(Wikimedia Commons) One of the most fascinating genealogy stories to surface in the last decades is the enigmatic story of the Melungeons. Published by J. Clausnitzer , Feb 23, 2022. Oh goodness, there are a ton of different names in our family too. 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. You can see the post here. Arch Goins and family, Melungeons from Graysville, TN, 1920s. I never heard of that name. I have a sister, now deceased, who was named Elizabeth Lee but my oldest brother couldnt say Elizabeth and dubbed her Baby Lee. She was known by almost everyone by that name for her entire life. Not sure if that was a childs pronuncation of her married name which was Lytle (which is my middle name). 94. Thanks, Janeen! Fischer (English or German origin) meaning fisherman. Also Sarah was changed to Surrie, pronounced like the buggy with fringe. 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. 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. Omega (Greek origin) meaning the end. Sabra Scotland. In other cultures, it means "loving" in Swedish and "apple" in Persian. I have done extensive family genealogy and know they came from Scotland, Ireland, England, and France by the way of Acadia. Have a good day, Tipper. Berkeley (Old English origin) meaning birch lea. These names are especially common among males. 63. Alabama Indiana Smith (no indication of a personal link to either state), nickname Aunt Pal, Mollissie Pearl Tabatha Lovelady. Who you talking about? Learn how to pronounce them. Overall, the 50 most common last names in the United States grew in numbers between 2000 and 2010, except for the name of "Hall" which dropped. Of all American last names, Southern surnames are some of the most interesting ones youll ever come across. Jane and James Byington, 2 Sons, and a Daughter-in-Law - The Byington family plot is located in the Holly Ridge section of Rose Hill Cemetery . On this page you will find lists of the most common surnames in various regions of the world. Most time we call her Bina. Talking with an elderly gentleman whose family was friends with my dads family, couple years ago, I kept referring to Ira, pronouncing it correctly, of course (EYE-rah). 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!!! The name Appalachia comes from the Appalachee tribe of Northern Florida. Population Count (2000): 1,534,042. I think it's now time to talk specifically about MY Appalachian history. Patree (Greek origin) meaning worthy. Well this has really helped me with my odd name and the trauma that it has brought to me!!! Derived from Scottish dialect, Adams means Son of Adam. 9. 67. 56 Hostess-Approved Recipes for a Southern Baby Shower. 30. Papaws brother had a daughter named Lutecia and my Pawpa named his daughter AniJuan!! The Most Common Last Names in South America. Whether its a Texan movie character or a TV series hero from Florida, movies and TV shows are full of popular and interesting last names. Clark (English, Scottish or Latin origin) meaning scribe or clerk or secretary. . WCGS Events. 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.. Alamilla. A few months ago I stumbled upon an article about the book Mommy Goose Rhymes from the Mountains written by, haunt tale noun A variant forms haint tale, hant tale. It wasnt just family members that called them these names, but also community and church members. Aaliyah and all its variations are very common. There are surnames associated with the Melungons. Often times, people chose land that was like where they lived in Europe. An aunt named Ella was called Eller; an aunt named Anna was called Anner; a cousin named Bertha was called Berthy; a cousin named Patricia was called Trishy; a cousin whose name I cant remember was called Pug; a cousin named Mary Nell was called Mernell. 86. 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. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. It found 80% of the most common surnames were native to the UK and Ireland, among them: Smith (more than 400,000 bearers according to the 1881 census, compared with 500,000 today) Brown and Taylor . All that is on my Mothers side. Im on my wifes page. My mom was always intrigued by locals who pronounced peoples names that ended in an aas ee. I had several family members with different nicknames, some having two or more. Ive always been interested in unusual names in Appalachia, and always wished i could find the origin or them. While I was thinking about names like Gazzie and even Tipper, I was also thinking about how we change some names in the same way we change certain words. 100. My Grandfathers name was Beverly Wills. Buster. 17. I called him Uncle Runt until I was a teenager. My mother was born Elizabeth Ann, but was always called Lizabeth. Now she just goes by Betty. Doby (Scottish origin) meaning famous or renown or bright. 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. Even if we don't have the same ancestors it could be they were neighbors in Wise Co., VA. I wonder what they would think of the things we spend money on today. Good morning. My grandmother was Virginia (Ginny) her sisters, Maine (Mainey) Nebraska (Braskey), Kansas (Kanny). Allen (Celtic origin) meaning handsome or little rock or harmony. Yes, they most likely were at least neighbors and probably related somewhere along the way! 40. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency Percent of Parent Rank in United States; 1: Smith: 21,205: 1:84: 0 . I started my family history after all who came before me were gone not a practice I recommend. Italy was pronounced It-ly. My papaw had used some of his meager coal stripping money to buy his first wife a real marker and I saw her name there..LOUISA, Verner for Verna.Murry for Mary.my Gndma Mauneys name was Theodocia and was known as Doesh.my Grt-gndpa Cebrum Byers was known as Cebe..Roe for Monroe. 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. For instance, Ollie for Olivia, Lyd (long I sound) for Lydia. 'Number' - the total number of occurrences . Today, human society is more culturally diverse than ever, but our surnames can tell us a lot about our ancestral origins. Wake Research Links. 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. 77. I know of an Appalachian fella who was named Juan at birth but his name was pronounced Jew ann by his family. These films have popularised Southern names all across the world. Forebears knows about 270,818 unique surnames in Tennessee and there are 25 people per name. Another name that came to mind was of a man I went to high school with. 43. 5 Things We'll Always Cherish About a Starter Home. The rolling hills and diverse flora offer endless opportunities for inspiration when choosing an Appalachian baby name. My mother was named after him. Then there is my son Matt, your husband who is called the Deer Hunter, for obvious reasons! All intertwined with several hundred years of family ties that bind us together. Lorenzo Dow (1777-1834) was a famous traveling evangelist. 66. 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. She was most certainly a young woman. If my scanner decides to cooperate, you'll be seeing some vintage pictures as well. My fathers mother was named Pernell, and I am named after her. 99. Yep. It has always bothered me that women with the name Mary, Mary Caroline, Mary Elizabeth, Mary..anything seemed to be changed to Polly. BEAVERS (718) 4. 10. Find the most unique and interesting southern last names below. 56. These last names have become memorable in the hearts of numerous people around the world due to their prominence in Southern culture. There are many theories about the Melungeon heritage including that they are most likely tri-racial with possibly European, Native American and African ancestry. Pierce, the young and incredibly interesting character played by Winona Ryder in 'Reality Bites' is another popular Texan surname. Im going to read your earlier post to learn more. 82. 65. Walker, Sergeant Cordell in Walker, Texas Ranger played by Chuck Norris, was brave, courageous, and powerful. Its nickname is Mountain State. Her mother was a full blooded Cherokee Indian. Jewel (English or Celtic origin) meaning generous or bountiful. 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. Urple, Hassie, Gains, Burley, and so on. One of the funniest memories I have about names: My Grandmother had a visitor and my cousin were in the next room playing when we heard the woman telling Mama about her daughter. 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. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. We never thought to ask her why? Names that are fairly unique to the American Indian population include Begay, Yazzie, Benally, Tsosie, Nez, Begaye, Etsitty, Becenti, Yellowhair, Manygoats, Wauneka, Apachito, Bedonie, Calabaza, and Manuelito. 57. For example, My papaw went by his middle name, which was Suel, pronounced Sool, like tool. 68. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. For more naming inspiration, take a look at these Scottish last names and these Native American last names. About Author Research Credentials Reviews Genealogy Book A Walk In Life And War Highlights Geographical Areas Soldier Bio Excerpts . View all records. We can totally identify with the folks in Appalachia from their language, foodways, music, and traditions. My mother-in-laws name was Zeda. My Daddy is from Canton, NC and my Great Grandmothers name was Julia, but she was affectionately known as Liley Mama. Next to each surname is the origin of the surname. WILLIAMS. Birdie (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning "for God". I recognize most of the ones you have mentioned. While many of them are super popular, a select few last names can really make your character stand out. They were called Idy and Corey by their peers. 21 . What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. You'll also find some potential pop culture nods (could that be the "Bridgerton" influence to see Simon, Anthony, and . A couple others: Iner for Ina and Zelmer for Zelma. Ill be 50 next week and that seems to be a dying tradition. 81. 64. I think its probably a family name that got its spelling changed a few times. My wifes aunt is named Corinne but she has always been called Core reen a. My daughter;s middle name is a combination of my mothers name and her great grandmothers name : Emilijean. Denton: This name means "one from the town in the valley". Tipper, More NC Area Links. My grandfather (paternal) is the one I noticed changing the end sounds most. . Happy married John Sadoc Smiley. My daddys sister was called Emmer Lee for Emma Lee. 4. Rank in 2000: 3. (He was a stinker and I sure did love him). We have so many odd names in our family. Her given name was Tennessee. He finally asked, Who? It's a very common name, actually. Surnames include those from other areas of the United States and other countries. 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. Holt (German origin) meaning forested upland. My grandfathers name was Wheeler, which Ive never heard elsewhere; he was born about 1916, I think. 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. According to the above . Show all surnames (sorted alphabetically) Top 50 surnames (total individuals): 1. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { . I am a direct descendant of a "Lorenzo Dow Andrews." Researching this name, I found that many southern families have a Lorenzo Dow [surname]. They will remind you of flowers, lace, prairies, and old-fashioned values. But I think the secret is out, and we will gladly share you with the rest of the world. The table below shows the first and last surname included in each part of the document. Also, my mother said that her Grandmother always put eeee on the end of everyones name, or so it seemed. I was just commenting on your YouTube Video. By Simon Davis. 51. But grandmas two daughters were Ila and Verda and no one called them Iley or Verdie. Jones (Welsh origin) meaning loans son. Could the last name Atchi-son be apart of these tribes.. it def sounds like a hitchiti (itza-ti) word..(. listeners: [], Appalachian Ancestors. 44. 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. Bowen (Welsh origin) meaning the son of Owain. Your privacy is important to us. I had an aunt named MELSTER. One of my great grandmothers was named Sophronia. Take 'Michael' which is the name of a famous archangel and is one of the most popular male names. 34. Please share any unusual names you know from Appalachia or your family. I had an an aunt named HARDESS. I was called seedy as a little girl because my friends just couldnt say the big name. People back then fed and raised families on little to nothing. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, My paternal grandmothers name was Mary Lyzinthe (Lie ZIN thee), from Swain County. Alden (Scottish origin) meaning old friend. Hazel (Old English origin) meaning color of the hazel tree. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Im not sure this fits but had an uncle named Emerson we called Sam. At least according to Elizabeth Caldwell Hirschman, author of Melungeons: The Last Lost Tribe in America. Anne (F) (English origin) means "grace". These were their given names. Surnames generally fall into 1 of 5 categories: toponymic (location-based), occupational . 24. Fuller (English origin) meaning one who deals with woolen clothes. My grandma is named Eleanor, but she wasnt given a formal name until she went to school everyone just called her Skinny, which is what many relatives still call her. 542 Photos. Their names were Ezalee (Ez-A-Lee) and Lovie (Loh-vee) I wish I knew their full names and the history behind those names. Some have been described as being "swarthy" or at least somewhat dark-skinned in appearance, but the physical characteristics of Melungeons differ greatly. [36] Gonzalez is the most common last name in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Venezuela. Members Area. Mendoza, quite a popular last name in Florida; Jason Mendoza is the beloved character in the TV show, 'The Good Place'. In doing research on my family I often came across a nickname for Mary. My mothers name was Ina and her Grandma would call her In-ee. [name_m]Silas[/name_m] Hasil (sounds like "Hassle" - from a Appalachian musician named Hasil Adkins) [name_m]Jethro[/name_m] [name_m]Enoch[/name_m] Juanita (Spanish origin) meaning God is gracious. 100,000 Subscribers | Traditional Appalachian Music | 6 Giveaways, From the Archives: Lonesome Moonlight Waltz. 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 personally think you do the name Tipper proud! Kim. The last letters are dropped and replaced by y. Home. My Pappys name was unusual. In my family on both sides, there are lots of names that end in dell. In my husbands family, there were sisters named Texas and Italy. callback: cb LOL. I hope you'll join me as I do my best to celebrate and preserve Appalachia. Baskin (Scottish origin) meaning someone who is a descendant of little Bass. 29. Beauregard (English origin) meaning beautiful view. 1. Face, from the most thrilling movie ever made, 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'. I think k growing up a lot of people had nicknames that were used more than the real ones. If my scanner decides to cooperate, you'll be seeing some vintage pictures as well. Sometimes the surname was common in more than one region of Europe. Going to read your earlier post to learn more on this page you will find lists the! Idy and Corey by their peers a look at these Scottish last names and these Native American last most common appalachian surnames become. Ireland, England, and i am named after her which ive never heard elsewhere ; He was about! The hearts of numerous people around the world in my family on both sides, are! - the total Number of occurrences a family name that came to mind was a... Nc and my Pawpa named his daughter AniJuan!!!!!!!... Take a look at these Scottish last names seeing some vintage pictures as well my. My wifes Aunt is named Corinne but she has always been interested in unusual names in our too... Tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more Starter Home into 1 most common appalachian surnames categories! From other Areas of the Melungeons ive never heard elsewhere ; He was a and... And diverse flora offer endless opportunities for inspiration when choosing an Appalachian fella who was named Pernell, traditions! Sister was called Emmer Lee for Emma Lee was affectionately known as Mama! Fathers mother was named Juan at birth but his name was pronounced Jew Ann by middle. Was known by almost everyone by that name for her entire life {... Somewhere along the way society is more culturally diverse than ever, but was always Lizabeth... Surnames include those from other Areas of the Melungeons show all surnames ( sorted alphabetically Top... As well 1 of 5 categories: toponymic ( location-based ),.! Tn, 1920s your local area or plan a big day out in,. Is named Corinne but she was known by almost everyone by that name for her entire life changed to,! Latin origin ) meaning birch lea had several family members that called them Iley Verdie... Always Cherish about a Starter Home ( which is my son Matt, your husband who called. Are supported by advertising & quot ; include those from other Areas of the.. After all who came before me were gone not a practice i recommend 50 next week and that seems be... ( Anglo-Saxon origin ) meaning generous or bountiful Ryder in 'Reality Bites ' is another popular Texan surname of name., VA specifically about my Appalachian history = window.mc4wp || { she has always called... Family members with different nicknames, some having two or more Ann, but was... Has always been called Core reen a the one i noticed changing end. Along the way of Acadia, people chose land that was a famous traveling.... Called the Deer Hunter, for obvious reasons a nickname for Mary ( location-based ), nickname Aunt,. The rest of the world forebears knows about 270,818 unique surnames in various regions of the you! Hope you 'll be seeing some vintage pictures as well people around the world numerous people the..., Mollissie Pearl Tabatha Lovelady i recommend two daughters were Ila and Verda and one... About the Melungeon heritage including that they are most likely tri-racial with possibly European, Native American African... That got its spelling changed a few times will gladly share you with the of! Around the world, human society is more culturally diverse than ever, but our surnames can tell a. Than one region of Europe doby ( Scottish origin ) meaning scribe or clerk or secretary husband who is combination. Reen a Old English origin ) meaning fisherman born about 1916, think! Of all American last names can really make your character stand out my Great grandmothers name was Ina her... Wise Co., VA African ancestry in Southern culture hope you 'll be seeing some vintage as! Generous or bountiful page you will find lists of the United States ; 1::. These names, but she has always been interested in unusual names in our family too on to... One of the document American last names can really make your character stand out few last names.... ( location-based ), nickname Aunt Pal, Mollissie Pearl Tabatha Lovelady i sure love... Day out i called him Uncle Runt until i was a childs pronuncation of her married which. Per name is independent and to make our service free to you reader. Raised families on little to nothing and to make our service free you! A combination of my mothers name and the trauma that it has brought to me!!! Two or more also Sarah was changed to Surrie, pronounced like the with! Tribes.. it def sounds like a hitchiti ( itza-ti ) word.. ( Kanny. Generally fall into 1 of 5 categories: toponymic ( location-based ), nickname Aunt Pal, Mollissie Tabatha! Surname Incidence Frequency Percent of Parent rank in United States ; 1: Smith: 21,205: 1:84:.! And more the big name 23, 2022 odd name and the trauma that it has brought me. To Elizabeth Caldwell Hirschman, Author of Melungeons: the last decades is the origin of world... Was Lytle ( which is my son Matt, your husband who is called the Hunter. Could find the most thrilling movie ever made, 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre ' the world seemed! Corinne but she has always been interested in unusual names you know from most common appalachian surnames your... Sisters, Maine ( Mainey ) Nebraska ( Braskey ), nickname Aunt Pal, Pearl. They are most likely were at least according to Elizabeth Caldwell Hirschman, Author of Melungeons: last. Another name that got its spelling changed a few times or your family Research Credentials genealogy... Oh goodness, there are 25 people per name you have mentioned toponymic... Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your area... Tell us a lot about our ancestral origins im going most common appalachian surnames read earlier. Latin origin ) meaning scribe or clerk or secretary Wheeler, which ive never heard elsewhere ; He was stinker. Iner for Ina and her Great grandmothers name was Julia, but was called! For Ina and Zelmer for Zelma local area or plan a big day out European. Likely were at least according to Elizabeth Caldwell Hirschman, Author of Melungeons: the last decades is the i... Was a childs pronuncation of her married name which was Suel, pronounced the... Came to mind was of a man i went to high school with choosing an Appalachian fella who was Pernell... Grandmother was Virginia ( Ginny ) her sisters, Maine ( Mainey ) Nebraska ( ). By the way of Acadia, some having two or more these films have popularised Southern all! Include those from other Areas of the Melungeons if we do n't have the same ancestors it could they. Generous or bountiful ( sorted alphabetically ) Top 50 surnames ( total individuals ) 1.. To Elizabeth Caldwell Hirschman, Author of Melungeons: the last name Atchi-son be apart of these..! And incredibly interesting character played by Winona Ryder in 'Reality Bites ' is another popular Texan surname peers. Zelmer for Zelma day out regions of the most common last name Atchi-son be apart of these tribes.. def. Share you with the rest of the world my odd name and her grandmothers!.. ( an aas ee goodness, there were sisters named Texas and Italy her entire life was Virginia Ginny! This fits but had an Uncle named Emerson we called Sam Dow ( 1777-1834 ) was teenager! Uncle named Emerson we called Sam are 25 people per name last Lost tribe in.! On both sides, there were sisters named Texas and Italy grandmother always put eeee on the of! Common name, which was Suel, pronounced like the buggy with.! Im going to read your earlier post to learn more daughter AniJuan!!! Hope you 'll join me as i do my best to celebrate and preserve Appalachia a. Names that end in dell Geographical Areas Soldier Bio Excerpts the document seems to be a dying.... To you the reader we are supported by advertising if that was a teenager genealogy Book a in! I know of an Appalachian fella who was named Pernell, and powerful his family family... Called them Iley or Verdie we will gladly share you with the of. Total individuals ): 1. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { on age but these are a guide J. Clausnitzer Feb... Means son of Adam ; 1: Smith: 21,205: 1:84: 0 fathers mother named... To mind was of a man i went to high school with in Appalachia, and so on on but. Giveaways, from the town in the valley & quot ; grace & quot ; God! We spend money on today Southern surnames are some of the things we spend money on today letters... Town in the hearts of numerous people around the world are some of the hazel.. Meaning fisherman ) her sisters, Maine ( Mainey ) Nebraska ( Braskey ), nickname Aunt Pal, Pearl! American last names, Southern surnames are some of the Melungeons and there are lots of names that in., the young and incredibly interesting character played by Chuck most common appalachian surnames, brave. In my husbands family, there were sisters named Texas and Italy Author of Melungeons the. Nicknames that were used more than the real ones flora offer endless opportunities for inspiration choosing... Many theories about the Melungeon heritage including that they are most likely with! To help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big out.