Find out how popular the first name Southern has been for the last 19 years (from 2006 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Southern by gender

Based on the last 19 years of data, Southern is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 68% of people named Southern being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 11 female babies and 9 male babies born with the name Southern.

The history of the first name Southern

The name Southern has its origins in the English language, derived from the word "south," meaning the cardinal direction or the southern region of a country or area. The name likely emerged during the medieval period in England, perhaps as a descriptive surname or nickname for someone who lived in the southern part of a town or region.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Southern can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of landowners in England compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. The Domesday Book mentions several individuals with the surname Southern, indicating that the name was already in use during the 11th century.

In the 13th century, a notable figure named Roger Southern was a prominent English clergyman who served as the Bishop of Rochester from 1227 to 1235. His name suggests that he or his ancestors may have originated from a southern region of England.

During the Renaissance period, a playwright named Thomas Southern (1660-1746) gained recognition for his works, including the tragedy "The Fatal Marriage" and the comedy "The Rambling Lady." He was born in Dublin, Ireland, and his name likely reflected his family's English roots.

In the 18th century, a British naval officer named Henry Southern (1742-1786) distinguished himself during the American Revolutionary War. He served as a captain in the Royal Navy and was involved in several notable battles against the American colonists.

Another notable figure with the name Southern was John Southern (1758-1838), an English engraver and painter who was celebrated for his portraits and landscapes. He was born in Oxfordshire and exhibited his works at the Royal Academy in London.

While the name Southern is not as common as some other English names, it has persisted through the centuries, likely originating as a descriptive term for individuals or families residing in the southern regions of England or other parts of the British Isles.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Southern was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Southern, please contact us.

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