Culture and Lifestyle Quotes and Sayings 65 Double Baby Names You Still Hear On Southern Playgrounds Today In the South, you should know never to assume Anna Grace goes by Anna, or that James Wyatt goes by James. By Nellah Bailey McGough Nellah Bailey McGough Nellah McGough runs the day-to-day operations in the Southern Living Birmingham office, responds to reader questions and comments, manages freelancer contracts, and invoices. She is also the co-host (with Steve Bender) of Ask Grumpy Podcast. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on May 4, 2024 In the South, we don't kid around when it comes to double names. Not only do double names roll off the tongue in a signature Southern drawl as sweet and slow as pouring honey, but double dubbing is often about bridging family names with classic or meaningful ones, which is why we also know never to assume Anna Grace just goes by Anna, or that James Wyatt goes by James. That cardinal rule is permanently etched into the Southern code of etiquette, praise be. Double Names Rules That Every Southerner Knows Tips For Choosing A Double Name Getty Images Why settle on a single moniker when you can double the love with two? After all, it gives you something firm and weighty to yell out when your child is in deep trouble, especially when it's yelled from across the house. Look to precedence and history: Southerners have come up with some truly noteworthy double name combos, while other double names have solidified themselves as simply classic, earning spots on plenty of Southern family trees. Meaning is important, too: While these names may not have originally been combined because of their etymological meanings, we couldn't help but look into what our favorite double names mean in their original roots. After all, you always dream of your child living up to their name, whether it's a deeply rooted family name or a name that means "old friend" in Old English.Not just for girls: You also can never go wrong with a strong double name for a little boy, especially if you're looking for a way to honor both grandpas in one fell swoop. How The Double-Name Trend Started And Stayed In The South 01 of 65 Alice Ann Ls9907/Getty Images The name Alice has German roots and means "noble," while Ann stems from Latin and can mean "favor" or "grace." 02 of 65 Allie Kate Phichet Ritthiruangdet/EyeEm/Getty Images Allie is often short for Allison, which comes from a Gaelic word meaning "of nobility." Kate, a nickname for Katherine, can be traced to Latin and Greek. There were many feminine saints by the name of "Katherine," some of whom are still honored today. 03 of 65 Ann Blair Yvette. Laoshi/Getty Images Blair is a beautiful unisex name that stems from Scottish Gaelic, meaning "plain" or "field." "Field of favor" sounds like a beautiful name to us! 04 of 65 Anna Beth Getty Anna has the same name origin as "Ann," from Latin and Hebrew meaning "favor" or "grace," while Beth is a nickname for Elizabeth, a common name in royalty, which traces from the Bible. 05 of 65 Anna Claire d3sign/Getty Images Claire comes from French meaning "clear" or "bright." In Latin, it comes from the word that gave us "clarity" and "clarify" in English. 06 of 65 Anna Grace Anders Andersson / Getty Images Grace has always been a popular biblical name for many families across the world. The name is often linked to the phrase: "The grace of God." 07 of 65 Anna Kate JBI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images Your daughter is sure to be a favorite among the saints with a name like Anna Kate. Kate is short for Katherine, a name that means "pure." 08 of 65 Ava Rose Westend61 / Getty Images Ava may be a variation of "Eve" or "Eva," which mean "life" in Hebrew, but it also has connections to the Latin word "avis," meaning "bird." Either translation—rose of life or bird of life—sounds like a beautiful hidden meaning to us! 09 of 65 Celia Ann Westend61/Getty Images Deriving from the Latin word "Caelum" meaning "sky" or "heavens," Celia became a popular name for girls and is a nickname for Cecilia, Celeste, and Celestina. 10 of 65 Celia Mae monkeybusinessimages/Getty Images Mae, which is also often spelled May, like the month, stems from the Roman goddess Maia, who embodied growth. What a beautiful name for a little girl whose dreams you hope will one day grow beyond the sky. 11 of 65 Ellie Mae BlackJack3D / Getty Images Ellie is often a nickname for Ellen or Eleanor. Eleanor stems from Hebrew, loosely translating to "God is my light." 12 of 65 Emma Jane PeopleImages/Getty Images Emma stems from a Germanic root that means "whole" or "universal." This name became especially popular in the 1990s after Ross and Rachel named their daughter Emma on the hit TV show Friends. Jane has been a long-standing popular name dating to the mid-16th century. Some believe that it comes from French or Hebrew, loosely translating to "God is gracious." 13 of 65 Emma Kate JGI / Jamie Grill / Getty Images This name meaning whole and pure is an easy choice for your little girl who will likely be your whole world. 14 of 65 Erin Rose Constance Bannister Corp/Getty Images Erin traces to the Irish Gaelic word "Eirinn," which was one of the traditional names for Ireland and means "green water." Rose became a popular name during the late 1800s and early 1900s when flower names were extremely favored. 15 of 65 Georgia Kate Steve Debenport/Getty Images A feminine form of the name "George," Georgia stems from the Greek word for "farmer" or "earth worker." 16 of 65 Grace Ann Catherine Delahaye/Getty Images A flip-flopped version of "Anna Grace," this name is another popular name in the South for families who wanted to include multiple family names in their child's name. 17 of 65 Julie Ann Karin Dreyer/Getty Images Thought to be a separation of the name "Julianne," this popular double name has some links to Caesar. The masculine name "Julius" was often feminized for daughters, becoming "Julia" and eventually "Julie." 18 of 65 Laura Beth Image Source/Getty Images Laura is another name stemming from Latin that traces to the laurel branch, which was a symbol of victory. Beth, a nickname for Elizabeth, has always been popular because of its connection to Elizabeth, John the Baptist's mother, in the Old Testament. 19 of 65 Laura Elizabeth Nicki Pardo/Getty Images We've never met a Laura Elizabeth who wasn't wise and victorious. She's destined to be a sweet older sister, friend, and mother. 20 of 65 Laura Leigh Add a dose of fun with one small braid—this might just be the easiest back-to-school hairstyle we've seen yet. IMAGEMORE Co, Ltd. /Getty Images Leigh, a variation of "Lee" comes from Old English meaning "meadow" or "pasture." 21 of 65 Lily Rose Shelly_Au/Getty Images With a double flower name, your little girl is sure to be sweet and beautiful, just as her name suggests. 22 of 65 Liza Ann Westend61/Getty Images Liza is another common nickname from Elizabeth. Many families will further shorten the name to "Liz Ann," which often transforms into one word when spoken a Southern accent. 23 of 65 Marie Louise kumacore/Getty Images Marie comes from "Mary," which stems from Latin and Hebrew. It's popularity is related to the Virgin Mary in the Bible. Marie did not become a popular variation until the 19th century—prior to then it was common in Northern and Western Europe. Louise is a feminized version of "Louis," which originated in France and Germany. 24 of 65 Mary Elizabeth It's easy to see that this little one is just as angelic as her twirl-worthy flower girl dress would suggest. . JoPhoto Innumerable famous women throughout history have borne one or both names, which makes Mary Elizabeth an enduring popular double name choice. 25 of 65 Mary Helen Getty Images Helen stems from the Greek word "helene" meaning "light." Helen in mythology was also the daughter of Zeus and Leda, who was captured by Paris, thus starting the Trojan War. 26 of 65 Mary Lee zeremski / Getty Images Lee began as an English surname and eventually became a popular first name for children. It stems from an Old English word meaning "meadow." 27 of 65 Mary Margaret petrenkod/Getty Images Derived from ancient Greek, Margaret made its way as a common name among royalty in the forms of Marguerite (French) and Margarita (Latin). This sweet, vintage name means "pearl." 28 of 65 Mary Martha Getty Images A double name reflecting the famous sister duo from the Bible, a girl named Mary Martha is sure to be quick-witted and hard working. 29 of 65 Mary Stewart Jessica Peterson/Getty Images Stewart has an interesting origin, separate from its homophone "Stuart," an occupational name from Scottish and Old English. It referred to an administrative state official who was the "house guardian." 30 of 65 Millie Kay Monashee Alonso / Getty Images From German and Old English, Millie means "gentle strength," the perfect name for a daughter. Kay comes from Breton and Welsh words that meant "key" in some translations and "wharf" in others. 31 of 65 Nelle Harper Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images Your daughter Nelle is sure to be "a ray of sunshine," as her name etymology suggests. Harper originated as an occupational surname (for someone who played the harp), and now is a popular unisex name. Your child may even have musical talent with a name like "Harper." 32 of 65 Nellie Kate Westend61/Getty Images Nellie, which can be a sweet nickname for "Nelle," has big shoes to fill with a name meaning "ray of sunshine" and also deriving from Saint Katherine. 33 of 65 Nora Jean Constance Bannister Corp/Getty Images Two different roots can be traced for "Nora." In Ireland, Nora stemmed from the Latin word for "honor," while in France, it came from the same root as Eleanor, meaning "light." Just like Jane, Jean derives from the same Latin and Hebrew word meaning "God is gracious." 34 of 65 Ruth Ann Westend61/Getty Images In Hebrew Ruth means "compassionate friend." We love the thought of a little girl whose name means "friend" and "grace." 35 of 65 Sarah Elizabeth Laura Natividad/Getty Images Sarah in Hebrew translates to "noblewoman" or "princess." It's an appropriate name for your little princess! 36 of 65 Sarah Jean Caiaimage / Robert Daly / Getty Images Based on her name etymology, Sarah Jean is sure to stay faithful to her beliefs and be a light to all she knows. 37 of 65 Sarah Jesse Westend61/Getty Images Jesse, which has evolved into a unisex name, translates from Hebrew to mean "King" or "God's Gift," in reference to Jesus. 38 of 65 Sarah Katherine or Sarah Catherine Crezalyn Nerona Uratsu/Getty Images A name inspired by saints and one of the first mothers in the Bible, Sarah K/Catherine is sure to be a natural leader and faithful friend. 39 of 65 Sue Ellen Daniela Solomon/Getty Images Sue means "lily" from Old English, and is sometimes a nickname for Susan, Suzanne, and Suzie. Ellen, like Ellie, comes from Eleanor, and means "God is my light" in Hebrew. 40 of 65 Wesley Ann Thanasis Zovoilis / Getty Images Wesley was another popular surname that eventually found its way as a first name. Wesley Ann is a beautiful combination of common family names. 41 of 65 Benton Knox Make those cowlicks a fashion statement with an adorable side-parted cut. Funwithfood/Getty Images Benton was a habitational name in Old English meaning "settlement in the bent grass." Knox was a Scottish surname, that meant a hill or a hump. Both surnames have come to be beloved first names. 42 of 65 Everett James Getty/Cavan Images This duo is a combination of old English and the biblical apostle. "Brave follower" sounds like a great little boy name, if you ask us. 43 of 65 Jack Wyatt Leanne Temme/Getty Images Jack, which is a modern nickname for John, means "God is gracious," like the meaning of John, while Wyatt is an old English name that means "brave at war." 44 of 65 James Avery PeopleImages/Getty Images Avery can be traced as a surname and from the name Alfred, meaning "wise." It also has some translations from French meaning "ruler of elves." Elves were recognized as wise and swift. With a name like James Avery, your son is sure to be wise in knowing when to lead and when to follow. 45 of 65 James Dawson Jolka100/Getty Images Dawson, like Davis, means "son of David." This name is a great spinoff for a couple who doesn't want to make their son a junior, but still wants to keep some familial tie with a unique name. 46 of 65 James Wyatt KidStock/Getty Images Similar to Jack Wyatt, this fortuitous name means brave and graced by God. 47 of 65 John Dale d3sign/Getty Images From Middle English, Dale means "valley." Combined, your son's name could mean "valley graced by God." How whimsical! 48 of 65 John David Tatiana Dyuvbanova/Getty Images Named after two biblical men, your son John David has big shoes to fill. First appearing in Hebrew in the Old Testament, "David" means "beloved." 49 of 65 John Evans Nikhil Patil/Getty Images John and Evans are actually cognates of each other. Evans, having Welsh origin, means "son of Evan," but it can also be traced to "Ifan," meaning "gracious gift of God," similar to the meaning of John. 50 of 65 John Livingston RalphRaymondReubenRemy. Bogdan VIja/EyeEm/Getty Images Livingston is a traditional Scottish clan name that has evolved to a first name. This double name is a great choice for any families with deep Scottish roots or a "Livingston" last name somewhere in their family tree. 51 of 65 John Michael Abel/AbeAbnerArchibaldArthur/Art. Kevin Liu/Getty Images "Graced by God and gift from God." What a great name for your baby boy. 52 of 65 Judson Lee EdmundEmmettEugeneErnest. SolStock/Getty Images Judson comes from the Greek word meaning "praised." Don't we all hope that our child will be praised in some form? 53 of 65 Linden James tatyana_tomsickova/Getty Images Linden has evolved to be a unisex name, but originated as a primarily male name meaning "of the linwood or lime-wood tree." The Tillia genus has about 30 tree types that are commonly referred to as linden or lime trees in the British Isles. Literally translated to "follower of the linden tree," your little boy may grow up to have a green thumb or love for the outdoors. 54 of 65 Matthew David QQuincy/ QuinnQuentin UUlyssesUrbanXXavierZZachariahZeke. Jose Luis Pelaez/Getty Images Matthew means "gift of God" in Hebrew, which combined with David creates "beloved gift of God." What a beautiful message behind your baby boy's name! 55 of 65 Robert Samuel JasperJeremiahJesseJulian. Ariel Skelley/Getty Images A name like "Robert" could promise good luck to your little boy. It derives from the German name "Hrodebert," which meant "bright fame." Samuel, another Old Testament name, means "God has heard" or "name of God" in Hebrew. 56 of 65 Russell Davis WallaceWardWilburWiley. PeopleImages/Getty Images Russell is another name that began as a surname. Its roots translate from French to mean "red-haired" or "fox-colored." Davis is an old English name with the same meaning as David: beloved. 57 of 65 Sawyer Ford Catherine Delaaye/Getty Images Sawyer is another occupational surname that referred to someone who "sawed wood." Sawyer has evolved to a beloved unisex name. Ford is also from Old English and means "river crossing." 58 of 65 Thomas Owen NedNeilNewellNorman. Orbon Alija/Getty Images The name Thomas means "twin" in Hebrew. It became a popular name because Thomas was one of Jesus' 12 apostles in the New Testament. Owen has both Welsh and Irish origins. They differ in pronunciation, but both roots mean "noble," "youthful," or "well-born." If you have a set of twins, Thomas Owen may just be the boy name for you! 59 of 65 Tucker Lee sarahwolfephotography/Getty Images While Tucker was also an English occupational surname for a fuller, like Walker, it also means "all heart" from the French "tout-coeur." As mentioned in the girl names, Lee means "meadow" or "pasture" in Old English. 60 of 65 Walker James PeopleImages/Getty Images The name "Walker" has Anglo-Saxon occupational roots. A walker was a person who cleansed wool through "fulling" it. Walker was a surname that eventually became a first name. James, a biblical name, means "supplanter" in Hebrew, or one who follows, just as James was one of the first disciples to follow Jesus in the Bible. 61 of 65 Wells Davis VaughnVernonVictorVincent. Lucy von Held/Getty Images Wells means "spring" or "stream" in Old English, and Davis, like Evans, is a surname implying "son of…," which would be David in this case. Together "beloved stream" has a beautiful lilt for a little boy's name. 62 of 65 William Alden MonicaNinker/Getty Images "Srong-willed warrior and wise protector." We love this Old English-inspired name. 63 of 65 William Henry Wavebreakmedia/Getty Images William, the name of many kings and princes in history, means "strong-willed warrior" with English and Old German roots. Henry, another common name among kings, comes from French and German stems meaning "house ruler." Your son is sure to be a leader with a name like William Henry. 64 of 65 William Jennings ljubaphoto/Getty Images Just like Wells and Evans, Jennings is a baptismal name that means "son of John." It stems from Anglo-Saxon language. 65 of 65 William Knox Westend61/Getty Images "Strong-willed warrior of the hill." Your little boy will surely put up a fight for what he believes to be correct and good. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit