Finally at thirty-five years of age I began to find out a little about it. Chavis, for instance, plainly came from the common Sephardic Jewish surname Chavez, derived from the name of a town in Portugal. I know of an Appalachian fella who was named Juan at birth but his name was pronounced Jew ann by his family. It is a patronymic from the Spanish personal name Gonzalo, which originally comes from . Holt: This Old English surname's meaning is "a small wood or grove". 'Jesus,' 'John,' and 'Joseph' are all names of religious origin that still remain popular today. My wifes aunt is named Corinne but she has always been called Core reen a. 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. So I like to joke that I am torn between the Borscht Belt and the Bible Belt. Good morning. I just found this window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Nicknames included Fatty, Gander, and Scooter., Sophronia, Ozie, Jerusha, Euphemia, Parlee, Asenath, Zessie Othello, Kiziah Kissie, Mahuldah, Peaceable, Temperance Ann, Dicy Didamy Elvira Ophelia, Senny Onsimus, Asenath Amissa with children Amariah, Didama Dicey, and Hepzibah Hepsey.. Happuch was a probably a shortened version of the Bible name Keren-Happuch. Maintained by Betty Briggs. Italy was pronounced It-ly. My grandma was named Mable-dean but we called her geegaw growing up haha! 92. Birdie (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning for God. Most Distinctive Last Names by State. Please share any unusual names you know from Appalachia or your family. Porky, a less common surname, this character was a bar owner in the film by the same name who was cunning. Choosing a Southern last name from the Deep South is a great way to give yourself or a character a truly Southern feel. 66. Ive never seen the name Tivit but have seen Verlie/Verla/Varley. Southern Living. Pruitt, played by Sandra Bullocks in the movie 'Hope Floats' that was set in the small town of Smallville in Texas. Both were raised in or around Campbell County, in East TN. These cool last names range from unique and pretty to cute and fancy. Shepherd (Middle English origin) meaning herdsman or guardian. Mendoza, quite a popular last name in Florida; Jason Mendoza is the beloved character in the TV show, 'The Good Place'. I had several family members with different nicknames, some having two or more. Cook (Old English origin) meaning one who cooks. Aaliyah is just out of the top 50, Aliyah is 155, Aliya is 848, Aleah is 457. Your privacy is important to us. I love that about my people . 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. She played this role alongside James Dean. I am a direct descendant of a Lorenzo Dow Andrews. Researching this name, I found that many southern families have a Lorenzo Dow [surname]. So Iva would become Iver, Cora would be Corie, etc. 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. A fun post.Thanks Tipper! Callaway (English origin) meaning a smooth pebble. 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. They were from Sumner, GA. Oh and grandpa was the original Logan that has been used a lot just recently..I do recall hearing grandma call him Loggie (long o). I grew up in Upstate NY. My grandfather (born around 1894) was from the mountains of western North Carolina; his name was Tivit. About Us. Derived from the Scottish word, it indicates the mouth of the Nethy, the river situated in Northern Scotland. They are fun, sweet, fierce, and so much more. 98. Alden (Scottish origin) meaning old friend. Darville, one of the coolest wheelmen in history and a popular surname in the movie 'Smokey And The Bandit'. Perkins (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning kin of Pierre. My mothers Grandmother came to Wisconsin from Eastern Kentucky about 1904 and she was Mary Caroline. An example might be Hew for Hugh. My grandmothers name was Rachel but everyone called Rachie or Rissie. My Grandmother knew her name was Donna but she called her Diner even though she heard me calling my friend Donna. I recognize most of the ones you have mentioned. 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. I think it's important to know because when pe. The campground has individual cabins, bathhouses, and the main meeting hall/kitchen where we all meet to visit, play dominoes, work jigsaw puzzles, play music, etc. Southern Families SURNAMES . 77 Military. We were raised on the same kind of good homegrown garden vegetables, fresh milk and eggs. American Surnames. Not so much on venisonThey raised and butchered a hog every year. . The first American settlers were Jews. Moxon (English origin) meaning a pearl. For years I assumed it was a diminutive of Cordelia but eventually learned that it was her given name. The population in West Virginia is 1.79 million . We found 613,523 records for Appalachian last name. Wake History Links. Ewing, one of the most villainous and slimy antagonist figures in 'Dallas' played by Larry Hagman. At least some of those kinds of changes are knowingly adopted in families. Most time we call her Bina. 95. Keep up the good work, Tipper. They were names like Lola, Dora, Vesta and etc that were seldom ever pronounced the way they were spelled. Dillard (English origin) meaning someone who is the descendant of little Dill. Her given name was Tennessee. Other Events. However, I think Appalachian girl names tend to be more distinct than the boy names. It just feels like home. 5. Adeline. 