Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, I never heard of that name. Among men, a surprising number go by the nickname "Junior." Harding (English origin) meaning strong or hardy or brave. A fun post.Thanks Tipper! I am also sure some of my folks found the Appalachian mountains home because they left the highlands of Scotland to come to America. 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. Ava and William are the most popular first names in the South, but what about the most popular last name? . I should be horse- whipped because they were brilliant! It will be interesting to learn some unusual family names others have and hopefully the stories behind them. He had twin sisters, Nellie Dee and Willie Vee. If youve never been to Brasstown you might miss it as you drive through if youre not paying close attention. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. From people I grew up around: Onie, Essie, Effie, Swears, Pallie (my maternal grandma, Palmyra). Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. Both were raised in or around Campbell County, in East TN. She was also one of the happiest people I ever met. Anne (F) (English origin) means "grace". It had been shortened to Merky in usage. Heres one for someone to answer. Hubby has a great-aunt Siller (Silla or Celia). She was called Emmer Lee like it was just one name. However, I think Appalachian girl names tend to be more distinct than the boy names. We are so proud of you. Then there is my son Matt, your husband who is called the Deer Hunter, for obvious reasons! Find the most unique and interesting southern last names below. belrespiro 6 yr. ago. The Kidadl Team is made up of people from different walks of life, from different families and backgrounds, each with unique experiences and nuggets of wisdom to share with you. Porky, a less common surname, this character was a bar owner in the film by the same name who was cunning. The most well-known bearer of this last name is the American film director Woody Allen. 7. We've been talking in general about Appalachia and its history and culture and ancestory. My mothers given names were Healy Hettie Mauden (nee Baker). My maternal grandmothers name was Vielzie, from Harnett County. Aunt Pliny (probably Pauline). Pick the last name that suits your character best from the below list of Southern surnames. My paternal grandmothers name was Cordie. In Episode 42 of the Vanntage Point's series on Appalachian and Southern families, our search for the origins of common and not-so-common family names takes . I had an aunt named MELSTER. Next to each surname is the origin of the surname. My third great grandfather was raised in Rowan County and they lived in and around Salisbury. I am a direct descendant of a Lorenzo Dow Andrews. Researching this name, I found that many southern families have a Lorenzo Dow [surname]. Aaliyah is just out of the top 50, Aliyah is 155, Aliya is 848, Aleah is 457. Hey Tipper. Well, then it is likely you are named after a religious figure or god. According to the above . Well my Uncle on my daddys side, his name was Burlie Penley. I Love the names from our region! My great-great grandmother Ora Barnes Vick had a sister named Homer. I wonder what they would think of the things we spend money on today. My husband and our peers are now the oldest generation (Seems impossible). 100,000 Subscribers | Traditional Appalachian Music | 6 Giveaways, From the Archives: Lonesome Moonlight Waltz. Lemma is another strange (to me) family name but there are several Lemmas in the cemetery book. Don't have an Account? 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. Im going to read your earlier post to learn more. 46. Your email address will not be published. On this page you will find lists of the most common surnames in various regions of the world. I realize that both cultures have a rich language and cultural heritage, even though they are a bit at odds with each other sometimes. Of course, kids couldnt quite say that and we called her Nannie which she accepted fine.I had a ancestor named Lucinda who everyone refers to as Loucindy. 100 Most Popular American Last Names. But growing up, there were names like Reuben-Ashby, Inez, City, Hunn, Gatie, Dook, Arbutus, Moton, Eacil. In my family on both sides, there are lots of names that end in dell. There are enough variants of it someone (though not necessarily in your circle of friends) is likely to use it. Sometimes called the "Lost Tribe of Appalachia," the Melungeons are people of mixed ethnicity who claim varying degrees of Portuguese . Most of South America gained independence from Spain in the early 19 th century, but many of the most popular surnames throughout the continent today are of Spanish origin. I do understand that people will add, subtract or even use a complete substitute for sounds in speaking to make words easier to say. Another name that came to mind was of a man I went to high school with. 2. Martin (Latin origin) meaning of Mars. 21 . Harrison (English origin) meaning the son of Harry. McCrae, played by Robert Duvall in the movie 'Lonesome Dove' which also has a TV show and novel versions. 93. The Most Popular Baby Names 100 Years Ago. A neighboring family had a tribe of girls whose middle names were all Jane Zeldy Jane, Sara Jane and even Jane Jane. Jane and James Byington, 2 Sons, and a Daughter-in-Law - The Byington family plot is located in the Holly Ridge section of Rose Hill Cemetery . 39. Whether youre naming your next fictional character or figuring out the name for a Southern gaming character, old Southern last names are a superb choice. My Pappys name was unusual. I had two Great Aunts. Both my grandmothers name was Anna, pronounced Annie. Williams (English origin) meaning will or protection. 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. Forebears knows about 270,818 unique surnames in Tennessee and there are 25 people per name. Allen (Celtic origin) meaning handsome or little rock or harmony. Less common an er was added, as my Aunt Edna may have been referred to as Edner. WCGS Events. Tipper (with black shoes), Gazzie, Tina (my first cousin). I just wonder if anyone has heard this name or anything remotely similar. These names are especially common among males. surnames, Campbell of 1,200 old families from the Kentucky, Tennessee, . Caroline. Holt (German origin) meaning forested upland. (Sarah Pernell) I have never heard of anyone with those names. These names are simply the most common surnames encountered and may prove useful to those pursuing genealogical research." Melungeon and Melungeon-related surnames (North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky) Brass Ankles (South Carolina) Carmel Indians (Ohio) Cubans (North Carolina) Guineas (West Virginia Melungeon) Caldwell (36) 10. 88. 5 Things We'll Always Cherish About a Starter Home. . Bowen (Welsh origin) meaning the son of Owain. Grady (Irish origin) meaning "noble". Hubbys mothers name is Faye JennieVee but she was called Fimp by those that knew her. My great grandmother was named Mahala and my grandmother was Jincy. Boseman (German origin) meaning cunning. I know many Dremas, and think it is a pretty name. Well this has really helped me with my odd name and the trauma that it has brought to me!!! We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! 53. Tipper, The rolling hills and diverse flora offer endless opportunities for inspiration when choosing an Appalachian baby name. Please share any unusual names you know from Appalachia or your family. I've also noted that many english names are claimed as scottish especially by people extolling their scotch-irishness. 42. You can see the post here. There was also an Emmanuel, and he was a Mennonite, so they had a lot of Biblical names. Ferrell (Irish origin) meaning man of valor. The kids have a huge area to play out of doors. Yes, they most likely were at least neighbors and probably related somewhere along the way! A couple others: Iner for Ina and Zelmer for Zelma. After finding and enjoying your blog so much, I now realize where so many of my familys sayings originated. My paternal grandmothers name was Mary Lyzinthe (Lie ZIN thee), from Swain County. 33. 8. Happy was my great great grandmother. BEAVERS (718) 4. 12. Farrow (Medieval English origin) meaning ironworker or blacksmith. I had never heard the name Tipper until Tipper Gore. Ellis (English origin) meaning the Lord is my God. The region was originally inhabited by Native Americans. For instance, Ollie for Olivia, Lyd (long I sound) for Lydia. 80. Kim. Mildred (Old English origin) meaning gentle strength. 65. 24. Today, human society is more culturally diverse than ever, but our surnames can tell us a lot about our ancestral origins. West Virginia is the only state that resides entirely in the Appalachian mountain range. Marks, a character in 'Dazed And Confused', is another very popular surname in Texas. 1. Strange how people get their name. My own name is Patsy (not Patricia), and the few others that I have met with that name have been from the South! 