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Southern Baby Names

  1. Ellen

    • Origin:

      English variation of Helen

    • Meaning:

      "torch; shining light"

    • Description:

      An medieval English form of Helen, the sensitive but clear-eyed Ellen has swung in and out of style for centuries, often alternating with the parent name. Ellen was the more common in medieval England, until after the Renaissance, when Helen overtook her. In Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, set at the end of the nineteenth century, one character wonders why another has not changed her "ugly" given name to something prettier, like Elaine—a statement few would make today.
  2. Emmylou

    • Origin:

      English compound name, Emmy + Lou

    • Meaning:

      "work, universal + renowned warrior"

    • Description:

      This name is closely identified with Emmylou Harris, the singer who gives dignity to an old-style combo name. There were over 60 baby girls named Emmylou in the US last year, due the the popularity of all names Em-related and the stylish middle name Lou.
  3. Flossie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Florence

    • Meaning:

      "flourishing, prosperous"

    • Description:

      Flossie was an extremely popular Florence nickname that was used independently in the early twentieth century, given to over five hundred girls per year a century ago. Flossie was one of the younger twins in the iconic children's book series The Bobbsey Twins, first published in 1904. Appealing, if a little cutesy--sweet as candy floss. A similar name is Florrie.
  4. Hetty

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Henrietta, English

    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"

    • Description:

      A classic short form of Henrietta, also seen as a nickname for Mehetabel.
  5. Ida Mae
    • Jacie

      • Description:

        Jacie is a feminine name that likely developed as a modern variation of names like Jacey, Jacy, or as a nickname for Jessica or Jacqueline. With uncertain etymology, it may relate to names derived from John (meaning 'God is gracious') or James (meaning 'supplanter'). This short, two-syllable name conveys a friendly, approachable quality with its soft sounds and contemporary feel. Jacie gained modest popularity in the United States during the late 20th century as parents began exploring variations of traditional names. The name's appeal lies in its modern sound combined with its familiarity, offering a balance between uniqueness and accessibility for parents seeking a name that feels both current and established.

    • Jacob

      • Origin:

        Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "supplanter"

      • Description:

        Biblical Jacob ceded his Number 1 spot to biblical Noah, in 2013, after holding first place on the list of baby boy names from 1999 to 2012, given a huge boost by the Twilight phenomenon.
    • Jase

      • Origin:

        Diminutive of Jason

      • Meaning:

        "the Lord is salvation"

      • Description:

        Nickname name Jase joined twin brother Jace in the Top 100 in 2013, after first entering the list in 2002 -- but has since dropped in the charts. Inspiration may be Jase (born Jason) Robinson of the reality show Duck Dynasty.
    • Jedidiah

      • Origin:

        Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "beloved of the Lord"

      • Description:

        Jedidiah, an Old Testament name with a touch of Gunsmoke-era western panache, is right in line to be revived along with the other biblical -iah names.
    • Jeremiah

      • Origin:

        Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "appointed by God"

      • Description:

        Jeremiah is a solid Old Testament prophet name that has gradually taken the place of the now dated Jeremy, Gerard and Gerald, joining other currently popular biblical 'iah' names like Josiah and Isaiah. In the Bible Jeremiah is a famous prophet whose story is recorded in the book named after him.
    • Jessy

      • Description:

        Jessy is a sweet, familiar name used for girls, though it occasionally appears as a male name as well. Typically considered a diminutive of Jessica (which comes from the Hebrew name Yiskah, meaning 'to behold' or 'God beholds'), Jessy offers a more casual, playful alternative to its formal counterpart. The spelling variation with a 'y' ending gives it a modern touch compared to the more traditional 'Jessie.' This name gained popularity during the late 20th century alongside similar short forms like Jenny and Katie. Jessy conveys a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining a youthful charm into adulthood. Though not as widely used as it once was, Jessy remains a pleasant choice for parents seeking a name that is familiar yet not overly common, with a cheerful, unpretentious vibe.

    • Jim

      • Origin:

        English, diminutive of James

      • Meaning:

        "supplanter"

      • Description:

        Peaked in the 1940s, but still an amiable classic, a la Joe and Tom -- though rarely used on its own.
    • Jimmy

      • Origin:

        Diminutive of James

      • Meaning:

        "supplanter"

      • Description:

        Every other little kid's name in 1957 but few Jameses are called Jimmy today; they're more often James or Jamie.
    • Joanna

      • Origin:

        Variation of Johanna

      • Meaning:

        "God is gracious"

      • Description:

        Joanna derives from the Greek name Ioanna, which in turn came from the Hebrew name Yohannah. It is featured in the New Testament as a woman who accompanied Jesus on his travels and eventually reached saint status. Other names related to Joanna include Joan, Joanne, Johanna, and Jana.
    • John

      • Origin:

        Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "God is gracious"

      • Description:

        John reigned as the most popular of all boys' Christian names for 400 years, from the time the first Crusaders carried it back to Britain until the 1950s. Then American baby namers finally seemed to tire of this straight-arrow, almost anonymous John Doe of names, replacing it with fancier forms like Jonathan and the imported Sean and Ian.
    • Joshua

      • Origin:

        Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "the Lord is my salvation"

      • Description:

        Joshua, a Top 10 name from 1983 until 2010, has dropped out of the Top 50 but manages to present a relaxed, attractive image, with a bit of the Old West mixed in with its biblical persona.
    • Josiah

      • Origin:

        Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "God supports, heals"

      • Description:

        Josiah—a biblical name with lots of quaint, old-fashioned charm—makes a much fresher sounding alternative to either Joseph or Joshua, combining the best of both. Josiah is among the several Biblical boys' names that have been on the rise this decade.
    • Jebidiah
      • John David
        • Joy-Anna