100 Charming Southern Baby Girl Names With Meanings and Origin
As a mom of five (including three beautiful girls), I tried to choose diverse names for my daughters. One of my choices was Southern baby girl names. Southern names often carry a sense of charm, grace, and timeless elegance.
Whether you're drawn to names inspired by Southern tradition or independent women, there's something truly special about the names rooted in the South. Here's a collection of 100 beautiful Southern baby girl names to consider for your little one.
Before you finalize your baby’s name, be sure to check out baby registry checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your little one's arrival.
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WHAT ARE SOUTHERN BABY GIRL NAMES?
1. ANNABELLE
Meaning: "Gracious, beautiful" - a combination of Anna (gracious) and Belle (beautiful)
Origin: French and Hebrew roots, but has become a quintessential Southern name
Association: Evokes images of Southern belles and plantation homes, particularly popular in Georgia and South Carolina
2. MAGNOLIA
Meaning: Named after the magnolia flower, symbolizing dignity, purity, and perseverance
Origin: While the name comes from French botanist Pierre Magnol, it's deeply tied to the American South
Association: The state flower of Mississippi and Louisiana, representing the beauty and strength of the South
3. CHARLOTTE
Meaning: "Free woman" or "petite"
Origin: French feminine form of Charles, but has deep roots in Southern naming traditions
Association: Associated with Charlotte, North Carolina, one of the South's major cities, and carries an air of sophistication and classic Southern charm
4. SAVANNAH
Meaning: "Open plain" or "flat tropical grassland"
Origin: Spanish word "sabana," popularized by the city of Savannah, Georgia
Association: Conjures images of Spanish moss, historic squares, and the genteel atmosphere of the Georgia coast
5. GEORGIA
Meaning: "Farmer" or "earth worker"
Origin: Feminine form of George, derived from Greek "georgos"
Association: Named after the Southern state, which itself was named for King George II of England
6. SCARLETT
Meaning: Refers to the color scarlet, a bright red
Origin: English occupational name for a seller of scarlet cloth
Association: Forever linked to Scarlett O'Hara from "Gone With the Wind," embodying Southern resilience
7. BELLE
Meaning: "Beautiful" or "lovely"
Origin: French
Association: The quintessential "Southern belle," representing grace, charm, and femininity
8. MAE
Meaning: Often associated with the month of May, symbolizing springtime and new beginnings
Origin: English
Association: Often used as a middle name in Southern double names (e.g., Ella Mae, Sarah Mae)
9. ELLIE
Meaning: "Bright shining one" or "torch"
Origin: Diminutive of Eleanor or Ellen, with Greek roots
Association: Has a sweet, down-home quality popular throughout the American South
10. DAISY
Meaning: "Day's eye," as the flower opens during the day and closes at night
Origin: English, from the flower name
Association: Represents innocence and simplicity, often associated with Southern gardens
11. BLAKELY
Meaning: "Dark wood" or "dark clearing"
Origin: English surname that became popular as a first name in the South
Association: Modern Southern name with a blend of sophistication and country charm
12. DIXIE
Meaning: Nickname for the American South
Origin: Derived from the Mason-Dixon line, which separated the Northern and Southern states
Association: Deeply connected with Southern heritage and pride
13. LULA
Meaning: "Famous warrior" or "renowned fighter"
Origin: Diminutive of Louise or Tallulah
Association: Old-fashioned Southern name experiencing a revival for its vintage appeal
14. TALLULAH
Meaning: "Leaping water" or "trickling streams"
Origin: Native American Choctaw language
Association: Associated with Tallulah Falls in Georgia and actress Tallulah Bankhead, a Southern icon
15. JOSIE
Meaning: "God will add" or "God increases"
Origin: Diminutive of Josephine, with Hebrew roots
Association: Has a playful, approachable quality popular in Southern naming traditions
16. RUBY
Meaning: Named after the precious gemstone
Origin: Latin "ruber" meaning red
Association: Popular vintage name in the South that exudes warmth and strength
17. EUDORA
Meaning: "Good gift"
Origin: Greek
Association: Evokes Southern literary tradition through Mississippi author Eudora Welty
18. CAMILLE
Meaning: "Young ceremonial attendant" or "perfect"
Origin: French, from Latin "camillus"
Association: Exudes Southern elegance with a touch of French influence common in Louisiana
19. VIOLA
Meaning: Purple flower, also a musical instrument
Origin: Latin
Association: Traditional Southern name with both musical and natural associations
20. PEARL
Meaning: Named after the gem, symbolizing purity and wisdom
Origin: Latin "perla"
Association: Classic Southern name often given to honor grandmothers or great-grandmothers
21. MAMIE
Meaning: "Bitter" or "star of the sea" (if derived from Mary)
Origin: Diminutive of Mary or Margaret
Association: Old-fashioned Southern name with a sweet, familiar quality
22. LORETTA
Meaning: "Little laurel tree" symbolizing victory and honor
Origin: Latin diminutive of Laura
Association: Country music connections through Loretta Lynn, the "Coal Miner's Daughter"
23. CLEMENTINE
Meaning: "Mild, merciful"
Origin: Latin "clemens"
Association: Evokes Southern folk traditions through the song "Oh My Darling, Clementine"
24. ALMA
Meaning: "Soul" or "nurturing"
Origin: Latin
Association: Traditional Southern name often passed down through generations
25. JOLENE
Meaning: "Pretty"
Origin: Combination of Jo and Lene (from Helena)
Association: Immortalized in Dolly Parton's song, representing Southern musical heritage
26. SUSANNAH
Meaning: "Lily" or "rose"
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Biblical name with a distinctly Southern feel, especially in its shortened form "Susie"
27. WILLOW
Meaning: Named after the graceful willow tree
Origin: English, from Old English "welig"
Association: Evokes images of Southern landscapes with willows along riverbanks
28. BILLIE
Meaning: "Resolute protection"
Origin: Diminutive of Wilhelmina
Association: Has a tomboy quality that reflects the independent spirit of Southern girls
29. JESSAMINE
Meaning: Refers to the jasmine flower
Origin: Persian "yasamin"
Association: Evokes the sweet-smelling jasmine common in Southern gardens
30. BIRDIE
Meaning: Diminutive nickname referring to birds
Origin: English
Association: Sweet, old-fashioned Southern nickname that's seeing renewed popularity
31. SHILOH
Meaning: "Peaceful one" or "His gift"
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Biblical place name but also associated with the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee
32. FLANNERY
Meaning: "Red" or "ruddy"
Origin: Irish surname
Association: Literary connections to Southern Gothic writer Flannery O'Connor
33. DELIA
Meaning: "Visible" or "of Delos"
Origin: Greek
Association: Has musical connections through the traditional Southern song "Delia's Gone"
34. IMOGENE
Meaning: "Image" or "likeness"
Origin: Celtic
Association: Classic Southern name with a touch of mystery and old-world charm
35. TRUDY
Meaning: "Spear of strength"
Origin: Short form of Gertrude, with Germanic roots
Association: Has the straightforward, honest quality valued in Southern culture
36. HATTIE
Meaning: "Home ruler"
Origin: Diminutive of Harriet
Association: Vintage Southern name experiencing a revival for its warmth and familiarity
37. IVY
Meaning: Named after the climbing evergreen plant
Origin: Old English "ifig"
Association: Evokes images of ivy-covered Southern mansions and college buildings
38. JUNE
Meaning: Named after the month, which was named for the Roman goddess Juno
Origin: Latin
Association: Popular as both a first and middle name in the South, with connections to June Carter Cash
39. ABILENE
Meaning: "Grassy plain" or "land of meadows"
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Named after the city in Texas, with a distinctly Western-Southern feel
40. FANNIE
Meaning: "Free" or "free one"
Origin: Diminutive of Frances
Association: Traditional Southern name with a friendly, approachable quality
41. ROSALYN
Meaning: "Beautiful rose"
Origin: Latin
Association: Elegant Southern name associated with First Lady Rosalynn Carter from Georgia
42. ETTA
Meaning: "Little one" or "small"
Origin: Diminutive ending often attached to other names
Association: Vintage Southern name with musical connections through Etta James
43. AZALEA
Meaning: Named after the flowering shrub common in the South
Origin: Greek "azaleos" meaning "dry"
Association: Popular springtime flower in Southern gardens, particularly associated with cities like Charleston
44. OPAL
Meaning: Named after the iridescent gemstone
Origin: Sanskrit "upala" meaning "precious stone"
Association: Popular vintage name in Southern states, often for grandmothers born in the early 1900s
45. MINNIE
Meaning: "Of the mind" or "memory"
Origin: Diminutive of Minerva or Wilhelmina
Association: Classic Southern nickname with a sweet, endearing quality
46. SADIE
Meaning: "Princess"
Origin: Diminutive of Sarah
Association: Traditional Southern name with a friendly, approachable quality
47. DELLA
Meaning: "Noble" or "bright"
Origin: Diminutive of names like Adela or Adelaide
Association: Has a homespun, down-to-earth quality popular in rural Southern communities
48. THELMA
Meaning: "Will, volition" or "protective"
Origin: Greek
Association: Vintage Southern name that peaked in the early 1900s, now making a comeback
49. HOLLIS
Meaning: "Dweller at the holly trees"
Origin: English surname used as a first name
Association: Has a sophisticated Southern charm with unisex appeal
50. LUCILLE
Meaning: "Light" or "illumination"
Origin: French form of Lucia, from Latin
Association: Strong Southern connections through country singer Lucinda Williams and Lucille Ball's Southern roots
51. WILLA
Meaning: "Resolute protection" or "will, desire"
Origin: Feminine form of William
Association: Literary connections to Southern-born author Willa Cather
52. EVANGELINE
Meaning: "Bearer of good news"
Origin: Greek
Association: Popular in Louisiana due to Longfellow's poem about Acadian exile Evangeline
53. DOTTY
Meaning: "Gift of God"
Origin: Diminutive of Dorothy
Association: Friendly, approachable nickname with a distinctly Southern charm
54. KITTY
Meaning: "Pure"
Origin: Diminutive of Katherine
Association: Traditional Southern nickname with a gentle, feminine quality
55. EULALIE
Meaning: "Sweet-speaking"
Origin: Greek
Association: Has a lyrical quality popular in the French-influenced areas of the South
56. MISSY
Meaning: "Young girl" or "little miss"
Origin: Diminutive of Melissa or Mississippi
Association: Affectionate Southern nickname often used as a term of endearment
57. EMMYLOU
Meaning: Combination of Emma ("universal") and Lou (short for Louise, "famous warrior")
Origin: English and Germanic
Association: Musical connections through country singer Emmylou Harris, representing Southern musical heritage
58. OCTAVIA
Meaning: "Eighth" or "born eighth"
Origin: Latin
Association: Has an aristocratic Southern quality, reminiscent of plantation-era naming traditions
59. BEULAH
Meaning: "Married" or "promised land"
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Biblical name that was particularly popular in rural Southern communities
60. IDELLA
Meaning: "Industrious" or "hardworking"
Origin: Possibly a variation of Idalia or combination of Ida and Ella
Association: Traditional Southern name with a gentle, melodic sound popular in early 20th century
61. CASSIDY
Meaning: "Curly-haired"
Origin: Irish
Association: A charming and spunky name with country music connections through singer Cassidy Pope
62. MARIBELLE
Meaning: Combination of Mary ("bitter") and Belle ("beautiful")
Origin: French and Hebrew
Association: Classic Southern name with a double-name charm
63. LORELEI
Meaning: "Alluring enchantress"
Origin: German
Association: Romantic and musical name with Southern storytelling appeal
64. ANNALISE
Meaning: "Graced with God's bounty"
Origin: German
Association: Elegant and refined, with deep Southern charm
65. WINNIE
Meaning: "Fair one" or "gentle friend"
Origin: English and Welsh
Association: Sweet vintage name with Southern warmth
66. MAGGIE
Meaning: "Pearl"
Origin: Diminutive of Margaret
Association: Has an old-time Southern feel, popular in classic literature
67. LILAH
Meaning: "Night" or "dark beauty"
Origin: Arabic and Hebrew
Association: Soft and melodic, with a Southern storytelling quality
68. JOLIE
Meaning: "Pretty"
Origin: French
Association: Elegant name often used in Louisiana due to its French influence
69. CASSIE
Meaning: "Pure"
Origin: Diminutive of Cassandra
Association: A friendly, down-to-earth Southern classic
70. CALLIE
Meaning: "Most beautiful"
Origin: Greek
