Southern Last Names: A Deep Dive into History and Meaning

Looking for Southern last names? This comprehensive list explores the origins and meanings of common surnames found in the Southern United States, offering insights into the rich cultural tapestry of the region. From traditional Anglo-Saxon names to unique heritage-based surnames, discover the stories behind these lasting legacies.
1. **Abbott**: Derived from the Old French "abbot," meaning "father" or "head of a monastery."
2. **Abernathy**: Meaning "place of the ash tree" in Gaelic.
3. **Adams**: A common English surname meaning "son of Adam."
4. **Aiken**: Originating from a place in Scotland, meaning "oak tree meadow."
5. **Alexander**: A Greek name meaning "defender of mankind."
6. **Allen**: Derived from the Old English "ealh" and "lean," meaning "beautiful meadow."
7. **Anderson**: An English surname meaning "son of Andrew."
8. **Andrews**: Another variation of "Anderson," also meaning "son of Andrew."
9. **Armstrong**: An Anglo-Scottish surname meaning "strong arm" or "powerful warrior."
10. **Arnold**: A Germanic name meaning "eagle power."
11. **Ashby**: An English surname meaning "ash tree dwelling."
12. **Atkins**: An English surname meaning "son of Atkin," a diminutive form of "Atticus."
13. **Austin**: Derived from the Roman personal name "Augustinus," meaning "venerable."
14. **Avery**: An English surname meaning "ruler of elves" or "wise."
15. **Baker**: An occupational surname for someone who baked bread.
16. **Ballard**: An English surname meaning "bald man" or "brave."
17. **Banks**: An occupational surname for someone who lived near or worked on a bank.
18. **Barber**: An occupational surname for someone who cut hair.
19. **Barker**: An occupational surname for someone who worked with bark.
20. **Barnes**: An English surname meaning "barn" or "wheat field."
21. **Barrett**: An Anglo-Norman surname meaning "bold" or "brave."
22. **Barton**: An English surname meaning "barley field."
23. **Bates**: An English surname meaning "battle" or "conflict."
24. **Baxter**: An occupational surname for someone who baked bread.
25. **Beasley**: An English surname meaning "beautiful meadow."
26. **Bell**: An occupational surname for someone who made bells.
27. **Bennett**: An English surname meaning "blessed" or "small son."
28. **Bentley**: An English surname meaning "grassland clearing."
29. **Berry**: An English surname meaning "from the berry bushes."
30. **Black**: A descriptive surname for someone with dark hair or skin.
31. **Blackwell**: An English surname meaning "black spring."
32. **Blake**: An English surname meaning "dark."
33. **Blanton**: An English surname meaning "blond" or "fair."
34. **Blevins**: An English surname meaning "son of Blevin," a personal name meaning "son of Bleyth."
35. **Bloom**: An English surname meaning "flower."
36. **Boone**: An English surname meaning "dweller near a wooded area."
37. **Bowen**: An English surname meaning "son of Owen."
38. **Boyd**: A Scottish surname meaning "yellow."
39. **Boyer**: An occupational surname for someone who made or mended boots.
40. **Bradley**: An English surname meaning "broad meadow."
41. **Bradshaw**: An English surname meaning "broad meadow."
42. **Branham**: An English surname meaning "dwelling near a broom."
43. **Brewer**: An occupational surname for someone who made beer.
44. **Bridges**: An occupational surname for someone who built or maintained bridges.
45. **Brooks**: An English surname meaning "brook" or "stream."
46. **Brown**: A descriptive surname for someone with brown hair or skin.
47. **Bryant**: An English surname meaning "bright" or "strong."
48. **Buchanan**: A Scottish surname meaning "beautiful river."
49. **Buck**: An English surname meaning "male deer."
50. **Bullard**: An English surname meaning "dweller near a bull."