If you live in the South or simply love everything south of the Mason-Dixon Line, don’t just give your little one a great regional name — your baby will need a name that’s distinctly Southern, too. When you choose Southern baby names, make sure you find out the meanings behind them.
Your baby’s name can have an effect on more than just the length of her name tag — so says Kerrie Hopkins, a national onomatologist and the creator of the Name Zook site. “A baby’s name can have a direct correlation to what (the baby’s) personality is going to be and her personality traits,” says Hopkins.
Many parents in the South want baby names with both style and heritage, instead of the New Age names that you might find in a celebrity magazine. Take it from Kristin Rushowy, an education reporter and baby name columnist at the Toronto Star, who says, “Unlike celebrities who have … named their kids unusual names, regular parents just want names that will stand out the right way.” One great way to do this? Pick out Southern baby names that will really capture the essence of what it means to be Southern!
Southern Baby Names for Boys
- Atticus (AT-tuh-kiss)
Derived from the city of Athens, this name also represents Atticus Finch in the Southern-based novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
- Beau (BOH)
Meaning “handsome,” Beau also refers to the character Beau Wilkes in the classic “Gone With the Wind.”
- Boone (boon)
Signifying “good,” this country classic also represents Daniel Boone and Boone, North Carolina.
- Cash (kash)
Representing wealth and prosperity, this term is also borrowed from the singer Johnny Cash.
- Dallas (DAL-es)
Dallas, Texas, is likely the first thing you think of when you hear this name, but it also means “from the dale.”
- Grady (GRAY-dee)
This name, which means “renowned” and “of noble breeding,” is fit for a Southern gentleman.
- Harper (HAR-per)
Referring to someone who plays the harp, it also represents the (female) author of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Harper Lee.
- Macon (MAY-ken)
Borrowed from the city Macon, Georgia, use this name to remind your son of his roots.
- Rhett (rhet)
Meaning “speaker” and “advice,” it also represents the hero Rhett Butler in “Gone With the Wind.”
- Sawyer (SOY-yer or SAW-yer)
Literally meaning “wood worker,” it also brings up memories of the mischievous title character from Mark Twain’s “Tom Sawyer.”
- Vernon (VER-nuhn)
Derived from the term for an alder tree grove, it also means “youthful.”
Southern Baby Names for Girls
- Belle (behl)
Meaning “beautiful,” it’s also used to describe the typical Southern belle at a debutante’s ball.
- Bonnie (BAHN-ee)
Representing Bonnie Butler from “Gone With the Wind,” many hopeful parents may wish the meanings of “good” and “well-mannered” rub off on their future toddler.
- Charlotte (SHAR-let)
Meaning “small” or “petite,” this female version of the name Charles is also borrowed from the city of Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Clementine (KLEHM-ehn-tiyn)
A sweet name that represents a “merciful” or “gentle” character.
- Dixie (DIK-see)
This quirky name refers to the Confederate southern states.
- Georgia (JOHR-ja)
The feminine form of George, this also represents the great state of Georgia in the deep South.
- Magnolia (mag-NOH-lee-uh)
Borrowed from the magnolia tree that you can find all over the South, this pretty flower is a perfect fit for any little girl.
- Ruby (RUE-bee)
Taken from the red ruby gemstone, a vintage gem makes a charming name for a baby girl (think Pearl or Opal).
- Savannah (suh-VAN-uh)
Derived from a treeless landscape, it’s also taken from the southern coastal town of Savannah, Georgia.
- Scarlett (SKAHR-leht)
Meaning “bright red,” it also represents the heroine Scarlett O’Hara from “Gone With the Wind.”
- Willow (WILL-oh)
Named for the willow tree, this botanical moniker also symbolizes “freedom.”
Kelly Sundstrom is an award-winning journalist, author, artist and national special needs spokesperson. As the mother of twice-exceptional children, Sundstrom has been a guest speaker on Grassroots TV in Aspen, Colorado, and offers her support and advocacy to special needs families all over the country.