Association: Sweet and Southern, often used as a standalone name or nickname
71. CAROLINE
Meaning: "Free woman"
Origin: French
Association: Strong and sophisticated, commonly heard in the South
72. DOLLY
Meaning: "Gift of God"
Origin: Diminutive of Dorothy
Association: Country charm through legendary singer Dolly Parton
73. MAISIE
Meaning: "Pearl"
Origin: Scottish
Association: Vintage name with a cozy Southern appeal
74. MILLIE
Meaning: "Gentle strength"
Origin: Diminutive of Mildred or Amelia
Association: Old-fashioned Southern charm with a modern comeback
75. JOLEE
Meaning: "Cheerful"
Origin: French
Association: A fresh twist on the classic Southern double name
76. NOELLE
Meaning: "Christmas" or "born on Christmas"
Origin: French
Association: Southern elegance with a festive touch
77. BETSY
Meaning: "God is my oath"
Origin: Diminutive of Elizabeth
Association: A friendly, familiar name with a homespun Southern feel
78. BLISS
Meaning: "Joy" or "happiness"
Origin: English
Association: Simple yet sophisticated, evokes a peaceful Southern life
79. LACEY
Meaning: "From Lassy"
Origin: French
Association: Has a graceful, delicate feel with a Southern flair
80. CORDELIA
Meaning: "Heart" or "daughter of the sea"
Origin: Latin and Celtic
Association: Has a vintage Southern aristocratic appeal
81. PRISCILLA
Meaning: "Ancient" or "venerable"
Origin: Latin
Association: A classic name often found in Southern families
82. MARTHA
Meaning: "Lady" or "mistress of the house"
Origin: Aramaic
Association: Traditional Southern name with historical connections
83. BONNIE
Meaning: "Pretty"
Origin: Scottish
Association: A cheerful, lively name with Southern appeal
84. KAYLEE
Meaning: "Pure"
Origin: Gaelic and English
Association: Modern Southern favorite with a sweet, youthful vibe
85. ALTHEA
Meaning: "Healing"
Origin: Greek
Association: Has a poetic and graceful quality, fitting for the South
86. SADDLER
Meaning: "Maker of saddles"
Origin: English occupational name
Association: Rustic Southern charm with a nod to equestrian culture
87. EVIE
Meaning: "Life"
Origin: Hebrew
Association: A playful and endearing Southern classic
88. MABEL
Meaning: "Lovable"
Origin: Latin
Association: A vintage Southern name making a comeback
89. PIPER
Meaning: "Flute player"
Origin: English
Association: A spunky, modern name with Southern charm
90. JUBILEE
Meaning: "Celebration"
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Evokes joy and Southern festivity
91. HENRIETTA
Meaning: "Home ruler"
Origin: French
Association: Traditional Southern name with an aristocratic feel
92. TESSA
Meaning: "Harvester"
Origin: Greek
Association: Simple, sweet, and distinctly Southern
93. CELESTE
Meaning: "Heavenly"
Origin: Latin
Association: Has a graceful, ethereal Southern charm
94. GENTRY
Meaning: "Of noble birth"
Origin: English
Association: A refined Southern surname-turned-first-name
95. WINONA
Meaning: "Firstborn daughter"
Origin: Native American Dakota
Association: Has a warm, vintage feel often associated with the South
96. NELLIE
Meaning: "Bright, shining one"
Origin: Diminutive of Helen or Eleanor
Association: A timeless Southern nickname with a friendly quality
97. SUKEY
Meaning: "Lily"
Origin: Diminutive of Susannah
Association: Has a folksy, vintage feel that suits the South
98. RALEIGH
Meaning: "Deer's meadow"
Origin: English
Association: Named after the capital of North Carolina, blending tradition and modernity
99. LIBBY
Meaning: "God is my oath"
Origin: Diminutive of Elizabeth
Association: A lively, affectionate Southern favorite
100. ELSIE
Meaning: "God is my oath"
Origin: Scottish
Association: Sweet, vintage Southern name making a revival
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SOUTHERN BABY GIRL NAMES
A Southern baby girl name is more than just a name—it’s a reflection of heritage, family, and a love for tradition. Whether you’re drawn to classic, elegant names or something fresh and unique, the perfect name is one that speaks to your heart and fits your little girl like a sweet Southern breeze. No matter what you choose, know that it’s the beginning of a beautiful story for your child.
Want to explore more? Check out our collections of cute baby girl names, unique name ideas, short and sweet names, and names starting with V to find the perfect name for your little one.
