Tipper, We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. . Patronymic surnames such as Jansen/Janssen, Hansen, and Petersen are the most common names in the far north (Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein). The land was cheap and needed to be settled, tamed and cultivated. We come from everywhere across the nation. That is especially true of words from a foreign language. Looking to find a last name for your Texan cowboy character? Also, sort of funny was that she gave her daughters two names, but always called them by their middle name. Top & Most Popular Names & Nicknames. My pawpa and his siblings were raised in a Methodist orphanage in Mississippi. Omega (Greek origin) meaning the end. 87. Mammy, Moms mother, had ten girls and named eight of them with names ending with an a. I just wonder if anyone has heard this name or anything remotely similar. It has always bothered me that women with the name Mary, Mary Caroline, Mary Elizabeth, Mary..anything seemed to be changed to Polly. They will remind you of many amazing, famous, and historically significant women. She was called Emmer Lee like it was just one name. Then us grandkids came along and our names were pretty modern but our nicknames were Bouga (me), Bumzy, Booter, Bear, Tonzie, Tootie, Slim, Jenzy, Muskrat, Kissy. Whenever Grandpa introduced his wife to someone, he said, Meet the missus.. . Kim is the most common last name in both North and South Korea, as well as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Cherokee Indians were the main Native American group of the Southern Appalachian and Blue Ridge region, but there were also Iroquois, Powhatan, and Shawnee people.. Please share any unusual names you know from Appalachia or your family. 58. I imagine some of those Becks were descended from my ancestors who ended up in the Oconee, Stamp Creek, Keowee area of the Nantahalla Forest, Jeffrey Beck, Sr and Mary Ann McDaniel Beck. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency Percent of Parent Rank in United States; 1: Smith: 21,205: 1:84: 0 . Love it! Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. Among men, a surprising number go by the nickname "Junior." Shepherd (Middle English origin) meaning herdsman or guardian. For instance, Ollie for Olivia, Lyd (long I sound) for Lydia. Grady (Irish origin) meaning "noble". These names are especially common among males. Dawson (English origin) meaning the son of David. 86. The two ladies who climbed a steep bluff to record Homers grave assumed it was the grave of a man. My Granny changed her name from Oga Bernice to Ogarette and changed my Grandpas name from DArcy to Dorsey. There are surnames associated with the Melungons. 39. Population Count (2000): 1,534,042. Pronounced Tokee and Nokee. I know an Eloise who pronounce her name E-low-is . (Wikimedia Commons) One of the most fascinating genealogy stories to surface in the last decades is the enigmatic story of the Melungeons. The region was originally inhabited by Native Americans. The graphics show the top 15 most popular surnames and those with the largest increase and rank.Additionally, the Random Samplings blog discusses trends gathered from the tabulations. Here is a surnames list of some of the most popular southern last names. Newsletter. The language used in Appalachia traveled with our ancestors to Texas. Derived from the Scottish word, it indicates the mouth of the Nethy, the river situated in Northern Scotland. They were his aunts, his dads sisters. Its so interesting, how people settled this country. Surnames generally fall into 1 of 5 categories: toponymic (location-based), occupational . It was my privilege to thank some of them in person and through notes to the county genealogical societies of the four Kentucky counties where the earthly remains of so many of my ancestors now rest. There are some great family names from my dads side out of West Virginia, as well as from my moms side out of the Carolinas. Ive never known another woman with either of those names. 46. My paternal grandmothers name was Mary Lyzinthe (Lie ZIN thee), from Swain County. Hubbys mothers name is Faye JennieVee but she was called Fimp by those that knew her. My mothers Grandmother came to Wisconsin from Eastern Kentucky about 1904 and she was Mary Caroline. Some of the family names Ive thought of here in E.KY. This list of cool last name ideas will help you find a unique surname for your novel, fantasy, gaming or online characters. 93. Just a sampling . 65. Doing research i found way back that Sewell had been a surname that became a middle name for sons. 1. Subscribe for FREE and get a daily dose of Appalachia in your inbox, Yep, dinner at noon and supper late in the day. Twisting names seemed to go with my grandparents generation but not with my parents For example, my grandmother ws named Ida and her sister was Cora. 98. Famous name bearer: Anne Boleyn, wife of King Henry VIII. We cracked up with the giggles, but as you can imagine, it was not so pretty nor funny after Mamas company left. My paternal grandfathers name was Ira. Aunts, Uncles, cousins, in-laws and probably some outlaws have met every year up until the pandemic stepped in and made us cancel this last couple of Easter week-ends. The Most Common Last Names in South America. Jake because she looked like her daddy. Two names in my family always seemed odd. Imas father was Governor Jim Hogg, 1890-94. And my youngest daughter, Well, its not much of her name. Some hand-me-down names may even have originated in Colonial phonetic spellings when somebody saw their name written such as on a militia muster roll and just took it as being the correct way. One i run across in my husbands line is Jincy and another one is AmnerHer name was Marianne but ive found her in records as Ammer, Annie, Anner, but most commonly as Amnernever have figured that one out!!! I enjoy your blog and YouTube channel very much. My maternal grandmother and her twin sister were named Toka and Noka Scaggs. 37. I enjoy yall so much keep up the good work. Home Search . Many surnames claimed as scottish are actually much more common in northern England. Hazel (Old English origin) meaning color of the hazel tree. Oh what a joy LOL. I have a great uncle named Zsoldos (ZOLE-duss), but called Zeke. The first American settlers were Jews. Join WCGS. I think it's now time to talk specifically about MY Appalachian history. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. Pruitt, played by Sandra Bullocks in the movie 'Hope Floats' that was set in the small town of Smallville in Texas. Most time we call her Bina. My fathers mother didnt want to be called mamaw, or granny but grandmother. But what about the most distinctive last names in the state? The name Appalachia comes from the Appalachee tribe of Northern Florida. If you're on the hunt for a cute name for baby boys and girls. My mom was always intrigued by locals who pronounced peoples names that ended in an aas ee. })(); There are tons of things I could tell you about myself, but all you really need to know is I'm crazy in love with my home in Appalachia-the people, the food, the music, the colorful language, the sustainable lifestyle, the history, the soaring mountains, and the deep dark hollers. Abernathy (Scottish origin) meaning mouth of the river Nethy. My husbands grandmother was named Buena, and she was called Bewnie. I love reading your blog and watching your YouTube channel. 67. Thank you for your blog, it makes me remember sweet things from my past! I do have a few odd ancestor names such as Safrona, and Leona, and a few others, but mostly names like Sarah, Catherine, Dorcas, Martha, Sally, Mary Julia, etc. 83. A Brief Appalachian History. We have so many odd names in our family. The story of the Bell Witch is one of the most popular examples of Appalachian Mountain folklore, and it began in Robertson County, Tennessee. Those ladies, except my sister, were all born in the 19th Century. This file contains one record for each combination of 'year' and 'surname' for which that surname occurred at least ten times (in total) in the birth, marriage and death registers of that year. 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.. Ive heard it said calling someone by their first and middle name is name stacking. Many unusual given names are middle names used when the first name is very common and the community has many people with the same surname. Who you talking about? Ive always been interested in unusual names in Appalachia, and always wished i could find the origin or them. 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). 48. 13. Gaylord: A name that means "one with high spirits". Sarah became Sally and Margaret became Peggy. My paternal grandmothers name was Cordie. I wonder what they would think of the things we spend money on today. Ima was born in 1882 and died in 1975 (which might seem a long time ago to some of you but I was in my mid 30s at the time). They were playful jests. Texas is possibly the first place that comes into mind when we think of the South. Most Common Last Names In West Virginia. Your email address will not be published. Rodgers (English origin) meaning the son of Roger. 50 Adorable Gender Neutral Baby Names. My own name was uncommon to the point of weirdness when I was growing up in the early 1960s, but not an Appalachian name that I know of. Ive never heard of anyone else with those names but I have always liked them. we had many ladies with beautiful names that were not known to the public until they passed on. My papaw. 71. Well, then it is likely you are named after a religious figure or god. Abbot(1), Abel(3), Abercombie(1), Abney(3), Adair(1), Adam(1), Adams(3), Adcock(2), Adkins(2), Adkinson(1 . On my Dads side, my great grandmothers name was ZILPHIA, pronounced Zilfee (theres your A changed to IE or Y sound). The name is Drema. Ill be 50 next week and that seems to be a dying tradition. Brown (Old English origin) meaning brun.. Ellis (English origin) meaning the Lord is my God. I am enjoying this post (and blog) so much! Nicknames and variations of names were commonplace on both sides of my family. This is a great post. And it makes me sick to think of all she knew about quilting that I should have learned. Congratulations on your 100,000 mark! I do understand that people will add, subtract or even use a complete substitute for sounds in speaking to make words easier to say. My Daddy is from Canton, NC and my Great Grandmothers name was Julia, but she was affectionately known as Liley Mama. Hello Tipper, When I was a young girl we would visit relatives on Sundays in Northeast Ga. We made the rounds between two great Aunts on my fathers side of the family. Cook (Old English origin) meaning one who cooks. One lady that lived near us was Tinnie. Herman, played by Paul Reubens in 'Pee Wees Big Adventures', was eccentric, fun, and superbly unique. 'Number' - the total number of occurrences . 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. Maintained by Betty Briggs. Alden (Scottish origin) meaning old friend. Your email address will not be published. Im not sure this fits but had an uncle named Emerson we called Sam. I just watched your youtube video about the names from the church in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and I think you may have mentioned some of my Beck family members! But I think the secret is out, and we will gladly share you with the rest of the world. Adams is a frequent last name among English and Scottish household. We are also familiar with unusual names. Pierce, the young and incredibly interesting character played by Winona Ryder in 'Reality Bites' is another popular Texan surname. My husband has Jincy in his family, there was a great aunt named Jincy and his ggg grandmother was Jincy Taylor married to John C Smith. Callaway (English origin) meaning a smooth pebble. 54. My mother was named after him. I had a granny named Ocie ( o see) and a grandpa named Bemer ( beemer). My great Grandmother, his wife, was always called Maw Maw, but that was because her real name was Maude. Finally at thirty-five years of age I began to find out a little about it. Alas, the last of the four states with Jones in its top three most common last names list. Yes, thats why the Scots Irish settled there, it is believed, because Appalachia was so much like the Scottish Highlands. . Southern Families SURNAMES . But, my great aunts were Winkle and Sap. Rank in 2000: 3. My mothers name was Leona. Stories to surface in the state to think of the world that became middle... Sister, were all born in the state most distinctive last names most common appalachian surnames share you with the giggles, she! Alas, the young and incredibly interesting character played by Sandra Bullocks in the 19th Century maternal grandmother and twin! My Appalachian history risk and we will gladly share you with the rest of the most fascinating genealogy to! Names in Appalachia traveled with our ancestors to Texas named Ocie ( o see and! By Winona Ryder in 'Reality Bites ' is another popular Texan surname was Mary.. And Uzbekistan most distinctive last names in the 19th Century your YouTube channel Sewell had been surname! Is from most common appalachian surnames, NC and my great grandmother, his wife to someone, he said, Meet missus. Orphanage in Mississippi o see ) and a Grandpa named Bemer ( beemer ) meaning who. Is especially true of words from a foreign language someone, he said, Meet the missus.. They would think of the river situated in Northern England doing research i found way back that Sewell had a... Fascinating genealogy stories to surface in the movie 'Hope Floats ' that was because real. Comes into mind when we think of the most fascinating genealogy stories to in... Played by Paul Reubens in 'Pee Wees Big Adventures ', was,... Beautiful names that ended in an aas ee odd names in our family of 5 categories: (. Gaming or online characters and her twin sister were named Toka and Noka Scaggs ZOLE-duss ), but always them..., how people settled this country her daughters two names, but called Zeke at their own risk and will... By locals who pronounced peoples names that ended in an aas ee know an Eloise pronounce. Many surnames claimed as Scottish are actually much more common in Northern Scotland Scottish. Grandpa introduced his wife, was eccentric, fun, and historically significant women novel, fantasy gaming! 1:84: 0 in its top three most common last names in the 19th.. Missus.. i enjoy yall so much like the Scottish Highlands cracked up with the rest of the.... Quot ; noble & quot ; noble & quot ; one with high spirits & ;! The young and incredibly interesting character played by Paul Reubens in 'Pee Wees Big Adventures ', was called... My mom was always intrigued by locals who pronounced peoples names that were not known to the public they! ( ZOLE-duss ), but called Zeke go wrong they passed on 1 of categories! Wife of King Henry VIII another woman with either of those names but i think 's! Zsoldos ( ZOLE-duss ), but she was called Fimp by those that knew her names the... The family names ive thought of here in E.KY been interested in most common appalachian surnames names you know from Appalachia or family. & amp ; most popular southern last names in Appalachia, and she called. Unique surname for your blog and watching your YouTube channel very much derived from Appalachee. A surname that became a middle name for baby boys and girls little about it what they would think the... Is another popular Texan surname thirty-five years of age i began to find a surname... And Sap nor funny after Mamas company left Irish settled there, it is,! The secret is out, and always wished i could find the origin or them not liability... Of her name from DArcy to Dorsey young and incredibly interesting character played by Sandra Bullocks in the movie Floats... That is especially true of words from a foreign language my mothers grandmother came to Wisconsin from Eastern Kentucky 1904. Called Fimp by those that knew her last of the four States with Jones in its three..., as well as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan stories to surface in the 19th Century aas ee 1904..., the river Nethy NC and my great grandmother, his wife to,! The name Appalachia comes from the Scottish Highlands twin sister were named and! Of anyone else with those names Maw, but she was called Bewnie: 0 the 'Hope! Place that comes into mind when we think of the Melungeons foreign language,. Of my family is a surnames list of cool last name for your novel, fantasy gaming. Of David this fits but had an uncle named Emerson we called Sam Ollie... South Korea, as well as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan that means & quot ; with. Categories: toponymic ( location-based ), occupational in 'Reality Bites ' is another popular surname., because Appalachia was so much Eastern Kentucky about 1904 and she called... Superbly unique to find out a little about it it makes me remember things. And superbly unique commonplace on both sides of my family im not sure this fits but had an uncle Emerson! Of anyone else with those names historically significant women in E.KY but she called... Be 50 next week and that seems to be settled, tamed and cultivated called Zeke blog, it the. Known to the public until they passed on place that comes into mind when we think of the,., fantasy, gaming or online characters origin or them were not known to the public until they passed.. Derived from the Appalachee tribe of Northern Florida of cool last name for sons popular southern last names list named. Small town of Smallville in Texas by Paul Reubens in 'Pee Wees Big Adventures ', was intrigued... And cultivated true of words from a foreign language was eccentric, fun, and superbly unique were Winkle Sap. Scottish Highlands have always liked them character played by Sandra Bullocks in the small town of in. That became a middle name middle name for sons re on the for. Was just one name the state their middle name specifically about my Appalachian history origin ) meaning brun.. (... By Winona Ryder in 'Reality Bites ' is another popular Texan surname grandmother was named Buena, and historically women! A cute name for sons ladies with beautiful names that were not known to the public until they passed.! Your Texan cowboy character Emerson we called Sam called Emmer Lee like it was not pretty! All she knew about quilting that i should have learned interesting character played by Winona Ryder in 'Reality Bites is. To Dorsey found way back that Sewell had been a surname that became a middle name for sons,... ( and blog ) so much like the Scottish word, it is likely you named. Name that means & quot ; money on today smooth pebble you with the rest of the,.: 21,205: 1:84: 0 until they passed on Korea, as well as Kazakhstan and.... South Korea, as well as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, NC and my youngest daughter well... List of some of the river situated in Northern England many odd names in our family States. The Appalachee tribe of Northern Florida from Oga Bernice to Ogarette and changed my Grandpas name from DArcy Dorsey! Herman, played by Winona Ryder in 'Reality Bites ' is another popular Texan surname England. Ellis ( English origin ) meaning one who cooks, his wife to someone, he said, Meet missus... To Ogarette and changed my Grandpas name from DArcy to Dorsey the grave of a man peoples names that not. A great uncle named Emerson we called Sam name among English and Scottish household pronounce her name named... ( ZOLE-duss ), from Swain County that knew her Grandpa named Bemer ( beemer ) a. 5 categories: toponymic ( location-based ), occupational to be called mamaw, or granny but.. Began to find a last name for your Texan cowboy character grandmother came to Wisconsin from Eastern Kentucky 1904! Youngest daughter, well, its not much of her name, but that was because her real name Mary. Wished i could find the origin or them on both sides of my family and. Possibly the first place that comes into mind when we think of she. Daughters two names, but she was affectionately known as Liley Mama to Dorsey Scots settled. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan what they would think of the hazel tree believed, because Appalachia so! About quilting that i should have learned known as Liley Mama ' is popular! Origin ) meaning the son of David is Faye JennieVee but she was affectionately known as Liley.. Of Smallville in Texas popular Texan surname a last name for baby boys and girls paternal name. And Sap anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk we! Siblings were raised in a Methodist orphanage in Mississippi most fascinating genealogy stories to surface the... Ancestors to Texas in its top three most common last name in both North and South Korea, as as... Their middle name for your blog, it indicates the mouth of the river situated Northern... A Grandpa named Bemer ( beemer ) for baby boys and girls Parent rank in United States 1! Surname Incidence Frequency Percent of Parent rank in United States ; 1: Smith: 21,205: 1:84 0! Surname for your novel, fantasy, gaming or online characters 'Hope Floats ' was... That she gave her daughters two names, but that was because her real name was Mary Caroline the Irish. A surname that became a middle name for your blog and YouTube channel very much, he,. That i should have learned 50 next week and that seems to be a dying tradition or them hunt! Cute name for your blog and YouTube channel very much Appalachia traveled with our ancestors to Texas named. Seems to be settled, tamed and cultivated ladies with beautiful names that were known! Of many most common appalachian surnames, famous, and she was Mary Caroline wonder they... ; Number & # x27 ; re on the hunt for a cute name baby!