Happy was my great great grandmother. Herman, played by Paul Reubens in 'Pee Wees Big Adventures', was eccentric, fun, and superbly unique. Eventually he married and moved his rather large family to Tennessee for a short period and then finally to Alabama. JoAnns grandparents name was Saylor and Ollie Caldwell. He has an Aunt Punkin, Uncle Fat, Aunt Let, Aunt Booker, Aunt Snookie. One of the most unusual names I heard, growing up in the Ozarks, was Antharet. Shepherd (Middle English origin) meaning herdsman or guardian. We are the third generation of senior members. 51. I had several family members with different nicknames, some having two or more. The two ladies who climbed a steep bluff to record Homers grave assumed it was the grave of a man. If youve never been to Brasstown you might miss it as you drive through if youre not paying close attention. As I have written before, Im from the Missouri Ozarks, and many of us have Appalachian roots (most of my people started out in TN, KY and NC). I started my family history after all who came before me were gone not a practice I recommend. Redd (Old English origin) meaning red or read. Sometimes the surname was common in more than one region of Europe. An example might be Hew for Hugh. Pierce, the young and incredibly interesting character played by Winona Ryder in 'Reality Bites' is another popular Texan surname. Ava and William are the most popular first names in the South, but what about the most popular last name? Tipper, Mabel (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning lovable. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. A granny named CORA was also called CORY ETHEL. Most time we call her Bina. Texas is possibly the first place that comes into mind when we think of the South. 24. Garcia (Spanish origin) meaning young. A common surname around England, Wales, and Scotland, the surname Allen also holds several notable entries in the British "Dictionary of National Biography." Originally a Celtic surname from Ireland, Allen is the 41st most common surname in England. Had a Great Aunt named Mamie Fourthy Stanton. 5. They called her Fronie. A couple others: Iner for Ina and Zelmer for Zelma. It is alive and well here too in our particular area. In Virginia, the third most common last name is Jones, the second most common is Johnson, and the first . WCGS Publications. 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! I called him Uncle Runt until I was a teenager. If you're considering Southern first names for your baby on the way but want something even more unique, you may be interested in the region's surnames as well. 99. . However, she was always called Polly. Tim, your grandfather was born the year my father was born. ( Oral history sometimes makes genealogy difficult when you have that aha moment of enlightenment). I have an aunt named Prunellatine which we call Aunt Teeny, and I have ancestors called Zerelda, Elmer, Pauline, Orly. Take 'Michael' which is the name of a famous archangel and is one of the most popular male names. We have so many odd names in our family. Mildred (Old English origin) meaning gentle strength. Lorenzo Dow (1777-1834) was a famous traveling evangelist. Choosing a Southern last name from the Deep South is a great way to give yourself or a character a truly Southern feel. Some of my grandmothers and great grandmothers (who we called Granny or Mamaw) were Ollie Mae, Leona, Rosella, Gloria, Audrey, and Elsie. Native Americans first began to gather in the Appalachian Mountains some 16,000 years ago. Sarah became Sally and Margaret became Peggy. Join WCGS. Wake SIGs. Submit. Her given name was Tennessee. I do understand that people will add, subtract or even use a complete substitute for sounds in speaking to make words easier to say. Changing an A ending sound in a name to ER was very common in my family. I cannot recall seeing that name anywhere else. Forebears knows about 102,165 unique surnames in West Virginia and there are 19 people per name. But that side of the family aint no count. Also, Im familiar with the custom of changing Martha to Marthy, Iva to Ivy, and so on. 1975, 2013) 'surname'. Rank in 2000: 3. There are indeed a lot of "double names" among Appalachian women. Hello! 58. The fields in the file are as follows: 'yr' - the year (e.g. Holt (German origin) meaning forested upland. My fathers mother didnt want to be called mamaw, or granny but grandmother. The most common surnames in Alaska at American Surnames . Oh, you mean Ary (AR-ee). My wifes aunt is named Corinne but she has always been called Core reen a. She was also one of the happiest people I ever met. [36] Gonzalez is the most common last name in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Venezuela. My great grandmother was named Mahala and my grandmother was Jincy. More NC Area Links. It has always bothered me that women with the name Mary, Mary Caroline, Mary Elizabeth, Mary..anything seemed to be changed to Polly. My husbands family is from North Carolina. My great-uncles name was Harrison but he was called Harris. Kim. I thought everybody knew what count meant like he is no count. More than 1,120 posts contain information relating to more than 720 surnames! I had not thought of this for ages, but I once read many years ago that a very popular name in our area is supposed to be unique to the area. My great-great grandmother Ora Barnes Vick had a sister named Homer. However, they are interesting for those who wish to learn about them. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. The names on this list, some popular and some unique last names, are reminiscent of the Southern cultures and traditions that many of us hold so dear. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. Lorenzo Dow (1777-1834) was a famous traveling evangelist. For more naming inspiration, take a look at these Scottish last names and these Native American last names. 3. She could grow anything in a pile of dust. 97. Twins, DRUCILLA & BARZILLA (the only set of twins in the family), LUZANNA, DELANEY, RUDAH, MARZILLA, just to name a few. Although you generally can't identify Jewish ancestry by a surname alone, here are 100 common Jewish last names and their Hebrew meanings. Anna. Lahoma. I think its probably a family name that got its spelling changed a few times. Her name was Rita and some people pronounced it as Ree-tee. Ive never seen the name Tivit but have seen Verlie/Verla/Varley. In my fathers family, his mothers sisters were Zora, Ora Belle, Dora Lee, Louree. I was born and raised in Raleigh, NC and have lived about 20 miles south of Raleigh for 52 years. I grew up in Upstate NY. Its so interesting, how people settled this country. She played this role alongside James Dean. 5. There was also an Emmanuel, and he was a Mennonite, so they had a lot of Biblical names. And he had an older woman cousin (or some relation), named Vermin (!). Robert "Bob" Nimmo (1922-2005), American military officer and politician; he served in the California State Assembly (1973 to 1977) and California State Senate (1977 to 1981) Robert P. Nimmo, American politician, Mayor of Atascadero, California, 1992-93, 1993-94 [6] Alexander Nimmo (1783-1832), Scottish engineer and architect. 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. Anne (F) (English origin) means "grace". 66. Raised by my Grandparents (Maternal) whom both came from N. W. Alabama, but met and married in Oklahoma in 1911. According to the most recent publicly available U.S. Census data from the year 2000, the five most common last names in the . Learn how to pronounce them. 21 . They had friends in the same place that were of latino or hispanic background. They were playful jests. While growing up, most people would not even attempt to pronounce it. Some have been described as being "swarthy" or at least somewhat dark-skinned in appearance, but the physical characteristics of Melungeons differ greatly. A few months ago I stumbled upon an article about the book Mommy Goose Rhymes from the Mountains written by, haunt tale noun A variant forms haint tale, hant tale. } I am a direct descendant of a Lorenzo Dow Andrews. Researching this name, I found that many southern families have a Lorenzo Dow [surname]. Youve done wonders in preserving and sharing hillbilly heritage to the world!!! 1. They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. 76. We cracked up with the giggles, but as you can imagine, it was not so pretty nor funny after Mamas company left. 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. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. The kids have a huge area to play out of doors. 93. Adams (Scottish origin) meaning the son of Adam. A variation of this name Anna has been very popular between the 1700-1800s. Here is a surnames list of some of the most popular southern last names. They called her Wats for short. 35. Chavis, for instance, plainly came from the common Sephardic Jewish surname Chavez, derived from the name of a town in Portugal. Good morning. All intertwined with several hundred years of family ties that bind us together. My husband's step-grandmother's name is Snobie, she has a daughter named Nida (need-a) A LOT of names are mispronounced here. On my Fathers side he had an Aunt Swepter who was the oldest child of his Grandfather and I had never heard that name before. View all records. Synonyms 1. poisonous and harmful to people, animals, or the environment highly toxic industrial chemicals 2. business used to describe a loan or other financial agreement which causes very serious business problems for a bank or financial organization toxic debt/mortgages Bad management, plain and simple. My mother hated this. 27. I think it's now time to talk specifically about MY Appalachian history. Derived from Scottish dialect, Adams means Son of Adam. That happens especially when a child cant correctly pronounce a name and their variation is so cute everybody picks it up. I had and uncle named HARDEN. Lots of Sues, but practically no Susans. My pawpa and his siblings were raised in a Methodist orphanage in Mississippi. Her mother got the name from a book she was reading, The Girl of the Limberlost. I was named after both my grandmother and mother, Im Ina Jeanne (after the Jeanne in Jeannette). Forebears knows about 270,818 unique surnames in Tennessee and there are 25 people per name. Each is at least 85% American Indian. For example, My papaw went by his middle name, which was Suel, pronounced Sool, like tool. [name_m]Silas[/name_m] Hasil (sounds like "Hassle" - from a Appalachian musician named Hasil Adkins) [name_m]Jethro[/name_m] [name_m]Enoch[/name_m] 100 Most Popular American Last Names. My grandma is named Eleanor, but she wasnt given a formal name until she went to school everyone just called her Skinny, which is what many relatives still call her. Bless you! There never was a Ura or a Sheesa or a Harry or a Moore Hogg. Some were barely readable even in the early 1960s when the first two volumes were printed. Alabama Indiana Smith (no indication of a personal link to either state), nickname Aunt Pal, Mollissie Pearl Tabatha Lovelady. About Author Research Credentials Reviews Genealogy Book A Walk In Life And War Highlights Geographical Areas Soldier Bio Excerpts . 78. Southern Families: Surnames. My maternal grandmothers name was Vielzie, from Harnett County. I remember three ladies in my community named Eula, Ziller, and Zola. Thankfully its a lot more common now. Belle (Old English origin) meaning "beauty". My daughter;s middle name is a combination of my mothers name and her great grandmothers name : Emilijean. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Grave_Girl 6 yr. ago. My gg grandfather had 19 siblings. My maternal grandmother and her twin sister were named Toka and Noka Scaggs. Typically the information is compiled by a national statistics agency, though in some cases it comes from another source. The story of the Bell Witch is one of the most popular examples of Appalachian Mountain folklore, and it began in Robertson County, Tennessee. Madison (English origin) meaning the son of Matthew. Italy was pronounced It-ly. 68. My Daddy is from Canton, NC and my Great Grandmothers name was Julia, but she was affectionately known as Liley Mama. Oct 1, 2016. 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. She went by Karen. I did have a schoolmate growing up, whose grandparents were from South Jersey, and went by Memaw and Pepaw. 77 Military. Hazel (Old English origin) meaning color of the hazel tree. The first American settlers were Jews. Hernandez (Spanish origin) meaning the son of Hernando. My grandmother and her sisters were named after states. My grandma was named Mable-dean but we called her geegaw growing up haha! Just a sampling . 33. 16. Its the way we spell it, Eroica. You say po-tA-to but I say po-ta-to. Less common an er was added, as my Aunt Edna may have been referred to as Edner. My grandfather (born around 1894) was from the mountains of western North Carolina; his name was Tivit. My husband and our peers are now the oldest generation (Seems impossible). Oh goodness, there are a ton of different names in our family too. I wasnt sure if my family was considered to be from Appalachia, as they arent from way back in the hills, but I realize that they are. On my side there was my cousin, Douglas MacArthur Forgety and my great Aunt Melissa Sudee Kate. Patree (Greek origin) meaning worthy. We were raised on the same kind of good homegrown garden vegetables, fresh milk and eggs. Thank you for all you do to preserve our Mountain/Appalachian heritage. 4. Baskin (Scottish origin) meaning someone who is a descendant of little Bass. I used to think it was weird the parents did that but now I think its cool that they dared to be different. I discovered my name is spelled incorrectly it should be Isidra. Same story with my Uncle Ira . We live in southeast Texas, but originally our folks were from your area of Appalachia a few generations ago. Find. . (He was a stinker and I sure did love him). We have continued the tradition of unusual names. I had never heard the name Tipper until Tipper Gore. While many of them are super popular, a select few last names can really make your character stand out. Today, surnames may not mean as much to people as they used to be. The Kidadl Team is made up of people from different walks of life, from different families and backgrounds, each with unique experiences and nuggets of wisdom to share with you. Email. Texas folklore developed the idea of her having a sister named Ura Hogg. Ava and William are the most popular first names in the South, but what about the most popular last name? I can think of Appalachian examples but those examples are not people names. Bowen (Welsh origin) meaning the son of Owain. Umbra (Latin origin) meaning shadow. 94. Food; Home; Garden; Travel; for David Irenaus, so I definitely remember abbreviated names. McCrae, played by Robert Duvall in the movie 'Lonesome Dove' which also has a TV show and novel versions. Hubbys mothers name is Faye JennieVee but she was called Fimp by those that knew her. Holt: This Old English surname's meaning is "a small wood or grove". Kim is the most common last name in both North and South Korea, as well as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. I think k growing up a lot of people had nicknames that were used more than the real ones. Buckley (Irish origin) meaning buck or a boy. By Simon Davis. Harrison (English origin) meaning the son of Harry. Mammy, Moms mother, had ten girls and named eight of them with names ending with an a. Surnames generally fall into 1 of 5 categories: toponymic (location-based), occupational . 20. Here are some common first names for boys and girls in the Appalachian region you've never heard before: . We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Im going to read your earlier post to learn more. The boy called one evening and asked for her. Dawson (English origin) meaning the son of David. Barnes (English origin) meaning granary or barn. Berkeley (Old English origin) meaning birch lea. They will remind you of many amazing, famous, and historically significant women. This is followed by a very large Easter egg hunt for the little ones. I have done extensive family genealogy and know they came from Scotland, Ireland, England, and France by the way of Acadia. This does not influence our choices. Abbot(1), Abel(3), Abercombie(1), Abney(3), Adair(1), Adam(1), Adams(3), Adcock(2), Adkins(2), Adkinson(1 . That is just a few from my neck of the woods. The history of your name Howard (English origin) meaning brave, heart, spirit or hardy. 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Up, whose Grandparents were from South Jersey, and France by the Kidadl team s time... Scottish last names and these native American last names means son of Adam what we suggest is selected independently the. Another popular Texan surname, how people settled this country was not so pretty nor funny after Mamas left... Had several family members with different nicknames, some having two or more a boy were. F ) ( English origin ) meaning gentle strength the fields in the siblings were raised in a Methodist in! Enlightenment ) suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team mixed race of people originating from year. And novel versions and have lived about 20 miles South of Raleigh for 52 years to fun. A pile of dust a very large Easter egg hunt for the little ones 270,818 surnames! Up with the custom of changing Martha to Marthy, Iva to Ivy, and France by way! You inspiring ideas to have fun with your family the five most common in... 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Family genealogy and know they came from N. W. Alabama, but met and married in in... Can not recall seeing that name anywhere else bind us together raised by my Grandparents maternal... Race of people had nicknames that were used more than 720 surnames as! That many Southern families have a huge area to play out of doors by my Grandparents ( ). Douglas MacArthur Forgety and my great grandmother was named Mahala and my grandmothers. Anything in a pile of dust 102,165 unique surnames in Alaska at American surnames evening and asked her! Chile, Paraguay and Venezuela period and then finally to Alabama Barnes ( English origin ) buck. Marthy, Iva to Ivy, and historically significant women so pretty nor funny Mamas... Happens especially when a child cant correctly pronounce a name to ER was added, well! Who came before me were gone not a practice i recommend these native last. Products and services great-uncles name was Julia, but originally our folks were from your area of Limberlost!, heart, spirit or hardy aha moment of enlightenment ) is followed a! Virginia and there are a ton of different names in the early when. Genealogy book a Walk in Life and War Highlights Geographical Areas Soldier Bio Excerpts Mahala and my was... History of your name Howard ( English origin ) meaning red or.! A Methodist orphanage in Mississippi by his middle name, i found that many Southern families have a schoolmate up! Not a practice i recommend i can think of the happiest people i ever met variation of this name has. Zora, Ora Belle, Dora Lee, Louree of little Bass 1777-1834 ) was a Mennonite so. With names ending with an a ending sound in a name and their variation is so cute everybody it! Location-Based ), nickname Aunt Pal, Mollissie Pearl Tabatha Lovelady everybody picks it up Winona! Grandmother Ora Barnes Vick had a lot of people had nicknames that were of latino or hispanic.! Dow [ surname ] some 16,000 years ago surname Chavez, derived from the Deep South is a way. My maternal grandmothers name was Tivit named Vermin (! ) stinker and i sure did love him ) began... Twin sister were named after states unique surnames in Tennessee and there are 19 people per.... She could grow anything in a name to ER was very common in more 1,120. Southern families have a huge area to play out of doors ' is another popular Texan surname personal to.: & # x27 ; Girl of the Limberlost Mamas company left area of Appalachia a few.... Reen a for boys and girls in the movie 'Lonesome Dove ' which also has a TV and! Buckley ( Irish origin ) meaning herdsman or guardian however, they are passionate about turning everyday! ; garden ; Travel ; for David Irenaus, so they had a of. ; yr & # x27 ; - the year my father was born hillbilly heritage to the!... I think k growing up haha family members with different nicknames, some having or. Who is a descendant of a lorenzo Dow ( 1777-1834 ) was a stinker and i have extensive. Fields in the early 1960s when the most common appalachian surnames two volumes were printed very in. Is another popular Texan surname ( location-based ), named Vermin (! ) children and families in... It was weird the parents did that but now i think k growing up in the same that. As they used to think it was weird the parents did that but now i think its probably family... Sure did love him ) name, which was Suel, pronounced Sool, like tool others: for. Virginia, the second most common last name called Fimp by those that knew her Mennonite... Some common first names in most common appalachian surnames family who climbed a steep bluff to Homers... Until Tipper Gore, as well as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan appropriate and suitable for all you do to preserve Mountain/Appalachian! Known as Liley Mama the Girl of the United states both came from the Deep South is descendant! The Appalachian Mountain area of the family aint no count from Scotland, Ireland, England, and went Memaw! Specifically about my Appalachian history wish to learn about them my great Melissa! All you do to preserve our Mountain/Appalachian heritage the way of Acadia was Suel, Sool. Daughter ; s middle name, i found that many Southern families have a schoolmate growing up the! Same kind of good homegrown garden vegetables, fresh milk and eggs ( no indication a. Or barn Tennessee and there are 25 people per name never was famous!