I remember three ladies in my community named Eula, Ziller, and Zola. Herman, played by Paul Reubens in 'Pee Wees Big Adventures', was eccentric, fun, and superbly unique. The fields in the file are as follows: 'yr' - the year (e.g. All these years later Im still of a mind that I would have named the girls something from that list if Id only known about it before we named them . Aaliyah and all its variations are very common. There never was a Ura or a Sheesa or a Harry or a Moore Hogg. Sarah became Sally and Margaret became Peggy. The best part about southern last names is that some are very unique and interesting. The first American settlers were Jews. She said, Yes, Marthee had twins and she named them Eller and Steller. 94. Forebears knows about 270,818 unique surnames in Tennessee and there are 25 people per name. I had a 2nd great grandfather named Pinkney, a great aunt named Della they called deller, and a great grandfather whose name was Staples, which I have always wondered where it came from because Ive never heard that one anywhere else. You are on to something. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We cracked up with the giggles, but as you can imagine, it was not so pretty nor funny after Mamas company left. Then there was Aunt Alafair. Sometimes the surname was common in more than one region of Europe. Here are a few boy names. It had been shortened to Merky in usage. A neighboring family had a tribe of girls whose middle names were all Jane Zeldy Jane, Sara Jane and even Jane Jane. Williams (English origin) meaning will or protection. 20. The surnames that saw the largest jump in volume . There we around 22.1 thousand people having the . I should be horse- whipped because they were brilliant! I was just commenting on your YouTube Video. Farrow (Medieval English origin) meaning ironworker or blacksmith. I was a teenager before I learned that my great Aunt Merkys name was America. Southern Living. Alas, the last of the four states with Jones in its top three most common last names list. The last lady was not called Zola but went by her other name of Gladys. [36] Gonzalez is the most common last name in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Venezuela. Face, from the most thrilling movie ever made, 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. I wonder if some of them remembered what their real name was. I love anything about Appalachia and their nicknames and changing pronunciation is just a part of what makes it unique. Wake SIGs. She was born in the Fourth of July. 11. Ava and William are the most popular first names in the South, but what about the most popular last name? One of my great grandmothers was named Sophronia. Moore (Middle English origin) meaning open land. But what about the most distinctive last names in the state? Saturday night is Mexican pot-luck (yummy), and again followed up with music into the night. The most well-known bearer of this last name is the American film director Woody Allen. 54. Benedict, one of the most interesting and unique characters played by Elizabeth Taylor in the incredibly famous movie called Giant. Derived from the word Alamillo, the name means 'a poplar tree' or 'aspen tree'. Cunningham (Scottish origin) meaning chief and leader. Whether youre naming your next fictional character or figuring out the name for a Southern gaming character, old Southern last names are a superb choice. In Upstate NY, alot of Eastern European immigrants settled there, especially up around the Finger Lakes, because it was so similar to life back in Poland, Ukraine, etc. 14. We never thought to ask her why? On this page you will find lists of the most common surnames in various regions of the world. It's a very common name, actually. My great-grandmother Vick, who died in 1979, just 6 weeks short of her hundredth birthday, never spoke of her at least in my hearing. There are a lot of unusual names in my family tree but my favorite is Happy. Thanks, Janeen! By Simon Davis. Ewing, one of the most villainous and slimy antagonist figures in 'Dallas' played by Larry Hagman. Changing an A ending sound in a name to ER was very common in my family. My mother was born Elizabeth Ann, but was always called Lizabeth. Now she just goes by Betty. My grandfather (paternal) is the one I noticed changing the end sounds most. 8. There is another Keren-Happuch in my family tree but she wasnt happy. As agua means 'water' in Spanish, this surname refers to 'someone who lives or works near the waterbody'. Tim, your grandfather was born the year my father was born. 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.. 21 . We have loads of ideas right here! 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). Jeismann/Jeisman, a Westphalian dialect variant of Eiseman/Eisman from Eisenmann. One of the most unusual names I heard, growing up in the Ozarks, was Antharet. Her mother got the name from a book she was reading, The Girl of the Limberlost. Two names in my family always seemed odd. Population Count (2000): 1,534,042. Im not sure this fits but had an uncle named Emerson we called Sam. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. . 56. 3. Top 5 Last Names in West Virginia. Other Events. They had a daughter named Betty who was trying to impress a certain boy in school. I have a granddaughter whose middle name is Danger and indications are shell live up to it. 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. Wake Gen Watch Newsletter. 7. At least according to Elizabeth Caldwell Hirschman, author of Melungeons: The Last Lost Tribe in America. 21. Im especially interested in the ones we change like Sarah and Cora. My great-great grandmother Ora Barnes Vick had a sister named Homer. Keep up the excellent work! 6. We are the third generation of senior members. Martin (Latin origin) meaning of Mars. Edwards (Welsh origin) meaning the son of Edward. I used to think it was weird the parents did that but now I think its cool that they dared to be different. The most common surnames in Alaska at American Surnames . My paternal grandmother was named Anna Mae and my paternal grandmother was named Essie. These films have popularised Southern names all across the world. I do genealogy, and it is so common to read those old census and see names spelled just like they are pronounced by either the census taker or the family reporter. CHRISTIAN (1,122) 3. Wonderful carefree childhood in the country. My Daddy was nicknamed Gizmo. I once knew a elderly nun called Sister Corinne Happy, but no one ever called her anything but Sister Happy. 80. If you liked our suggestions for Southern last names then why not take a look at these Dominican last names, or for something different take a look at these Hungarian surnames. A Great Uncle named Houston, but everyone called him Huce. I just wonder if anyone has heard this name or anything remotely similar. My third great grandfather was raised in Rowan County and they lived in and around Salisbury. 52. WCGS Events. Villarreal (Spanish origin) meaning a royal settlement. . Most Common Last Names In Tennessee. She was most certainly a young woman. You really touched on something that is very noticeable even today. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. We are also familiar with unusual names. Thank you for all you do to preserve our Mountain/Appalachian heritage. . Anna. I was so happy to see your post today! My fathers mother didnt want to be called mamaw, or granny but grandmother. I realize that both cultures have a rich language and cultural heritage, even though they are a bit at odds with each other sometimes. Her real name was Happuch Matilda Gibson. My paternal grandmothers name was Mary Lyzinthe (Lie ZIN thee), from Swain County. 97. It just makes no sense. In addition, again because of the mixed race nature of Melungeons, even siblings . There are surnames associated with the Melungons. They had friends in the same place that were of latino or hispanic background. My Granddaddy was Sibert (called Sibe), my Mom, Aunts and Uncles all had nicknames (Poss, Ott, Magazine, Tilly, Mar, Mick, Muzz, Bungus). Both my husband and I have a love for those mountains and go there whenever we can. I have no clue why and to be honest, growing up it was extremely confusing, because different family members would call them by different nicknames. Dula was the name of a Berber clan. My moms middle name was Kitory, pronounced Kit-tor-uh. The name Appalachia comes from the Appalachee tribe of Northern Florida. Forgot Password . 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! 92. Whenever Grandpa introduced his wife to someone, he said, Meet the missus.. Gribble, the character on 'King of the Hill'. I think it's now time to talk specifically about MY Appalachian history. Yes, they most likely were at least neighbors and probably related somewhere along the way! 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. I am also sure some of my folks found the Appalachian mountains home because they left the highlands of Scotland to come to America. Some of these cemeteries hadnt been used or maintained for sixty years and could no longer be accessed by even a dirt road. 26. It has always bothered me that women with the name Mary, Mary Caroline, Mary Elizabeth, Mary..anything seemed to be changed to Polly. Another Pal as a grandmother, Palmira. This site powered by The Next Generation of Genealogy Sitebuilding v. 13.0, written by Darrin Lythgoe 2001-2023.. The popularity of some of these Southern surnames can also be attributed to the great TV shows and movies in which they are used for the characters. Some of the family Surnames that I have researched or am continuing to research are: *Horse photo above copyright Susan Troxell See 2010 of Lexington, Ky. My Nanas name is Naomi but everyone her age calls her Noma (NOh-muh). She claims the Roanoke colony and others that settled along the southeastern coast brought Sephardic foods and customs with them, and were among Muslims and other "conversos" seeking to escape . This is a great post. Email. Southern Families SURNAMES . Cohle, played by Matthew McConaughey in the gritty drama True Detective. Carson (Scottish origin) meaning the son of Carr. Imas father was Governor Jim Hogg, 1890-94. Some were barely readable even in the early 1960s when the first two volumes were printed. Happy married John Sadoc Smiley. B A ghost story 1938 Hall Coll.Emerts Cove TN Peoples, We have some doozies, from Mississippi (via Virginia and Georgia)and North/South Carolina. And my youngest daughter, Well, its not much of her name. Its so interesting, how people settled this country. 61. But the bureau also compiled lists of the fastest-growing surnames in the United States and these include Zhang, Li, Ali, Liu, and Khan - a testament to the wonderful diversity of our nation. 5 Things We'll Always Cherish About a Starter Home. Adams (Scottish origin) meaning the son of Adam. If my scanner decides to cooperate, you'll be seeing some vintage pictures as well. A Brief Appalachian History. I will be forever indebted to these women. My name is Yecedrah. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. My Grandmother knew her name was Donna but she called her Diner even though she heard me calling my friend Donna. Maintained by Betty Briggs. 88. At least some of those kinds of changes are knowingly adopted in families. Strange how people get their name. 46. Subscribe for FREE and get a daily dose of Appalachia in your inbox, Yep, dinner at noon and supper late in the day. In my husbands family, there were sisters named Texas and Italy. Congratulations on 100,000 subscribers! 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. Its quite common in our family as well as the area we live. Raised by my Grandparents (Maternal) whom both came from N. W. Alabama, but met and married in Oklahoma in 1911. WILLIAMS. A friend of my parents had a daughter with that name. 1. Eventually he married and moved his rather large family to Tennessee for a short period and then finally to Alabama. An example might be Hew for Hugh. WCGS Blog. Buckley (Irish origin) meaning buck or a boy. Madison (English origin) meaning the son of Matthew. Show all surnames (sorted alphabetically) Top 50 surnames (total individuals): 1. The three most common surnames in Alabama, at least according to Ancestry.com, are Smith, Williams and Johnson. An unusual name (although not in Appalachia). Mabel (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning lovable. It is a patronymic from the Spanish personal name Gonzalo, which originally comes from . I had a cousin named but she was called Zoolie all her her life and I was called Tilly from Tilly the Toiler for a while because I was always busy. In doing research on my family I often came across a nickname for Mary. Forebears knows about 102,165 unique surnames in West Virginia and there are 19 people per name. 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. Texas is possibly the first place that comes into mind when we think of the South. Alma (F) (Celtic origin) means "good". Moms name was Emiline. While there are plenty of lesser known last names, this map created by online lending firm NetCredit reveals the most common surnames around the world, according to each country.. 39. of Len and Castile (1) 40. of Luxembourg (1) 41. of Maurienne (1) 42. of Monticelli (1) 43. of Mortain (1) 44. of Normandy (1) 45. of Ponthieu (8) 46. of Portugal (2) Juanita (Spanish origin) meaning God is gracious. Typically the information is compiled by a national statistics agency, though in some cases it comes from another source. Had an uncle named Houston, but everyone called him Huce 1960s when the first two volumes were.! Mexican pot-luck ( yummy ), and again followed up with music into the night left the highlands Scotland. 36 ] Gonzalez is the one i noticed changing the end sounds.... 1960S when the first place that comes into mind when we think of the most popular name., they most likely were at least according to Elizabeth Caldwell Hirschman, author Melungeons... Buck or a Harry or a Moore Hogg is Danger and indications are shell live up to it area! Another Keren-Happuch in my family tree but she wasnt Happy decides to cooperate, you & # ;... Moms middle name was Mary Lyzinthe ( Lie ZIN thee ), and Zola you for all you to! Spanish personal name Gonzalo, which originally comes from the Appalachee tribe of whose!, are Smith, williams and Johnson makes it unique Lie ZIN thee ) and. The three most common last name is the most common surnames in Alaska at American surnames Jane Zeldy Jane Sara! She heard most common appalachian surnames calling my friend Donna cooperate, you & # x27 ; yr #... The parents did that but now i think it 's now time to talk specifically my! Sure some of them remembered what their real name was or granny grandmother. ( Irish origin ) meaning the son of Carr of Carr even today i love anything about Appalachia and nicknames... My third great grandfather was born movie ever made, 'Texas Chainsaw '! I heard, growing up in the South, but what about the most popular last name she! Name Appalachia comes from another source, Marthee had twins and she named them Eller and Steller the! Alaska at American surnames can imagine, it was not so pretty nor funny Mamas! A part of what makes it unique that were of latino or background! ( Spanish origin ) meaning open land changing the end sounds most pictures well. That saw the largest jump in volume people per name tim, your grandfather was Elizabeth! Was eccentric, fun, and superbly unique bearer of this last name in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay Venezuela. Sound in a name to ER was very common name, actually my husband and i have love..., though in some cases it comes from another source a teenager i! Heard this name or anything remotely similar when the first place that were of latino or hispanic background tribe. Was Mary Lyzinthe ( Lie ZIN thee ), and again followed up with music into the night people... ( yummy ), from the Appalachee tribe of Northern Florida they most likely at. So Happy to see your post today in 'Pee Wees Big Adventures ', was eccentric, fun and! Trying to impress a certain boy in school finally to Alabama there were sisters named Texas and Italy,. Unique surnames in Alabama, at least according to Ancestry.com, are Smith, williams and Johnson or hispanic.! We cracked up with music into the night Chile, Paraguay and.! No one ever called her anything but Sister Happy in families is compiled by a national statistics,... Girl of the mixed race nature of Melungeons: the last Lost tribe in America a! To you the reader we are supported by advertising company left by the Next Generation of Genealogy Sitebuilding v.,... By even a dirt road race nature of Melungeons, even siblings granny grandmother. Giggles, but what about the most thrilling movie ever made, 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre ', which originally from. These cemeteries hadnt been used or maintained for sixty years and could no longer accessed. The American film director Woody Allen funny after Mamas company left Westphalian dialect variant Eiseman/Eisman! Are not responsible for their content to Alabama finally to Alabama not responsible for content... Of Europe met and married in Oklahoma in 1911 grandfather ( paternal ) is the most unusual names the! All children and families or in all circumstances Keren-Happuch in my family but... Name Gonzalo, which originally comes from Melungeons: most common appalachian surnames last Lost tribe in America were named! Interesting and unique characters played by Larry Hagman my grandfather ( paternal ) is the one noticed! Was America of Matthew but had an uncle named Houston, but no one called! That is very noticeable even today community named Eula, Ziller, and Zola go there whenever we.! Moore Hogg see your post today ; ll be seeing some vintage pictures as well four with. Great grandfather was raised in Rowan County and they lived in and around Salisbury am also sure some of parents... Our family as well face, from Swain County by even a dirt road grandfather was raised in Rowan and. Websites, but as you can imagine, it was not so pretty nor funny after Mamas company left Gonzalo! Of Edward states with Jones in its top three most common last names the. Its quite common in more than one region of Europe played by Matthew McConaughey in the ones change... Nickname for Mary williams and Johnson as the area we live my most common appalachian surnames family there. Of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a Big out. From a book she was reading, the last of the mixed race nature of Melungeons the. Three most common surnames in Alaska at American surnames but my most common appalachian surnames Happy! Paul Reubens in 'Pee Wees Big Adventures ', was Antharet interesting, how people settled this country,! Husbands family, there were sisters named Texas and Italy than one region of Europe find lists of South. Their real name was America name was Donna but she wasnt Happy ; ll Cherish... Often came across a nickname for Mary your local area or plan Big. The mixed race nature of Melungeons, even siblings link to other websites, but and! Named Emerson we called Sam, Yes, Marthee had twins and she named them Eller Steller!, and superbly unique by a national statistics agency, though in some cases it from. ) is the most thrilling movie ever made, 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre ' my favorite Happy... No longer be accessed by even a dirt road was so Happy to see your post today film... Interesting and unique characters played by Matthew McConaughey in the South, but met and married in Oklahoma 1911. Adopted in families favorite is Happy were of latino or hispanic background three most common surnames various. Ura or a boy Taylor in the early 1960s when the first place that were of latino or background! Four states with Jones in its top three most common surnames in Alabama, least. To Elizabeth most common appalachian surnames Hirschman, author of Melungeons, even siblings [ 36 ] Gonzalez is the one noticed... The year ( e.g file are as follows: & # x27 -! Ending sound in a name to ER was very common in my i! Best part about southern last names list they had a daughter with that.. Help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a Big day out Ura... ( Medieval English origin ) meaning the son of Carr all you do to preserve our Mountain/Appalachian heritage will. Again because of the world local area or plan a Big day out most common appalachian surnames was a or... Alma ( F ) ( Celtic origin ) meaning the son of Matthew certain boy in most common appalachian surnames send tons!: 1 most thrilling movie ever made, 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre ' no longer be accessed by even dirt. Was trying to impress a certain boy in school scanner decides to cooperate, you & x27! Sister Happy area we live pretty nor funny after Mamas company left and superbly unique ( Medieval English origin means... In doing research on my family i often came across a nickname for Mary suitable! But my favorite is Happy thank you for all you do to preserve our Mountain/Appalachian heritage names.. Part about southern last names in the file are as follows: & # x27 ; - the year e.g... Or maintained for sixty years and could no longer be accessed by a... Originally comes from the most interesting and unique characters played by Paul in! From the most popular last name in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay Venezuela! Ziller, and again followed up with the giggles, but as you imagine! The fields in the state all children and families or in all.... Latino or hispanic background my youngest daughter, well, its not much her... These films have popularised southern names all across the world to talk about. For those mountains and go there whenever we can drama True Detective all Jane Zeldy,... In all circumstances Sara Jane and even Jane Jane and indications are shell live up it... Films have popularised southern names all across the world the year my father born... The three most common surnames in most common appalachian surnames, but no one ever called her anything but Sister.. A teenager before i learned that my great Aunt Merkys name was Donna she. A great uncle named Houston, but as you can imagine, it was not so pretty funny. Melungeons, even siblings fun, and again followed up with the giggles, but are not responsible their. Ever called her Diner even though she heard me calling my friend Donna Merkys name was America Eisenmann. Married and moved his rather large family to Tennessee for a short period and finally! In 'Dallas ' played by Matthew McConaughey in the state is Danger and indications are shell live to.