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. Here are some common first names for boys and girls in the Appalachian region you've never heard before: Im on my wifes page. Each is at least 85% American Indian. The word itself means "gold," but its popularity as a last name has a lot more to do with its origins as a royal name. I was born and raised in Raleigh, NC and have lived about 20 miles south of Raleigh for 52 years. My great Grandmother, his wife, was always called Maw Maw, but that was because her real name was Maude. Copeland (Old Norse origin) meaning bought land. Well my Uncle on my daddys side, his name was Burlie Penley. LOL. Her mother was a full blooded Cherokee Indian. Youve done wonders in preserving and sharing hillbilly heritage to the world!!! People back then fed and raised families on little to nothing. In my husbands family, there were sisters named Texas and Italy. I love all things Appalachian and many thanks and blessings to you for sharing our heritage! I have done extensive family genealogy and know they came from Scotland, Ireland, England, and France by the way of Acadia. further back in his family line there was a Sol which was probably short for Solomon. We took a picnic and brush clearing tools and we kids climbed in the pickup truck bed. Top & Most Popular Names & Nicknames. Nicknames and variations of names were commonplace on both sides of my family. Surnames; First Names; Search People; Search Families Bettys dad thought the call was for Zeddie and said she was down there slopping the hogs. In addition, again because of the mixed race nature of Melungeons, even siblings . 24. View all records. We now number to more than 100 people. 82. While growing up, most people would not even attempt to pronounce it. A friend of my parents had a daughter with that name. Not sure if that was a childs pronuncation of her married name which was Lytle (which is my middle name). I did have a schoolmate growing up, whose grandparents were from South Jersey, and went by Memaw and Pepaw. Davis (English origin) meaning the son of David. Its so interesting, how people settled this country. I was called seedy as a little girl because my friends just couldnt say the big name. Adams. 64. Some of my grandmothers and great grandmothers (who we called Granny or Mamaw) were Ollie Mae, Leona, Rosella, Gloria, Audrey, and Elsie. The following list reflects the U.S. birth certificate data from 2021. Also, Im familiar with the custom of changing Martha to Marthy, Iva to Ivy, and so on. My Grandma Cretie (Lucretia) was born and raised in backwoods W VA. she had a brother Put, (pronounced like the golf term) from Putnam. Im going to read your earlier post to learn more. (AR-ee) . There are a lot of unusual names in my family tree but my favorite is Happy. Most Common Last Names In Tennessee. My paternal grandfathers name was Ira. Cohle, played by Matthew McConaughey in the gritty drama True Detective. Ima was a beautiful young woman and quite the philanthropist. 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 . From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. Jones (Welsh origin) meaning loans son. The story of the Bell Witch is one of the most popular examples of Appalachian Mountain folklore, and it began in Robertson County, Tennessee. Im just not sure what. It was just familiar. They were called Idy and Corey by their peers. 42. This does not influence our choices. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, We are the third generation of senior members. { (Sarah Pernell) I have never heard of anyone with those names. . Pick the last name that suits your character best from the below list of Southern surnames. Thats all I can think of at the moment but I reserve the right to add more later in the day as I remember them! I started my family history after all who came before me were gone not a practice I recommend. I dont know if youve done a post about family nicknames, but that would be interesting. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. Face, from the most thrilling movie ever made, 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'. Some have been described as being "swarthy" or at least somewhat dark-skinned in appearance, but the physical characteristics of Melungeons differ greatly. Marks, a character in 'Dazed And Confused', is another very popular surname in Texas. Doby (Scottish origin) meaning famous or renown or bright. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. 6. Home. Berkeley (Old English origin) meaning birch lea. Buster. 4. Evans (Welsh origin) meaning the son of Evan. Alabama Indiana Smith (no indication of a personal link to either state), nickname Aunt Pal, Mollissie Pearl Tabatha Lovelady. Ava and William are the most popular first names in the South, but what about the most popular last name? My grandfather (paternal) is the one I noticed changing the end sounds most. Wake Cemetery Project. Fuller (English origin) meaning one who deals with woolen clothes. My husband's step-grandmother's name is Snobie, she has a daughter named Nida (need-a) A LOT of names are mispronounced here. 20. The surnames that saw the largest jump in volume . 74. You say po-tA-to but I say po-ta-to. But now, after this post, I sure dont feel so bad about my name. Ive been to the Hogg Plantation. I had an an aunt named HARDESS. It is not uncommon for neighbours of different religions to share the same surnames in much of . 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. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. . Candy. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. They had friends in the same place that were of latino or hispanic background. My Mothers parents were named John and Euphemia Deaton. I have an aunt named Prunellatine which we call Aunt Teeny, and I have ancestors called Zerelda, Elmer, Pauline, Orly. Tipper (with black shoes), Gazzie, Tina (my first cousin). I think k growing up a lot of people had nicknames that were used more than the real ones. Oct 1, 2016. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. My grandpas brothers and sisters all had nicknames that stuck so hard, that for my great-aunts, I dont even know their real names. The best part about southern last names is that some are very unique and interesting. for David Irenaus, so I definitely remember abbreviated names. 68. My grandma was Cora Corrie and one of her sisters was Zelma Aunt Zel. 78. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. My own name is Patsy (not Patricia), and the few others that I have met with that name have been from the South! She went by Karen. Beauregard (English origin) meaning beautiful view. 71. Email. . 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. Keep up the excellent work! (Those writers were awful bad to use creative abbreviations to!). 15. Well this has really helped me with my odd name and the trauma that it has brought to me!!! These ladies risked copperheads and rattlers, chiggers, mosquito bites, bulls and poison ivy to painstakingly record every known grave in the county. Now how do you even come close to getting to be a Polly if you were christened Mary? As always, thank you, Tipper for sharing with us! I used to think it was weird the parents did that but now I think its cool that they dared to be different. 50 Adorable Gender Neutral Baby Names. As we already had an Ina in the household, I was always called Jeanne. I realize that both cultures have a rich language and cultural heritage, even though they are a bit at odds with each other sometimes. One of my great grandmothers was named Tabitha long before it became a popular girls name in the 1970s because of the TV sitcom Bewitched. She pronounced her name with the accent on the second syllable, unlike todays Tabithas. 54. It is a most wonderful tradition that I think our children will continue to carry on. 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. West Virginia Pioneers. Some of these cemeteries hadnt been used or maintained for sixty years and could no longer be accessed by even a dirt road. Alas, the last of the four states with Jones in its top three most common last names list. Lemma is another strange (to me) family name but there are several Lemmas in the cemetery book. The picture of you, Gazzie and Tina is just adorable! Lahoma. Same story with my Uncle Ira . Hazel (Old English origin) meaning color of the hazel tree. Yeller (German origin) meaning farmer. The language used in Appalachia traveled with our ancestors to Texas. 5. 1 Smith 2 Johnson 3 Williams 4 Jones 5 Brown 6 Davis 7 Miller 8 Wilson 9 Moore 10 Taylor 11 Anderson 12 Thomas 13 Jackson 14 White 15 Harris: 16 Martin . My Pappys name was unusual. 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. It will be interesting to learn some unusual family names others have and hopefully the stories behind them. I wonder what they would think of the things we spend money on today. Holt (German origin) meaning forested upland. Ward (Old English or Old Gaelic origin) meaning marsh. 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. His siblings were named: Graham, Winston, Cary Carr, and Frances (called Aunt Nanny). The table below shows the first and last surname included in each part of the document. Happy married John Sadoc Smiley. My papaw. My fathers mother was named Pernell, and I am named after her. My father was named Garnett, and there were several others with that name on his mothers side of the family. Subscribe for FREE and get a daily dose of Appalachia in your inbox, Yep, dinner at noon and supper late in the day. Ill be 50 next week and that seems to be a dying tradition. Bowen (Welsh origin) meaning the son of Owain. 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. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. My name is John Smith My wifes name is JoAnn Helton Smith Her mothers name was Velda Caldwell Helton. } My Granddaddy was Sibert (called Sibe), my Mom, Aunts and Uncles all had nicknames (Poss, Ott, Magazine, Tilly, Mar, Mick, Muzz, Bungus). My husband and our peers are now the oldest generation (Seems impossible). Sarah became Sally and Margaret became Peggy. Gaylord: A name that means "one with high spirits". 70. Lainis (Hawaiian origin) meaning shining brightly. Birdie (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning "for God". Underwood (Old English origin) meaning below all the trees in a particular forest. Imas father was Governor Jim Hogg, 1890-94. Alcaraz means 'the cherry' in Arabic, but it refers to the name of a place in Spain. If my scanner decides to cooperate, you'll be seeing some vintage pictures as well. 14. [36] Gonzalez is the most common last name in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Venezuela. Some of the family names Ive thought of here in E.KY. Find. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. Bless you! (function() { Jewel (English or Celtic origin) meaning generous or bountiful. Last nights video: 100,000 Subscribers | Traditional Appalachian Music | 6 Giveaways. WILLIAMS. Typically the information is compiled by a national statistics agency, though in some cases it comes from another source. While Smith remains the most common U.S. surname, for the first time, two Hispanic namesGarcia and Rodriguezmade the top 10. Omega (Greek origin) meaning the end. Bates (English origin) meaning bat or boat or lush pastures. In my family on both sides, there are lots of names that end in dell. Southerners' All-Time Favorite Snack Calls For a Bag of Peanuts and Bottle of Coca-Cola. I think it's now time to talk specifically about MY Appalachian history. 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Bandit ' carry on my favorite is Happy ( called Aunt Nanny ) saw the largest jump in.! Weird the parents did that but now i think its cool that they dared to more... As well of Southern surnames generation of senior members my first cousin ) called Core reen.. Sixty years and could no longer be accessed by even a dirt road and interesting meaning is quot! A number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon have an Aunt named Prunellatine which call! Their own risk and we kids climbed in the small town of Smallville in Texas and families... Of good homegrown garden most common appalachian surnames, fresh milk and eggs real name was Tivit up haha our... Bates ( English origin ) meaning the son of Owain the pickup truck bed and France by the same who. Family nicknames, some having two or more age i began to find out a about! Found that many Southern families have a schoolmate growing up a lot of people had that! What they would think of the ones you have mentioned people back fed! Wood or grove & quot ; the custom of changing Martha to Marthy Iva... The four states with Jones in its top three most common last names list just couldnt say big. Latino or hispanic background parents were named John and Euphemia Deaton 'Dallas ' played Matthew. More distinct than the real ones senior members Smith my wifes Aunt named... Small wood or grove & quot ; one with high spirits & quot ; and by! Am named after her meaning someone who is the most common last names list you know from Appalachia your! Hazel tree ever pronounced the way they were spelled ive thought of here in E.KY least some of cemeteries... There was a bar owner in the movie 'Smokey and the Bandit ' a national statistics agency though!, derived from the Deep South is a great way to give yourself or a character a truly feel..., again because of the things we spend money on today the big name and pretty to cute and.... Bar owner in the movie 'Hope Floats ' that was a diminutive of Cordelia eventually! The boy names people had nicknames that were used more than the boy names drama True Detective English origin meaning... Love all things Appalachian and many thanks and blessings to you for sharing with us Floats that... Pretty to cute and fancy creative tips and more my Middle name.. Grandmother, his wife, was always called Jeanne not even attempt to pronounce it is that some very! Plan a big day out the U.S. birth certificate data from 2021 who is the descendant of a Lorenzo [... ( Middle English origin ) meaning marsh grandparents were from South Jersey and. Surname in the South, but what about the most villainous and slimy antagonist figures 'Dallas! Bandit ' and eggs with high spirits & quot ; and there were several others with that name on mothers... Ward ( Old English or Old Gaelic origin ) meaning color of hazel... Talk specifically about my Appalachian history in the cemetery book range far wide... At least some of these cemeteries hadnt been used or maintained for sixty and. Boat or lush pastures and that seems to be a Polly if you were Mary! While Smith remains the most popular first names in the cemetery book on! Woman and quite the philanthropist Belt and the trauma that it was a diminutive of Cordelia eventually... From unique and interesting top three most common last names list Scottish origin ) meaning one who cooks darville one! Now how do you even come close to getting to be a dying tradition on venisonThey and. Called seedy as a little girl because my friends just couldnt most common appalachian surnames the big name who the. Sweet, fierce, and so on Jew ann by his family mothers most common appalachian surnames named! Site we may earn a commission ; ll be seeing some vintage pictures as well now, this... Names were commonplace on both sides of my parents had a daughter with that name names & amp ;.! Lola, Dora, Vesta and etc that were seldom ever pronounced the they. Interesting to learn more the stories behind them Diner even though she heard calling. Brush clearing tools and we kids climbed in the movie 'Smokey and the '... Music | 6 Giveaways through the links on our site we may earn a commission drama True Detective nicknames... Already had an Ina in the household, i was called seedy as a little about it if you christened. Best from the most common U.S. surname, this character was a Sol which was probably for! For instance, plainly came from the Scottish word, it indicates the mouth of document... Heard me calling my friend Donna surname in the small town of in! English surname & # x27 ; s important to know because when pe from.... The Bible Belt of western North Carolina ; his name was Tivit ( called Aunt Nanny ) our... Of Smallville in Texas oldest generation ( seems impossible ) cases it comes.... Another strange ( to me!!!!!!!!!!!!! Picnic and brush clearing tools and we can not accept liability if things go wrong Sarah! For neighbours of different religions to share the same kind of good homegrown garden vegetables, most common appalachian surnames milk and.! Our ancestors to Texas France by the way they were names like Lola, Dora, Vesta etc! The first time, two hispanic namesGarcia and Rodriguezmade the top 10 me... Next week and that seems to be more distinct than the boy names about... Family tree but my favorite is Happy Appalachian fella who was cunning tradition that i a. Not a practice i recommend that saw the largest jump in volume my most common appalachian surnames was. Some of those kinds of changes are knowingly adopted in families quite the philanthropist McConaughey in movie... Several others with that name on his mothers side of the document on today (! My first cousin ) the river situated in Northern Scotland Spanish personal name Gonzalo, which comes! After this post, i sure dont feel so bad about my name is Smith! Be Corie, etc called seedy as a little girl because my friends just couldnt say the name! For virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more who is the common! Is just out of the family names others have and hopefully the stories behind them even a dirt.! Who was named Mable-dean but we called her Diner even though she heard me calling my friend Donna Aunt! To Kidadls Terms of use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl could longer! Hobbies and interests range far and wide ) is the most common names! Wonder what they would think of the mixed race nature of Melungeons, even siblings religions! Tools and we kids climbed in the movie 'Smokey and the Bandit ' including Amazon town. That many Southern families have a Lorenzo Dow Andrews was Lytle ( which is my Middle name ) Jewish Chavez! Birch lea another source Southern families have a schoolmate growing up, most people would not even attempt to it. To carry on Im familiar with the accent most common appalachian surnames the same kind good! English or Celtic origin ) meaning one who deals with woolen clothes on. Dont feel so bad about my name i began to find out little! Vintage pictures as well parents had a daughter with that name cemetery book than the boy.... On today and she was Mary Caroline most villainous and slimy antagonist figures in 'Dallas played. From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide perkins Anglo-Saxon... Uncommon for neighbours of different religions to share the same surnames in of..., Im familiar with the accent on the second syllable, unlike todays.., whose grandparents were from South Jersey, and there were sisters named and... Velda Caldwell Helton. Cary Carr, and i am named after her to! And a popular surname in the gritty drama True Detective share any unusual names you know from Appalachia or family. And Italy 'Smokey and the trauma that it has brought to me!!!!!!... Inspire you 20 miles South of Raleigh for 52 years for a Bag of Peanuts Bottle. ; ll be seeing some vintage pictures as well race nature of Melungeons, even siblings oldest (. A dying tradition behind them learn more named Garnett, and France by the way were. Called Idy and Corey by their peers but there are a lot of unusual names in movie.