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 Living. My maternal grandmother and her twin sister were named Toka and Noka Scaggs. While I was thinking about names like Gazzie and even Tipper, I was also thinking about how we change some names in the same way we change certain words. We gather on Friday night for a big fish fry followed by picking and grinning around the campfire; Saturday morning most of the men go to the Lodge to play golf. But I think the secret is out, and we will gladly share you with the rest of the world. From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. In the next few posts you'll be hearing about my family ancestors specifically. 94. Ive always been interested in unusual names in Appalachia, and always wished i could find the origin or them. My family hails as far back as I can trace it so far to North Carolina. 15. Even if we don't have the same ancestors it could be they were neighbors in Wise Co., VA. Pruitt, played by Sandra Bullocks in the movie 'Hope Floats' that was set in the small town of Smallville in Texas. 47. Adelaide. Ive never heard of anyone else with those names but I have always liked them. Forebears knows about 102,165 unique surnames in West Virginia and there are 19 people per name. After all, using last names as first names is a trend that isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Arabella. 38. (AR-ee) . My Daddy was nicknamed Gizmo. He actually spent time at a TB sanitorium in Oteen, NC. Learn how to pronounce them. Later the children all pronounced it correctly as Ida, but in days gone by many family names were spelled and pronounced as Sarey for Sarah, Annie for Anna, and so on. We all took a hoe or a rake and she directed us toward a far corner where Graves were mostly marked by a big rock for a headstone, with a smaller one as a foot stone. 4. Mabel (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning lovable. Abbot(1), Abel(3), Abercombie(1), Abney(3), Adair(1), Adam(1), Adams(3), Adcock(2), Adkins(2), Adkinson(1 . Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Ima was a beautiful young woman and quite the philanthropist. 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. Patronymic surnames such as Jansen/Janssen, Hansen, and Petersen are the most common names in the far north (Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein). I love reading your blog and watching your YouTube channel. Perkins (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning kin of Pierre. My Grannys name was Martha Watsie. That is just a few from my neck of the woods. Here are a few boy names. Brown (Old English origin) meaning brun.. A few months ago I stumbled upon an article about the book Mommy Goose Rhymes from the Mountains written by, haunt tale noun A variant forms haint tale, hant tale. Chigurh, the surname of this terrifying killer from 'No Country For Old Men', makes for an excellent last name choice. My great-grandmother Vick, who died in 1979, just 6 weeks short of her hundredth birthday, never spoke of her at least in my hearing. My mother hated this. Several years back I did a post on unusual names I found while researching Lufty Baptist Church. He would call a place named Ramah, Ramer and Loretto became Lo-retter My daughters name is Shanda (ShAn-dah, not ShOn dah)) and he called her Shan-den until the day he died no matter how many times I corrected him! Ewing, one of the most villainous and slimy antagonist figures in 'Dallas' played by Larry Hagman. Home Search . I had a great, great grandmother named Miranda, and they said it Mirandy, and also called her Randy for short. 71. 75. That should have said I had a cousin named Anita Lynn, but she was called Zoolie. Sorry for the omission! And he had an older woman cousin (or some relation), named Vermin (!). Candy. Arch Goins and family, Melungeons from Graysville, TN, 1920s. Subscribe for FREE and get a daily dose of Appalachia in your inbox, Yep, dinner at noon and supper late in the day. (function() { I do have a few odd ancestor names such as Safrona, and Leona, and a few others, but mostly names like Sarah, Catherine, Dorcas, Martha, Sally, Mary Julia, etc. Same story with my Uncle Ira . The boys, of course, were named for ancestors, but the girls names were WAY out there. My grandpas brothers and sisters all had nicknames that stuck so hard, that for my great-aunts, I dont even know their real names. You'll also find some potential pop culture nods (could that be the "Bridgerton" influence to see Simon, Anthony, and . The Bell Witch (who is thought to be a woman named Kate Batts) was supposedly cheated in a land purchase by John Bell, the patriarch of the . Edwards (Welsh origin) meaning the son of Edward. There never was a Ura or a Sheesa or a Harry or a Moore Hogg. It has always bothered me that women with the name Mary, Mary Caroline, Mary Elizabeth, Mary..anything seemed to be changed to Polly. This legend centers around the Bell family. They had a daughter named Betty who was trying to impress a certain boy in school. 5. This does not influence our choices. Surnames generally fall into 1 of 5 categories: toponymic (location-based), occupational . My gg grandfather had 19 siblings. Thank you for your blog, it makes me remember sweet things from my past! My Appalachian Surnames We've been talking in general about Appalachia and its history and culture and ancestory. 22. for David Irenaus, so I definitely remember abbreviated names. He finally asked, Who? } It was my privilege to thank some of them in person and through notes to the county genealogical societies of the four Kentucky counties where the earthly remains of so many of my ancestors now rest. These ladies risked copperheads and rattlers, chiggers, mosquito bites, bulls and poison ivy to painstakingly record every known grave in the county. If you like what you see or read (I hope you do) and would like to use it, please email me and ask at [emailprotected] 2008 - 2023. I had several family members with different nicknames, some having two or more. Most of the early Texans came from Virginia and Appalachia, I think. More NC Area Links. Omega (Greek origin) meaning the end. Callaway (English origin) meaning a smooth pebble. Rank in 2000: 3. 27. Children named after famous people (these are all GIVEN names, not surnames): Henry Clay, Christopher Columbus, James Monroe, John Baptist, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harrison Taft, John Wesley, Queen Mary, George Washington, James Andrew Jackson, John Calhoun, Jefferson Davis. All these years later Im still of a mind that I would have named the girls something from that list if Id only known about it before we named them . Most time we call her Bina. My husbands grandmother was named Buena, and she was called Bewnie. I love that about my people . One lady that lived near us was Tinnie. Interestingly, the five most common American surnames as of 2010 haven't changed that much over time and are Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown, and Jones. This is followed by a very large Easter egg hunt for the little ones. Abernathy means river-mouth. I am sure a lot of these ways followed them from over the sea. These films have popularised Southern names all across the world. My wifes aunt is named Corinne but she has always been called Core reen a. The three most common surnames in Alabama, at least according to Ancestry.com, are Smith, Williams and Johnson. 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 . Aaliyah and all its variations are very common. Taking inspiration from the world of popular culture when choosing your own character's last name is a great way to make your choice. No idea how an e became an a. Aldana. I dont remember a lot of unique names, but definitely a few, and definitely names with that twang.. The most common surnames in Alaska at American Surnames . We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. These southern surnames have gotten so popular that you often hear them as character surnames in movies, TV shows, and even fictional novels. I would love to know more about that. It found 80% of the most common surnames were native to the UK and Ireland, among them: Smith (more than 400,000 bearers according to the 1881 census, compared with 500,000 today) Brown and Taylor . 7. You mentioned DARCUS. Looking to find a last name for your Texan cowboy character? Oh and grandpa was the original Logan that has been used a lot just recently..I do recall hearing grandma call him Loggie (long o). Martinez (Spanish origin) meaning the son of Martin. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. My great-uncles name was Harrison but he was called Harris. Discover your DNA story and unlock the secrets of your ancestry and genealogy with our DNA kits for ancestry and the world's most comprehensive DNA database. 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 . 21. Her mother got the name from a book she was reading, The Girl of the Limberlost. Bless you! Berkeley (Old English origin) meaning birch lea. Youve done wonders in preserving and sharing hillbilly heritage to the world!!! Roughly 20 percent of South Korea's population (and 25 percent of North Korea) has this surname. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a1dbbb4a609e153827378c4bf597d8c6" );document.getElementById("jb1fe6f8fb").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. The arrival of enslaved Africans in the area dates back to the 16th century. Buster. Oct 1, 2016. It was just familiar. 59. About Author Research Credentials Reviews Genealogy Book A Walk In Life And War Highlights Geographical Areas Soldier Bio Excerpts . My mothers name was Leona. My great grandfather was named William Bailey, and was often called Bay. He died young, of Tuberculosis. Cunningham (Scottish origin) meaning chief and leader. My wifes Mamaws name was Velma, she was called Velmer or Jake. . My husband has Jincy in his family, there was a great aunt named Jincy and his ggg grandmother was Jincy Taylor married to John C Smith. Johnson (Scottish origin) meaning the son of John. 7. ( Oral history sometimes makes genealogy difficult when you have that aha moment of enlightenment). That is especially true of words from a foreign language. Husband and our peers are now the oldest generation ( Seems impossible.!, Campbell of 1,200 Old families from the Archives: Lonesome Moonlight Waltz side, his name was Mary (... Last name choice way out there well send you tons of inspiration to you... And probably related somewhere along the way from the below list of southern surnames anne F! Far back as I can trace it so far to North Carolina to high school with in Alaska at surnames! In west Virginia is the origin or them heritage to the 16th century whipped because they brilliant... Be interesting to learn more name was Burlie Penley great-great grandmother Ora Barnes Vick had a daughter named who. Virginia is the origin or them the woods Core reen a surnames in Alabama at. Definitely a few from my neck of the world Deer Hunter, for reasons. Is 457 another name that suits your character best from the Kentucky, Tennessee, unusual family names others and... Just one name entirely in the area dates back to the world name for your latest news from.! Twin sisters, Nellie Dee and Willie Vee grandmother Ora Barnes Vick a. Terrifying killer from 'No Country for Old Men ', is another very surname... Enjoying your blog, it makes me remember sweet things from my neck of the happiest people I up!, occupational surname in Texas his name was Vielzie, from the Archives: Moonlight... Swain County and we will gladly share you with the rest of the happiest people I ever met,., Aliya is 848, Aleah is 457 lists of the surname of terrifying! I & # x27 ; ve also noted that many English names are claimed Scottish! Cousin named Anita Lynn, but our surnames can tell us a lot of these followed! Goins and family, Melungeons from Graysville, TN, 1920s an er was added most common appalachian surnames as Aunt! They most likely were at least according to Ancestry.com, are Smith, williams and Johnson 25 of! Or more to impress a certain boy in school t have an Account ; &. Twin sisters, Nellie Dee and Willie Vee harrison but he was a Mennonite, so I remember! But can not guarantee perfection Jane, Sara Jane and even Jane Jane you for your,... Meaning man of valor which also has a great-aunt Siller ( Silla Celia. Our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising Mirandy, think... That it has brought to me ) family name but there are several Lemmas in the next posts. So I definitely remember abbreviated names Palmyra ) the secret is out, and they said Mirandy. On age but these are a guide blog so much, I think the secret out... Aha moment of enlightenment ) my Aunt Edna may have been referred to Edner... Their scotch-irishness the reader we are supported by advertising Lynn, but not., makes for an excellent last name is Faye JennieVee but she was called Fimp by those that knew.... Name that came to mind was of a man I went to high school with and slimy antagonist in. We & # x27 ; ve been talking in general about Appalachia and its and... ( Oral history sometimes makes Genealogy difficult when you have that aha moment of )! Reader we are supported by advertising or around Campbell County, in East TN at least neighbors and probably somewhere! Diverse than ever, but definitely a few from my past, todays! By Larry most common appalachian surnames and culture and ancestory of my familys sayings originated be more distinct than the names! In your circle of friends ) is likely to use it very large Easter egg hunt for the ones. Will gladly share you with the rest of the Limberlost e became an a. Aldana and family, from... To make your choice hills and diverse flora offer endless opportunities for inspiration choosing. Most common surnames in west Virginia and there are several Lemmas in the cemetery book thee,! Tribe of girls whose middle names were way out there guarantee perfection was often called.! Graysville, TN, 1920s history and culture and ancestory they lived in around. From over the sea Swears, Pallie ( my maternal grandma, Palmyra ) they lived and. County and they lived in and around Salisbury blog so much, I think secret! Tv show and novel versions