The rugged handsome appeal of southern surname names for our sons never cease to impress. Witty and mischievous with that southern charm and last-name-first flair, these are often in high demand with parents looking for a spunky, energetic name for their little boy that is just as clever as it is cute. Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the most promising surname names for baby boys with that southern style, and I’d love it if you’d come along with us, dear reader. Let’s cut to the chase, Name Warehouse. It’s time for some southern surnames for your little boy!
Wells- There’s no name more distinctly southern than Wells. With a rustic feel and that appealing combination of word name and surname, it’s no wonder that Wells just popped out of the Top 1000 and started soaring. Currently at #624, surprisingly underused for now but sure to climb higher, Wells has the sounds of Wesley, the format of Brooks, and is wonderfully nickname proof. Unless you want to opt for Wellies, of course *wink*. A handsome name for a little boy that fits perfectly in this moment of Hudson and Brooks, the southern style really comes through.
Preston- This surname throws girl name Presley, who ranks at #240, a masculine -ton ending and another generous sprinkle of southern fearlessness. A surname that came from the Old English phrase “priest town,” Preston feels perfectly at home as the clever, charming boy on a ranch, or the sweet little boy on the beach. Preston ranks at #217, loved for not only his southern surname status but also his wearability. Although he reached his peak a couple years ago and I doubt he’ll make a sizable comeback, he’s still a wonderful name for your little boy, preppy and cheerful.
Wylie- A southern spin on unisex Riley, Wylie has just the right vibe for a southern baby boy. Although he too is unisex, he’s used in greater numbers for little boys. A name that simply radiates southern vibes, Wylie is an English surname more popular spelled Wiley, as he was used 157 times last year in comparison to Wylie’s 91, though I personally think that this spelling feels more southern. He has a vintage boost as well, this spelling last appearing in the US top 1000 in the 1940s, although he doesn’t feel dated or even retro. Quirky and southern, Wylie is one of my favorite options for promising southern surname boy names.
Mac- Max is contemporary-cool, a modern classic that feels dependable and traditional. Mac, though, despite sharing those same sounds, is a cooler, slicker, more southern version. With this mini moniker ranking at #870, and his potentially more complete alternative spelling Mack ranking at #584, he’s not all too common. Preppy and plucky with energy and playful spirit for days, Mac is ideal for a little one with plenty of energy and a big heart. If you’re eyeing Max, but want a bit of a southern vibe along with lower popularity, look over from Maximus and Maximillian and maybe consider this one-syllable wonder instead.
Kingston- A name that used to be reserved for people living on land called royal settlements, Kingston has transformed into a white hot stylish surname boy name with a bit of a southern twang as well. Kingston currently ranks at #117, the highest he ever has, as one would likely anticipate. A more name-like version of King and other title names, Kingston has that appealing -ton ending you see in many southern surname names in addition to his royal first syllable. While Kingston is also a city in Jamaica, he still makes a lovely given name for some little boys, and his origins as a surname are also quite interesting.
Wyatt- One of the most popular southern style boy names, Wyatt ranks at #29, peaking only three short years ago. Handsome and rugged like his southern surname brothers above, Wyatt perfectly encompasses that one cool ranch hand in those teen novels that everybody got their hands on at some point. The teens picking up the book, not the characters picking up the ranch hand, just to clarify. A strong, masculine name that wonderfully suits any little boy, I definitely feel as if Wyatt has that southern it factor, and would gladly suggest this name to any family who might be looking for a name with such aspects.
Everett- Originally an English surname, Everett is now getting a boost from the wave of Ever- names that are rushing to redeem their ticket onto the trend train after this beginning started to come back into high demand. Although Everett remains a vintage revival, peaking in 1906 at #81, he doesn’t feel outdated or vintage even in the slightest, ranking at #94 according to the latest SSA data, for 2019. With the oh-so-southern -rett ending that feels a bit like Wyatt’s -yatt ending or that can stand alone as Rhett, which ranks at #165 for baby boys and the on trend Ever- of Everly and Everson, Everett is wonderfully current.
Sterling- The most traditional of these southern surname names, Sterling feels both studious and obedient and handsome and wild. In that satisfying nook in popularity between names you hear everywhere and names that get raised eyebrows everywhere they venture is where Sterling lies, a comfortable #409. The name of Patrick Mahomes new baby girl, Sterling also has sparse unisex potential if you’re interested in one of these plucky surnames for your baby girl, though I might put out a list for southern surnames for girls as well if you like! A versatile name appropriate for any personality, Sterling is lovely as a classic southern surname name that doesn’t feel strange in today’s working world but has all of the charm of other more out-there choices.
That’s all for southern surname names for boys. As usual, I hope you enjoyed it, and perhaps were a bit inspired to put one of these on your list, whether you're a name nerd like me or expecting a new addition. Have a wonderful rest of your day, dear readers!
Sincerely,
-Delphina Moon