Southern Last Names: Common Surnames of the American South

Looking for a taste of the South? Explore these common southern last names that carry the history and charm of this beautiful region of the United States. From traditional family names to unique regional variations, these surnames offer a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the South.
1. **Anderson:** Derived from the Old English word "andra" meaning "man of the valley," this name is a popular choice in the South.
2. **Bennett:** A name of French origin, it means "blessed" or "good."
3. **Black:** A simple surname that refers to a person with dark hair or complexion, often associated with early settlers in the region.
4. **Brooks:** This surname derives from the Old English word "brōc," meaning "brook" or "stream."
5. **Brown:** A surname indicating someone with brown hair or complexion, it's a popular choice throughout the South.
6. **Bryant:** A surname of English origin meaning "strong," it was a popular choice for families with a strong family history in the South.
7. **Campbell:** A name of Scottish origin meaning "twisted mouth," it's a popular surname in the Appalachian region and other parts of the South.
8. **Carter:** This surname derives from a medieval French word meaning "one who transports goods on a cart."
9. **Clark:** An occupational surname meaning "scribe," it's a common choice in the South, particularly in the Appalachian region.
10. **Collins:** Derived from the Old English word "col" meaning "coal," it's a common choice in the South.
11. **Cook:** This surname is an occupational surname meaning "cook," it's a common choice in the South.
12. **Cooper:** An occupational surname meaning "barrel maker," it's a common choice in the South.
13. **Davis:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "son of David," it's a popular choice in the South.
14. **Edwards:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "wealthy guardian," it's a popular choice in the South.
15. **Evans:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "son of Evan," it's a popular choice in the South.
16. **Fisher:** An occupational surname meaning "fisherman," it's a popular choice in the South, particularly near coastal regions.
17. **Ford:** A surname derived from the Old English word "ford," meaning "a shallow place in a river," it's a popular choice in the South.
18. **Foster:** An occupational surname meaning "one who cares for orphans or children," it's a popular choice in the South.
19. **Franklin:** A surname of French origin meaning "free man," it's a popular choice in the South.
20. **Gardner:** An occupational surname meaning "gardener," it's a popular choice in the South.
21. **Garrett:** A surname of Germanic origin meaning "spear," it's a popular choice in the South.
22. **Gibson:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Gib," it's a popular choice in the South.
23. **Gill:** A surname of Scottish origin meaning "a ravine," it's a popular choice in the South, particularly in the Appalachian region.
24. **Glascoe:** This surname derives from the Old English word "glaes" meaning "glass," it's a popular choice in the South.
25. **Gordon:** A surname of Scottish origin meaning "great lord," it's a popular choice in the South.
26. **Graham:** A surname of Scottish origin meaning "gravelly," it's a popular choice in the South.
27. **Gray:** A surname derived from the Old English word "græg," meaning "gray," it's a popular choice in the South.
28. **Green:** A surname derived from the Old English word "grēne," meaning "green," it's a popular choice in the South.
29. **Hall:** A surname derived from the Old English word "hāl," meaning "holy," it's a popular choice in the South.
30. **Hamilton:** A surname of Scottish origin meaning "from the high hill," it's a popular choice in the South.
31. **Harper:** An occupational surname meaning "harp player," it's a popular choice in the South.
32. **Harris:** A surname of Anglo-Saxon origin meaning "son of Harry," it's a popular choice in the South.
33. **Harrison:** A surname of Anglo-Saxon origin meaning "son of Harry," it's a popular choice in the South.
34. **Harvey:** A surname of Norman origin meaning "one who lives at a place where there are a lot of hares," it's a popular choice in the South.
35. **Hawkins:** A surname of English origin meaning "hawk-like," it's a popular choice in the South.
36. **Hayes:** A surname of English origin meaning "enclosure," it's a popular choice in the South.
37. **Henderson:** A surname of Scottish origin meaning "son of Henry," it's a popular choice in the South.
38. **Henry:** A surname of Germanic origin meaning "ruler of the house," it's a popular choice in the South.
39. **Hernandez:** A surname of Spanish origin meaning "son of Hernando," it's a popular choice in the South.
40. **Hewitt:** A surname of English origin meaning "little person," it's a popular choice in the South.
41. **Hill:** A surname derived from the Old English word "hyll," meaning "hill," it's a popular choice in the South.
42. **Hobbs:** A surname of English origin meaning "one who lives at a place with hob-like rocks," it's a popular choice in the South.
43. **Hodges:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Hodge," it's a popular choice in the South.
44. **Hoffman:** A surname of German origin meaning "courtman," it's a popular choice in the South.
45. **Holland:** A surname derived from the name of a region in England, it's a popular choice in the South.
46. **Holmes:** A surname of English origin meaning "one who lives at a place where there are holly trees," it's a popular choice in the South.
47. **Howard:** A surname of English origin meaning "brave protector," it's a popular choice in the South.
48. **Hughes:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "son of Hugh," it's a popular choice in the South.
49. **Hunter:** An occupational surname meaning "hunter," it's a popular choice in the South.
50. **Jackson:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Jack," it's a popular choice in the South.
51. **James:** A surname of Hebrew origin meaning "supplanter," it's a popular choice in the South.
52. **Jenkins:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "son of Jenkin," it's a popular choice in the South.
53. **Jennings:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Jenkin," it's a popular choice in the South.
54. **Johnson:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of John," it's a popular choice in the South.
55. **Jones:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "son of John," it's a popular choice in the South.
56. **Jordan:** A surname of Hebrew origin meaning "to descend," it's a popular choice in the South.
57. **Kennedy:** A surname of Irish origin meaning "handsome head," it's a popular choice in the South.
58. **King:** A surname derived from the Old English word "cyning," meaning "king," it's a popular choice in the South.
59. **Knight:** A surname derived from the Old English word "cniht," meaning "boy," it's a popular choice in the South.
60. **Lewis:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "famous warrior," it's a popular choice in the South.
61. **Lindsay:** A surname of Scottish origin meaning "limewood," it's a popular choice in the South.
62. **Little:** A surname derived from the Old English word "lytel," meaning "small," it's a popular choice in the South.
63. **Lloyd:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "gray wolf," it's a popular choice in the South.
64. **Long:** A surname derived from the Old English word "lang," meaning "long," it's a popular choice in the South.
65. **Lopez:** A surname of Spanish origin meaning "wolf," it's a popular choice in the South.
66. **Love:** A surname derived from the Old English word "lufu," meaning "love," it's a popular choice in the South.
67. **Lucas:** A surname of Latin origin meaning "light," it's a popular choice in the South.
68. **Lyons:** A surname of Irish origin meaning "son of John," it's a popular choice in the South.
69. **MacDonald:** A surname of Gaelic origin meaning "son of Donald," it's a popular choice in the South.
70. **Mcdonald:** A surname of Gaelic origin meaning "son of Donald," it's a popular choice in the South.
71. **Mann:** A surname of German origin meaning "man," it's a popular choice in the South.
72. **Marshall:** A surname derived from the Old English word "marc," meaning "border," it's a popular choice in the South.
73. **Martin:** A surname of Latin origin meaning "warlike," it's a popular choice in the South.
74. **Mason:** An occupational surname meaning "stone cutter," it's a popular choice in the South.
75. **Matthews:** A surname of Hebrew origin meaning "gift of God," it's a popular choice in the South.
76. **May:** A surname derived from the Old English word "mai," meaning "month of May," it's a popular choice in the South.
77. **McDaniel:** A surname of Gaelic origin meaning "son of Daniel," it's a popular choice in the South.
78. **McGee:** A surname of Gaelic origin meaning "son of Giles," it's a popular choice in the South.
