Culture and Lifestyle Top 50 Southern Names and Their Meanings By Southern Living Editors Southern Living Editors Since 1966, the editors of Southern Living have been carrying out the mission of the brand: to bring enjoyment, fulfillment, and inspiration to our readers by celebrating life in the South. We inspire creativity in their homes, their kitchens, their gardens, and their personal style. We are a friend they can trust, a guide to the seasons, a helping hand during the holidays, and a relentless champion of the Southern way of life. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on June 20, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Graphic: Rachel Ellis What's in a name? You most likely know a Mary, Davis, or Taylor, but have you ever wondered what their names mean? We did, so we searched high and low to find the name meanings behind some of our favorite Southern baby names. Some Southern names have meanings that are poetic or inspired by nature, like Harley, which means "meadow in the woods." Some are practical, like Dixie, which signifies "the tenth child." Some names even indicate personality traits, disposition, place, topography, or occupation, part of a naming tradition that is hundreds of years old. Whether you are looking for the perfect baby name or just want to know more about a family name, see if you can find your Southern name and its meaning in our list—some may surprise you! 01 of 51 Abigail Graphic: Rachel Ellis Abigail is a Hebrew name found in the Old Testament that means "father's joy." Nicknames for Abigail include Abby and Gail. 02 of 51 Adler Graphic: Rachel Ellis Adler is derived from the German word for "eagle." Adler is a common surname and great way to incorporate family history when naming your child. 03 of 51 Annabelle Graphic: Rachel Ellis Annabelle is derived from the Latin amābilis, which means "lovable." Nicknames for Annabelle include Annie and Bella. 04 of 51 Atticus Graphic: Rachel Ellis Atticus is a Roman name meaning "from Attica." It is also the name Harper Lee chose for one of the main characters in To Kill a Mockingbird, making it a Southern favorite. 05 of 51 Austin Graphic: Rachel Ellis Austin is shortened from the name Augustine, which means "magnificent" or "majestic." Also a city in Texas, this name has truly become Southern. 06 of 51 Bailey Graphic: Rachel Ellis Bailey is derived from Late Latin baiulivus and from bailiff, an agent of the law. It is gender-neutral but more popular as a female name in the US. 07 of 51 Beau Graphic: Beau Beau means "beautiful" in French. Beau is also a nickname for Beauregard. 08 of 51 Boone Graphic: Rachel Ellis Boone means "good" or "a blessing" and is of Old French and Anglo-Saxon origin. You can travel to Boone, North Carolina. 09 of 51 Buford Graphic: Rachel Ellis Buford is of Old English origin and was a surname said to refer to a stronghold or a ford beside an aviary. A nickname for Buford is Ford. 10 of 51 Caroline Graphic: Rachel Ellis Caroline is the feminine variation of Charles and is said to mean both "strong" and "free woman." Plus, your daughter is already set for her father-daughter song with "Sweet Caroline." 11 of 51 Charlotte Graphic: Rachel Ellis Charlotte is a French feminine diminutive of Charles. Since the birth of the Princess of Cambridge, the named has surged in popularity. 12 of 51 Connor Graphic: Rachel Ellis Connor is from the Gaelic Conchobhar, the legendary Irish king of Ulster, and is also a "lover of wolves" or "lover of hounds." 13 of 51 Constance Graphic: Rachel Ellis Constance means "steadfastness" and is derived from the Latin Constantia. A nickname for Constance is Connie. 14 of 51 Davis Graphic: Rachel Ellis Davis means "son of David," a much-loved and more common name that means beloved or adored. 15 of 51 Delilah Graphic: Rachel Ellis Delilah is of Hebrew origin and means "delicate." A nickname for Delilah is Lilah. 16 of 51 Dixie Graphic: Rachel Ellis Dixie is a term often used to refer to the South. It is derived from the French word dix, meaning "ten" or "tenth child." 17 of 51 Duke Graphic: Rachel Ellis Duke was originally derived from the Latin dux, meaning "leader." Originally a title of nobility, it's since become a popular Southern name. 18 of 51 Everett Graphic: Rachel Ellis Everett is of English origin that refers to bravery. Nicknames for Everett include Ev and Rhett. 19 of 51 Flannery Graphic: Rachel Ellis Flannery is of Gaelic origin and refers to a red-haired warrior. You might have heard of a famous Southern author with the name. 20 of 51 Florence Graphic: Rachel Ellis Florence is of Latin origin and is said to mean flowering or flourishing. Nicknames for Florence include Flossie and Florrie. 21 of 51 Georgia Graphic: Rachel Ellis The state of Georgia was named for British King George II. Nicknames for Georgia, which means "farmer," include Gigi and Gia. 22 of 51 Harley Graphic: Rachel Ellis Harley is of Old English origin. While it might bring to mind your favorite motorcycle, Harley means "hare's meadow." 23 of 51 Harper Graphic: Rachel Ellis Harper is of English origins and means "harp player." The afore-mentioned writer Harper Lee is one famous Southerner who carried the name. 24 of 51 Hayes Graphic: Rachel Ellis Hayes is derived from Old English. The name is a reference to hedges and brush. 25 of 51 Hollis Graphic: Rachel Ellis Hollis is derived from Middle English. This traditional boys' name refers to the holly tree. 26 of 51 Ida Graphic: Rachel Ellis Ida has Germanic origins from the word id and means "industrious." When used with the name Claire, it just sounds better with a Southern accent. 27 of 51 Katherine Graphic: Rachel Ellis Katherine is of Old Greek origin and means "pure." In the South, you'll often find it following the name Mary. 28 of 51 Knox Graphic: Rachel Ellis Knox is of Old English and Scottish origins and a word for a round-topped hill. With Knoxville over in Tennessee, this has become a popular name with Southerners. 29 of 51 Leigh Graphic: Rachel Ellis Leigh is of Hebrew and Old English origin. This gender-neutral name means meadow or pasture. 30 of 51 Maribelle Graphic: Rachel Ellis Maribelle is derived from the Latin mirabilis meaning "wondrous." Sometimes it's also said to mean "beautiful Marie" or "bitter," so Maribelle is a many-faceted woman. 31 of 51 Mary Graphic: Rachel Ellis Mary is of Hebrew origin. In the South, you can often find it followed by Katherine, Elizabeth, or Claire. Mary also is said to have multiple meanings, like "beloved," "bitter," or "rebellious." 32 of 51 Maybelle Graphic: Rachel Ellis Maybelle is of Old French origins. Maybelle is a combination of May meaning "hawthorn flower" and Belle meaning "beautiful." 33 of 51 Nellie Graphic: Rachel Ellis Nellie is a nickname for Eleanor or Helen, but has gained popularity as a given name itself. Those names also mean "shining light" and reach all the way back to the mythical Helen of Troy. 34 of 51 Parker Graphic: Rachel Ellis Parker is derived from Middle English for "park keeper." With Parker being a common surname, it is a great way to incorporate family history when naming your child. 35 of 51 Raleigh Graphic: Rachel Ellis Raleigh is derived from Old English and is also the capital of North Carolina. A nickname for Raleigh, which means "deer meadow," is Leigh. 36 of 51 Rhett Graphic: Rachel Ellis Rhett is the Anglicized form of a Dutch surname that means "advisor." Margaret Mitchell popularized the name Rhett with her protagonist in Gone with the Wind. 37 of 51 Ruth Graphic: Rachel Ellis Ruth is derived from Hebrew and means "friend." Ruthie is a common nickname for Ruth. 38 of 51 Savannah Graphic: Rachel Ellis Savannah derives from the Native American Taino tribe word zabana for a treeless plain. With movies and books set in the magical Georgia town, Savannah has always been popular. 39 of 51 Sawyer Graphic: Rachel Ellis Sawyer is of Middle English origin as a surname for a woodcutter. This free-spirited name has become popular for both boys and girls. 40 of 51 Scarlett Graphic: Rachel Ellis Scarlett is of Old French origin and refers to the deep red color. Since Margaret Mitchell's'Gone with the Wind, Scarlett will forever be a true Southern Belle name. 41 of 51 Shelby Graphic: Rachel Ellis Shelby is of Old Norse origin for an estate with willows. If you loved the movie Steel Magnolias, Shelby is the perfect name for your baby girl. 42 of 51 Tallulah Graphic: Rachel Ellis Tallulah is of Native American origin, a Choctaw word for "leaping water." With an actress and waterfall as a namesake, it is beautiful for any baby girl. 43 of 51 Tara Graphic: Rachel Ellis Tara has Celtic origins and means "hill." Also, in Sanskrit it means "star," making it a very lofty name. 44 of 51 Taylor Graphic: Rachel Ellis Taylor has Old French origins and refers to the occupation. In recent years Taylor has been associated more with girls, but it is also a great name for boys. 45 of 51 Tucker Graphic: Rachel Ellis Tucker is of Old English origins and refers to a tailor or fuller of cloth. A nickname for Tucker is Tuck. 46 of 51 Virginia Graphic: Rachel Ellis Virginia has its origins in the Latin language and means "maiden." Nicknames for Virginia include Gina and Gigi. 47 of 51 Walker Graphic: Rachel Ellis Walker derives from the Old English word wealcan and also refers to fulling, or thickening, cloth. With Walker being a prominent surname, it is a great way to incorporate family history when naming your child. 48 of 51 Wallace Graphic: Rachel Ellis Wallace is of Old French origin and means "stranger." A nickname for Wallace is Wally. 49 of 51 Yates Graphic: Rachel Ellis Yates is of Middle English origin from a word that means "gate." As a surname, it was used for those who served as a gatekeeper or lived by a walled town. 50 of 51 Zelda Graphic: Rachel Ellis Zelda is a shortened form of Griselda, which has German and Yiddish origins. Zelda is a zesty name for a warrior woman and still popular thanks to Southern socialite Zelda Fitzgerald. 51 of 51 Other Ideas for Southern Names H. Armstrong Roberts/Retrofile/Getty Images Our favorite baby names for Southern belles Baby names inspired by Southern cities Timeless Southern baby names Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit