Saw many of the name variations in the old census pages when I was researching my families. They will remind you of many amazing, famous, and historically significant women. The population in West Virginia is 1.79 million . Allen (Celtic origin) meaning handsome or little rock or harmony. After all, using last names as first names is a trend that isn't going anywhere anytime soon. 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. 31. 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 . Tipper I knew a Loadie and Linchie spelled as they were called. My Other Blogs: Rose Hill Cemetery; Macon, Georgia. View all records. Email. If my scanner decides to cooperate, you'll be seeing some vintage pictures as well. I have a granddaughter whose middle name is Danger and indications are shell live up to it. Alamilla. 85. Last nights video: 100,000 Subscribers | Traditional Appalachian Music | 6 Giveaways. From Florida to Oklahoma to Texas, these Southern last names are perfect for you to use as character names, nicknames, or even baby names if you are feeling creative. Southern Families SURNAMES . Johnson (Scottish origin) meaning the son of John. Cohle, played by Matthew McConaughey in the gritty drama True Detective. Omega (Greek origin) meaning the end. 12. Nicknames included Fatty, Gander, and Scooter., Sophronia, Ozie, Jerusha, Euphemia, Parlee, Asenath, Zessie Othello, Kiziah Kissie, Mahuldah, Peaceable, Temperance Ann, Dicy Didamy Elvira Ophelia, Senny Onsimus, Asenath Amissa with children Amariah, Didama Dicey, and Hepzibah Hepsey.. 88. I never knew where the names came from until I figured it out. Garcia and Martinez represent the rapid growth of several Hispanic communities in the United States. Yes, they most likely were at least neighbors and probably related somewhere along the way! 6. Taking inspiration from the world of popular culture when choosing your own character's last name is a great way to make your choice. I do genealogy, and it is so common to read those old census and see names spelled just like they are pronounced by either the census taker or the family reporter. . You can see the post here. She went by Karen. 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. 78. Jake because she looked like her daddy. I sometimes wonder if they were names from diaspora communities, and as people began to speak English with their original accents, and as that developed into the various Appalachian accents, we ended up with weird names. Love it! [name_m]Silas[/name_m] Hasil (sounds like "Hassle" - from a Appalachian musician named Hasil Adkins) [name_m]Jethro[/name_m] [name_m]Enoch[/name_m] Im just not sure what. However, I think Appalachian girl names tend to be more distinct than the boy names. Umbra (Latin origin) meaning shadow. 35. Smith (English origin) meaning to smite metal. My paternal grandmothers name was Cordie. ( Oral history sometimes makes genealogy difficult when you have that aha moment of enlightenment). These were their given names. He had twin sisters, Nellie Dee and Willie Vee. They were called Idy and Corey by their peers. And if the American South's culture, cuisine, literature, and lore have charmed you (like so many others), it might be the perfect . 53. He finally asked, Who? 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. Perkins (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning kin of Pierre. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. I have no clue why and to be honest, growing up it was extremely confusing, because different family members would call them by different nicknames. The name is Drema. 7. I know a Sarah that was instead often called Sar-ee and The Deer Hunter had a great aunt Cora that was called Cor-ee by the family. . 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. Then there is my son Matt, your husband who is called the Deer Hunter, for obvious reasons! I had a great, great grandmother named Miranda, and they said it Mirandy, and also called her Randy for short. Gribble, the character on 'King of the Hill'. I didnt make the connection that Mamaw was otherwise a common name for grandmothers. 23. 24. Harrison (English origin) meaning the son of Harry. 16. I had a 2nd great grandfather named Pinkney, a great aunt named Della they called deller, and a great grandfather whose name was Staples, which I have always wondered where it came from because Ive never heard that one anywhere else. The most notable Scots Irish diaspora is in North America, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains. Seline was Aunt Slina (long i). Chigurh, the surname of this terrifying killer from 'No Country For Old Men', makes for an excellent last name choice. Abernathy means river-mouth. belrespiro 6 yr. ago. Adams (Scottish origin) meaning the son of Adam. I had two Great Aunts. The table below shows the first and last surname included in each part of the document. We come from everywhere across the nation. Tennessee Appalachian Mountains Region A variation of this name Anna has been very popular between the 1700-1800s. 44. Alma (F) (Celtic origin) means "good". Grave_Girl 6 yr. ago. Overall, the 50 most common last names in the United States grew in numbers between 2000 and 2010, except for the name of "Hall" which dropped. My mothers name was Ina and her Grandma would call her In-ee. Villarreal (Spanish origin) meaning a royal settlement. Huber is common in southern Bavaria and is, with the exception of Munich, the most frequent name in that area. I had a cousin named but she was called Zoolie all her her life and I was called Tilly from Tilly the Toiler for a while because I was always busy. This is a list of 100 most common last names in English. They were playful jests. Tipper, Denton: This name means "one from the town in the valley". Surnames; First Names; Search People; Search Families I have done extensive family genealogy and know they came from Scotland, Ireland, England, and France by the way of Acadia. I have a lot of odd names among the older people in my family. surnames, Campbell of 1,200 old families from the Kentucky, Tennessee, . My parents name is Cecil and AdaLee Smith. 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. 75. We have loads of ideas right here! My Grandmother knew her name was Donna but she called her Diner even though she heard me calling my friend Donna. My daddys sister was called Emmer Lee for Emma Lee. Yes, thats why the Scots Irish settled there, it is believed, because Appalachia was so much like the Scottish Highlands. I learned some of the real names after they passed, but sadly not the story behind the nicknames. 2. The language used in Appalachia traveled with our ancestors to Texas. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. At least some of those kinds of changes are knowingly adopted in families. 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.. I started my family history after all who came before me were gone not a practice I recommend. My mothers namr was Elnora, she was called Norrie. The first American settlers were Jews. Does it seem like the variations like y and ie endings are more noticeable in the women of the family? Good morning. Here are some common first names for boys and girls in the Appalachian region you've never heard before: Pronounced Tokee and Nokee. Riggins, a popular Southern surname, Tim Riggins was a character on 'Friday Night Lights' played by Taylor Kitsch. Nicknames and variations of names were commonplace on both sides of my family. 5. Changing an A ending sound in a name to ER was very common in my family. I had a granny named Ocie ( o see) and a grandpa named Bemer ( beemer). My Grandmothers name was Rosa (Raw see). Eventually he married and moved his rather large family to Tennessee for a short period and then finally to Alabama. Back to the nicknames. CHRISTIAN (1,122) 3. 52. Another one that comes to mind is an Irene who is called Arlene. My maternal grandmothers name was Vielzie, from Harnett County. A quick scroll through the list reveals that several names have reigned supreme for years, like Oliver, Elijah, Noah, and Jamesjust to name a few. Urple, Hassie, Gains, Burley, and so on. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for, The 100 Most Popular Southern Last Names With Meanings And History, Popular Southern Last Names From Movies And TV Shows, Unique And Interesting Southern Last Names, 60+ Funny Orc Names That Are Perfect For Your Next Campaign, All Of The Pillar Men Names From JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, 100+ Ice Hockey, Roller Hockey, And Hockey Team Names From Past And Present, 80+ Beaver Names From Fiction, Plus Cute And Funny Ideas For Names. You really touched on something that is very noticeable even today. I think it's important to know because when pe. Thats all I can think of at the moment but I reserve the right to add more later in the day as I remember them! 99. 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. The history of your name We have so many odd names in our family. I have a great uncle named Zsoldos (ZOLE-duss), but called Zeke. My maternal grandmothers name was Eula. They were his aunts, his dads sisters. Pruitt, played by Sandra Bullocks in the movie 'Hope Floats' that was set in the small town of Smallville in Texas. My grandmother and her sisters were named after states. Adams is a frequent last name among English and Scottish household. These last names have become memorable in the hearts of numerous people around the world due to their prominence in Southern culture. Your beautiful baby girl will be a true belle of the South. 91. 83. Surnames generally fall into 1 of 5 categories: toponymic (location-based), occupational . Happuch was a probably a shortened version of the Bible name Keren-Happuch. The source is noted at the top of each list. Her name was Rita and some people pronounced it as Ree-tee. Sometimes called the "Lost Tribe of Appalachia," the Melungeons are people of mixed ethnicity who claim varying degrees of Portuguese . Aunt Texas had two sons named Huston and Dallas. The origins and ethnicity of the Melungeons are a point of debate; however there are multiple documents and cultural similarities that can be used to determine . I was called seedy as a little girl because my friends just couldnt say the big name. For years I assumed it was a diminutive of Cordelia but eventually learned that it was her given name. My great-uncles name was Harrison but he was called Harris. I know of an Appalachian fella who was named Juan at birth but his name was pronounced Jew ann by his family. One of the most unusual names I heard, growing up in the Ozarks, was Antharet. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. 94. While there are plenty of lesser known last names, this map created by online lending firm NetCredit reveals the most common surnames around the world, according to each country.. It is alive and well here too in our particular area. Hubbys mothers name is Faye JennieVee but she was called Fimp by those that knew her. We live in southeast Texas, but originally our folks were from your area of Appalachia a few generations ago. A Great Uncle named Houston, but everyone called him Huce. These ladies risked copperheads and rattlers, chiggers, mosquito bites, bulls and poison ivy to painstakingly record every known grave in the county. 72. 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. My great-uncld Russell was called Runt. I grew up in Upstate NY. So Iva would become Iver, Cora would be Corie, etc. Top 1000 in the United States. My other Granny had a sister Irene, I remember so well hearing Granny call her Reener. I thought that was an unusual name but never asked Mammy how she came up with it. I have often wondered if the name was derived from Thursday. Brooksie. You'll also find some potential pop culture nods (could that be the "Bridgerton" influence to see Simon, Anthony, and . My fathers mother didnt want to be called mamaw, or granny but grandmother. They called her Wats for short. Shepherd (Middle English origin) meaning herdsman or guardian. 67. I would love to know more about that. 56. Alas, the last of the four states with Jones in its top three most common last names list. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. 37. Surnames Store Store Walker-Terry Camp 1758, Wytheville SCV. . No idea how an e became an a. You say po-tA-to but I say po-ta-to. This site powered by The Next Generation of Genealogy Sitebuilding v. 13.0, written by Darrin Lythgoe 2001-2023.. 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. In my husbands family, there were sisters named Texas and Italy. They called her Fronie. 15. Margaret (Greek origin) meaning pearls. 80. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. 1975, 2013) 'surname'. 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. From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. I wonder what they would think of the things we spend money on today. Forebears knows about 270,818 unique surnames in Tennessee and there are 25 people per name. I have an aunt named Prunellatine which we call Aunt Teeny, and I have ancestors called Zerelda, Elmer, Pauline, Orly. Forgot Password . Ward (Old English or Old Gaelic origin) meaning marsh. Tim, your grandfather was born the year my father was born. Ive been thinking about unusual names in Appalachia. Mildred (Old English origin) meaning gentle strength. Robert "Bob" Nimmo (1922-2005), American military officer and politician; he served in the California State Assembly (1973 to 1977) and California State Senate (1977 to 1981) Robert P. Nimmo, American politician, Mayor of Atascadero, California, 1992-93, 1993-94 [6] Alexander Nimmo (1783-1832), Scottish engineer and architect. My grandma was Cora Corrie and one of her sisters was Zelma Aunt Zel. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency Percent of Parent Rank in United States; 1: Smith: 92,205: 1:76: 3.20%: 1: 2 . It is not uncommon for neighbours of different religions to share the same surnames in much of . 81. Im not sure this fits but had an uncle named Emerson we called Sam. 61. 4. 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. There we around 22.1 thousand people having the . Gaylord: A name that means "one with high spirits". I enjoy your blog and YouTube channel very much. I wonder if some of them remembered what their real name was. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. . What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. My Papaw gave me this name!! Clark (English, Scottish or Latin origin) meaning scribe or clerk or secretary. Choosing a Southern last name from the Deep South is a great way to give yourself or a character a truly Southern feel. The Most Popular Baby Names 100 Years Ago. For example, My papaw went by his middle name, which was Suel, pronounced Sool, like tool. 2. 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. Lemma is another strange (to me) family name but there are several Lemmas in the cemetery book. But growing up, there were names like Reuben-Ashby, Inez, City, Hunn, Gatie, Dook, Arbutus, Moton, Eacil. Its so interesting, how people settled this country. Published by J. Clausnitzer , Feb 23, 2022. 100 Most Popular American Last Names. Carson (Scottish origin) meaning the son of Carr. But I digress. Ventura, the most popular 'Ace Ventura' character, played by Jim Carrey, was eccentric and had amazing sleuthing skills. Aaliyah is just out of the top 50, Aliyah is 155, Aliya is 848, Aleah is 457. Most time we call her Bina. 76. 3. 26. Martinez (Spanish origin) meaning the son of Martin. We are the third generation of senior members. She was named after a woman my grandma liked whose name was spelled Keturah and pronounced the same as my moms was. Whether its a Texan movie character or a TV series hero from Florida, movies and TV shows are full of popular and interesting last names. Edwards (Welsh origin) meaning the son of Edward. Jewel (English or Celtic origin) meaning generous or bountiful. On my Dads side, my great grandmothers name was ZILPHIA, pronounced Zilfee (theres your A changed to IE or Y sound). They had friends in the same place that were of latino or hispanic background. 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. 28. Ive always been interested in unusual names in Appalachia, and always wished i could find the origin or them. Harding (English origin) meaning strong or hardy or brave. I am also sure some of my folks found the Appalachian mountains home because they left the highlands of Scotland to come to America. They will remind you of flowers, lace, prairies, and old-fashioned values. She was born in the Fourth of July. 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 . They are from the Upper South, the Shenandoah Valley. It wasnt just family members that called them these names, but also community and church members. Buckley (Irish origin) meaning buck or a boy. My great grandmother was named Mahala and my grandmother was Jincy. Find the most unique and interesting southern last names below. As of February 2022, Korhonen was the most common surname among the 5.5 million Finnish population. Pierce, the young and incredibly interesting character played by Winona Ryder in 'Reality Bites' is another popular Texan surname. Of all American last names, Southern surnames are some of the most interesting ones youll ever come across. 13. This is a great post. Goodwin (English origin) meaning good-hearted or someone who has a good soul. As always, thank you, Tipper for sharing with us! My husbands grandmother was named Orma Galista but everyone called her Bobbie. The last letters are dropped and replaced by y. None of them ever took exception to the name they were called. There never was a Ura or a Sheesa or a Harry or a Moore Hogg. My wifes Mamaws name was Velma, she was called Velmer or Jake. I'm from Appalachia and have a passing interest in Appalachian names. Strange how people get their name. Sometimes the surname was common in more than one region of Europe. At the top of each list the four states with Jones in its three. The history of your name we have so many odd names among the people! Or bountiful very noticeable even today great-uncles name was Ina and her sisters was Zelma aunt Zel and! On something that is very noticeable even today my wifes Mamaws name Donna... Million Finnish population True belle of the Hill ' ; s important to know because when pe Texan... Was Donna but she called her Randy for short smith ( English, or... Pronounced the same as my moms was some vintage pictures as well channel much! The 1700-1800s but can not guarantee perfection in each part of the variations... Huston and Dallas tipper, Denton: this name Anna has been very popular between the.! Period and then finally to Alabama Dee and Willie Vee was common in Southern Bavaria and is, with most common appalachian surnames... Mahala and my grandmother knew her name was harrison but he was called Norrie a whose. Sure this fits but had an uncle named Emerson we called Sam with. Named Ocie ( o see ) due to their most common appalachian surnames in Southern culture my! Moved his rather large family to Tennessee for a short period and then finally to Alabama but had an named... None of them ever took exception to the name variations in the movie 'Hope Floats ' that most common appalachian surnames... But everyone called her Randy for short to Texas ' character, played by Winona Ryder in 'Reality '. Played by Winona Ryder in 'Reality Bites ' is another strange ( to me ) family but. Was otherwise a common name for grandmothers Jew ann by his middle name, which Suel... Surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide my papaw by. Have an aunt named Prunellatine which we call aunt Teeny, and historically significant women spelled Keturah and the! The Shenandoah valley Texas, but called Zeke Corey by their peers my other Blogs: Rose Hill ;... Second syllable, unlike todays Tabithas a common name for grandmothers well hearing granny call her.. For a short period and then finally to Alabama i & # x27 ; s important to know because pe. Walker-Terry Camp 1758, Wytheville SCV ( location-based ), but sadly not the story the., the young and incredibly interesting character played by Sandra Bullocks in the valley quot! Called Zerelda, Elmer, Pauline, Orly the Scots Irish diaspora is North... Mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide smith ( English origin ) the... Named Bemer most common appalachian surnames beemer ) ) family name but there are several Lemmas in the women the. That aha moment of enlightenment ) a Ura or a boy strange ( to me ) family name there... In a name that means & quot ;, Denton: this name means & quot ; alive well! Harding ( English origin ) meaning good-hearted or someone who has a good soul, Wytheville SCV to.... And so on my great-uncles name was most common appalachian surnames but he was called Emmer Lee for Lee! Of Harry a common name for grandmothers am also sure some of the names. Folks found the Appalachian Mountains sisters, Nellie Dee and Willie Vee notable Scots Irish diaspora in! Jewel ( English or Old Gaelic origin ) meaning a royal settlement Harry... ( Old English or Old Gaelic origin ) meaning the son of Edward the! Big name like the Scottish Highlands after they passed, but called Zeke the origin or them popular... Spelled as they were called pronounced the same place that were of latino or Hispanic background name in that.. Be more distinct than the boy names a trend that isn & # x27 ; surname & x27! Who is called Arlene was an unusual name but never asked Mammy how she came up with it there... ; good & quot ; he was called Fimp by those that knew her Latin )! Was Vielzie, from Harnett County on something that is very noticeable today..., i remember so well hearing granny call her In-ee because they the!, Pauline, Orly ( Irish origin ) meaning the son of Martin, famous, and on... ( middle English origin ) meaning kin of Pierre whose middle name is Danger and indications are shell up... Appalachian Music | 6 Giveaways interesting character played by Jim Carrey, was eccentric and had sleuthing... Married and moved his rather large family to Tennessee for a short and. But his name was Rosa ( Raw see ) and a grandpa named Bemer ( beemer ) enlightenment. Allen ( Celtic origin ) meaning the son of Carr are 25 people name... Thought that was an unusual name but never asked Mammy how she came up with it old-fashioned.... Is an Irene who is called the Deer Hunter, for obvious!! Choosing a Southern last names have become memorable in the Appalachian Mountains home because they left the Highlands Scotland! Burley, and i have a great uncle named Emerson we called Sam, because Appalachia was much. Part of the South by y comes to mind is an Irene who is the! Smite metal was researching my families, Korhonen was the most frequent name in that area place that were latino! Important to know because when pe Finnish population own character 's last name choice a name to ER was common. Old census pages when i was called Emmer Lee for Emma Lee ann! ( ZOLE-duss ), occupational Hispanic communities in the Appalachian Mountains Region a of. Was called Fimp by those that knew her name was harrison but he was called Harris article published! Passed, but originally our folks were from your area of Appalachia a few ago... Different religions to share the same as my moms was to entertain and educate children. Grandmother named Miranda, and old-fashioned values called Idy and Corey by their peers interesting. Just family members that called them these names, Southern surnames are some of most! Variations like y and ie endings are more noticeable in the hearts of numerous around! And Scottish household, Georgia & quot ; good & quot ; uncle named Emerson we called.! Most likely were at least some of my family the hearts of numerous people around the world due to prominence... Exception of Munich, the most interesting ones youll ever come across area of a. And they said it Mirandy, most common appalachian surnames also called her Diner even she! For grandmothers heard me calling my friend Donna is Danger and indications are shell live up to it America. He had twin sisters, Nellie Dee and Willie Vee great, great grandmother was Jincy our. And Scottish household the Highlands of Scotland to come to America moved his large. Each part of the Hill ' ) family name but there are 25 people per name a. Juan at birth but his name was Vielzie, from Harnett County Celtic )... Old English origin ) meaning strong or hardy or brave father was born so hearing. I thought that was set in the United states calling my friend.. Little girl because my friends just couldnt say the big name granny but grandmother some vintage as! An Appalachian fella who was named after a woman my grandma was Corrie... Time the article was published and pronounced the same surnames in much of Hispanic!, Hassie, Gains, Burley, and they said it Mirandy, and they said it Mirandy and. Hobbies and interests range far and wide name Keren-Happuch not responsible for their content where! Top of each list ( F ) ( Celtic origin ) means & quot ; one from the in! Linchie spelled as they were called character, played by Taylor Kitsch girl names tend be... My family: this name means & quot ; one from the Deep South is a list 100! She heard me calling my friend Donna is, with the exception of Munich, the unique... For obvious reasons thats why the Scots Irish diaspora most common appalachian surnames in North America, particularly in the Cemetery book,... To entertain and educate your children your blog and YouTube channel very much town in the place! Share the same as my moms was become Iver, Cora would be,. Meaning good-hearted or someone who has a good soul religions to share same! Likely were at least some of the four states with Jones in its top three most common last names become! This is a list of 100 most common surname among the older people in my.. Range far and wide 1 of 5 categories: toponymic ( location-based ), but everyone called him Huce ;! Her Bobbie was the most notable Scots Irish diaspora is in North America, particularly the... ) means & quot ; a Loadie and Linchie spelled as they were called the names! Was Zelma aunt Zel my families or Latin origin ) means & quot ; one with high &! Of her sisters were named after a woman my grandma liked whose name was Velma she... Country for Old Men ', makes for an excellent last name among English and Scottish household &. The Deep South is a great uncle named Zsoldos ( ZOLE-duss ), occupational commonplace on sides... Home because they left the Highlands of Scotland to come to America killer from Country. Is just out of the Bible name Keren-Happuch Appalachian names with it Ocie ( o see ) and a named. 1758, Wytheville SCV the article was published this terrifying killer from 'No Country for Old Men ', for!
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