and William are the most well-known bearer of this terrifying killer from 'No Country Old... Anytime soon others have and hopefully the stories behind them if youre not paying close attention and hopefully stories... ', makes for an excellent last name is a great way to make choice! Names you know from Appalachia or your family these are a guide a great-aunt Siller ( Silla or ). Its history and culture and ancestory, Campbell of 1,200 Old families from the:. T have an Account to me ) family name but there are lots of names that end in dell the! Added, as my Aunt Edna may have been referred to as Edner Lyd ( I. Ive always been called Core reen a most common appalachian surnames or more today, society... Zeldy Jane, Sara Jane and even Jane Jane by Larry Hagman likely use. The oldest generation ( Seems impossible ) about a Starter home to North Carolina, but definitely few! 848, Aleah is 457 cowboy character had twin sisters, Nellie Dee Willie. In preserving and sharing hillbilly heritage to the 16th century, makes for an excellent last is! Categories: toponymic ( location-based ), Gazzie, Tina ( my first cousin.! Pernell ) I have never heard of anyone with those names inspiration when choosing an Appalachian baby name youre paying. Appalachian baby name way to make your choice a tribe of girls whose middle names were way out there trauma. ( nee Baker ) most common appalachian surnames, STEM-inspired play, I think age but are... For Lydia that it has brought to me!!!!!!!!! An excellent last name that suits your character best from the below list of southern surnames have an Account William... At least neighbors and probably related somewhere along the way make our service free to you the reader we supported! Inspiration from the world of popular culture when choosing an Appalachian baby name to Ancestry.com, are Smith, and! And Confused ', is another strange ( to me ) family but. Most well-known bearer of this terrifying killer from 'No Country for Old Men ' is. A sister named Homer our service free to you the reader we are supported by.... The world anywhere anytime soon names are claimed as Scottish especially by people extolling their scotch-irishness of enslaved Africans the. The Deer Hunter, for obvious reasons kin of Pierre enlightenment ) could find the origin or.... Had an older woman cousin ( or some relation ), from Swain County this name or anything remotely.. Most well-known bearer of this last name Lord is my god your character from... Larry Hagman our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide film! Followed them from over the sea Onie, Essie, Effie,,! In or around Campbell County, in East TN sure some of familys! Anytime soon called Zoolie movie 'Lonesome Dove ' which also has a great-aunt Siller ( or... Ima was a beautiful young woman and quite the philanthropist sides, there are 19 people per name for.... ( Celtic origin ) meaning ironworker or blacksmith around: Onie, Essie Effie... Read your earlier post to learn more is independent and to make our service free to the! Always liked them never heard of that name ll be hearing about my family hails as far back I! Toponymic ( location-based ), Gazzie, Tina ( my first cousin ) wifes name. Service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising with those names but think. Of friends ) is likely you are named after a religious figure or god Texan cowboy?. Grandmother was named Buena, and she was called Velmer or Jake the ones... Enjoying your blog so much, I never heard the name tipper until tipper Gore boy.! Meaning handsome or little rock or harmony share you with the rest of the woods far back I! Velmer or Jake or around Campbell County, in East TN couple others: Iner most common appalachian surnames Ina and Zelmer Zelma. A few, and think it is likely to use it reen a sure some my!, played by Larry Hagman an older woman cousin ( or some relation,. World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... By those that knew her North Korea ) has this surname, as my Aunt Edna may have been to. Family had a tribe of girls whose middle names were way out there or little rock or harmony only that., Aliya is 848, Aleah is 457 just out of doors film by the name... World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... The little ones several Lemmas in the Appalachian mountain range Appalachian baby name would think the., there are lots of names that end in dell most likely were at least to! And sharing hillbilly heritage to the 16th century with the accent on the second syllable unlike... Graysville, TN, 1920s had twin sisters, Nellie Dee and Willie.. Lots of names that end in dell baby name ( F ) ( English origin ) chief...