Hillbilly’s last names tell stories of mountain folk who settled in places like the Appalachians, Ozarks, and other rural areas across America.
These family names often came from early settlers who moved to hard-to-reach mountain spots in the 1700s and 1800s. Many of these last names are in Scotland, Ireland, England, and Germany.
Families like the Smiths, Johnsons, Walkers, and Taylors built homes in these mountains and created tight-knit communities.
These last names were passed down through families that lived off the land, made their own tools, played folk music, and kept old traditions alive.
Learning about these hillbilly last names helps us understand an important part of American rural culture and history.
Find out if your family name appears among these old mountain family names that built America’s backcountry history.
Hillbilly Surnames and Their Cultural Significance
1. Abernathy
Meaning: Mouth of the river
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Strong pioneer heritage
2. Adkins
Meaning: Son of Adam
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Common in Appalachian families
3. Applewhite
Meaning: White apple tree
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbol of farming and nature
4. Ashcraft
Meaning: Ash tree worker
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to woodworking traditions
5. Backwater
Meaning: Isolated water area
Origin: American
Cultural Significance: Represents rural backcountry living
6. Bailey
Meaning: Fortified town
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to old frontier settlements
7. Baines
Meaning: Thin or little
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in old Appalachian records
8. Barlow
Meaning: Hillside farm
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Associated with farming families
9. Barnett
Meaning: Leader of the barn
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Connected to livestock and agriculture
10. Beasley
Meaning: Bent grass meadow
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents rural landscapes
11. Beckett
Meaning: Bee cottage
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to beekeeping traditions
12. Bellamy
Meaning: Fine friend
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Popular among early settlers
13. Benfield
Meaning: Plowed field
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents farming heritage
14. Bentley
Meaning: Meadow with coarse grass
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Common among early Appalachian settlers
15. Birchfield
Meaning: Birch tree field
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbol of forested mountain lands
16. Blevins
Meaning: Bleiddwn (Wolf-Man)
Origin: Welsh
Cultural Significance: Found in Appalachian family records
17. Boone
Meaning: Good person
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Famous for explorer Daniel Boone
18. Boswell
Meaning: Forest spring
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Tied to early pioneers
19. Bowden
Meaning: Hilltop settlement
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Common in Southern families
20. Bramblett
Meaning: Thorny bush area
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents rugged country life
21. Braswell
Meaning: Thick forest
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to mountain settlers
22. Brewster
Meaning: Beer maker
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Associated with early craftsmen
23. Bridwell
Meaning: Near a bridge spring
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents rural homesteads
24. Brock
Meaning: Badger
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes strength and perseverance
25. Brogden
Meaning: Broad valley
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to rural farm life
26. Broughton
Meaning: Strong farm
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents frontier survival
27. Browder
Meaning: Brown valley
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Linked to Appalachian settlers
28. Buckner
Meaning: Deer herder
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbol of hunters and trappers
29. Burdette
Meaning: Small bird
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Represents nature and countryside
30. Burgess
Meaning: Town leader
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to early community founders
31. Burnette
Meaning: Little brown one
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Found in old mountain families
32. Buttram
Meaning: Bright
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Common in the Southern U.S.
33. Caldwell
Meaning: Cold stream
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Linked to Scottish Appalachian settlers
34. Callahan
Meaning: Bright-headed
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Tied to Irish immigrants in the South
35. Cantrell
Meaning: Singer
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Common among folk musicians
36. Carver
Meaning: Woodworker
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to rural craftsmanship
37. Cash
Meaning: Case maker
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Associated with legendary Johnny Cash
38. Caudill
Meaning: Descendant of Cathal
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Found in Appalachian family trees
39. Chandler
Meaning: Candlemaker
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents old-time craftsmanship
40. Chitwood
Meaning: Clearing in the woods
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbol of isolated homesteads
41. Clanton
Meaning: From the rocky settlement
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Connected to rural pioneers
42. Claypool
Meaning: Claypit
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to pottery and crafts
43. Clemons
Meaning: Gentle
Origin: Latin
Cultural Significance: Found in pioneer records
44. Cleveland
Meaning: Land of cliffs
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to mountainous landscapes
45. Cline
Meaning: Little slope
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Common in Southern families
46. Clodfelter
Meaning: Farmer in heavy soil
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Represents hardworking settlers
47. Cloninger
Meaning: Woodworker
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Found in early Appalachian settlements
48. Coffman
Meaning: Merchant
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Linked to old trading communities
49. Colvin
Meaning: Coal town
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Represents coal-mining heritage
50. Combs
Meaning: Hollow in the hills
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to Appalachian valleys
51. Conner
Meaning: Lover of hounds
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Linked to hunting traditions
52. Connolly
Meaning: Fierce warrior
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Tied to strong pioneer families
53. Cooley
Meaning: Cool, quiet place
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Found in Southern mountain communities
