Ahead: A hand-picked list of the best southern names for baby boys.

This enormous list of southern boy names is inspired by geographical locations in the South, country music stars, athletes, famous characters, and historical figures.

Related: Southern Girl Names

Country Boy Names

These country names for boys have an undeniably southern ring to them.

Austin

• Name meaning: Magnificent.
• Popularity: #101

Colton

• Name meaning: From the coal town.
• Popularity: #94

Curtis

• Name meaning: Polite.
• Popularity: #904

Dallas

• Name meaning: Skilled.
• Popularity: #252

Dalton

• Name meaning: Valley settlement.
• Popularity: #513

Deacon

• Name meaning: Messenger.
• Popularity: #534

Declan

• Name meaning: Man of prayer.
• Popularity: #132

Dixon

• Name meaning: Son of Richard.
• Popularity: This southern D name isn’t ranked in the top 1000.

Easton

• Name meaning: East facing place.
• Popularity: #96

Garrison

• Name meaning: Son of Garret.
• Popularity: This southern G name isn’t ranked in the top 1000.

Garth

• Name meaning: Groundskeeper.
• Popularity: This southern baby name isn’t ranking.

Gatlin

• Name meaning: Wandering man.
• Popularity: #806

Gentry

• Name meaning: Aristocracy.
• Popularity: This southern baby name isn’t ranking.

Granger

• Name meaning: Granary worker.
• Popularity: This southern baby name isn’t ranking.

Huck

• Name meaning: Huckleberry.
• Popularity: This German name isn’t ranking.

Jackson

• Name meaning: Son of Jack.
• Popularity: #28

Related: Middle Names for Jackson

Landon

• Name meaning: Long hill.
• Popularity: #97

Oakley

• Name meaning: Oak wood.
• Popularity: This O name ranks #396 for boys and #153 for girls.

Sawyer

• Name meaning: Wood cutter.
• Popularity: #127

Tanner

• Name meaning: Leather tanner.
• Popularity: #430

Travis

• Name meaning: Toll keeper.
• Popularity: #553

Trevor

• Name meaning: From the large village.
• Popularity: #550

Tripp

• Name meaning: The third.
• Popularity: #456

Wade

• Name meaning: To go.
• Popularity: #341

Walker

• Name meaning: Inspector of the forest.
• Popularity: #85

Waylon

• Name meaning: Roadside land.
• Popularity: #62

Wyatt

• Name meaning: Brave in war.
• Popularity: #47

If you like these southern boy names you’ll also like this list of two-syllable names for boys.

Preppy Southern Boy Names

These clean-cut southern boy baby names have a certain modern, yet classic, sophistication.

Abbott

• Name meaning: Father.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Banks

• Name meaning: Riverbank dweller.
• Popularity: #348

Barrett

• Name meaning: Bear strength.
• Popularity: #207

Bates

• Name meaning: Son of the trenches where seeds are planted.
• Popularity: This southern B name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Bennett

• Name meaning: Blessed.
• Popularity: #74

Bentley

• Name meaning: Meadow with coarse grass.
• Popularity: #189

Boden

• Name meaning: Hill.
• Popularity: #756

Bowen

• Name meaning: Son of Owen.
• Popularity: #396

Brock

• Name meaning: Badger.
• Popularity: #752

Brooks

• Name meaning: Small stream.
• Popularity: #73

Camden

• Name meaning: Winding valley.
• Popularity: #181

Cameron

• Name meaning: Crooked nose.
• Popularity: This southern name ranks #58 for boys and #480 for girls.

Charlie

• Name meaning: Free man.
• Popularity: This gender-neutral name ranks #175 for boys and #125 for girls.

Clayton

• Name meaning: Town with good clay.
• Popularity: #312

Connor

• Name meaning: Lover of hounds.
• Popularity: #608

Dawson

• Name meaning: Son of David.
• Popularity: #149

Duke

• Name meaning: Leader.
• Popularity: #684

Edison

• Name meaning: Son of Edward.
• Popularity: #830

Ellington

• Name meaning: Ellis town.
• Popularity: This southern E name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Emerson

• Name meaning: Son of Emery.
• Popularity: This 3-syllable name ranks #268 for boys and #161 for girls.

Emmett

• Name meaning: Universal.
• Popularity: #118

Emory

• Name meaning: Industrious.
• Popularity: #831

Franklin

• Name meaning: Free land holder.
• Popularity: #410

Hamilton

• Name meaning: Treeless hill.
• Popularity: This southern H name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Hartford

• Name meaning: Shallow place in a river where deer roam.
• Popularity: This city-inspired baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Hayden

• Name meaning: Hedged valley.
• Popularity: #162

Holden

• Name meaning: Hollow valley.
• Popularity: #286

Jameson

• Name meaning: Son of James.
• Popularity: #103

Kennedy

• Name meaning: Misshapen head.
• Popularity: This southern name ranks #72 for girls. It is not ranked in the top 1000 for boys.

Kingston

• Name meaning: King’s town.
• Popularity: #142

Lawson

• Name meaning: Son of Lawrence.
• Popularity: #430

Merritt

• Name meaning: Boundary gate.
• Popularity: This southern M name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Parker

• Name meaning: Park keeper.
• Popularity: This baby name ranks #91 for boys and #121 for girls.

Patton

• Name meaning: Fighter’s town.
• Popularity: This southern P name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Porter

• Name meaning: Transporter.
• Popularity: #503

Prescott

• Name meaning: Priest’s cottage.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Preston

• Name meaning: Priest’s town.
• Popularity: #216

Reeves

• Name meaning: Bailiff.
• Popularity: This southern R name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Remington

• Name meaning: Raven.
• Popularity: #283

Saylor

• Name meaning: Boatman or dancer.
• Popularity: This southern S name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Wells

• Name meaning: Spring.
• Popularity: #445

Weston

• Name meaning: From the western town.
• Popularity: #75

If you like these preppy southern boy names you’ll also like this list of Irish names or these Scottish names.

Old Southern Boy Names

These old-school names with deep southern roots are cool again in 2025.

Atticus

• Name meaning: Athenian.
• Popularity: #284

Beau

• Name meaning: Handsome.
• Popularity: #79

Briggs

• Name meaning: Bridges.
• Popularity: #338

Clyde

• Name meaning: Scottish river.
• Popularity: #719

Gage

• Name meaning: Money lender.
• Popularity: #732

Graham

• Name meaning: Gravel.
• Popularity: #140

Henry

• Name meaning: Estate ruler.
• Popularity: #8

Jack

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: #14

James

• Name meaning: One who follows.
• Popularity: #4

Jude

• Name meaning: Praised.
• Popularity: #161

Mack

• Name meaning: Son of.
• Popularity: #545

Miles

• Name meaning: Soldier.
• Popularity: #43

Otis

• Name meaning: Wealthy.
• Popularity: #652

Reagan

• Name meaning: Little king.
• Popularity: This southern name is not ranked in the top 1000 for boys and ranks #418 for girls.

Rhett

• Name meaning: Advice.
• Popularity: #165

Smith

• Name meaning: Blacksmith.
• This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Thatcher

• Name meaning: One who makes roofs from straw.
• Popularity: #996

Theodore

• Name meaning: God given.
• Popularity: #7

Related: Middle Names for Theo

Whitney

• Name meaning: White island.
• Popularity: This southern name is not ranked in the top 1000 for boys and ranks #850 for girls.

Whittaker

• Name meaning: White field.
• Popularity: This southern W name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Woodrow

• Name meaning: Wooded row of houses.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

If you like these old southern boy names you’ll also like this list of fancy names for boys.

Cool Southern Boy Names for 2025

These cool southern baby boy names are perfect for a 2025 baby.

Ashton

• Name meaning: Ash tree town.
• Popularity: #156

Braxton

• Name meaning: Brock’s settlement.
• Popularity: #169

Brayden

• Name meaning: Brave.
• Popularity: #160

Brody

• Name meaning: Broad island.
• Popularity: #633

Caden

• Name meaning: Round.
• Popularity: #198

Chase

• Name meaning: To hunt.
• Popularity: #155

Crew

• Name meaning: Group.
• Popularity: #260

Cruz

• Name meaning: Cross.
• Popularity: #328

Harrison

• Name meaning: Son of Harry.
• Popularity: #119

Hayes

• Name meaning: Hedged area.
• Popularity: #209

Hendrix

• Name meaning: Son of Hendrik.
• Popularity: #303

Jagger

• Name meaning: Carter.
• Popularity: #848

Jax

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: #287

Judson

• Name meaning: Son of Jordan.
• Popularity: #877

Knox

• Name meaning: Round-topped hill.
• Popularity: #208

Madden

• Name meaning: Little dog.
• Popularity: #644

Maddox

• Name meaning: Fortunate.
• Popularity: #195

Miller

• Name meaning: Grain grinder.
• Popularity: #527

Nash

• Name meaning: By the ash tree.
• Popularity: #259

Pax

• Name meaning: Peaceful.
• This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Paxton

• Name meaning: Peace town.
• Popularity: #257

Pierce

• Name meaning: Rock.
• Popularity: #547

Rowan

• Name meaning: Little redhead.
• Popularity: This southern name ranks #76 for boys and #233 for girls.

Soren

• Name meaning: Stern.
• Popularity: #544

If you like these trendy southern names for 2025 you’ll also like this list of modern boy names.

Uncommon and Unique Southern Boy Names

These southern baby boy names are a little different!

Arrow

• Name meaning: Shot from a bow.
• Popularity: This southern A name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Atlas

• Name meaning: Heavens bearer.
• Popularity: #112

Blaine

• Name meaning: Slender.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Blake

• Name meaning: Light.
• Popularity: This southern name ranks #255 for boys and #221 for girls.

Braden

• Name meaning: Wide valley.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Brenner

• Name meaning: Charcoal burner.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Brent

• Name meaning: Dweller near burnt land.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Bridge

• Name meaning: Connector.
• Popularity: This great rainbow baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Cannon

• Name meaning: Artillery.
• Popularity: #635

Carden

• Name meaning: Wood carder.
• Popularity: This southern C name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Cason

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: #787

Champ

• Name meaning: Winner.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Cyrus

• Name meaning: Sun.
• Popularity: #297

Dakota

• Name meaning: Friendly one.
• Popularity: This southern name ranks #329 for boys and #780 for girls.

Dane

• Name meaning: God is my judge.
• Popularity: #907

Dash

• Name meaning: Unknown.
• Popularity: #905

Dayton

• Name meaning: Place with a dike.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Denver

• Name meaning: City.
• Popularity: #512

Dex

• Name meaning: Right-handed.
• Popularity: This 3-letter name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Duncan

• Name meaning: Dark warrior.
• Popularity: #930

Fielder

• Name meaning: Dweller in open land.
• Popularity: This southern F name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Ford

• Name meaning: River crossing.
• Popularity: #521

Garland

• Name meaning: Flower wreath.
• Popularity: This plant-themed name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Holt

• Name meaning: Grove of trees.
• Popularity: This tree-inspired name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Hutton

• Name meaning: Ridge enclosure.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Hyde

• Name meaning: Hide.
• Popularity: This 4-letter name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Jett

• Name meaning: Black.
• Popularity: #206

Kent

• Name meaning: Edge.
• Popularity: This southern K name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Lance

• Name meaning: Land.
• Popularity: #820

Lander

• Name meaning: Territory.
• Popularity: This southern L name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Ledger

• Name meaning: Book.
• Popularity: #561

Lyle

• Name meaning: Island.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Onyx

• Name meaning: Black gemstone.
• Popularity: #308

Parker

• Name meaning: Land keeper.
• Popularity: This southern name ranks #91 for boys and #121 for girls.

Quinn

• Name meaning: Counsel.
• Popularity: This southern name ranks #452 for boys and #85 for girls.

Radley

• Name meaning: Red meadow.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Raiden

• Name meaning: Thunder and lightning.
• Popularity: #423

Ranger

• Name meaning: Forest guardian.
• Popularity: This great space-themed baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Roscoe

• Name meaning: Deer forest.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Sterling

• Name meaning: Quality.
• Popularity: This southern name ranks #403 for boys and #768 for girls.

Topher

• Name meaning: Bearer of Christ.
• Popularity: This southern T name is not ranked in the top 1000.

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Townes

• Name meaning: Settlement.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Trent

• Name meaning: Flooder.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Warner

• Name meaning: Army.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

If you like these unique southern boy names you’ll also like this list of unique boy names.

Strong Southern Boy Names

For a southern baby boy’s name that packs a punch with its rugged charm, check out these manly monikers connoting strength…

Archer

• Name meaning: Bowman.
• Popularity: #130

Axel

• Name meaning: Father of peace.
• Popularity: #72

Blaze

• Name meaning: Fiery.
• Popularity: #765

Brant

• Name meaning: Sword.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Bryson

• Name meaning: Son of Brice.
• Popularity: #150

Cade

• Name meaning: Barrel.
• Popularity: #278

Damian

• Name meaning: To tame.
• Popularity: #108

Damon

• Name meaning: To tame.
• Popularity: #425

Darren

• Name meaning: Little great one.
• Popularity: #987

Drake

• Name meaning: Dragon.
• Popularity: #683

Garrett

• Name meaning: Spear strength.
• Popularity: #482

Grant

• Name meaning: Tall.
• Popularity: #228

Hunter

• Name meaning: One who hunts.
• Popularity: #115

Judd

• Name meaning: Flowing down.
• Popularity: This water baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Kane

• Name meaning: Warrior.
• Popularity: #399

Peyton

• Name meaning: Fighting man’s estate.
• Popularity: #605

Rex

• Name meaning: King.
• Popularity: #722

Ryder

• Name meaning: Horseman.
• Popularity: #129

Trenton

• Name meaning: Trent’s town.
• Popularity: #861

Troy

• Name meaning: Foot soldier.
• Popularity: #462

If you like these strong southern boy names you’ll also like this complete list of strong names for boys.

Nature-Inspired Southern Boy Names

These southern boy names have meanings related to the great outdoors!

Buck

• Name meaning: Male deer.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Clay

• Name meaning: Earthy.
• Popularity: #580

Cole

• Name meaning: Charcoal.
• Popularity: #155

Colt

• Name meaning: Young horse.
• Popularity: #263

Corbin

• Name meaning: Crow.
• Popularity: #454

Everest

• Name meaning: World’s tallest mountain.
• Popularity: #837

Falcon

• Name meaning: Bird.
• Popularity: This bird baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Forest

• Name meaning: Woods.
• Popularity: #747

Gavin

• Name meaning: White hawk.
• Popularity: #231

Harlan

• Name meaning: Rocky land.
• Popularity: #653

Hawk

• Name meaning: Bird of prey.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Jonah

• Name meaning: Dove.
• Popularity: #148

Kellan

• Name meaning: Swamp.
• Popularity: #901

Leon

• Name meaning: Lion.
• Popularity: #148

Phoenix

• Name meaning: Mythical bird.
• Popularity: This great hippie name ranks #269 for boys and #348 for girls.

Ridge

• Name meaning: Narrow hilltop.
• Popularity: #505

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River

• Name meaning: Water.
• Popularity: This southern name ranks #116 for boys and #193 for girls.

Slate

• Name meaning: Grayish rock.
• Popularity: This edgy name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Stone

• Name meaning: Solid as a rock.
• Popularity: #990

Talon

• Name meaning: Claw of a bird of prey.
• Popularity: #955

Wilder

• Name meaning: Untamed.
• Popularity: #421

If you like these organic southern names for boys you’ll also like this huge list of earthy boy names.

Cute Southern Boy Names

Here are some seriously adorable Southern boy names…

Ace

• Name meaning: Unity.
• Popularity: #157

Archie

• Name meaning: Truly brave.
• Popularity: #347

Arlo or Arlow

• Name meaning: Literary name.
• Popularity: Arlo ranks #158 and Arlow isn’t in the top 1000.

Benji

• Name meaning: Son of the right hand.
• Popularity: This cute southern name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Boone

• Name meaning: Good, blessing.
• Popularity: #595

Brady

• Name meaning: Broad meadow.
• Popularity: #323

Colby

• Name meaning: From a coal town.
• Popularity: #604

Cooper

• Name meaning: Wood repairer.
• Popularity: #52

Felix

• Name meaning: Fortunate.
• Popularity: #192

Finnegan or Finn

• Name meaning: Fair-haired.
• Popularity: Finnegan ranks #492 and Finn is #188.

Grady

• Name meaning: Noble.
• Popularity: #395

Reed or Reid

• Name meaning: Red-haired.
• Popularity: Reed ranks #429 and Reid is #315.

Reese

• Name meaning: Enthusiasm.
• Popularity: This southern name ranks #630 for boys and #174 for girls.

Related: Middle Names for Reese

Tate

• Name meaning: Cheerful.
• Popularity: #197

Todd

• Name meaning: Fox.
• Popularity: This one-syllable name is not ranked in the top 1000.

Trey

• Name meaning: Three.
• Popularity: #718

Tucker

• Name meaning: Fabric pleater.
• Popularity: #205

If you like these cute southern boy names you’ll also like this list of short names for boys.

Popular Southern Boy Names in 2025

All of these southern boy names are popular in 2025.

Asher

• Name meaning: Ash tree dweller.
• Popularity: #23

Related: Middle Names for Asher

Caleb

• Name meaning: Devotion.
• Popularity: #51

Carson

• Name meaning: Son the marsh dwellers.
• Popularity: #111

Carter

• Name meaning: Transporter of goods.
• Popularity: #48

Related: Middle Names for Carter

Elijah

• Name meaning: Yahweh is God.
• Popularity: #5

Gabriel

• Name meaning: God is my strength.
• Popularity: Gabriel ranks #38 and Gabe isn’t ranking.

Grayson

• Name meaning: Son of the steward.
• Popularity: Grayson ranks #43 and Gray isn’t ranking.

Related: Middle Names for Grayson

Hudson

• Name meaning: Like the river.
• Popularity: #21

Jaxon

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: #138

Jayden

• Name meaning: Thankful.
• Popularity: #352

Leo

• Name meaning: Lion.
• Popularity: #18

Liam

• Name meaning: Protection.
• Popularity: #1

Related: Middle Names for Liam

Lincoln

• Name meaning: Town by the pool.
• Popularity: #64

Logan

• Name meaning: Little hollow.
• Popularity: #39

Lucas

• Name meaning: Man from Lucania.
• Popularity: #9

Luke

• Name meaning: Bright one.
• Popularity: #31

Mason

• Name meaning: Stone worker.
• Popularity: #30

Maverick

• Name meaning: Nonconformist.
• Popularity: #37

Related: Middle Names for Maverick

Oliver

• Name meaning: Tree planter.
• Popularity: #3

Sebastian

• Name meaning: Revered.
• Popularity: #13

Silas

• Name meaning: Forest.
• Popularity: Silas ranks #80 and Sylas isn’t ranking.

Related: Middle Names for Silas

Stetson

• Name meaning: Stephen’s son.
• Popularity: #182

Wesley or Wes

• Name meaning: Western meadow.
• Popularity: Wesley ranks #76 and Wes ranks #798.

If you like these popular southern boy names you’ll also like this list of badass names for boys.

Timeless Southern Boy Names

These southern baby names for boys have stood the test of time.

Avery

• Name meaning: Ruler of elves.
• Popularity: This name ranks #241 for boys and #36 for girls.

Related: Middle Names for Avery

Dean

• Name meaning: Valley.
• Popularity: #159

Dylan

• Name meaning: Son of the sea.
• Popularity: This name ranks #33 for boys and #648 for girls.

Jacob

• Name meaning: To follow.
• Popularity: #36

Jeremy

• Name meaning: Appointed by God.
• Popularity: #244

Joshua

• Name meaning: Lord is salvation.
• Popularity: #60

Josiah

• Name meaning: God heals.
• Popularity: #53

Julian

• Name meaning: Youthful.
• Popularity: #33

Lee

• Name meaning: Clearing in the woods.
• Popularity: #706

Noah

• Name meaning: To comfort.
• Popularity: This classic name ranks #2 for boys and #640 for girls.

Owen

• Name meaning: Young warrior.
• Popularity: #18

Ryan

• Name meaning: Little king.
• Popularity: This name ranks #83 for boys and #677 for girls.

Shane

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: #555

Spencer

• Name meaning: Dispenser of provisions.
• Popularity: #363

Sullivan

• Name meaning: Dark-eyed one.
• Popularity: #358

Tyler

• Name meaning: Tile maker.
• Popularity: #177

If you like these timeless southern names you’ll also like this list of meaningful boy names.

Rare Southern Boy Names

These aren’t names you hear every day.

Beauregard

• Name meaning: Beautiful regard.
• Popularity: With its deep Southern roots, this French name isn’t ranking in the top 1000.

Calhoun

• Name meaning: From the fort on the river.
• Popularity: This traditional Southern family name is not ranked as a first name.

Davis

• Name meaning: Son of David.
• Popularity: Notable in Southern naming traditions due to Confederate president Jefferson Davis, this name is not currently ranked in the top 1000.

Harland

• Name meaning: From the hare’s land.
• Popularity: Associated with Kentucky’s Colonel Sanders, this vintage Southern name isn’t in the top 1000.

Jefferson

• Name meaning: Son of Jeffrey.
• Popularity: This J name with deep roots in Southern history is currently not ranked in the top 1000.

Manning

• Name meaning: Son of Man.
• Popularity: This name with deep Mississippi roots is not currently in the top 1000.

Whitman

• Name meaning: White man or fair man.
• Popularity: This literary Southern surname isn’t ranked in the top 1000.

Yates

• Name meaning: Gate.
• Popularity: This distinguished Southern family name is not ranking.

If you like these rare southern names you may also like this list of royal boy names.

The best southern middle names for boys

With 250 names on this list, it may be hard to choose the perfect southern middle name for your baby boy.

Thankfully, there are certain names that work with almost any first name.

(Feel free to jump ahead to predictions for 2025!)

Here are some great southern boy middle names:

• Birch
• Blake
• Brooks
• Cole
• Ford
• Gabriel
• Grant
• Grey
• Hayes
• Hyde
• James
• Jameson
• Knox
• Reed / Reid
• Reese
• Ridge

If these southern baby boy middle names don’t do it for you, there are a whole bunch more below.

First and Middle Name Combinations

Here are some seriously good southern boy names to try on for size.

(Consider mixing and matching these southern first and middle names, too!)

Abbott Brooks
Ace Brenner
Archer Reed
Arlow Rowan
Arrow Ridge
Asher Grey
Ashton Romeo
Atlas Wilder
Atticus Blaine
Austin Maverick
Avery Kane
Axel Maddox
Banks Whittaker
Barrett Hunter
Bates Alexander
Beau Emerson
Benji Graham
Bennett Hayes
Bentley Jameson
Blaine Hutton
Blake Colton
Blaze Wilder
Boden Clay
Bowen Ryder
Braden Grant
Brady Jacob
Brant Rowan
Braxton Cole
Brayden Dash
Brenner Luke
Brent Pierce
Bridge Dawson
Briggs Lander
Brock Kingston
Brody Cruz
Brooks Hayes
Bryson Cole
Buck Corbin
Cade Fielder
Caden Buck
Caleb Lynx
Camden Birch
Cameron Jude
Cannon Holt
Carden Gabriel
Carson Wyatt
Carter Ashton
Cason Saint
Chase Harrison
Clay Alexander
Clayton Bridge
Clyde Rivers
Colby Tucker
Cole Garrett
Colt Dixon
Colton Gray
Connor Beau
Cooper Barrett
Corbin Hendrix
Crew Finnegan
Cruz Gabriel
Curtis Weston
Cyrus Blaze
Dakota Blake
Dallas Preston
Dalton Ranger
Damian Cruz
Damon Judd
Dane Wilder
Darren Noble
Dash Kennedy
Dawson Reign
Deacon James
Dean Garland
Declan Cruz
Denver Hayes
Dex Brayden
Dixon West
Drake Tyler
Duke Alexander
Duncan Joseph
Dylan Chase
Easton Quinn
Edison Blake
Elijah Gabriel
Ellington Gage
Emerson Hawk
Emmett Ford
Emory Shane
Everest Cole
Falcon Crew
Felix Chase
Fielder Reed
Finnegan Wolf
Ford Jameson
Forest Gatlin
Franklin Asher
Gabriel Dash
Gage Dixon
Garland Hyde
Garrett Adams
Garrison Henry
Garth Joseph
Gatlin Holt
Gavin Duke
Gentry Jameson
Grady Hamilton
Graham Oakley
Granger Hawk
Grant Deacon
Grayson Cole
Hamilton Chase
Harlan Grant
Harrison Aden
Hartford Chasten
Hawk Dixon
Hayden Cole
Hayes Lucas
Hendrix Cruz
Henry Asher
Holden Grant
Holt Beckett
Huck Fielder
Hudson Jett
Hunter Benjamin
Hyde Benedict
Jack Henry
Jackson Oliver
Jacob Gatlin
Jagger Nash
James Deacon
Jameson Drake
Jax Henson
Jaxon Everest
Jayden Oak
Jeremy Lyle
Jett Harland
Jonah Kent
Joshua Hudson
Josiah Weston
Judd Austin
Jude Kennedy
Judson Hayes
Julian Thatcher
Kane Judson
Kellan Creed
Kennedy Lawson
Kent Hudson
Kingston James
Knox Harland
Lance Dalton
Landon Brant
Lawson Pierce
Ledger Knox
Leo James
Leon Maddox
Liam Alexander
Lincoln Pierce
Logan Ridge
Lucas Porter
Luke Patton
Lyle Hudson
Mack Parker
Madden Drake
Maddox Rhys
Mason Ryder
Maverick Luke
Merritt Winston
Miles Parker
Miller Reese
Nash Braydon
Noah Ryder
Oakley Quinn
Oliver Phoenix
Onyx Raiden
Otis Bridge
Owen Reeves
Parker Chase
Patton Reeves
Pax Wilder
Paxton Bennett
Phoenix Rivers
Pierce Walker
Porter Lawson
Prescott Slate
Preston Bates
Quinn Talon
Radley Tyler
Ranger Finnegan
Reed Harrington
Reese Walker
Reeves Gabriel
Remington Wade
Rex Urban
Rhett Jackson
Ridge Sawyer
River Phoenix
Roscoe Todd
Rowan Shane
Ryan Patton
Ryder Maverick
Sawyer Flynn
Saylor Quinn
Sebastian Tate
Shane Archer
Silas Hutton
Slate Hudson
Smith Talon
Soren Grant
Spencer Graham
Sterling Chase
Stone Gregory
Sullivan Jones
Talon Wilder
Tanner Reid
Tate Oliver
Thatcher Stone
Theo Archer
Todd Waylon
Topher Radley
Townes Gideon
Travis Whittaker
Trent Jackson
Trenton Wilder
Trevor Shane
Trey Maverick
Tripp Everest
Troy Jameson
Tucker Mason
Tyler Patton
Wade Phoenix
Walker Prescott
Warner Reeves
Waylon Pierce
Wells Aston
Wesley Tripp
Weston Ridge
Wilder Reese
Wyatt Grant

Predictions for 2025

I’ve analyzed hundreds of names, studying their historical patterns, recent momentum, and cultural significance.

From this research, I believe three Southern boy names show clear signs of going viral in 2025…

Banks

Current rank: #348

Banks has shown remarkable momentum, climbing 567 spots in just 4 years—from #915 in 2019 to #348 in 2023.

The name jumped another 59 spots in the past year alone, demonstrating accelerating growth.

Banks perfectly captures multiple current trends: it’s a single-syllable surname-as-first-name (like top performers Brooks #73 and Hayes #209), has the trendy ‘s’ ending we’re seeing in other rising names, and projects both strength and sophistication.

Its financial connotation adds a layer of prosperity and establishment, while its short, strong sound appeals to parents seeking modern masculinity.

This combination of style and substance, coupled with its dramatic rise, suggests Banks is perfectly positioned to go viral in 2025.

Onyx

Current rank: #308

Onyx has been making a steady climb since it first entered the U.S. top 1000 in 2018 at #864. By 2023, it had reached #308—a rise of over 550 spots in just five years. This upward trend shows no signs of slowing.

The name’s edgy “x” ending taps into a popular trend seen with names like Phoenix and Felix, which have both surged in popularity.

Onyx’s nature-inspired meaning, referencing the gemstone, adds strength and resilience, with the stone itself known for its protective qualities and deep black color.

Celebrity influence has played a role too, with Iggy Azalea choosing Onyx for her son in 2020.

Atlas

Current rank: #112

This name has demonstrated remarkable and consistent upward momentum, climbing from #780 when it first entered the charts in 2013 to #112 in 2023—a climb of 668 positions in just a decade.

Its most recent jump from #128 to #112 between 2022-2023 shows the momentum isn’t slowing.

Atlas gained significant visibility when actress Shay Mitchell chose it for her daughter in October 2019, perfectly timing with the name’s notable jump from #290 in 2018 to #227 in 2019.

(What’s particularly interesting is that Mitchell’s use of Atlas for a girl hasn’t slowed its rise as a boy’s name—in fact, the name has climbed over 100 positions since her choice.)

Atlas perfectly captures multiple current naming trends: mythological references (following the success of similar names like Ares), word names with powerful meanings, and the two-syllable structure shared by many current top boys’ names.

Given its steady upward trajectory and acceleration in recent years, Atlas is perfectly positioned to break into the top 100 for the first time in 2025.

Will these southern boy names go viral in 2025?

These three names represent different facets of modern naming trends: Banks brings the popular surname style, Onyx offers an edgy nature connection, and Atlas delivers mythological weight.

Each name is positioned at a different point in their popularity arc, with Atlas approaching the top 100, while Banks and Onyx still have plenty of room to climb from their current spots in the 300s.

What unites these southern boy names is their demonstrated ability to gain significant ground year after year, suggesting they’re not just trendy choices but names with staying power.

Their diverse styles also suggest they’re appealing to different types of parents, from those seeking sophisticated surname names to those drawn to bold, meaningful choices.

Watch for these names to make significant moves on the 2025 charts.

More baby name ideas…

• 260 Winter Names for Boys [Cold Weather + Winter Holidays]
• Strong Boy Names to Steal Before They Go Viral in 2025
• 495 Fresh & Modern Boy Names for 2025

What are these southern names inspired by?

Curious how I came up with this list?

This huge list of southern names for boys is inspired by all of the things that give the South its distinctive flair.

For starters, several of the names on this list come from geographical locations in the South.

For example, before the Civil War, the Mason Dixon Line separated the North from the South. It’s no coincidence that the names Mason and Dixon make amazing southern baby boy names!

Other names on this list are inspired vibrant southern cities: Austin (the capital of Texas), Dallas (a big city in North Texas), Jackson (from Jacksonville, a city in northern Florida), Nash (from Nashville, the capital of Tennessee), Knox (from Knoxville, a city in East Tennessee), and Gatlin (from Gatlinburg, a mountain town in East Tennessee).

Two of the names on this list, Duke and Emory, are even inspired by southern universities!

Several southern boy’s names on this list capture the beloved rustic and outdoorsy culture prevalent in certain parts of the South. The names Colt, Ridge, and Buck are a few examples.

Other names are shamelessly inspired by famous musicians: Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Waylon Jennings, Buck Owens, Randy Travis, Kane Brown, Kix Brooks (of Brooks & Dunn), John Denver, Townes Van Zandt, Porter Wagoner, and many more!

Another big category on this list of southern names for boys is famous characters from movies and television shows that take place in the South.

Noah was the heartthrob in The Notebook, which was set in South Carolina. Forrest, was, of course, the main character in the famous Alabama-set movie, Forrest Gump. Rhett was the famous male lead in Gone with the Wind, which took place in Georgia.

The TV show, Nashville, was also loaded with inspiration, with names like Deacon and Avery.

And let’s not forget southern athletes, like some of the greatest players in SEC history: Rex Grossman (Florida), Wes Chandler (Florida), Woodrow Lowe (Alabama), Jack Youngblood (Florida), Champ Bailey (Georgia), Darren McFadden (Arkansas), Archie Manning (Ole Miss), and Peyton Manning (Tennessee), to name a few!

A bunch of these southern boy names were inspired by presidents from the South: Andrew Jackson (South Carolina), William Henry Harrison (Virginia), Abraham Lincoln (Kentucky), James Polk (North Carolina), Woodrow Wilson (Virginia), and Jimmy Carter (Georgia).

The source for popularity data is SSN.

This article was originally published on Jun 29, 2021 and was updated on Nov 15, 2024.

Southern Boy Names