AHEAD: The absolute motherload of baby name ideas for your southern belle.

Whether you’re looking for a country-sounding name, an old southern name with classic charm, or a modern moniker that’s sweet as pie, you’re in the right place!

Below, you’ll find an absolutely ENORMOUS list of beautiful southern girl names in every style.

I’ve also included a list of the most popular girls’ names below the Mason-Dixon line, regardless of whether the names have traditional southern roots. (You never know what might strike your fancy!)

Each name is accompanied by its meaning (and sometimes its inspiration) as well as its current popularity ranking.

Oh, and I’ve included southern middle name ideas too!

Hopefully, with this huge list at your fingertips, this will be your one-stop-shop for finding the perfect southern name for your baby girl.

Grab your boots, and let’s dive into this list of southern girl names!

Related: Southern Boy Names

(Source for popularity data is the United States Social Security Administration.)

Recognizably southern girl names

Kicking off our 350-name list with southern belle names that have an undeniably southern ring to them.

Abigail

• Name meaning: My father’s joy.
• Popularity: #13

Addilyn

• Name meaning: Nobility.
• Popularity: #469

Adeline

• Name meaning: Noble.
• Popularity: #100

Caroline

• Name meaning: Free woman or strong.
• Popularity: #71

Dixie

• Name meaning: Dixie Land is a nickname for the southern U.S.
• Popularity: This cute southern girls’ name hasn’t ranked since 2015.

Grace

• Name meaning: Goodness.
• Popularity: #28

Gracelyn

• Name meaning: Graceful.
• Popularity: #321

Harriet

• Name meaning: Home.
• Popularity: This southern name is not currently popular for baby girls in the U.S.

Mercy

• Name meaning: Compassion.
• Popularity: #814

Palmer

• Name meaning: She who holds the palm.
• Popularity: #347

Scarlett

• Name meaning: Red.
• Popularity: #21

Sutton

• Name meaning: Southern settlement.
• Popularity: #323

Whitney

• Name meaning: White island.
• Popularity: #932

All of the southern baby girl in this first batch are recognizably southern, which is perfect if you’re a proud resident (or lover) of the South.

Related: Names that Mean Graceful

Geographical southern girl names

All of these southern belle names are inspired by towns and cities in the South.

Augusta

• Name meaning: Magnificent. Augusta is a city in Georgia, near the South Carolina border.
• Popularity: This southern belle moniker is not ranking in the top 1000 baby names.

Carolina

• Name meaning: Free woman. Inspired by North and South Carolina, of course.
• Popularity: #451

Charlotte or Lottie

• Name meaning: Free woman. Charlotte is the most populous city in North Carolina.
• Popularity: #4

Dallas

• Name meaning: Skilled. Dallas is a city in North Texas.
• Popularity: This gender neutral southern baby name ranks #630 for girls and #271 boys.

Georgia

• Name meaning: Farmer. Perfect for your little peach!
• Popularity: #176

Marietta

• Name meaning: Drop of the sea. Beloved. Marietta is one of the largest suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia.
• Popularity: This super southern girls’ name is not currently popular in the U.S.

Savannah

• Name meaning: Treeless plain. Savannah is the oldest city in the state of Georgia.
• Popularity: #67

Shelby

• Name meaning: Willow estate. Shelby is the name of several towns and counties in the South in states such as Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri.
• Popularity: #502

Virginia

• Name meaning: Pure. Virginia is a state below the Mason-Dixon line.
• Popularity: #580

You don’t get more southern than literally naming your daughter after the South, right?

Popular girl names in the South

All of the following names are not necessarily “southern”, but are currently extremely popular baby names in the South. Uncoincidentally, these modern names are also in the top 25 girls’ names for the United States as a whole.

Amelia or Emilia

• Name meaning: Work.
• Popularity: Amelia ranks #6 and Emilia ranks #40.

Ava

• Name meaning: Life.
• Popularity: #3

Eleanor

• Name meaning: Shining one.
• Popularity: #22

Ella

• Name meaning: Fairy maiden.
• Popularity: #15

Emma

• Name meaning: Whole.
• Popularity: #2

Evelyn or Evelynn

• Name meaning: Wished for child.
• Popularity: Evelyn ranks #9 and Evelynn ranks #327.

Harper

• Name meaning: Harp player.
• Popularity: #10

Layla or Leila or Laila

• Name meaning: Night or dark.
• Popularity: Layla ranks #24, Leila ranks #205, and Laila ranks #225.

Madison

• Name meaning: Child of Matthew.
• Popularity: #23

Mia

• Name meaning: Mine.
• Popularity: #8

Olivia

• Name meaning: Olive tree.
• Popularity: #1

While you may be hesitant to choose a top 25 name out of fear of it being overdone, these southern girl names happen to be particularly amazing, so it may be worth the risk!

Southern girl names ending in “ley”

There are a TON of southern names for girls that end in the “lee” (ley, ly, leigh) sound. Here are some lovely ideas for your southern belle.

Ainsley

• Name meaning: Solitary meadow.
• Popularity: #354

Ansley

• Name meaning: Hermitage field.
• Popularity: #952

Bailey

• Name meaning: Law enforcer.
• Popularity: #171

Bexley

• Name meaning: Box tree clearing.
• Popularity: #848

Braylee

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: #896

Brinkley

• Name meaning: Woodland clearing.
• Popularity: This southern girls’ name is not currently popular.

Brinley or Brynlee

• Name meaning: Burnt meadow.
• Popularity: Brinley ranks #362 and Brylnee ranks #191.

Brylee

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: #777

Emberly

• Name meaning: Spark.
• Popularity: #554

Emsley

• Name meaning: From the elm wood.
• Popularity: This sweet southern baby name is not in the top 1000.

Ensley

• Name meaning: Her own meadow.
• Popularity: #588

Everly or Everleigh

• Name meaning: Brave.
• Popularity: Everly ranks #43 and Everleigh ranks #94.

Hadley

• Name meaning: Heather clearing.
• Popularity: #111

Hailey or Haley or Hayley

• Name meaning: Hay meadow.
• Popularity: Hailey ranks #81, Haley ranks #517, and Hayley ranks #674.

Harley

• Name meaning: Hare meadow.
• Popularity: #291

Hartley

• Name meaning: Deer meadow.
• Popularity: This unique southern girl name isn’t in the top 1000.

Kaylee or Kayleigh

• Name meaning: Slim and fair.
• Popularity: Kaylee ranks #117 and Kayleigh ranks #439.

Kensley

• Name meaning: King’s meadow.
• Popularity: #453

Kinsley or Kinley

• Name meaning: King’s meadow.
• Popularity: Kinsley ranks #59 and Kinley ranks #431.

Marley

• Name meaning: Pleasant wood.
• Popularity: #211

Oakley

• Name meaning: Meadow of oak trees.
• Popularity: #281

Rayleigh

• Name meaning: Scattering of light.
• Popularity: This space name is not currently popular in the U.S.

Riley or Rylee or Ryleigh

• Name meaning: Wood clearing.
• Popularity: Riley ranks #33, Rylee ranks #102, and Ryleigh ranks #159.

Ripley

• Name meaning: Clearing in the woods.
• Popularity: This cool “R” name doesn’t currently rank in the top 1000 baby names for girls.

Tinsley

• Name meaning: Tynni’s meadow.
• Popularity: #715

What is it about the “ley” sound that makes for a great southern name? I have no idea! Maybe because it’s so friendly and sweet.

Long southern girl names

All of the southern baby girl names on this list are as lengthy as they come. They’re all 9 or 10 letters long!

Annabella

• Name meaning: Graceful + beautiful.
• Popularity: #852

Cassandra

• Name meaning: Shining person.
• Popularity: #650

Evangeline

• Name meaning: Bearer of good news.
• Popularity: #263

Genevieve

• Name meaning: Tribal woman.
• Popularity: #169

Georgiana

• Name meaning: Farmer.
• Popularity: This unique southern girls’ name is not in the top 1000 baby names.

Henrietta

• Name meaning: Estate ruler.
• Popularity: This old southern girls’ name is not currently popular in the U.S.

Josephine

• Name meaning: Jehovah increases.
• Popularity: #86

Katherine or Catherine

• Name meaning: Pure.
• Popularity: Katherine ranks #135 and Catherine ranks #267.

Kensington

• Name meaning: Part of London, England.
• Popularity: This long southern “K” name is not in the top 1000.

Mackenzie

• Name meaning: Daughter of Kenneth.
• Popularity: #119

Mirabella

• Name meaning: Wonderful.
• Popularity: This southern girl name is not currently ranking.

All of these long girl names for a southern belle look beautiful written in script and have a melodic ring to them when said out loud. Plus, most of these have fantastic nickname potential!

Short southern girl names

All of these southern girl names are short but sweet with just three to five letters!

Ada

• Name meaning: Noble.
• Popularity: #184

Belle

• Name meaning: Beautiful.
• Popularity: #999  How is this name not more popular!?

Blair or Blaire

• Name meaning: Field or plain.
• Popularity: Blaire ranks #333 and Blaire ranks #669.

Briar

• Name meaning: Thorny bush.
• Popularity: #563

Brie or Bree

• Name meaning: Marshland.
• Popularity: This cute “B” name is not currently in the top 1000.

Brynn

• Name meaning: Hill.
• Popularity: #332

Clara

• Name meaning: Clear and bright.
• Popularity: #103

Cora

• Name meaning: Maiden.
• Popularity: #88

Dawn

• Name meaning: Daybreak.
• Popularity: This lovely “D” name deserves a comeback. It hasn’t ranked since 2000.

Demi

• Name meaning: Half or small.
• Popularity: #338

Eva

• Name meaning: Life.
• Popularity: #93

Eve or Evie

• Name meaning: Life.
• Popularity: Eve ranks #471 and Evie ranks #319.

Faye

• Name meaning: Fairy.
• Popularity: #687

Hart

• Name meaning: Brave.
• Popularity: This unique southern girls’ name is not currently popular. It would make a great middle name!

Hope

• Name meaning: Expectations.
• Popularity: #204

Jade

• Name meaning: Green stone.
• Popularity: #97

Josie

• Name meaning: Jehovah increases.
• Popularity: #134

June

• Name meaning: Sixth month.
• Popularity: #182

Lana

• Name meaning: Light, gracious, or little rock.
• Popularity: #390

Lane or Layne

• Name meaning: Pathway.
• Popularity: Layne ranks #920 for girls. For boys, Lane ranks #256 and Layne is #668.

Leigh

• Name meaning: Delicate.
• Popularity: Surprisingly, this great “L” name is not currently popular for baby girls.

Lucy or Lucie

• Name meaning: Light.
• Popularity: The Victorian girl name Lucy ranks #49. Lucie is not ranking.

Lyla or Lila

• Name meaning: Night or dark.
• Popularity: Lyla ranks #118 and Lila is #226.

Mae

• Name meaning: Bitter or pearl.
• Popularity: #576

Rhea or Raya

• Name meaning: To flow.
• Popularity: Rhea ranks #628 and Raya is #937.

Ruby

• Name meaning: Strong red gemstone.
• Popularity: #74

Brimming with southern charm and sweetness, these short girl names are perfect for a little lady who’s ready to take over the world!

Cute southern girl names

Here are some seriously adorable southern girl names…

Aubrey

• Name meaning: Magical being.
• Popularity: #56

Birdie

• Name meaning: Little bird.
• Popularity: This friendly baby name isn’t in the top 1000.

Elsie

• Name meaning: Pledged to God.
• Popularity: #814

Emmy or Emmie

• Name meaning: Whole or universal.
• Popularity: Emmy ranks #516 and Emmie is #613.

Gracie

• Name meaning: Graceful.
• Popularity: #209

Janie

• Name meaning: Noble or gracious.
• Popularity: This adorable “J” name hasn’t ranked since 2002.

Jolie

• Name meaning: Pretty.
• Popularity: #720

Kenzie

• Name meaning: Bright one.
• Popularity: #369

Kylie

• Name meaning: Boomerang or graceful.
• Popularity: #132

Lacey

• Name meaning: From Lassy.
• Popularity: #717

Macie

• Name meaning: Hill.
• Popularity: #532

Mazie

• Name meaning: Child of light.
• Popularity: This cute southern girl name isn’t in the top 1000.

Millie

• Name meaning: Strong worker.
• Popularity: #190

Molly or Mollie

• Name meaning: Rebellious.
• Popularity: Molly ranks #174. Mollie isn’t ranking.

Penny

• Name meaning: Weaver.
• Popularity: #727

Piper

• Name meaning: Flute player.
• Popularity: #91

Quinn

• Name meaning: Decendant of Conn.
• Popularity: #85

Roxy

• Name meaning: Dawn.
• Popularity: This southern belle name is not currently popular.

Sadie

• Name meaning: Princess.
• Popularity: #78

Scout

• Name meaning: Explorer.
• Popularity: #874

Tillie

• Name meaning: Strength in battle.
• Popularity: This precious two syllable girl name is not in the top 1000.

These cute southern girl names sound cheerful and sweet, qualities that your daughter will hopefully possess.

Related: Names for Rainbow Babies

Gender-neutral southern names

All of the following southern names would work for a little girl or boy!

Avery

• Name meaning: Elf king.
• Popularity: This “A” name ranks #19 for girls and #212 for boys.

Bellamy

• Name meaning: Beautiful friend.
• Popularity: This southern baby name ranks #795 for girls and #728 for boys.

Camden or Kamden

• Name meaning: Winding valley.
• Popularity: This name is not popular for girls. For boys, Camden ranks #167 and Kamden ranks #478.

Camryn or Kamryn or Cameron

• Name meaning: Crooked nose.
• Popularity: For girls, Camryn ranks #405, Kamryn ranks #459, and Cameron ranks #489. For boys, Cameron ranks #64.

Casey

• Name meaning: Vigilant.
• Popularity: This “C” name ranks #521 for boys but hasn’t ranked for girls since 2019.

Charlie or Charlee or Charli

• Name meaning: Free woman.
• Popularity: For girls, Charlie ranks #122, Charlee ranks #275, and Charli ranks #417. For boys, Charlie ranks #204 and Charles is #46.

Colby

• Name meaning: From the coal village.
• Popularity: This sweet southern name is not ranking for girls but ranks #617 for boys.

Collins

• Name meaning: Victory of the people.
• Popularity: This unique C name ranks #365 for girls. Colin (singular with one l) ranks #285 for boys.

Dalton

• Name meaning: Valley settlement.
• Popularity: This southern baby name ranks #467 for boys but is not ranking for girls.

Devon or Devyn

• Name meaning: County in South West England.
• Popularity: Devon ranks #672 for boys and hasn’t ranked for girls since 2005. Devyn last ranked for girls in 2013.

Eastyn

• Name meaning: From the east town.
• Popularity: This unique “E” name is not ranking for girls. Easton ranks #73 for boys.

Elliott or Elliot

• Name meaning: The Lord is my God.
• Popularity: For girls, Elliott ranks #479 and Elliot ranks #574. For boys, Elliott ranks #158 and Elliot ranks #164.

Ellis

• Name meaning: Benevolent.
• Popularity: This cool southern name ranks #623 for girls and #325 for boys.

Ellison

• Name meaning: Child of Elias.
• Popularity: This unique southern name ranks #902 for girls and is not ranking for boys.

Emerson or Emersyn

• Name meaning: Emery’s daughter.
• Popularity: For girls, Emerson ranks #155 and Emersyn ranks #164. For boys, Emerson ranks #267.

Harlow

• Name meaning: Rock hill.
• Popularity: This great southern name ranks #324 for girls and is not ranking for boys.

Karsyn

• Name meaning: Child of marsh-dwellers.
• Popularity: Karsyn ranks #612 for girls and Carson ranks #84 for boys.

Kendall

• Name meaning: Valley of the river Kent.
• Popularity: Kendall ranks #314 for girls and hasn’t ranked for boys since 2018.

Kennedy

• Name meaning: Helmeted chief.
• Popularity: This presidential southern name ranks #72 for girls and hasn’t ranked for boys since 2005.

Korbyn

• Name meaning: Raven or little crow.
• Popularity: This unique southern baby name ranks #991 for boys and isn’t ranking for girls.

Landen

• Name meaning: Territory.
• Popularity: Landen ranks #589 for boys and isn’t ranking for girls.

Leighton

• Name meaning: Meadow town.
• Popularity: This interesting southern name ranks #400 for girls and #740 for boys.

Lennon

• Name meaning: Lover, blackbird, cloak.
• Popularity: This name ranks #299 for girls and #688 for boys.

Lennox

• Name meaning: Elm field.
• Popularity: This edgy name ranks #587 for girls and #291 for boys.

Peyton

• Name meaning: Fighter’s estate.
• Popularity: This southern name ranks #98 for girls and #430 for boys.

Phoenix

• Name meaning: Mythical bird.
• Popularity: This hippie name ranks #286 for girls and #238 for boys.

Reagan or Raegan

• Name meaning: Little king.
• Popularity: Reagan ranks #880 and Raegan ranks #254. The name hasn’t ranked for boys since 2017.

Reese

• Name meaning: Fiery.
• Popularity: This one syllable name ranks #144 for girls and #731 for boys.

Rhett

• Name meaning: Advice.
• Popularity: This short southern name ranks #159 for boys but isn’t ranking for girls.

Rowan

• Name meaning: Reddish brown tree.
• Popularity: This southern tree name ranks #255 for females and #113 for males.

Ryan or Ryann or Rian

• Name meaning: Little king.
• Popularity: For girls, Ryan ranks #450, Ryann ranks #779, and Rian is not in the top 1000. For boys, Ryan ranks #57.

Ryder

• Name meaning: Horsewoman.
• Popularity: This badass name is not popular for girls but ranks #108 for boys.

Rylan

• Name meaning: Island meadow.
• Popularity: Rylan ranks #870 for girls and #327 for boys.

Shiloh

• Name meaning: Tranquil.
• Popularity: Shiloh ranks #454 for girls and #618 for boys.

Teagan

• Name meaning: Little poet.
• Popularity: This southern name ranks #192 for girls and hasn’t ranked for boys since 2014.

As you’ve seen, most of these gender neutral southern baby names are in the top 1000 for both boys and girls.

Nature southern girl names

For organic southern baby girl names that mean water, plant, or earth, check out these options!

Amber

• Name meaning: Fossil resin.
• Popularity: #513

Arden

• Name meaning: Great forest.
• Popularity: This southern baby name hasn’t ranked since 2019.

Aurora

• Name meaning: Dawn.
• Popularity: #36

Dahlia

• Name meaning: Flower.
• Popularity: #352

Daisy

• Name meaning: Flower.
• Popularity: #143

Ellery

• Name meaning: Alder tree.
• Popularity: This three syllable girl name is not currently in the top 1000.

Hazel

• Name meaning: Of the Hazelnut tree.
• Popularity: #31

Ivory

• Name meaning: White. A substance composing the tusks of an elephant, walrus, and narwhal.
• Popularity: #599

Ivy

• Name meaning: Plant.
• Popularity: #58

Juniper

• Name meaning: Young. Also an evergreen shrub with berries.
• Popularity: #172

Lillian or Lily

• Name meaning: Lily flower.
• Popularity: Lillian ranks #46 and Lily ranks #35.

Magnolia

• Name meaning: A tree with large glossy leaves and huge white blossoms.
• Popularity: #177

Marigold

• Name meaning: Golden flower.
• Popularity: This unique southern girls’ name is not in the top 1000.

Meadow

• Name meaning: Freely growing grassland.
• Popularity: #476

Olive

• Name meaning: From a tree.
• Popularity: #197

Poppy

• Name meaning: Red flower.
• Popularity: #462

Raven

• Name meaning: Blackbird.
• Popularity: #418

Rayne or Rain

• Name meaning: Precipitation.
• Popularity: Rayne ranks #775 and Rain is not ranking.

Reva

• Name meaning: Rain.
• Popularity: This unique southern name is not currently popular in the U.S.

River

• Name meaning: Stream of water.
• Popularity: #186

Rose or Rosie

• Name meaning: Flower.
• Popularity: Rose ranks #113 and Rosie ranks #470.

Sage

• Name meaning: Grayish green herb.
• Popularity: #223

Sienna

• Name meaning: Orange-red.
• Popularity: #166

Sierra

• Name meaning: Mountain range.
• Popularity: #540

Susanna

• Name meaning: Lily.
• Popularity: This very southern sounding baby name is not currently popular in the U.S.

Terra

• Name meaning: Earth.
• Popularity: This unique earthy southern name is not in the top 1000.

Willow

• Name meaning: Tree.
• Popularity: #48

Nature names make excellent southern baby names because they capture the outdoorsy culture that’s prevalent in many parts of the South. These names may be perfect for families who enjoy fishing, hiking, four-wheeling, and spending days at the lake.

Musical southern girl names

All of these southern girl names are inspired by music and country music artists.

Alaina or Alayna

• Name meaning: Cheerful; precious. Inspired by country music singer Lauren Alaina.
• Popularity: Alaina ranks #196 and Alayna ranks #247.

Blake

• Name meaning: Bright and shining. Inspired by country music singer Blake Shelton.
• Popularity: #219

Cadence

• Name meaning: Rhythm or flow.
• Popularity: #677

Calliope

• Name meaning: Beautiful voice.
• Popularity: #691

Carrie

• Name meaning: Free woman. Inspired by country music singer Carrie Underwood.
• Popularity: This southern girl name hasn’t ranked since 2008.

Chesney

• Name meaning: Oak grove. Inspired by country music star Kenny Chesney.
• Popularity: This unusual southern name is not currently popular.

Gretchen

• Name meaning: Pearl. Inspired by country music singer Gretchen Wilson.
• Popularity: This southern belle name hasn’t ranked since 2008.

Jolene

• Name meaning: Lord. Inspired by Dolly Parton’s song of this name.
• Popularity: #474

Kasey or Kacie

• Name meaning: Vigilant or watchful. Inspired by country singer Kacey Musgraves.
• Popularity: This southern baby name is not in the top 1000.

Lainey

• Name meaning: Bright or shining light. Inspired by country music singer Lainey Wilson.
• Popularity: #364

LeAnn or Leanne

• Name meaning: Graceful wood. Inspired by Leann Rimes.
• Popularity: This southern girl name is not currently ranking.

Lyric

• Name meaning: Words set to music.
• Popularity: #412

Melody

• Name meaning: Song.
• Popularity: #106

Miranda

• Name meaning: Worthy of admiration. Inspired by country music star Miranda Lambert.
• Popularity: #542

Paisley

• Name meaning: A cute curved pattern. Inspired by Brad Paisley.
• Popularity: #50

Presley

• Name meaning: Priest. Inspired by Elvis!
• Popularity: #213

Raelynn or Raelyn

• Name meaning: Invented name. (Female sheep + lake). Inspired by new-ish country singer RaeLynn.
• Popularity: Raelynn ranks #104 and Raelyn ranks #370.

Reba

• Name meaning: One who joins. Inspired by Reba McEntire.
• Popularity: This southern baby girl name ending in A is not currently popular.

Taylor

• Name meaning: Clothing tailor. Inspired by Taylor Swift.
• Popularity: #161

Tenille

• Name meaning: Champion or passionate. Inspired by new-ish country music singer Tenille Arts.
• Popularity: This unique southern girl name is not in the top 1000.

If you want to pass along your love of country music to your little one, what better way than to name her after an influential musician or famous song? All of these make precious southern baby girl names.

Unique southern girl names

If you’re looking for more unusual ideas, consider one of these unique southern girl names.

Adelia

• Name meaning: Noble.
• Popularity: This unique southern girl’s name is not currently popular.

Althea

• Name meaning: With healing power.
• Popularity: Althea is not currently ranking in the U.S.

Annalyse

• Name meaning: Beauty, elegance, graced by God.
• Popularity: This uncommon southern belle baby name is not in the top 1000.

Braylin

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: This unique girls’ name is not currently popular.

Bria

• Name meaning: Hill or noble.
• Popularity: #789

Bristol

• Name meaning: Place by the bridge.
• Popularity: #491

Dalary

• Name meaning: Of the air.
• Popularity: #943

Embry

• Name meaning: Flat-topped hill.
• Popularity: This unique southern girls’ name is not ranking in the top 1000.

Emerald

• Name meaning: Green gemstone.
• Popularity: #957

Emmeline

• Name meaning: Work.
• Popularity: #873

Haven

• Name meaning: Safe place.
• Popularity: #310

Indigo

• Name meaning: Blue or Indian dye.
• Popularity: This unique gender neutral baby name is not currently ranking.

Jaylin

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: #862

Journee or Journey

• Name meaning: Travel or experience.
• Popularity: Journee ranks #203 and Journey ranks #298.

Jovie

• Name meaning: Joyful.
• Popularity: #922

Jubilee

• Name meaning: Celebration.
• Popularity: This unique southern girls’ name is not ranking in the top 1000.

Julep

• Name meaning: Rose water.
• Popularity: This unique baby name is not currently popular.

Kaylin

• Name meaning: Pure, slender, or fair.
• Popularity: This girl’s name hasn’t ranked since 2019.

Liberty

• Name meaning: Freedom.
• Popularity: #653

Rebel

• Name meaning: Maverick.
• Popularity: This badass southern name is not currently popular.

Reverie

• Name meaning: Daydream.
• Popularity: This unusual girls’ name is not ranking in the top 1000.

All of these unique southern names are uncommon without being too far out there. They make excellent choices if you’re looking for a southern girls’ name that’s memorable and a little off the beaten path.

Vintage southern girl names

These vintage southern girl names are interesting because they’re old-school monikers that are cool again in the 2020s. Check out these baby girl names with deep southern roots.

Adelaide

• Name meaning: Noble.
• Popularity: #274

Agatha

• Name meaning: Good woman.
• Popularity: This old southern girls’ name is not currently popular.

Agnes

• Name meaning: Pure.
• Popularity: This vintage southern name is not in the top 1000.

Clementine

• Name meaning: Mild and merciful; or citrus fruit.
• Popularity: #610

Constance

• Name meaning: Steadfastness.
• Popularity: This old southern name is not ranking.

Mabel

• Name meaning: Lovable.
• Popularity: #427

Maeve

• Name meaning: She who intoxicates.
• Popularity: #173

Maisie

• Name meaning: Pearl.
• Popularity: #409

Margaret or Maggie

• Name meaning: Pearl.
• Popularity: Margaret ranks #126 and Maggie ranks #293.

Marion

• Name meaning: Drop of the sea; or beloved.
• Popularity: This vintage name is not currently ranking.

Octavia

• Name meaning: Eighth.
• Popularity: #335

Pearl

• Name meaning: Gem.
• Popularity: #773

Prudence

• Name meaning: Careful.
• Popularity: This classic southern name is not currently popular.

Tabitha

• Name meaning: Gazelle or graceful.
• Popularity: This traditional southern girls’ name is not in the top 1000.

These old southern girl names have been around for centuries, making them perfect for families who want to honor the traditions of the South.

Spiritual southern girl names

These beautiful southern girl names are perfect for families who believe their daughter was sent from above.

Arabella

• Name meaning: Yielding to prayer.
• Popularity: #202

Brielle or Briella

• Name meaning: God is my strength.
• Popularity: Brielle ranks #99 and Briella ranks #297.

Celia

• Name meaning: Heavenly.
• Popularity: #784

Eliza

• Name meaning: Pledged to God.
• Popularity: #115

Faith

• Name meaning: Devotion.
• Popularity: #136

Hansel

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: This unique southern name is not in the top 1000.

Joanna or Johanna

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: Joanna ranks #258 and Johanna is #644.

Joelle

• Name meaning: Jehovah is God.
• Popularity: #765

Trinity

• Name meaning: Triad.
• Popularity: #228

Whether or not you’re a person of faith, these southern belle baby names are beautiful choices.

Timeless southern girl names

These southern baby names for girls have stood the test of time and don’t tend to evoke any particular decade.

Alice

• Name meaning: Noble.
• Popularity: #76

Alicia

• Name meaning: Noble.
• Popularity: #414

Anne

• Name meaning: Grace.
• Popularity: #625

Audrey

• Name meaning: Noble strength.
• Popularity: #60

Autumn

• Name meaning: Fall.
• Popularity: #82

Blakely

• Name meaning: Dark wood.
• Popularity: #167

Brianna

• Name meaning: Strong and honorable.
• Popularity: #146

Cassidy

• Name meaning: Curly haired.
• Popularity: #406

Cecilia

• Name meaning: Blind.
• Popularity: #147

Celeste

• Name meaning: Heavenly.
• Popularity: #353

Delilah

• Name meaning: Delicate.
• Popularity: #69

Elena or Elaina

• Name meaning: Shining light.
• Popularity: Elena ranks #55 and Elaina is #249.

Eloise

• Name meaning: Healthy.
• Popularity: #138

Kaitlyn

• Name meaning: Pure.
• Popularity: #487

Kendra

• Name meaning: Knowledge.
• Popularity: #551

Liliana

• Name meaning: Carefree.
• Popularity: #110

Lydia

• Name meaning: Beautiful one.
• Popularity: #96

Madelyn

• Name meaning: Woman from Israel.
• Popularity: #66

Mallory

• Name meaning: Unlucky.
• Popularity: #568

Marie

• Name meaning: Star of the sea.
• Popularity: #619

Sloane

• Name meaning: Warrior.
• Popularity: #181

Sophie

• Name meaning: Wisdom.
• Popularity: #75

Summer

• Name meaning: Season.
• Popularity: #149

What’s great about this list of timeless southern girl names is that on paper, it won’t be clear to anyone what decade your baby was born in. They’re truly timeless!

Popular names in the United States

We’ve already covered a WHOLE BUNCH of popular baby names scattered throughout the lists above, but here are the remaining girls’ names that round out the top 50!

Addison

• Name meaning: Daughter of Adam.
• Popularity: #47

Aria

• Name meaning: Air or melody.
• Popularity: #26

Camila or Camilla

• Name meaning: Religious servant.
• Popularity: Camila is #11 and Camilla is #257.

Chloe

• Name meaning: Plant sprout.
• Popularity: #27

Elizabeth

• Name meaning: Oath.
• Popularity: #16

Ellie

• Name meaning: Shining one.
• Popularity: #29

Emily or Emely

• Name meaning: Rival or to excel.
• Popularity: Emily ranks #18 and Emely is #522.

Gianna

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: #12

Hannah

• Name meaning: Grace.
• Popularity: #39

Isabella

• Name meaning: Promise.
• Popularity: #7

Isla

• Name meaning: Island.
• Popularity: #44

Leah

• Name meaning: Weary.
• Popularity: #45
•  

Luna

• Name meaning: Moon.
• Popularity: #14

Mila

• Name meaning: Beloved.
• Popularity: #20

Nora

• Name meaning: Light.
• Popularity: #30

Nova

• Name meaning: New.
• Popularity: #38

Penelope

• Name meaning: Weaver.
• Popularity: #25

Sophia or Sofia

• Name meaning: Wisdom.
• Popularity: Sophia is #5 and Sofia is #17.

Stella

• Name meaning: Star.
• Popularity: #42

Victoria

• Name meaning: Winner.
• Popularity: #34

Violet

• Name meaning: Purple.
• Popularity: #37

Zoey or Zoe

• Name meaning: Life.
• Popularity: Zoey is #32 and Zoe is #41.

While some of these are not overtly southern names, they may be worth considering if you like their sound or meaning!

More southern girl names

The list goes on and on! (But this is the last one). Finally, here is one last batch of southern girl names to consider for your daughter.

Astrid

• Name meaning: Divinely beautiful.
• Popularity: #452

Audra

• Name meaning: Noble strength.
• Popularity: This southern girl name is not in the top 1000.

Aurelia

• Name meaning: Golden one.
• Popularity: #528

Bethany

• Name meaning: House of figs.
• Popularity: #603

Cheyenne

• Name meaning: Supplanter or incoherent speaker.  How can such a gorgeous name have such a lousy meaning?!
• Popularity: #581

Claire or Clare

• Name meaning: Clear or bright.
• Popularity: Claire ranks #57 and Clare ranks #823.

Coraline

• Name meaning: Diminutive of coral.
• Popularity: #643

Corinne

• Name meaning: Girl or maiden.
• Popularity: #954

Dakota

• Name meaning: Friend or ally.
• Popularity: #261

Delaney

• Name meaning: Challenger’s descendant.
• Popularity: #312

Delia

• Name meaning: Born on the island of Delos.
• Popularity: This pretty southern name is not in the top 1000.

Elyse

• Name meaning: Abundance.
• Popularity: #718

Emery or Emerie

• Name meaning: Brave or industrious.
• Popularity: Emery ranks #89 and Emerie ranks #598.

Heidi

• Name meaning: Noble.
• Popularity: #381

Kayla or Cayla

• Name meaning: Slim and fair.
• Popularity: Kayla ranks #217 and Cayla hasn’t ranked since 2009.

Melanie

• Name meaning: Dark.
• Popularity: #105

Rayna or Reyna or Reina

• Name meaning: Queen.
• Popularity: The royal name Rayna ranks #702, Reyna ranks #594, and Reina ranks #590.

As you can see, there are SO many great southern girl names to choose from!

Now let’s talk about middle names for a second!

Best southern middle names

Grace and Rose are two very popular choices for middle names due to their beauty, simplicity, and versatility.

Some might argue that they’re “overdone”, but I’d disagree. Middle names don’t have to be unique, they just have to sound pretty or have meaning.

If those “go-to” middle names aren’t right for you, any of the southern girl names on this enormous list would make a beautiful middle name for your southern belle.

Here are 20 southern middle name ideas (in addition to Grace and Rose) that are particularly easy to pair with most first names:

Final thoughts on choosing the perfect southern baby name

Before solidifying your daughter’s name, here are 5 useful questions to ask yourself!

1. 1. Is the name too popular? Let’s just say your daughter goes on The Bachelor. Do you want her to have to go by “Olivia R” since there’s also an “Olivia C”? I’m joking, of course. But take a moment to think about whether you want to choose a name that’s in the top 10.
   2. Are you setting her up for an initials faux-pas when she gets married? This is a really easy one to forget. A name like Blair Avery is super cute… and might be perfectly fine for your baby’s CURRENT last name. But is she going to think twice before going on a date with someone whose last name is Davis, for example?
   3. Will a young child be able to pronounce the name? This is another one that’s really easy to overlook when choosing the perfect baby name. Keep in mind that lots of little kids have trouble saying “R”, “S”, “L”, “Th”, and “Z”. A name like Braylee might be really hard for your kiddo (and her friends) to say for a while.
   4. How intuitive is the name’s pronunciation? Most, if not all, of the southern girl names on this list are pretty easy to pronounce. Still, take a second to consider whether or not your child will have to spend a lifetime correcting others on how to say her name—particularly if you decide to go with an unusual spelling variation or unexpected emphasis on a certain syllable.
   5. Do you like the possible nicknames? You won’t have control over the nicknames your daughter’s friends, and even other family members, come up with. If you give your daughter the southern name Carolina, are you okay with the nickname Carrie?

As you go through these questions, you may decide that one or some of these issues don’t matter to you at all—and that’s totally fine.

Ultimately, you and your partner should choose whichever southern girl name makes you the happiest. It’s a very personal decision that only you can make!

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350+ Totally Charming Southern Girl Names