79. **McGuire:** A surname of Gaelic origin meaning "son of Giles," it's a popular choice in the South.
80. **McKinney:** A surname of Irish origin meaning "son of Kinne," it's a popular choice in the South.
81. **Miller:** An occupational surname meaning "one who grinds grain," it's a popular choice in the South.
82. **Mitchell:** A surname of Scottish origin meaning "son of Michael," it's a popular choice in the South.
83. **Moore:** A surname derived from the Old English word "mōr," meaning "moor," it's a popular choice in the South.
84. **Morgan:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "sea warrior," it's a popular choice in the South.
85. **Morris:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "sea warrior," it's a popular choice in the South.
86. **Murphy:** A surname of Irish origin meaning "sea warrior," it's a popular choice in the South.
87. **Murray:** A surname of Scottish origin meaning "sea warrior," it's a popular choice in the South.
88. **Neal:** A surname of English origin meaning "champion," it's a popular choice in the South.
89. **Nelson:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Neil," it's a popular choice in the South.
90. **Newman:** A surname of English origin meaning "new man," it's a popular choice in the South.
91. **Newton:** A surname derived from the Old English word "niwe tun," meaning "new town," it's a popular choice in the South.
92. **Nichols:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Nicholas," it's a popular choice in the South.
93. **Noble:** A surname derived from the Old English word "noble," meaning "noble," it's a popular choice in the South.
94. **Norman:** A surname derived from the name of a region in France, it's a popular choice in the South.
95. **North:** A surname derived from the Old English word "norþ," meaning "north," it's a popular choice in the South.
96. **Norton:** A surname derived from the Old English word "north tun," meaning "north town," it's a popular choice in the South.
97. **Oliver:** A surname of French origin meaning "olive tree," it's a popular choice in the South.
98. **Owen:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "noble," it's a popular choice in the South.
99. **Page:** A surname derived from the Old English word "paga," meaning "boy," it's a popular choice in the South.
100. **Parker:** A surname derived from the Old English word "parc," meaning "park," it's a popular choice in the South.
101. **Patterson:** A surname of Scottish origin meaning "son of Patrick," it's a popular choice in the South.
102. **Payne:** A surname derived from the Old French word "pain," meaning "bread," it's a popular choice in the South.
103. **Pearson:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Piers," it's a popular choice in the South.
104. **Pendergrass:** A surname of English origin meaning "one who lives at a place with a pond of grass," it's a popular choice in the South.
105. **Perry:** A surname derived from the Old English word "pere," meaning "pear tree," it's a popular choice in the South.
106. **Phillips:** A surname of Greek origin meaning "lover of horses," it's a popular choice in the South.
107. **Pierce:** A surname of French origin meaning "pierced," it's a popular choice in the South.
108. **Pittman:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Pitt," it's a popular choice in the South.
109. **Powell:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "son of Howell," it's a popular choice in the South.
110. **Price:** A surname derived from the Old English word "pric," meaning "prince," it's a popular choice in the South.
111. **Pruitt:** A surname of English origin meaning "one who lives at a place with a well," it's a popular choice in the South.
112. **Reed:** A surname derived from the Old English word "hryð," meaning "reed," it's a popular choice in the South.
113. **Reese:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "ardor," it's a popular choice in the South.
114. **Reynolds:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Reginald," it's a popular choice in the South.
115. **Rice:** A surname derived from the Old English word "rīce," meaning "powerful," it's a popular choice in the South.
116. **Richards:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Richard," it's a popular choice in the South.
117. **Richardson:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Richard," it's a popular choice in the South.
118. **Roberts:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Robert," it's a popular choice in the South.
119. **Robertson:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Robert," it's a popular choice in the South.
120. **Robinson:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Robin," it's a popular choice in the South.
121. **Rogers:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Roger," it's a popular choice in the South.
122. **Ross:** A surname of Scottish origin meaning "moor," it's a popular choice in the South.
123. **Russell:** A surname of French origin meaning "red," it's a popular choice in the South.
124. **Ryan:** A surname of Irish origin meaning "little king," it's a popular choice in the South.
125. **Sanders:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Alexander," it's a popular choice in the South.
126. **Satterfield:** A surname of English origin meaning "one who lives at a place with a saddle field," it's a popular choice in the South.
127. **Savage:** A surname derived from the Old French word "sauvage," meaning "wild," it's a popular choice in the South.
128. **Sawyer:** An occupational surname meaning "one who saws wood," it's a popular choice in the South.
129. **Schultz:** A surname of German origin meaning "one who lives at a place with a barn," it's a popular choice in the South.
130. **Scott:** A surname of Scottish origin meaning "from the Gaelic word 'sgoit' meaning 'cut,'" it's a popular choice in the South.
131. **Seay:** A surname of English origin meaning "one who lives at a place near the sea," it's a popular choice in the South.
132. **Sellers:** A surname of English origin meaning "one who sells goods," it's a popular choice in the South.
133. **Sewell:** A surname of English origin meaning "one who lives at a place with a spring," it's a popular choice in the South.
134. **Shannon:** A surname of Irish origin meaning "ancient river," it's a popular choice in the South.
135. **Sharp:** A surname derived from the Old English word "scearp," meaning "sharp," it's a popular choice in the South.
136. **Shepherd:** An occupational surname meaning "one who tends sheep," it's a popular choice in the South.
137. **Simmons:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Simon," it's a popular choice in the South.
138. **Simpson:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Simon," it's a popular choice in the South.
139. **Smith:** An occupational surname meaning "one who works with metal," it's a popular choice in the South.
140. **Snider:** A surname of German origin meaning "one who lives at a place with a snare," it's a popular choice in the South.
141. **Snow:** A surname derived from the Old English word "snāw," meaning "snow," it's a popular choice in the South.
142. **Snyder:** A surname of German origin meaning "one who lives at a place with a snare," it's a popular choice in the South.
143. **Spears:** A surname derived from the Old English word "spere," meaning "spear," it's a popular choice in the South.
144. **Spencer:** A surname of English origin meaning "storehouse keeper," it's a popular choice in the South.
145. **Spivey:** A surname of English origin meaning "one who lives at a place with a spinney," it's a popular choice in the South.
146. **Stallings:** A surname derived from the Old English word "stall," meaning "stable," it's a popular choice in the South.
147. **Stanley:** A surname derived from the Old English word "stan," meaning "stone," it's a popular choice in the South.
148. **Steele:** A surname derived from the Old English word "stǣl," meaning "steel," it's a popular choice in the South.
149. **Stephens:** A surname of Greek origin meaning "crowned," it's a popular choice in the South.
150. **Stevens:** A surname of Greek origin meaning "crowned," it's a popular choice in the South.
151. **Stewart:** A surname of Scottish origin meaning "steward," it's a popular choice in the South.
152. **Stokes:** A surname derived from the Old English word "stoc," meaning "stock," it's a popular choice in the South.
153. **Stone:** A surname derived from the Old English word "stān," meaning "stone," it's a popular choice in the South.
154. **Strong:** A surname derived from the Old English word "strang," meaning "strong," it's a popular choice in the South.
155. **Summers:** A surname derived from the Old English word "sumor," meaning "summer," it's a popular choice in the South.
156. **Sutton:** A surname derived from the Old English word "sūþ tun," meaning "south town," it's a popular choice in the South.
157. **Swanson:** A surname of Swedish origin meaning "son of Swan," it's a popular choice in the South.
158. **Swearingen:** A surname of English origin meaning "one who lives at a place with a swamp," it's a popular choice in the South.
159. **Sweet:** A surname derived from the Old English word "swete," meaning "sweet," it's a popular choice in the South.
160. **Swift:** A surname derived from the Old English word "swift," meaning "fast," it's a popular choice in the South.
161. **Taylor:** An occupational surname meaning "one who cuts cloth," it's a popular choice in the South.
162. **Thomas:** A surname of Aramaic origin meaning "twin," it's a popular choice in the South.
163. **Thompson:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Thomas," it's a popular choice in the South.
164. **Thornton:** A surname derived from the Old English word "þorn," meaning "thorn," it's a popular choice in the South.
165. **Tillman:** A surname of English origin meaning "one who lives at a place with a tile mill," it's a popular choice in the South.
166. **Todd:** A surname of English origin meaning "fox," it's a popular choice in the South.
167. **Turner:** An occupational surname meaning "one who works with wood," it's a popular choice in the South.
168. **Vance:** A surname of French origin meaning "victorious," it's a popular choice in the South.
169. **Vaughan:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "little," it's a popular choice in the South.
170. **Vega:** A surname of Spanish origin meaning "meadow," it's a popular choice in the South.
171. **Velasquez:** A surname of Spanish origin meaning "little sheep," it's a popular choice in the South.
172. **Velazquez:** A surname of Spanish origin meaning "little sheep," it's a popular choice in the South.
173. **Vernon:** A surname of French origin meaning "alder tree," it's a popular choice in the South.
174. **Vick:** A surname of English origin meaning "one who lives at a place with a victory," it's a popular choice in the South.
175. **Villarreal:** A surname of Spanish origin meaning "royal city," it's a popular choice in the South.
176. **Wade:** A surname derived from the Old English word "wād," meaning "ford," it's a popular choice in the South.
177. **Walker:** An occupational surname meaning "one who walks," it's a popular choice in the South.
178. **Wallace:** A surname of Scottish origin meaning "foreigner," it's a popular choice in the South.
179. **Walter:** A surname of German origin meaning "ruler of the army," it's a popular choice in the South.
180. **Ward:** A surname derived from the Old English word "weard," meaning "guard," it's a popular choice in the South.
181. **Warren:** A surname derived from the Old English word "wear," meaning "enclosure," it's a popular choice in the South.
182. **Washington:** A surname derived from the Old English word "wæsten," meaning "waste land," it's a popular choice in the South.
183. **Watson:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of Walter," it's a popular choice in the South.
184. **Watts:** A surname derived from the Old English word "wæt," meaning "wet," it's a popular choice in the South.
185. **Weaver:** An occupational surname meaning "one who weaves cloth," it's a popular choice in the South.
186. **Webb:** A surname derived from the Old English word "webb," meaning "web," it's a popular choice in the South.
187. **Webster:** An occupational surname meaning "one who weaves cloth," it's a popular choice in the South.
188. **Wells:** A surname derived from the Old English word "well," meaning "spring," it's a popular choice in the South.
189. **West:** A surname derived from the Old English word "west," meaning "west," it's a popular choice in the South.
190. **Wheeler:** An occupational surname meaning "one who makes wheels," it's a popular choice in the South.
191. **White:** A surname derived from the Old English word "hwit," meaning "white," it's a popular choice in the South.
192. **Whitley:** A surname derived from the Old English word "hwit," meaning "white," it's a popular choice in the South.
193. **Wilcox:** A surname of English origin meaning "one who lives at a place with a willow," it's a popular choice in the South.
194. **Williams:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "son of William," it's a popular choice in the South.
195. **Williamson:** A surname of Welsh origin meaning "son of William," it's a popular choice in the South.
196. **Wilson:** A surname of English origin meaning "son of William," it's a popular choice in the South.
197. **Winters:** A surname derived from the Old English word "winter," meaning "winter," it's a popular choice in the South.
198. **Wise:** A surname derived from the Old English word "wīs," meaning "wise," it's a popular choice in the South.
199. **Wright:** An occupational surname meaning "one who works with wood," it's a popular choice in the South.
200. **Young:** A surname derived from the Old English word "geong," meaning "young," it's a popular choice in the South.