54. Cornwell
Meaning: From Cornwall
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents old English roots in America
55. Cothran
Meaning: Swamp dweller
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Tied to rugged backwoods survival
56. Couch
Meaning: Hiding place
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Common among Appalachian settlers
57. Covington
Meaning: Settlement of Cofa’s people
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to early American homesteads
58. Crabtree
Meaning: Wild apple tree
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbol of tough mountain living
59. Crenshaw
Meaning: Grain meadow
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Represents farming heritage
60. Crockett
Meaning: Large curl
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Famous for frontiersman Davy Crockett
61. Crowder
Meaning: Fiddler
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to Appalachian music traditions
62. Culpepper
Meaning: Herb gatherer
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents folk medicine and healing
63. Darnell
Meaning: Hidden nook
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in early Appalachian settlements
64. Davenport
Meaning: Market town
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to trade and old Southern towns
65. Delk
Meaning: Unclear
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Found in Southern family records
66. Deloach
Meaning: Dark or hidden
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Associated with mysterious folklore
67. Dewberry
Meaning: Wildberry
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes country living and nature
68. Dickens
Meaning: Son of Richard
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to old English settlers
69. Dingess
Meaning: Altered form of German Dinges
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Found in Appalachian genealogy records
70. Dobbins
Meaning: Son of Dob
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to early pioneers
71. Dodson
Meaning: Son of Dodd
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in Southern and Appalachian areas
72. Donahoo
Meaning: Brown warrior
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Tied to Irish-American families
73. Duckworth
Meaning: Enclosure by the water
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents rural homesteads
74. Dugger
Meaning: Ditch digger
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes hardworking settlers
75. Dunlap
Meaning: Fort on a hill
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Found in Appalachian settlements
76. Easterling
Meaning: From the east
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents migration and exploration
77. Eberhart
Meaning: Strong boar
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Tied to strength and survival
78. Edmonds
Meaning: Son of Edmund
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in early pioneer records
79. Eldreth
Meaning: Old ruler
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to Appalachian heritage
80. Ellington
Meaning: Town of Ella’s people
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents Southern aristocracy
81. Ellison
Meaning: Son of Ellis
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to strong frontier families
82. Emory
Meaning: Home strength
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Represents resilience in the mountains
83. Engle
Meaning: Angel or messenger
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Found in old Southern records
84. Etheridge
Meaning: Noble ruler
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents leadership in small communities
85. Eubanks
Meaning: People by the yew trees
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbol of deep-rooted family heritage
86. Faircloth
Meaning: Beautiful fabric
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to textile and craft traditions
87. Farthing
Meaning: Small coin
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents thrift and resourcefulness
88. Faulkner
Meaning: Falcon trainer
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Associated with Southern literature
89. Favors
Meaning: Gift or blessing
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in Appalachian church records
90. Fipps
Meaning: Altered form of Phipps
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to rural farming families
91. Fogleman
Meaning: Bird-catcher
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Represents a hunting tradition
92. Foust
Meaning: Fist or strong grip
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Symbol of strength in the mountains
93. Foxx
Meaning: Cunning like a fox
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to survival skills in the wild
94. Frady
Meaning: Brave
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Represents boldness and resilience
95. Fulk
Meaning: People’s guard
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Linked to strong pioneer families
96. Furr
Meaning: Furrier or trader
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Associated with Appalachian fur trading
97. Gaddis
Meaning: Spear warrior
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Found in early frontier families
98. Gage
Meaning: Pledge or oath
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Symbol of trust and honor
99. Gambrell
Meaning: Goat herder
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Represents rural livestock farming
100. Gann
Meaning: Shortened form of McGann
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Linked to Southern homesteads
101. Garmon
Meaning: Spearman
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Represents strength and defense
102. Garrison
Meaning: Son of Garret
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to Appalachian militia families
103. Gattis
Meaning: Road or Thoroughfare
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Common in Southern family records
104. Gentry
Meaning: Noble or aristocratic
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents early Southern landowners
105. Gilreath
Meaning: Servant of St. Giles
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Found in Appalachian genealogy records
106. Gladden
Meaning: Cheerful or joyful
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes happiness in small communities
107. Godwin
Meaning: Good friend
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents loyalty in hillbilly culture
108. Goins
Meaning: Irish variant of Gowan
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Found in early Southern settlements
109. Goolsby
Meaning: Place with wolves
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes strength and wilderness survival
110. Gragg
Meaning: Rocky hill
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Represents tough mountain living
111. Grider
Meaning: Fence maker
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Linked to farming and livestock culture
112. Grimsley
Meaning: Dark or fierce meadow
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Associated with rugged backcountry families
113. Guffey
Meaning: Victory or battle
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Represents strength and endurance
114. Hackworth
Meaning: Fence or enclosure
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to land ownership in rural areas
115. Hagood
Meaning: Enclosure near a hedge
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents farming traditions
116. Haire
Meaning: White or fair
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Linked to early settlers in the South
117. Harkins
Meaning: Descendant of Earcán
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Tied to early frontier families
118. Harrelson
Meaning: Son of Harold
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Common in Appalachian genealogy
119. Hartsfield
Meaning: Stag’s field
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes hunting and nature
120. Hatchett
Meaning: Axe or hatchet maker
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to Appalachian toolmakers
121. Hatfield
Meaning: Heath field
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Famous for the Hatfield-McCoy feud
122. Hembree
Meaning: Home ruler
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents leadership in small communities
123. Henley
Meaning: High meadow
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in early mountain settlements
124. Hensley
Meaning: High wood clearing
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to Appalachian logging families
125. Higginbotham
Meaning: High homestead
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents deep roots in the South
126. Hightower
Meaning: Tall watchtower
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes protection and vigilance
127. Hodge
Meaning: Famous spear
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to early mountain warriors
128. Holbrook
Meaning: Stream in a hollow
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents small mountain communities
129. Honeycutt
Meaning: Cottage by a meadow
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in early pioneer records
130. Hooker
Meaning: Shepherd
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents farming and livestock traditions
131. Hoots
Meaning: Owl-like or wise
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes wisdom in hillbilly culture
132. Horne
Meaning: Horn-blower
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to hunting traditions
133. Houchins
Meaning: Descendant of Huchon
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Found in early Appalachian records
134. Howland
Meaning: Land near a hill
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents mountain living
135. Huckaby
Meaning: From Huck’s farm
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to early settlers
136. Huffman
Meaning: Farmer or steward
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Represents hardworking rural families
137. Hutto
Meaning: Spirit warrior
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Found in Southern genealogy
138. Icard
Meaning: Strong ruler
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Symbol of leadership in mountain communities
139. Ingle
Meaning: Fire or hearth
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents home and warmth
140. Isbell
Meaning: Pledged to God
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Tied to early religious families
141. Ivy
Meaning: Evergreen vine
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes strength and endurance
142. Jarnagin
Meaning: Ironworker
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Represents craftsmanship in the mountains
143. Jernigan
Meaning: Son of Gernegan
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Found in Southern Appalachian families
144. Jolley
Meaning: Cheerful
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes happiness in country life
145. Keener
Meaning: Bold or eager
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Represents hardworking pioneer families
146. Keeton
Meaning: Town on a ridge
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in old Appalachian settlements
147. Killough
Meaning: Church on a hill
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Linked to early Scots-Irish settlers
148. Kinlaw
Meaning: Small family settlement
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Represents tight-knit communities
149. Kinsey
Meaning: Royal victory
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in frontier records
150. Kistler
Meaning: Christian servant
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Tied to old rural church families
151. Lackey
Meaning: Servant or helper
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Represents hardworking mountain families
152. Lankford
Meaning: Long ford
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to rural river crossings
153. Lawhorn
Meaning: Loud horn blower
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes leadership and strength
154. Ledbetter
Meaning: Skilled worker
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in early Appalachian communities
155. Ledford
Meaning: Ford near a clearing
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents settlers in wooded areas
156. Lefever
Meaning: Ironworker
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Tied to early blacksmith families
157. Lemaster
Meaning: The master or leader
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Represents skilled workers in the mountains
158. Lenoir
Meaning: Dark or mysterious
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Linked to Southern gothic heritage
159. Lightfoot
Meaning: Fast runner
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents speed and agility in hunting
160. Lindley
Meaning: Lime tree clearing
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes nature and farmland
161. Locklear
Meaning: Clear lake
Origin: Native American
Cultural Significance: Found in Lumbee Native American heritage
162. Lowery
Meaning: Son of Laurence
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Common in Scots-Irish Appalachian families
163. Luttrell
Meaning: From the village of Luttrell
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Found in early pioneer records
164. Maggard
Meaning: Powerful
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Represents strength and resilience
165. Maness
Meaning: Son of Magnus
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Linked to Appalachian family history
166. Maple
Meaning: Maple tree
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes deep roots and stability
167. Marlow
Meaning: Driftwood
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in rural river towns
168. Mashburn
Meaning: Marshy stream
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents settlers near wetlands
169. Matheny
Meaning: Bear
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Symbol of strength and endurance
170. McAlister
Meaning: Son of Alister
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Common in Scots-Irish Appalachian families
171. McCallister
Meaning: Son of Callister
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Represents strong pioneer ancestry
172. McCrary
Meaning: Son of the strong one
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Found in old Southern family trees
173. McCutcheon
Meaning: Son of a warrior
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Represents bravery and resilience
174. McElhaney
Meaning: Son of the servant
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Found in early Appalachian settlers
175. McMahan
Meaning: Bear
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes strength in pioneer culture
176. McWhorter
Meaning: Fort builder
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Linked to defense and survival
177. Medley
Meaning: Meadow near a river
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents rural life and farming
178. Melton
Meaning: Milltown
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to Appalachian mill workers
179. Mendenhall
Meaning: Middle valley
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in small Southern towns
180. Merritt
Meaning: Little famous one
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents honor and reputation
181. Methvin
Meaning: Judge or wise leader
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Represents wisdom in old communities
182. Milam
Meaning: Milltown
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to industry and settlement
183. Minchew
Meaning: Meadow settlement
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents rural living and farming
184. Mink
Meaning: Small animal
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Tied to fur trapping traditions
185. Mitchum
Meaning: Son of Michael
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in Appalachian genealogy records
186. Mize
Meaning: Small field
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Represents hardworking farm families
187. Mobley
Meaning: Clearing near a meadow
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes rural farm life
188. Mooneyham
Meaning: Descendant of Maonach
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Common in Scots-Irish Appalachian settlers
189. Morelock
Meaning: Marshy lake
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Represents settlers near rivers and lakes
190. Motes
Meaning: Small hill
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to mountain homesteads
191. Mulkey
Meaning: Devotee of St. Cathach
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Found in early pioneer records
192. Mullis
Meaning: Mill worker
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents Appalachian mill towns
193. Nall
Meaning: Champion
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents bravery and strength
194. Nantz
Meaning: Grace or favor
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Tied to religious mountain communities
195. Nation
Meaning: Tribe or people
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes unity and strength
196. Needham
Meaning: New village
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in early frontier settlements
197. Neel
Meaning: Cloud or champion
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Represents strength in Appalachian culture
198. Netherton
Meaning: Lower town
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to old rural villages
199. Newsome
Meaning: New settlement
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to pioneering and exploration
200. Nix
Meaning: Water spirit
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Represents nature and superstition
201. Norwood
Meaning: North woods
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents rural forested areas
202. O’Neal
Meaning: Descendant of Niall
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Common in Scots-Irish Appalachian families
203. Oglesby
Meaning: Settlement by a ridge
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in old Southern towns
204. Overbey
Meaning: Upper farmstead
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to highland settlers
205. Oxendine
Meaning: Ox farm
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to farming and livestock
206. Pangle
Meaning: Americanized form of German Bangel
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Found in Appalachian genealogy records
207. Parham
Meaning: Pear orchard
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents farming traditions
208. Peebles
Meaning: From Peebles, Scotland
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Linked to Scottish pioneers
209. Penland
Meaning: Hill near a valley
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Represents rural mountain living
210. Perdue
Meaning: Lost or stray
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Tied to wandering pioneers
211. Pettigrew
Meaning: Little fighter
Origin: French
Cultural Significance: Represents resilience in tough terrain
212. Pettyjohn
Meaning: Small John
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Common in Appalachian family records
213. Pickens
Meaning: From Picardy, France
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Found in early Southern settlements
214. Pinkerton
Meaning: Town on a hill
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Tied to frontier law enforcement
215. Poarch
Meaning: Covered porch
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes country homes and gatherings
216. Ponder
Meaning: Deep thinker
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents wisdom and reflection
217. Poovey
Meaning: Unclear
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Found in Appalachian genealogy records
218. Prather
Meaning: By the meadow
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents rural farming life
219. Pressley
Meaning: Priest’s clearing
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to religious Appalachian families
220. Propst
Meaning: Tenant farmer
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Represents hardworking rural settlers
221. Puckett
Meaning: Small hill
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Common in mountain homesteads
222. Quillen
Meaning: Cub or young animal
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Represents strength and survival
223. Ragsdale
Meaning: Dweller in the valley
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in Appalachian farming families
224. Redmon
Meaning: Wise protector
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to pioneer leadership
225. Reel
Meaning: Wheel maker
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Represents craftsmanship and trade
226. Renegar
Meaning: Americanized form of German of Renninger
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Found in Appalachian genealogy records
227. Rhyne
Meaning: Flowing water
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Represents mountain rivers and creeks
228. Ridley
Meaning: Reed Meadow
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to settlers in wetland areas
229. