Southern baby names are linked with images of magnolias in bloom, front porch swings, and sweet tea-filled conversations across generations. So it’s no surprise that classic and traditional Southern names are as popular as ever!
This list of Southern baby boy and baby girl names carry a sense of history, heritage, and a Southern hospitality. Whether you’re a native or simply a fan of Southern charm, join us on a journey through the most beloved baby names from the Southern states.

The top Southern baby girl names
1. Savannah
Meaning: Flat tropical grassland
Savannah is a classic Southern baby name that’s also the name of a coastal city in Georgia.
2. Magnolia
Meaning: Tree
Magnolia is the name of a flowering tree commonly found in the South, symbolizing beauty and perseverance.
Read Next: Whispers of Nature: Top 30 Baby Girl Names Inspired by Trees

3. Scarlett
Meaning: Red
Inspired by Scarlett O’Hara, the iconic Southern belle from ‘Gone with the Wind’, the name ‘Scarlett’ – or ‘Scarlet’ – is a classic Southern baby name for girls.
4. Dixie
Meaning: Derived from the Latin word for ‘ten’
Dixie is a popular Southern name that’s derived from the Latin word for ten dollar note.
5. Georgia
Meaning: Farmer
Georgia is the name of a southern US state and it means ‘farmer’ or ‘tiller of the soil’.
6. Carolina
Meaning: Free man
Inspired by the Southern states of North and South Carolina, ‘Carolina’ means ‘free man’.

7. Delta
Meaning: ‘Island’
The Southern girl name Delta means ‘island’ and represents change and transformation.
8. Annabelle
Meaning: ‘loving’
Annabelle is a classic Southern name with a beautiful meaning: ‘loving’. It’s often associated with charm and grace – the perfect sentiments to pass on to your little one.
Read Next: 50 Unique Baby Names That Mean Warmth for Boys and Girls
9. Harper
Meaning: Harp player
Originally a surname, Harper has become a popular Southern-inspired name, especially after the birth of Victoria and David Beckham’s daughter, Harper. The name means ‘harp player’.
10. Clementine
Meaning: Merciful
Clementine is an unusual but sweet Southern name meaning ‘merciful’.
11. Loretta
Meaning: Laurel tree
Loretta is a timeless Southern name linked with elegance and victory. It means ‘laurel tree’.

12. Alabama
Meaning: Gatherer
Named after the Southern state, Alabama is of Native American origin and means ‘gatherer’.
13. Shelby
Meaning: Willow farm
Shelby is a charming Southern name with English roots. It means ‘willow farm’.
14. Lorelei
Meaning: Alluring chantress
Inspired by the mythological siren, Lorelei means ‘alluring chantress’ in German. It’s pronounced ‘LOR-UH-LIE’.
15. Tallulah
Meaning: Leaping water
Tallulah is a classic Southern girl name that means ‘leaping water’ in Native American.
Read Next: Baby Names Inspired by the Nature for Boys and Girls

16. Virginia
Meaning: Maiden
Named after the Southern state, Virginia means ‘maiden’. The state of Virginia is known as the ‘Mother of Presidents’, given that 8 US presidents were born there!
17. Dolly
Meaning: Gift of God
Dolly is a short form of Dorothy meaning ‘gift of God’. The name exudes Southern sweetness and charm!
Read Next: Baby Names That Mean Soul: Discovering Deeply Meaningful Names for Your Child
18. Delilah
Meaning: Delicate
Delilah is a Southern name with Hebrew roots. It means ‘delicate’.

19. Arabella
Meaning: Yielding to prayer
Derived from the Latin word ‘orabilis’, Arabella means ‘yielding to prayer’. It’s an elegant Southern name for a little girl.
Read More: 80 Beautiful Baby Names Meaning ‘Blessing from God’ and Their Origins
20. Hazel
Meaning: Hazel tree
Derived from the hazelnut tree, Hazel is a Southern name associated with wisdom and protection.
21. Juniper
Meaning: Juniper tree
Named after the evergreen shrub, Juniper is a unique and nature-inspired Southern name.

22. Marigold
Meaning: Golden flower
Named after the vibrant plant, Marigold is a Southern name linked with optimism and joy – beautiful sentiments to pass on to a brand new baby girl!
The top Southern baby boy names
23. Mason
Meaning: Stone worker
Mason is a strong Southern name with a touch of craftsmanship. It means ‘stone worker’.
24. Beau
Meaning: Handsome
A French word meaning ‘handsome’, Beau is often used in the Southern states as a name for boys.

25. Wyatt
Meaning: Brave in war
Wyatt is a rugged Southern name meaning ‘brave in war’.
26. Hunter
Meaning: One who hunts
Hunter is a popular Southern name that symbolizes strength and skill.
Read Next: Top 40 Powerful Baby Names That Signify Perseverance and Strength
27. Jackson
Meaning: Son of Jack
This classic Southern name means ‘son of Jack’.
28. Sawyer
Meaning: Woodcutter
The name Sawyer is linked with Southern landscapes and craftsmanship.

29. Cash
Meaning: Prosperity
Cash is a classic Southern name with an edge. It’s the perfect choice for a unique baby boy!
30. Rhett
Meaning: To speak
Inspired by Rhett Butler from ‘Gone with the Wind’, this classic Southern name exudes charm and sophistication.
31. Colt
Meaning: Young horse
Symbolizing strength and power, Colt is a rugged Southern name that’s often linked with the Wild West.
Read Next: Uncover 40 Resilient Baby Names That Mean ‘Perseverance’
32. Walker
Meaning: Cloth-thickener
Meaning ‘cloth-thickener’, Walker is a strong Southern name for a brand new baby boy.

33. Jedidiah
Meaning: Beloved of the Lord
Jedidiah is a traditional Southern boy name with biblical roots. It’s pronounced ‘JED-A-DIE-AH’.
Read Next: The Top Exceptional and Unique Baby Names for Your Little Boy or Girl
34. Beauregard
Meaning: Beautiful
Beauregard means ‘beautiful’ and is a noble and elegant Southern name. It’s pronounced ‘BO-RAH-GARD’. It was a name popularized in the Southern states during the antebellum era in America.
35. Colton
Meaning: From the coal or dark town
Colton is a rugged Southern name with English origins.
36. Forrest
Meaning: Forest dweller
Derived from the Old French word ‘forest’, Forrest is a nature-inspired Southern name.
37. Tucker
Meaning: Fabric pleater
Tucker is a charming and popular Southern name with English roots. It means ‘fabric pleater’.

38. Augustus
Meaning: Great
Augustus is a regal Southern name that means ‘great’ – just like the brand new baby boy in your family!
39. Marshall
Meaning: Keeper of horses
Marshall is a timeless Southern name with English origins. It means ‘keeper of horses’.
Read Next: Timeless Old Money Boy Names with Origins and Meanings
40. Montgomery
Meaning: Man power
Montgomery is a traditional Southern baby boy name that will stand the test of time. It means ‘man power’, symbolizing strength and bravery.
Conclusion
All of the Southern baby names on this list are rich in history, character and warmth. Each name will stand the test of time, passing deep and beautiful meanings on to the brand new little one in your family.


Whether you’re a Southern belle or a city slicker, you’ll find inspiration in the timelessness of Southern baby names.
And if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our roundup of the best nature-inspired baby names, baby names that mean ‘angel’ and vintage baby names.