120 Common Southern Last Names or Surnames & Their Meanings

The American South is a melting pot of cultures, histories, and traditions; and last names are no exception. Southern surnames carry stories of immigration, occupation, and heritage, often reflecting the region’s deep roots in English, Scottish, Irish, French, and German ancestry.

Whether you’re researching your family tree, naming a character in a novel, or just curious about the origins of common Southern last names, this list will take you through 120 surnames and their fascinating meanings.

English & Scottish Origins

Many Southern last names trace back to England and Scotland, brought over by early settlers.

1. Smith – The most common surname in the U.S., meaning “blacksmith” or metalworker.
2. Johnson – Means “son of John,” a biblical name meaning “God is gracious.”
3. Williams – Derived from “son of William,” meaning “resolute protector.”
4. Brown – Originally referred to someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. Davis – Means “son of David,” from the Hebrew name meaning “beloved.”
6. Wilson – “Son of Will,” with “Will” being short for William.
7. Taylor – An occupational name for a tailor.
8. Moore – Could refer to someone who lived near a moor or marsh.
9. Harris – Means “son of Harry,” a medieval form of Henry.
10. Clark – Originally denoted a clerk or scribe.

Irish & Scottish Gaelic Influences

The South saw a large influx of Irish and Scottish immigrants, especially after the Potato Famine.

11. Murphy – The most common Irish surname, meaning “sea warrior.”
12. Kelly – From the Irish Ó Ceallaigh, meaning “descendant of Ceallach” (war or strife).
13. Sullivan – Irish Ó Súilleabháin, meaning “descendant of the dark-eyed one.”
14. McCarthy – Irish Mac Cárthaigh, meaning “son of Cárthach” (loving).
15. O’Connor – Means “descendant of Conchobhar” (lover of hounds).
16. Campbell – Scottish, from Caimbeul, meaning “crooked mouth.”
17. McDonald – “Son of Donald,” from the Gaelic name meaning “world ruler.”
18. Kennedy – Irish Ó Cinnéide, meaning “helmet-headed” or “ugly head.”
19. Doyle – Irish Ó Dubhghaill, meaning “descendant of the dark stranger.”
20. Reilly – From Ó Raghallaigh, meaning “descendant of Raghallach” (sociable).

German & Dutch Roots

Many German immigrants settled in the South, particularly in Texas and the Carolinas.

21. Miller – An occupational name for a miller (from German Müller).
22. Schmidt – German equivalent of “Smith.”
23. Weber – Means “weaver” in German.
24. Fischer – German for “fisherman.”
25. Becker – Means “baker” in German.
26. Hoffman – “Steward” or “manager of a farm.”
27. Klein – Means “small” or “little” in German.
28. Schneider – German for “tailor.”
29. Wagner – Occupational name for a wagon-maker.
30. Bauer – Means “farmer” in German.

French & Cajun Influence

Louisiana and other Southern states have strong French heritage.

31. Martin – Derived from the Roman god Mars; common in French and English.
32. Dubois – Means “from the woods” in French.
33. Fontenot – A French surname meaning “small fountain.”
34. Boudreaux – Common Cajun name, possibly meaning “bold raven.”
35. Thibodeaux – Derived from “Theobald,” meaning “brave people.”
36. Landry – From the Germanic name “Landric,” meaning “land ruler.”
37. Guidry – A French surname, possibly from “Widric,” meaning “forest power.”
38. Rousseau – Means “red-haired” or “reddish” in French.
39. LeBlanc – Translates to “the white” (possibly referring to hair or complexion).
40. Moreau – Means “dark-skinned” or “Moorish” in French.

Occupational Surnames

Many Southern last names come from old professions.

41. Carpenter – A worker who builds with wood.
42. Cooper – A maker of barrels.
43. Mason – A stoneworker or bricklayer.
44. Thatcher – A roof thatcher (straw roofer).
45. Turner – A lathe worker or woodturner.
46. Wright – A craftsman or builder (e.g., shipwright, wheelwright).
47. Shepherd – A sheep herder.
48. Potter – A maker of pottery.
49. Chandler – A candle-maker or seller.
50. Sawyer – Someone who saws wood.

Geographic & Nature-Based Surnames

Some names reflect where families lived or natural features.

51. Brooks – Someone who lived near a brook.
52. Fields – A family that lived in open fields.
53. Stone – Derived from living near a prominent stone or rocky area.
54. Woods – A family that lived near or in a forest.
55. Rivers – Someone who lived by a river.
56. Hill – A person who lived on or near a hill.
57. Forrest – Variant of “forest,” indicating woodland residence.
58. Marsh – A family from marshy land.
59. Lane – Someone who lived by a narrow road or path.
60. Bridges – A family living near a bridge.

Biblical & Virtue Names

Many Southern surnames stem from religious or moral traits.

61. King – Could denote royalty or leadership.
62. Bishop – Originally referred to a church bishop.
63. Abbott – Means “father” or “priest.”
64. Christian – Derived from the religion or given name.
65. Grace – A virtue name meaning “God’s favor.”
66. Hope – Another virtue name, symbolizing optimism.
67. Joy – Represents happiness.
68. Patience – A Puritan virtue name.
69. Noble – Indicates high moral character.
70. Justice – Reflects fairness or a judicial occupation.

Unique & Lesser-Known Southern Surnames

Some names are distinctly Southern with interesting origins.

71. Presley – Means “priest’s meadow,” popularized by Elvis.
72. Hightower – Refers to someone living near a tall tower.
73. Colquitt – Scottish origin, possibly meaning “from the wooded corner.”
74. Calhoun – From Scottish MacCallum, meaning “dove.”
75. Dix – Short for “Dixon,” meaning “son of Dick.”
76. Bledsoe – English origin, possibly meaning “dark hill.”
77. Tolliver – A variant of “Oliver,” meaning “olive tree.”
78. Ledbetter – Means “lead better” or was an occupational name.
79. Winchester – From the English city, meaning “winding camp.”
80. Carrington – Means “settlement of Cari’s people.”

Nickname-Based Surnames

Some last names originated from personal traits or shortened first names.

81. Young – Originally referred to a younger family member.
82. Long – Described someone tall or long-limbed.
83. Short – The opposite; someone of short stature.
84. White – Could describe fair hair or complexion.
85. Black – Referred to dark hair or complexion.
86. Armstrong – Meant someone with strong arms.
87. Goodman – A term for a reliable or kind man.
88. Sweet – Possibly a friendly or pleasant person.
89. Stout – Meant strong or bold.
90. Stern – Derived from strict or serious demeanor.

Native American & African Influences

Some Southern surnames reflect Indigenous or African heritage.

91. Sequoyah – Named after the Cherokee scholar who created the syllabary.
92. Tallchief – A Native American (Osage) surname.
93. Eubanks – Possibly derived from Native American or English roots.
94. Banks – Could be geographic or from African-American heritage.
95. Freeman – Often adopted by formerly enslaved people after emancipation.
96. Washington – The most common African-American surname, honoring George Washington.
97. Jefferson – Another presidential surname, popular post-emancipation.
98. Robinson – Common among both English and African-American families.
99. Jackson – Means “son of Jack,” widely used in the South.
100. Perry – Could be English or derived from African naming traditions.

Spanish & Latin Influence

Spanish surnames are common in Southern states like Texas and Florida.

101. Garcia – The most common Hispanic surname, meaning “bear.”
102. Rodriguez – Means “son of Rodrigo” (famous ruler).
103. Martinez – “Son of Martín.”
104. Hernandez – “Son of Hernando” (bold voyager).
105. Lopez – “Son of Lope” (wolf).
106. Gonzalez – “Son of Gonzalo” (battle).
107. Ramirez – “Son of Ramiro” (wise protector).
108. Flores – Means “flowers” in Spanish.
109. Vasquez – “Son of Vasco” (Basque).
110. Alvarez – “Son of Álvaro” (guardian).

Double-Barrel & Hyphenated Southern Surnames

Some Southern families have compound surnames.

111. Smith-Jones – A blend of two common names.
112. Lee-Roberts – Combining two family lines.
113. Johnson-Brown – Another popular pairing.
114. Williams-Garcia – Reflecting blended heritage.
115. Davis-Miller – Occupational and patronymic mix.
116. Taylor-King – Combining a trade name with a regal one.
117. Wilson-Clark – Merging two English surnames.
118. Moore-Thomas – A geographic and biblical mix.
119. Harris-White – Combining a patronymic with a descriptor.
120. Allen-Brooks – A first-name-based surname with a nature name.

Final Thoughts

Southern surnames are a tapestry of history, migration, and cultural blending. Whether your last name is English, Irish, German, French, or Native American, it carries a legacy that connects you to generations past.

Do you recognize any of these names in your family tree? Share your favorite Southern surnames in the comments!

Happy researching, y’all!