Ultimate Southern Names
- Monroe
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"mouth of the Roe river"Description:
Monroe is a presidential surname which feels fresher than Jackson, Lincoln and Taylor. Marilyn Monroe is a famous female namesake, but her smart Scottish surname feels equally usable for either sex. Plus, we think old man nickname Moe would sound both cool and adorable on a baby boy today!
- Raleigh
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"meadow of roe deer"Description:
Attractive North Carolina place-name and surname of explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. Distinctive, classy-but-approachable choice for either sex.
- Bedelia
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"strength or exalted one"Description:
This fanciful Irish extension of Bridget is known here through the wacky Amelia Bedelia books for kids -- an association your child may or may not like.
- Fleming
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"man from Flanders"Description:
If it's not too phlegmatic for you, this surname and name of a Scottish clan could honor a number of people, especially Alexander Fleming, the father of antibiotics, and Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond.
- Payton
Origin:
Variation of Patton or Peyton, EnglishMeaning:
"fighting man's estate"Description:
Once an obscure, surname-inspired option, Payton (and Peyton) hiked up the charts back in the 90s, likely inspired by the football star Peyton Manning.
- Corliss
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"carefree person"Description:
Corliss, eccentric yet well-established, has an independent and artistic air.
- Gentry
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"aristocracy"Description:
Gentry is a word name that's gaining ground for girls as a kind of updated Jennifer, especially in the Jentry (or Jentri or Jentree) spelling.
- Redd
Description:
Redd is a masculine name that originated as a nickname for people with red hair or ruddy complexions before evolving into an independent given name. Derived from the Old English 'read' meaning "red," the distinctive double-d spelling gives the name added character and visual impact. Redd carries associations with vitality and distinctiveness, often evoking images of strength and individuality. While never extremely common as a first name, it has appeared occasionally throughout the 20th century, sometimes gaining recognition through cultural figures like comedian Redd Foxx. The name has a punchy, concise quality that fits with the trend toward brief, impactful male names. Redd's simplicity belies its strong presence, making it a bold choice with historical roots.
- Belden
Origin:
English from FrenchMeaning:
"pretty valley"Description:
Belden is a little-used surname-name that might work in this age of Belles.
- Acadia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"idyllic place"Description:
Acadia, the French name for Nova Scotia and the name of a gorgeous national park in Maine makes a fresh, rhythmic choice for your little girl. Acadia is an original yet accessible member of the stylish girl names starting with A.
- Bayou
Origin:
Native American nature nameDescription:
A slow and sultry southern choice that's definitely cool for babies of either gender. While the word feels French and has its roots in 18th century French Louisiana, it derives from the Choctaw word bayuk, which means "small stream."
- Florida
Origin:
Place name and Spanish from LatinMeaning:
"flowery"Description:
Lacks the cachet of some newer place-names.
- Clint
Origin:
English, diminutive of ClintonDescription:
As flinty and steely as Mr. Eastwood.
- Pellias
Origin:
Variant of PelleasDescription:
The spelling of Pelleas used in the original Post-Vulgate stories of the Arthurian legends.
- Cort
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"brave"Description:
Short and curt.
- Elizabelle
Origin:
English combination of Elizabeth + IsabelleMeaning:
"God is my oath"Description:
What do you do when you love two variations of the same name that also sound quite distinct? One option is to blend them together and keep the best of both. Elizabelle - and Elizabella - have been in use since the 2000s, though they haven't caught on just yet. Possibly divisive, but both are rather pleasing to say.
- Jessup
Description:
Jessup is a masculine name with English origins, primarily used as a surname before transitioning to occasional first-name usage. It evolved from the medieval personal name 'Joseph,' meaning 'God will add' or 'God increases.' Historically found in English counties like Yorkshire and Gloucestershire, Jessup has the distinctive quality of sounding both traditional and rare. As a first name, it offers a fresh alternative to the more common Jesse or Joseph, while maintaining familiar sounds. The name has a strong, concise quality with its two syllables and crisp ending. Though uncommon as a given name, Jessup appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth and an English heritage connection without being commonly used.
- Boyd
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"blond"Description:
Has a bit of a hayseed image, and that oy sound is tough to work with.
- Siddalee
Description:
Siddalee is a distinctive feminine name that gained notice through Rebecca Wells' novel 'Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood' and its film adaptation. The literary character Siddalee Walker helped introduce this unique name to a wider audience. It has a Southern American feel with its musical, four-syllable rhythm. The name doesn't have ancient historical roots but rather represents contemporary naming creativity. The '-lee' ending adds a feminine touch to what otherwise might feel like a surname-inspired choice. Siddalee remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking something truly distinctive with literary connections. Its unusual quality makes it memorable while still being pronounceable and approachable.
- ABNEY
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