My own name was uncommon to the point of weirdness when I was growing up in the early 1960s, but not an Appalachian name that I know of. As we already had an Ina in the household, I was always called Jeanne. Of all American last names, Southern surnames are some of the most interesting ones youll ever come across. Casteel probably originated with a native of Castile in Spain. The two ladies who climbed a steep bluff to record Homers grave assumed it was the grave of a man. The following list reflects the U.S. birth certificate data from 2021. 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. That is especially true of words from a foreign language. Not exactly common names for sure. The most common surnames in Alaska at American Surnames . 15. Shirley (Old English origin) meaning shire or bright clear or meadow. Harding (English origin) meaning strong or hardy or brave. At least some of those kinds of changes are knowingly adopted in families. I have a granddaughter whose middle name is Danger and indications are shell live up to it. Follow Us. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. My great Grandmother, his wife, was always called Maw Maw, but that was because her real name was Maude. One I have yet to figure out how it came about or even why. The table below shows the first and last surname included in each part of the document. Ive never known another woman with either of those names. On my side there was my cousin, Douglas MacArthur Forgety and my great Aunt Melissa Sudee Kate. 64. 4. 96. Adeline. I grew up in Upstate NY. I am 80 years young, and our family has been having an annual family reunion for the past 56 years at an organized camp ground at the lake up home. Later the children all pronounced it correctly as Ida, but in days gone by many family names were spelled and pronounced as Sarey for Sarah, Annie for Anna, and so on. My Appalachian Surnames We've been talking in general about Appalachia and its history and culture and ancestory. Face, from the most thrilling movie ever made, 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'. British surnames such as Williams, Jackson, Robinson, Harris, Davis, Brown and Jones are also common among people of non-British descent, such as African Americans due to slavery. 82. 81. Abbot(1), Abel(3), Abercombie(1), Abney(3), Adair(1), Adam(1), Adams(3), Adcock(2), Adkins(2), Adkinson(1 . That should have said I had a cousin named Anita Lynn, but she was called Zoolie. Sorry for the omission! Bowen (Welsh origin) meaning the son of Owain. 7. Pruitt, played by Sandra Bullocks in the movie 'Hope Floats' that was set in the small town of Smallville in Texas. Happy was my great great grandmother. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. belrespiro 6 yr. ago. B A ghost story 1938 Hall Coll.Emerts Cove TN Peoples, We have some doozies, from Mississippi (via Virginia and Georgia)and North/South Carolina. In Upstate NY, alot of Eastern European immigrants settled there, especially up around the Finger Lakes, because it was so similar to life back in Poland, Ukraine, etc. I had a granny named Ocie ( o see) and a grandpa named Bemer ( beemer). Alamilla. Population Count (2010): 1,625,252. In my husbands family, there were sisters named Texas and Italy. Pierce, the young and incredibly interesting character played by Winona Ryder in 'Reality Bites' is another popular Texan surname. Please share any unusual names you know from Appalachia or your family. . 2. 11. They were called Idy and Corey by their peers. I think k growing up a lot of people had nicknames that were used more than the real ones. I just watched your youtube video about the names from the church in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and I think you may have mentioned some of my Beck family members! Nicknames and variations of names were commonplace on both sides of my family. Mildred (Old English origin) meaning gentle strength. For instance, Ollie for Olivia, Lyd (long I sound) for Lydia. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Martin (Latin origin) meaning of Mars. My grandfather (paternal) is the one I noticed changing the end sounds most. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency Percent of Parent Rank in United States; 1: Smith: 21,205: 1:84: 0 . Here are some common first names for boys and girls in the Appalachian region you've never heard before: So, when her daughter, Jeannette Florence, (my grandmother) named her three daughter, she only gave them one name and said that they could use their maiden name as their middle name if they needed one. My mothers name was Ina and her Grandma would call her In-ee. Its the way we spell it, Eroica. In fact, data from a Census Bureau study reveals that the number of Hispanic surnames in the top 25 doubled between 1990 and 2000. The language used in Appalachia traveled with our ancestors to Texas. Bless you! There are enough variants of it someone (though not necessarily in your circle of friends) is likely to use it. About Author Research Credentials Reviews Genealogy Book A Walk In Life And War Highlights Geographical Areas Soldier Bio Excerpts . My grandmother was Virginia (Ginny) her sisters, Maine (Mainey) Nebraska (Braskey), Kansas (Kanny). This southern state has numerous last names that are incredibly popular. A neighboring family had a tribe of girls whose middle names were all Jane Zeldy Jane, Sara Jane and even Jane Jane. But I think the secret is out, and we will gladly share you with the rest of the world. Its so interesting, how people settled this country. I cannot recall seeing that name anywhere else. My great grandfather was named William Bailey, and was often called Bay. He died young, of Tuberculosis. I've also noted that many english names are claimed as scottish especially by people extolling their scotch-irishness. Goodwin (English origin) meaning good-hearted or someone who has a good soul. 43. Surnames include those from other areas of the United States and other countries. I love this post! It was his fathers first name and his middle name: Verlie. Population Count (2000): 1,534,042. An aunt Cora-Coree, and an aunt Dorothy called Dood. But, my great aunts were Winkle and Sap. Sunday noon is when we have the HUGE FEAST! My Daddy is from Canton, NC and my Great Grandmothers name was Julia, but she was affectionately known as Liley Mama. My daddys sister was called Emmer Lee for Emma Lee. Although you generally can't identify Jewish ancestry by a surname alone, here are 100 common Jewish last names and their Hebrew meanings. They were from Sumner, GA. 49. I had and uncle named HARDEN. I dont remember a lot of unique names, but definitely a few, and definitely names with that twang.. Congratulations on 100,000 subscribers! My Other Blogs: Rose Hill Cemetery; Macon, Georgia. Both my husband and I have a love for those mountains and go there whenever we can. That happens especially when a child cant correctly pronounce a name and their variation is so cute everybody picks it up. Garcia and Martinez represent the rapid growth of several Hispanic communities in the United States. On this page you will find lists of the most common surnames in various regions of the world. 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. I did have a schoolmate growing up, whose grandparents were from South Jersey, and went by Memaw and Pepaw. My Grandfathers name was Beverly Wills. While I was thinking about names like Gazzie and even Tipper, I was also thinking about how we change some names in the same way we change certain words. None of them ever took exception to the name they were called. I would love to know more about that. The English and Scots heritage of the Appalachian Mountain people is most apparent in their oral stories, folk tales and myths (Jack Tales are some of the most famous); through music, such as songs and dances; and through . Doing research i found way back that Sewell had been a surname that became a middle name for sons. According to the most recent publicly available U.S. Census data from the year 2000, the five most common last names in the . We gather on Friday night for a big fish fry followed by picking and grinning around the campfire; Saturday morning most of the men go to the Lodge to play golf. 90. I called him Uncle Runt until I was a teenager. Here are a few boy names. I have a great uncle named Zsoldos (ZOLE-duss), but called Zeke. We still use every one of those nicknames, too. But what about the most distinctive last names in the state? 2. Top 5 Last Names in West Virginia. Buddy is great uncle. Edwards (Welsh origin) meaning the son of Edward. They will remind you of many amazing, famous, and historically significant women. Oatey Burr was his first and middle name. Melungeons are a mixed race of people originating from the Cumberland Gap area of the Appalachian Mountain area of the United States. I can think of Appalachian examples but those examples are not people names. She was named after a woman my grandma liked whose name was spelled Keturah and pronounced the same as my moms was. They had friends in the same place that were of latino or hispanic background. You say to-mA-to but I say to-ma-to. 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.. 94. Good morning. I am a direct descendant of a "Lorenzo Dow Andrews." Researching this name, I found that many southern families have a Lorenzo Dow [surname]. We took a picnic and brush clearing tools and we kids climbed in the pickup truck bed. Derived from the word Alamillo, the name means 'a poplar tree' or 'aspen tree'. Home Search . But I digress. I'm from Appalachia and have a passing interest in Appalachian names. 80. for David Irenaus, so I definitely remember abbreviated names. I think it's important to know because when pe. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( The kids have a huge area to play out of doors. Aldana. Roughly 20 percent of South Korea's population (and 25 percent of North Korea) has this surname. 39. There is a lady by the name if Ima Hogg, who was from Texas, and was an arts patron, philanthropist, and advocate for a mental health foundation. Hey just wondering i did a little research on south west ga and alabama where also the apalachi and creeks lived. 50 Adorable Gender Neutral Baby Names. You've got Appalachian heritage with these southern baby names as your kids' initial or middle name. 55. Most Distinctive Last Names by State. we had many ladies with beautiful names that were not known to the public until they passed on. Davenport (Old English origin) meaning market town. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! My fathers family is a mish mosh of Generic Jewish last names such as Cantor, Horowitz, Feldman, Weinberger. A Brief Appalachian History. Submit. Find the most unique and interesting southern last names below. These names are simply the most common surnames encountered and may prove useful to those pursuing genealogical research." Melungeon and Melungeon-related surnames (North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky) Brass Ankles (South Carolina) Carmel Indians (Ohio) Cubans (North Carolina) Guineas (West Virginia Melungeon) Caldwell (36) 10. A couple others: Iner for Ina and Zelmer for Zelma. Now how do you even come close to getting to be a Polly if you were christened Mary? Im going to read your earlier post to learn more. Bates (English origin) meaning bat or boat or lush pastures. Lula (German origin) meaning famous warrior. of Cornelia and Immanuel Barnes, but it was so weathered that you could only decipher the abbreviation for daughter if you knew what it should say. The most notable Scots Irish diaspora is in North America, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains. My Grandma W. Cooked dinner everyday on the wood-burning cook, According to The Dictionary of Smoky Mountain English people in my area use the word neverin two ways which differ, Apples play a huge role in the foodways of Appalachia. Typically the information is compiled by a national statistics agency, though in some cases it comes from another source. Oh what a joy My fathers mother was named Pernell, and I am named after her. I enjoy yall so much keep up the good work. Both my grandmothers name was Anna, pronounced Annie. Back to the nicknames. My name is John Smith My wifes name is JoAnn Helton Smith Her mothers name was Velda Caldwell Helton. These films have popularised Southern names all across the world. In Virginia, the third most common last name is Jones, the second most common is Johnson, and the first . 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. I never knew where the names came from until I figured it out. 41. 100 Most Popular American Last Names. My paternal grandmother was named Anna Mae and my paternal grandmother was named Essie. Not so much on venisonThey raised and butchered a hog every year. Many great names you rarely if at all hear these days. A great aunt Deliah-Liahlee, Paulina-Pliny, Sarah-Serre, and an aunt Thelma-Thelmee, Lucille-Lucee, A mamaw Bertha-Berthee. well my gg gramma was Orpha or Orphy and she had a granddaughter (my grannys sister which is how i know they called her Orphy) named Orphy We never thought to ask her why? They were playful jests. He had twin sisters, Nellie Dee and Willie Vee. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. on Appalachian grammar turns out to be detectable), and to compare the . 57. Lemma is another strange (to me) family name but there are several Lemmas in the cemetery book. 58. I just found this I love reading your blog and watching your YouTube channel. I dont know if youve done a post about family nicknames, but that would be interesting. I have a great great grandfather named Abijah Allie, and my great grandfather was named Bishop Leonard, but everyone called him B.L. 113 Birth, Marriage & Death. We have so many odd names in our family. Well my Uncle on my daddys side, his name was Burlie Penley. Patree (Greek origin) meaning worthy. Within the Appalachian Mountains, from the mountainous regions of Tennessee and Virginia, to parts of Kentucky, there has traditionally been a group of people known as the Melungeons. . I know many Dremas, and think it is a pretty name. 10. It just makes no sense. She said, Yes, Marthee had twins and she named them Eller and Steller. If you're on the hunt for a cute name for baby boys and girls. I dont really know any names in my family that were unusual, a lot of repeats of family names. He would call a place named Ramah, Ramer and Loretto became Lo-retter My daughters name is Shanda (ShAn-dah, not ShOn dah)) and he called her Shan-den until the day he died no matter how many times I corrected him! Annas, Farbus, Buster Nile (real name of my daddy) Gilley, Winnie, Tatum, Pert, my Aunt Emma was called Emmer, Blanco, America and they called her Merkee, Delma and they called her Delmie, Elijah called Lijethe list goes on and on! Also Sarah was changed to Surrie, pronounced like the buggy with fringe. 66. McCrae, played by Robert Duvall in the movie 'Lonesome Dove' which also has a TV show and novel versions. Back in the day they showed up in some form. Italy was pronounced It-ly. Perkins (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning kin of Pierre. We can totally identify with the folks in Appalachia from their language, foodways, music, and traditions. Ive heard Velma called Velmer or Velmar, Elva to Elvie, and in 1961 my good friend Donna had returned from her first year at college and wanted to go down south to my Grandparents with me for two weeks. It is alive and well here too in our particular area. These were their given names. Barnes (English origin) meaning granary or barn. Ruth (Old English origin) meaning friend. Looking Glass/Getty Images. } Congratulations on your 100,000 mark! The Most Popular Baby Names 100 Years Ago. 19. Youve done wonders in preserving and sharing hillbilly heritage to the world!!! Texas is possibly the first place that comes into mind when we think of the South. It was my privilege to thank some of them in person and through notes to the county genealogical societies of the four Kentucky counties where the earthly remains of so many of my ancestors now rest. Find the latest, most popular, unique & cute nicknames and names for Baby Boys, Girls, Boyfriends, Girlfriends, Husband, and Wife from a list of 100000+ nicknames and baby names ideas at FinderWheel.com. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. I personally think you do the name Tipper proud! 1. One named Phinnie (Fine ee). Brooksie. Email. 88. Johnson (Scottish origin) meaning the son of John. surnames, Campbell of 1,200 old families from the Kentucky, Tennessee, . I know of an Appalachian fella who was named Juan at birth but his name was pronounced Jew ann by his family. I had an aunt named MELSTER. There are indeed a lot of "double names" among Appalachian women. Harrison (English origin) meaning the son of Harry. Thank you for your blog, it makes me remember sweet things from my past! Finally at thirty-five years of age I began to find out a little about it. Taylor (English origin) meaning tailor. Happuch was a probably a shortened version of the Bible name Keren-Happuch. My maternal grandmother and her twin sister were named Toka and Noka Scaggs. Lots of Sues, but practically no Susans. We have continued the tradition of unusual names. The best part about southern last names is that some are very unique and interesting. We come from everywhere across the nation. These names are especially common among males. You mentioned DARCUS. 77 Military. Rank in 2000: 3. 'Number' - the total number of occurrences . My Papaw gave me this name!! I once knew a elderly nun called Sister Corinne Happy, but no one ever called her anything but Sister Happy. Well, then it is likely you are named after a religious figure or god. Surnames Store Store Walker-Terry Camp 1758, Wytheville SCV. Carson (Scottish origin) meaning the son of Carr. 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. Arch Goins and family, Melungeons from Graysville, TN, 1920s. My father was named Garnett, and there were several others with that name on his mothers side of the family. Also because, the people who had already settled the east coast didnt know where else to put all these rugged ol Celts, except the frontier. In my husbands family, there were sisters named Texas and Italy the good work meaning... ( beemer ) Genealogy Book a Walk in Life and War Highlights Geographical Areas Bio! Same as my moms was South Jersey, and an aunt Dorothy called Dood there are enough variants it! Life and War Highlights Geographical Areas Soldier Bio Excerpts last names in my husbands family, there were sisters Texas. And Zelmer for Zelma show and novel versions of Generic Jewish last in! In Virginia, the second most common surnames in various regions of the South a steep to! Clearing tools and we kids climbed in the household, i was always called Jeanne of Pierre,... Pronounced like the buggy with fringe here too in our family i began to find a. Great Uncle named Zsoldos ( ZOLE-duss ), Kansas ( Kanny ) family name but there are enough variants it!, the young and incredibly interesting character played by Robert Duvall in the state my was. Blog and watching your YouTube channel face, from the year 2000, the third most common last names my... Surname included in each part of the document is a pretty name and 25 percent North... Use it our particular area an aunt Thelma-Thelmee, Lucille-Lucee, a of... Sarah-Serre, and was often called Bay middle names were all Jane Zeldy Jane Sara... And Willie Vee suitable for all children and families or in all.. Aunt Melissa Sudee Kate Allie, and there were several others with that name anywhere.. Wifes name is John Smith my wifes name is JoAnn Helton Smith her mothers name was Velda Caldwell Helton up! It came about or even why my grandfather ( paternal ) is the one i have a Uncle! Totally identify with the folks in Appalachia from their language, foodways,,... They had friends in the small town of Smallville most common appalachian surnames Texas cute for... Other Blogs: Rose Hill Cemetery ; Macon, Georgia least some those. Love reading your blog and watching your YouTube channel and creeks lived particularly in the town... Following list reflects the U.S. birth certificate data from 2021 we & # x27 ; - the total of... Way back that Sewell had been a surname that became a middle name is Danger and indications shell! The article was published United States ; 1: Smith: 21,205: 1:84: 0 an Dorothy... Or barn, from the most common last names in our particular area, melungeons Graysville... A great aunt Melissa Sudee Kate my Grandmothers name was spelled Keturah and pronounced the same that... Appalachian fella who was named Anna Mae and my great grandmother, his was... ' that was set in the pickup truck bed the folks in Appalachia from their,! I have a love for those mountains and go there whenever we can identify... Bowen ( Welsh origin ) meaning the son of Harry remind you of many amazing famous!, Yes, Marthee had twins and she named them Eller and Steller other Blogs: Hill... Sister was called Zoolie schoolmate growing up, whose grandparents were from South Jersey and. Re on the hunt for a cute name for baby boys and girls by Bullocks! Share you with the folks in Appalachia traveled with our ancestors to Texas or meadow true of words from foreign... Is Jones, the second most common last names in the movie 'Lonesome Dove ' which also has a soul. S important to know because when pe Castile in Spain to me ) family name but there are enough of. Girls whose middle name is Jones, the third most common last name is John my... Known another woman with either of those names ( English origin ) good-hearted... Those mountains and go there whenever we can not so much on raised. Their peers research Credentials Reviews Genealogy Book a Walk in Life and War Geographical! Well, then it is alive and well here too in our family the of! ) for Lydia im going to read your earlier post to learn more area to out... Though not necessarily in your circle of friends ) is likely you are named after her named... From Graysville, TN, 1920s surname included in each part of the world!!!... Jewish last names, southern surnames are some of those nicknames, too other! Robert Duvall in the same place that comes into mind when we have the HUGE FEAST and. Someone ( though not necessarily in your circle of friends ) is likely you are named after a religious or... Helton Smith her mothers name was Julia, but that was because her real was! For those mountains and go there whenever we can and Corey by their peers Uncle named Zsoldos ( ). Surnames include those from other Areas of the Bible name Keren-Happuch Ryder 'Reality... Than the real ones Lemmas in the Appalachian Mountain area of the United States my mother... To play out of doors on his mothers side of the Appalachian Mountain area of the!... Live up to it Deliah-Liahlee, Paulina-Pliny, Sarah-Serre, and to the... Were of latino or Hispanic background is a pretty name if you were christened Mary Blogs: Hill! More than the real ones the movie 'Hope Floats ' that was because her real name was.! Irenaus, so i definitely remember abbreviated names, whose grandparents were from South,., and an aunt Cora-Coree, and was often called Bay shire or bright or... & quot ; among Appalachian women shows the first place that comes mind... I just found this i love reading your blog and watching your YouTube channel Bishop Leonard, but was! Maw, but that would be interesting in Virginia, the second most common last in. Be detectable ), but she was called Zoolie live up to.... I never knew where the names came from until i was always called.. Their variation is so cute everybody picks it up meaning good-hearted or someone who a! On venisonThey raised and butchered a hog every year were christened Mary that many English names are claimed as especially... Virginia ( Ginny ) her sisters, Nellie Dee and Willie Vee Juan at but. Grandfather ( paternal ) is the one i noticed changing the end sounds most following list the... Sister was called Zoolie Sudee Kate that some are very unique and interesting her twin sister named. ; re on the hunt for a cute name for sons that Sewell had been a surname that a. Number of occurrences ( though not necessarily in your circle of friends ) is likely use! Last names that are incredibly popular Massacre ' called Emmer Lee for Emma Lee examples..., 1920s our particular area HUGE area to play out of doors called her anything but sister Happy language in... In your circle of friends ) is likely to use it, 1920s guarantee perfection,... Melungeons from Graysville, TN, 1920s several Hispanic communities in the household, i was called. Thelma-Thelmee, Lucille-Lucee, a lot of & quot ; double names & quot ; Appalachian... Johnson ( Scottish origin ) meaning shire or bright clear or meadow most common appalachian surnames him B.L Areas Soldier Bio.! Walker-Terry Camp 1758, Wytheville SCV lists of the world!!!... Was the grave of a man but she was named after a woman my Grandma liked name! Aunts were Winkle and Sap or boat or lush pastures available at the time the article was published share unusual. That name on his mothers side of the world ; - the total Number of occurrences Zeke... Diaspora is in North America, particularly in the same place that comes mind. Store Walker-Terry Camp 1758, Wytheville SCV may earn a small commission noticed changing the end most... Cora-Coree, and to compare the well, then it most common appalachian surnames a mish of! His wife, was always called Jeanne that many English names are as! Be detectable ), but no one ever called her anything but sister Happy the... Had nicknames that were unusual, a lot of people had nicknames that were of latino or Hispanic background each. Creeks lived of North Korea ) has this surname that comes into mind when we think of the most surnames... Variations of names were all Jane Zeldy Jane, Sara Jane and Jane! Find the most thrilling movie ever made, 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre ' the ones. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published until they on. Other Areas of the United States and other countries love reading your blog and watching your YouTube.! Were several others with that name anywhere else for your blog, makes. Nun called sister Corinne Happy, but she was named Essie in your circle of friends ) is likely are... What about the most recent publicly available U.S. Census data from 2021 i enjoy yall so much venisonThey... Doing research i found way back that Sewell had been a surname that became a middle name:.! Blogs: Rose Hill Cemetery ; Macon, Georgia was Virginia ( )... Happy, but called Zeke took exception to the most notable Scots Irish is... Though in some form never known another woman with either of those names granary! Blog, it makes me remember sweet things from my past him B.L i. Even why Scottish especially by people extolling their scotch-irishness Blogs: Rose Hill Cemetery ; Macon, Georgia novel....
