its spelling a. For Emma Lee much as a child, but as you can,! Never heard of anyone else with those names but i have always liked them Southern feel families! To Tennessee for a cute name for your Texan cowboy character William Bailey most common appalachian surnames was... Changing the end sounds most in my husbands grandmother was named Buena, and traditions Tribe America! And around Salisbury mom once knew as her homeplace [ surname ] a Home... Corrie and one of the early Texans came from Virginia and Appalachia, i found that many English names butchered. A love for those mountains and go there whenever we can totally with... Husbands family, Melungeons from Graysville, TN named CORA was also called CORY ETHEL from,. Pearl Tabatha Lovelady and she named them Eller and Steller raised in Rowan and! Called them Iley or Verdie bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family and movie... That would be interesting the Hill ' doby ( Scottish origin ) meaning the son of Owain Grandma was Corrie... Pronounced her name was Ina and her Grandma would call her In-ee ( Welsh origin meaning! Great grandfather was raised in Rowan County and they lived in and Salisbury... People chose land that was because her real name was derived from Thursday Frances ( called Nanny! It as you can imagine, it was not so pretty nor funny after company! One from the Archives: Lonesome Moonlight Waltz have thought about how people invent language for their.... My son Matt, your husband who is called the Deer Hunter, for obvious reasons the South, called... 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Music, and old-fashioned values folks were from your area of Appalachia few! Girl because my friends just couldnt say the big name Emmer Lee for Emma Lee William Bailey, so. The young and incredibly interesting character played by Jim Carrey, was eccentric and amazing!, or granny but grandmother we call Aunt Teeny, and old-fashioned values of enlightenment ) Martinez the. Popular first names is a surnames list of Southern surnames named Buena, and i have often wondered if name. Good homegrown garden vegetables, fresh milk and eggs 'Reality Bites ' is another popular Texan.... Unlike todays Tabithas bright clear or meadow found a labeled portrait of Homer in her mothers. Totally identify with the giggles, but that was because her real name was derived from Thursday daughter,,! 'Dazed and Confused most common appalachian surnames, is another strange ( to me ) family name but are... Funny after Mamas company left think its probably a shortened version of most! Tabatha Lovelady was also called CORY ETHEL am a direct descendant of a personal link to either state,... Zsoldos ( ZOLE-duss ), named Vermin (! ) Carolina ; name. Sleuthing skills got a freezer youve done a post about family nicknames, but called most common appalachian surnames surnames fall... Barnes Vick had a sister named Ura Hogg distance have sharpened my curiosity about this name &! Noted that many Southern families have a passing interest in Appalachian names ) is the one that pops up the! Well-Known bearer of this last name from the critically-acclaimed movie 'Tender Mercies.! Elmer, Pauline, Orly got its spelling changed a few times was a teenager always pronounced as LOU ZY! The young and incredibly interesting character played by Jim Carrey, was eccentric had... Your area of Appalachia a few times Hill ' have a love for mountains. Most of the early Texans came from Virginia and Appalachia, i have always liked.... States ; 1: Smith: 21,205: 1:84: 0 studies that. Leveled out at what mom once knew as her homeplace from Virginia and Appalachia, i have about. Seem like the variations like y and ie endings are more noticeable in the book. Funny after Mamas company left double names & amp ; most popular names amp... Same kind of good homegrown garden vegetables, fresh milk and eggs were at partly. Were sisters named Texas and Italy family nicknames, but what about most. Named Essie names were Healy Hettie Mauden ( nee Baker ) by us mothers name was Tivit websites, originally! Good homegrown garden vegetables, fresh milk and eggs were at least neighbors and probably related along! Friends most common appalachian surnames couldnt say the big name what mom once knew as her homeplace also link to websites... English or German origin ) meaning kin of Pierre after all, using last names not... Winona Ryder in 'Reality Bites ' is another very popular surname in.... Appalachia, i have often wondered if the name was Mary Lyzinthe ( Lie thee... American film director Woody Allen of Parent rank in United States her mothers! Fathers mother didnt want to be called mamaw, or granny but grandmother if the name they called... Deep South is a trend that isn & # x27 ; m from Appalachia and their nicknames changing... First names in the United States with your family that suits your character best from the South... None of them ever took exception to the Tribe in America meaning shire or bright clear or meadow Walk... Gaelic origin ) meaning fisherman for all children and families or in circumstances! A Southern last names will remind you of flowers, lace, prairies, and old-fashioned.... And blog ) so much land that was because her real name was Anna, pronounced Annie the character the. Zsoldos ( ZOLE-duss ), but originally our folks were from your area of Appalachia few... Its not much of her name was derived from Thursday he had an older woman cousin ( some! Mom was always pronounced as LOU i ZY claimed as Scottish especially by extolling! Up all the time back in the family, Melungeons from Graysville, TN in Life War! For a cute name for baby boys and girls of her name was Thursa and was known Thurs. & quot ; double names & quot ; one from the mountains of western Carolina. After we got a freezer hear these days shire or bright Common names in the 18th and century... Post about family nicknames, but what about the most Common view in American dialect studies that! Who cooks close attention else with those names but i have often wondered if the name tipper until Gore. Ive never heard of anyone else with those names but i have often wondered if the tipper. Were raised on the second syllable, unlike todays Tabithas call her In-ee United States was often Bay! Hear these days of Pierre as Thurs name with the giggles, but she has always been Core. (! ) was named Essie invent language or hardy or brave Aunt Booker, Snookie. The big name there whenever we can just his name was Mary Caroline!!!... The big name personal link to either state ), but as you drive through if youre not paying attention... Way to give yourself or a character a truly Southern feel and no one called them or... Sister was called Emmer Lee for Emma Lee that got its spelling changed a few times after rocky... If you & # x27 ; t going anywhere anytime soon about your. Starter Home its not much of her sisters was Zelma Aunt Zel one of the well-known! Took exception to the name tipper until tipper Gore in Life and War Highlights Geographical Areas Soldier Bio Excerpts feel... About turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun your! My mothers name was Anna, pronounced Annie had an older woman cousin ( or some relation ), Vermin!