South Carolina Names
By theashleytree
Updated Thu May 18 2023
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- Jasper
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"bringer of treasure"Description:
Jasper originated as a variation of the Latin Gaspar, which ultimately derived from the Persian word ganzabara, meaning "bringer of treasure." As a given name, Jasper’s etymology is unrelated to that of the gemstone, which comes from a Semitic word meaning "speckled stone." Jasper is the usual English form for one of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the infant Christ according to medieval tradition and appears in the Bible as a reference to the stone itself in Revelations 4:3.
- Warren
Origin:
English from FrenchMeaning:
"park-keeper"Description:
Long lingering in limbo, Warren suddenly seems to be on the cusp of revival. One of the oldest recorded English surnames, Warren's popularity in the U.S. dates back to the nineteenth century, and by 1921, reached its peak at Number 24.
- Jackson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Jack"Description:
Jackson is one of those names that's much more popular than you think, coming in near the top of our annual Playground Analysis, which ranks names by grouping all their spellings together. Last year, more than 13,000 baby boys were named Jackson -- along Jaxon, Jaxson, Jaxxon, Jaxen, Jaxyn, Jaxsen, and Jaxsyn -- which counted together makes it the Number 5 boys' name.
- Camden
Origin:
American and British place-name, ScottishMeaning:
"winding valley"Description:
Camden is a surprise hit, probably as a result of some star baby cred: it has been chosen by no less than four celebrity parents since 2012. Gentle but not flimsy, Camden could be an updated spin on Cameron, Callum, or Caden.
- Laurel
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"laurel tree"Description:
Laurel takes Laura back to its meaning in nature, resulting in a gentle, botanical option. Even more directly than Laura, Laurel relates back to the laurel wreath signifying success and peace in ancient Greece and Rome.
- Ashley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dweller near the ash tree meadow"Description:
It may have peaked at #1 for girls in 1991 and 1992 in the US, but Ashley actually has a long history as a male given name, as evidenced by the sensitive Ashley Wilkes in Gone With the Wind. It's always been more popular for boys in England and Wales, where it currently ranks at #414.
- Vance
Origin:
English and IrishMeaning:
"someone who lives near marshland"Description:
Short and sharp with a nature related meaning, Vance was trending upwards in recent years thanks to the musicians Foy Vance and Vance Joy. 2024 saw it take a downwards dip however, likely due to its association with the vice president, JD Vance, a controversial association which it might not recover from for a while. Time, however, will tell.
- Murray
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"settlement by the sea"Description:
Murray, you may be surprised to discover, is a Scottish surname name --that of an ancient noble clan--with a sea-swept meaning, and just could be in the next wave of reevaluated grandpa names. Currently Number 60 for baby boys born in its native Scotland; it was at its highest in the US in 1922, when it reached Number 208, but has been off the list since 1975. Could it be time for a comeback?
- Marion
Origin:
French derivative of MaryMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
Fun fact: Marion was the birth name of movie star John Wayne. Although commonly thought of as a female name today, it was actually more popular for boys until the late 19th century, and was given to roughly equal numbers of boys and girls throughout the 1970s-2000s.
- Beulah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"married"Description:
In the Bible, Beulah is a place, not a person, applied to the land of Israel by the prophet Isaiah. The land of Beulah has sometimes been considered a reference to heaven. Beulah began to be used as a given name in England at the time of the Reformation and was used by the seventeenth century Puritans.
- Shandon
Description:
Shandon is a masculine name with Irish geographic origins, taken from the name of an area in Cork, Ireland (Shandon) that derives from the Irish 'Sean Dún' meaning 'old fort.' The name carries a melodic quality with its balanced syllables and has a contemporary sound despite its historical roots. While uncommon as a given name, Shandon appeals to parents seeking Irish connections without the more obvious choices. It shares sound patterns with popular names like Brandon and Shannon, making it accessible while remaining distinctive. Some families choose it to honor Irish heritage or connections to Cork specifically. The name conveys a sense of strength and tradition while maintaining a modern appeal.
- Chapin
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"clergyman"Description:
An undiscovered last-name-first option.
- Garnett
Description:
Garnett is a name of English origin that began as a surname derived from the gemstone garnet, a deep red precious stone. The name was traditionally given to boys but has occasionally been used for girls as well. As a first name, Garnett gained modest popularity in the early to mid-20th century in the United States. The name carries associations with richness, depth, and natural beauty. It has a distinguished quality that balances strength with refinement. While never extremely common, Garnett has maintained steady recognition, occasionally receiving renewed interest through notable bearers, including athletes. The name offers a distinctive option with both natural world connections and historical depth.
- Williston
Description:
Williston is a masculine name with English origins, derived from the surname meaning 'son of William' or 'William's town.' William itself comes from Germanic elements meaning 'will, desire' and 'helmet, protection.' Williston maintains the strength and classic nature of William while offering a distinctive alternative. Though relatively uncommon as a first name, it has historical significance as a surname and place name across the United States, particularly in North Dakota and Vermont. Williston provides a formal yet approachable option for parents seeking a traditional-sounding name with connections to English heritage.
- Cayce
Description:
Cayce is a gender-neutral name that leans feminine in contemporary usage. It originated as a surname derived from Celtic elements possibly meaning 'vigilant' or 'observant,' though it's also associated with place names. The name gained recognition through Edgar Cayce, the famous American psychic, lending it somewhat mystical associations. As a first name, Cayce emerged in the mid-20th century, offering a distinctive alternative to more common names like Casey or Kasey. Its unusual spelling gives it a unique quality while maintaining familiar pronunciation. The name has a crisp, modern sound with its two syllables and strong consonants balanced by the softer ending. Cayce appeals to parents seeking uncommon names that still feel accessible and contemporary. It provides a subtle connection to Celtic heritage while working well across cultural contexts.
- Corley
Description:
Corley is a gender-neutral name that has been used predominantly for girls in recent years, though it maintains unisex qualities. Originally an English surname derived from Old English elements meaning 'clearing in the woods' or possibly 'charcoal clearing,' Corley has transitioned to first-name status as part of the surname-as-first-name trend. The name carries a natural, earthy connotation through its woodland origins. Corley has never been among popular first names in the United States or other English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has a modern feel despite its ancient origins, with a pleasant rhythm and contemporary sound that fits current naming trends. Its rarity makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible.
- Rutledge
- Wister
- Greer
- Edisto