Melungeon Last Names: A Look at the Unique Heritage of a Southern Appalachian People

Melungeon last names are a fascinating aspect of the rich cultural tapestry of the Southern Appalachian region. These names often reflect the diverse ancestry of this unique people group, whose origins remain a subject of ongoing debate. Melungeon families trace their lineage back to a mix of European, African, and Native American heritage, creating a unique blend of cultural influences that is reflected in their surnames. Let's delve into some of the common Melungeon last names and their intriguing stories.
1. **Adams:** Meaning "son of Adam," a common surname of English origin. In Melungeon culture, it often reflects ties to early European settlers in the Appalachian region.
2. **Akers:** A variant spelling of "Acres," meaning "one who lives near acres of land." This surname suggests a connection to agriculture and landownership, common among Melungeon families.
3. **Allen:** An English surname derived from Old French, meaning "handsome" or "noble."
4. **Anderson:** Meaning "son of Andrew," a common surname of Scandinavian origin, often found among Melungeon families with Nordic ancestry.
5. **Armstrong:** Meaning "strong arm," an English surname with Scottish roots.
6. **Baker:** A surname of occupational origin, referring to someone who bakes bread.
7. **Ball:** A surname of occupational origin, meaning "one who played the ball," referring to a game or work involving balls.
8. **Barnett:** An English surname derived from the Old French word "barna," meaning "barn."
9. **Barton:** Meaning "barley farm," an English surname derived from Old French, indicating a connection to agriculture.
10. **Bean:** An English surname of occupational origin, meaning "one who sells beans."
11. **Bennett:** Meaning "blessed" or "small son," an English surname of Norman origin.
12. **Black:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with dark hair or skin.
13. **Blair:** An English surname meaning "meadow."
14. **Blake:** A surname of occupational origin, meaning "blacksmith."
15. **Bolling:** A surname of place origin, referring to a place called Bolling in Yorkshire, England.
16. **Bowman:** An English surname of occupational origin, meaning "archery instructor."
17. **Brown:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with brown hair or skin.
18. **Bryant:** A surname of occupational origin, meaning "one who lives near a briar patch."
19. **Buchanan:** Meaning "son of Buchanan," a surname of Scottish origin.
20. **Burnett:** Meaning "dark, brown, or swarthy," an English surname of Norman origin.
21. **Bush:** An English surname of place origin, meaning "someone who lived near bushes."
22. **Campbell:** Meaning "crooked mouth," a surname of Gaelic origin, common among Melungeon families with Scottish ancestry.
23. **Carmichael:** Meaning "friend of Charles," a surname of Gaelic origin, common among Melungeon families with Scottish ancestry.
24. **Carter:** A surname of occupational origin, meaning "one who transports goods by cart."
25. **Casey:** A surname of Irish origin, meaning "vigilant" or "watchful."
26. **Chandler:** An English surname of occupational origin, meaning "candle maker."
27. **Chapman:** An English surname of occupational origin, meaning "merchant" or "trader."
28. **Clark:** An English surname of occupational origin, meaning "clerk" or "scribe."
29. **Clayton:** An English surname of place origin, meaning "clay town."
30. **Clevenger:** An English surname of occupational origin, meaning "one who cleans the stable."
31. **Cline:** A surname of place origin, meaning "someone who lived by a hill."
32. **Cochran:** An English surname of occupational origin, meaning "coachman."
33. **Cole:** A surname of occupational origin, meaning "coal merchant."
34. **Collins:** Meaning "son of Colin," a surname of Scottish origin, common among Melungeon families with Scottish ancestry.
35. **Cook:** A surname of occupational origin, meaning "one who cooks."
36. **Cooper:** An English surname of occupational origin, meaning "barrel maker."
37. **Cox:** A surname of occupational origin, meaning "one who drives a coach."
38. **Crawford:** An English surname of place origin, meaning "someone who lived near a ford."
39. **Cunningham:** An English surname of place origin, meaning "someone who lived by a rabbit hill."
40. **Dalton:** A surname of place origin, meaning "someone who lived in the valley."
41. **Daniels:** Meaning "son of Daniel," a common surname of Hebrew origin.
42. **Davis:** Meaning "son of David," a common surname of Hebrew origin.
43. **Day:** An English surname of occupational origin, meaning "one who works by day."
44. **Dean:** An English surname of occupational origin, meaning "church official."
45. **Dennis:** A surname of French origin, meaning "from Saint Denis."
46. **Dobbins:** An English surname of occupational origin, meaning "one who makes tubs."
47. **Dodson:** An English surname of place origin, meaning "someone who lived by a ridge."
48. **Dolan:** A surname of Irish origin, meaning "a warrior" or "a fighter."
49. **Douglas:** A surname of Gaelic origin, meaning "dark water."
50. **Drake:** An English surname of occupational origin, meaning "one who hunts ducks."