175+ Beautiful Southern Girl Names (with Meanings)

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Naming expert Natalie Mulholland shares the sweetest names for Southern belles

Co-authored by Natalie Mulholland and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: November 20, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Classic
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• Unique
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• Cute
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• Vintage
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• Modern
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Are you an expectant parent looking for a name for your baby girl with elegance, grace, and, of course, a little Southern charm? You’ve come to the right place! We talked to naming expert Natalie Mulholland to help us compile an extensive list of some of the most gorgeous names for your future Southern belle, including classic, unique, cute, vintage, and modern options. Keep reading to find a name for your daughter that’s just as beautiful as a magnolia in full bloom!

Southern Baby Girl Names

Naming expert Natalie Mulholland likes Southern girl names like Margaret, Magnolia, Darcy, and Savannah. Other options include:

• Adelaide: “Noble,” German origin.
• Caroline: “Free man,” German and French origins.
• Delilah: “Delicate,” Hebrew origin.
• Josephine: “Jehovah increases,” Hebrew origin.
• Maybelle: “Lovable,” English origin.
• Susannah: “Lily,” Hebrew origin.
• Willa: “Resolute protection,” German origin

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

Classic Southern Girl Names

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1. 
   Pick one of these names if you want something popular and well-loved. These names are classics, which means you absolutely can’t go wrong with them. They’re always in style, and they’re perfect if you want to surround your little girl with elegance, charm, and Southern flair. Mulholland notes that Southern place names, like Georgia and Savannah, are timeless and "always pretty popular, because they hold special meanings most of the time." Here are some more of our favorite options:

   • Abigail: “Father’s joy,” Hebrew origin.
   • Adelaide: “Noble,” German origin.
   • Adeline: “Noble” or “nobility,” French origin.
   • Aibelene: “Meadow,” Hebrew origin.
   • Amelia: “Work,” German origin.
   • Annabelle: “Favored grace” or “beauty,” Hebrew and French origins.
   • Annette: “Grace” or “favor,” French origin.
   • Camille: “Helper to the priest,” Latin origin.
   • Catherine: “Pure” or “clear,” Greek origin.
   • Caroline: “Free man,” German and French origins.
   • Cecelia: “Blind,” Latin.
   • Charlotte: “Free man,” French origin.
   • Colleen: “Girl,” Irish origin.
   • Delilah: “Delicate,” Hebrew origin.
   • Elizabeth: “God is my oath,” Hebrew origin.
   • Evelyn: “Desired,” “water,” or “island,” English origin.
   • Georgia: “Farmer” or “earth worker,” Greek origin.
   • Grace: “Favor,” Latin origin.
   • Harriet: “Home ruler,” German origin.
   • Helena: “Shining light,” Greek origin.
   • Jolene: “God is gracious,” German and Hebrew origins.
   • Lillian: “Lily” or “God is my oath,” Hebrew origin.
   • Magnolia: “Magnolia flower,” French origin.
     • This is often shortened to Nola, says Mulholland.
   • Margaret: “Pearl,” Greek origin.
     • Mulholland says that Maggie is a common nickname for Margaret.
   • Maxine: “Greatest,” Latin origin.
   • Marianne: “Grace” or “sea of bitterness,” French and Hebrew origins.
   • Maybelle: “Lovable,” English origin.
   • Olivia/Olive: “Olive tree,” Latin origin.
   • Ophelia: “Help,” Greek origin.
   • Pearl: “Precious gemstone,” English origin.
   • Penelope: “Weaver,” Greek origin.
   • Rose: “Rose,” English origin.
   • Savannah: “From the open plain,” Spanish, Native American, and British origins.
   • Scarlett: “Red,” French origin.
   • Susannah: “Lily,” Hebrew origin.
   • Suzanne: “Lily” or “lotus,” Hebrew and Greek origins.
   • Tallulah: “Leaping water,” Native American origin.
   • Viola: “Violet,” Latin origin.
   • Violet: “Purple,” Latin origin.
   • Willa: “Resolute protection,” German origin

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Natalie Mulholland is a naming expert from Athens, Georgia. Since 2023, she’s also been a content creator focused on sharing the origin of names, plus what they mean and interesting people who’ve had that name before.
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Section 2 of 5:

Unique Southern Girl Names

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1. 
   Opt for one of these rare picks to help your little girl stand out. These names are perfect if you’re looking for something that combines Southern charm with undeniably unique vibes. Plus, since they’re less common, chances are that your little girl won’t share a name with any other kids in her class. In other words, she’ll be the star of the show, and the belle of the ball!

   • Amabel: “Lovable,” Latin origin.
   • Arabella: “Yielding to prayer” or “lovable,” Latin and Scottish origins.
   • Aurora: “Dawn,” Latin origin.
   • Azalea: “Flower,” Greek origin.
   • Calliope: “Beautiful-voiced,” Greek origin.
   • Charlene: “Free woman,” German origin.
   • Charmaine: “Delight,” Greek origin.
   • Clarabelle: “Bright and beautiful,” English origin.
   • Claudine: Feminine form of Claud, French origin.
   • Clementine: “Gentle,” French origin.
   • Constance: “Steadfastness,” French origin.
   • Cordelia: “Heart” or “daughter of the sea,” Latin origin.
   • Coretta: “Maiden,” Greek origin.
   • Daphne: “Laurel tree,” Greek origin.
   • Darcy: “Dark-haired,” French and Irish origins.
   • Delia: “From Delos” or “noble,” Greek origin.
   • Delphine: “Dolphin” or “from Delphi,” French and Greek origins.
   • Dorothy: “Gift of God,” Greek origin.
   • Emmeline: “Vigor” or “brave,” Latin and German origins.
   • Emmylou: “Entire” or “universal,” American and German origins.
   • Estelle: “Star,” Latin origin.
   • Evangeline: “Good news,” Greek origin.
   • Flora: “Flower,” Latin origin.
   • Gardenia: “Gardenia flower,” Scottish origin.
   • Genevieve: “Tribe woman,” French origin.
   • Lucinda: “Light,” Latin origin.
   • Marceline: “Dedicated to Mars,” Roman origin.
   • Mirabelle: “Marvelous,” Latin origin.
   • Odette: “Wealthy,” French and German origin.
   • Rosaline: “Soft horse,” German origin.
   • Seraphina: “Burning ones,” Hebrew origin.
   • Willadean: “Resolute protector” and “valley,” American origin.
   • Wilhelmina: “Protection” or “helmet,” German origin.
   • Wilma: “Will helmet,” German origin.
   • Zinnia: “Zinnia flower,” English origin.

Section 3 of 5:

Cute Southern Girl Names

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1. 
   Go for these names if you want to amp up the cuteness factor. Southern names don’t always need to be super fancy, elegant, or old-fashioned—they can also be short, simple, and downright adorable! Flower-inspired names like Poppy are always a great option, says Mulholland, as "flower names are...very trendy in the South." Here are a few cute Southern names as sweet as homemade peach cobbler:

   • Ada: “Noble,” “nobility,” or “island,” German and Turkish origins.
   • Alma: “Nurturing” or “soul,” Latin origin.
   • Amma: “Born on a Saturday,” Ghanaian origin.
   • Bea: “Bringer of happiness” or “blessed,” American origin.
   • Belle: “Beautiful,” French origin.
   • Bessie: “Pledged to God,” Hebrew origin.
   • Callie: “Beautiful” or “lovely,” Greek origin.
   • Cora: “Maiden,” Greek origin.
   • Daisy: “Day’s eye,” English origin.
   • Della: “Noble,” German origin.
   • Dolly: “Gift of God,” English origin.
   • Dottie: “Gift of God,” Greek origin.
   • Eloise: “Healthy” or “wide,” French origin.
   • Etta: “Home ruler,” German origin.
   • Evie: “Life,” Latin origin.
   • Faith: “Trust” or “devotion,” English origin.
   • Hattie: “Home or estate ruler,” German origin.
   • Hope: “To have confidence or trust in,” English origin.
   • Ida: “Hardworking,” Greek origin.
   • Ivy: “Climbing evergreen plant,” British origin.
   • June: “Young,” Latin origin.
   • Lacey: “Cheerful,” Old French and Latin origin.
   • Lily: “Lily flower,” English origin.
   • Lucy: “Light,” Latin origin.
   • Lulu: “Pearls,” “calm,” “protected,” or “famous warrior,” Swahili origins.
   • Mae: “Beloved,” “bitter,” “drop of the sea,” or "pearl,” Hebrew and Latin origin.
   • Maisie: “Pearl” or “bitter,” Scottish origin.
   • Marie: “Star of the sea,” French origin.
   • Minnie: “Helmet” or “protection,” German origin.
   • Nellie: “Horn” or “sun ray,” Latin origin.
   • Poppy: “Red Flower,” from Old English and Latin.
   • Reba: “Connection” or “link,” Hebrew origin.
   • Peggy: “Pearl,” Greek origin.
   • Sadie: “Princess,” Hebrew origin.
   • Sally: “Princess,” Hebrew origin.
   • Shelby: “Willow,” Norse origin.
   • Suzie: “Lily,” Hebrew origin.
   • Trixie: “Bringer of joy,” Latin origin.
   • Vera: “Faith,” Russian origin.
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Section 4 of 5:

Vintage Southern Girl Names

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1. 
   Choose a vintage Southern name if you want something timeless. Vintage names have withstood the test of time, which means you can rest assured that they’ll never go out of style. Mulholland says a lot of these names, like Josephine, have a frilly vibe, which a lot of people like in the South. You may even find the name of a beloved grandmother, great-aunt, or even great-grandmother on this list, and there’s nothing quite as sweet as naming your little one after a woman who inspired you!

   • Augusta: “Great,” Latin origin.
   • Annamae: “Favor” or “grace,” American, British, and Hebrew origin.
   • Beatrice: “Voyager,” Latin origin.
   • Beverly: “Beaver stream” or “meadow,” British origin.
   • Blanche: “White,” French origin.
   • Charity: “Giving” and “kindness,” English origin.
   • Clara: “Bright” or “clear,” Latin origin.
   • Clarice: “Bright” or “clear,” French origin.
   • Claudette: Feminine form of Claude, French origin.
   • Darlene: “Darling,” English origin.
   • Deborah: “Bee,” Hebrew origin.
   • Delores: “Sorrow,” Spanish origin.
   • Dorothea/Dorthea: “Gift of God,” Greek origin.
   • Eleanor: “Sun ray” or “shining light,” French and Greek origins.
   • Eileen: “Little bird,” “strength,” or “desired,” Gaelic origin.
   • Ernestine: “Serious,” German origin.
   • Eugenia: “Well born,” Greek origin.
   • Eudora: “Good gift,” Greek origin.
   • Florence: “Flourishing,” Latin origin.
   • Frances: “Truthful” or “sincere,” Latin and German origin.
   • Georgette: “Farmer” or “earth worker,” French origin.
   • Gladys: “Princess” or “ruler,” Welsh origin.
   • Henrietta: “Home ruler,” German origin.
   • Irene: “Peace,” Greek origin.
   • Jemima: “Dove” or “day to day,” Hebrew origin.
   • Josephine: “Jehovah increases,” Hebrew origin.
   • Lenore: “Old north,” French origin.
   • Loretta: “Laurel,” Italian origin.
   • Lorna: “Victorious,” Scottish origin.
   • Louisa: “Famous warrior,” German origin.
   • Lucille: “Light,” French origin.
   • Lynette: “Idol,” French and Welsh origin.
   • Mabel: “Lovable,” Latin origin.
   • Mavis: “Songbird,” French origin.
   • Myrtle: “Evergreen shrub,” Latin origin.
   • Pamela: “Honey,” Greek origin.
   • Pauline: “Small” or “humble,” Latin origin.
   • Petunia: “Petunia flower,” English origin.
   • Priscilla: “Ancient,” Latin origin.
   • Sue: “Lily,” Hebrew origin.
   • Virginia: “Maiden,” Latin origin.
   • Vivienne: “Life,” Latin origin.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Natalie Mulholland

   Naming Expert

   Natalie Mulholland is a naming expert and content creator based in Athens, Georgia. With a lifelong interest in names, Natalie started creating content around this passion in 2023. She brings a linguistically focused approach to her content, sharing a name’s origin, meaning, category, notable people, and more. She is expecting to receive her bachelor’s degree in human development and family science from the University of Georgia in 2025.

   

   Natalie Mulholland
   Naming Expert

   Double-barrel names are popular for girls in the South. Names like Emma Jane and Sarah Mae are very Southern Belle. Also, there’s usually a longer first name and shorter middle name, like Margaret Pearl.

Section 5 of 5:

Modern Southern Girl Names

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1. 
   Go for one of these names if you’re looking for a contemporary vibe. These trendy Southern names are currently rising in popularity, which makes them ideal if you want a name with a modern sound. Here are some of our favorite picks to inspire you:

   • Addison: “Son of Adam,” British origin.
   • Alabama: “Plant gatherers,” Native American origin.
   • Autumn: “Fall” or “season of “harvest,” Latin origin.
   • Bailey: “Berry clearing,” British and French origins.
   • Blossom: “Bloom” or “flower,” English origin.
   • Cassidy: “Curly-haired,” Irish origin.
   • Cricket: “Insect,” American origin.
   • Cheyenne: “Little Cree,” Native American origin.
   • Dakota: “Friend” or “ally,” Native American origin.
   • Dallas: “From the dales,” Scottish origin.
   • Hadley: “Heather meadow,” British origin.
   • Harper: “Harp player,” English origin.
   • Juniper: “Evergreen,” Latin origin.
   • Kennedy: “Helmet-headed,” Scottish origin.
   • Moxie: “Energetic” or “driven,” American origin.
   • Paisley: “Church,” Scottish origin.
   • Piper: “Pipe player,” British origin.
   • Raleigh: “Roe deer clearing,” English origin.
   • Riley: “Rye clearing,” British origin.
   • Scout: “To listen” or “sent to discover,” French origin.
   • Skyler: “Scholar” or “sky,” British and Dutch origins.
   • Willow: “Willow tree,” English origin.
   • Wynona: “Firstborn daughter,” Native American origin.
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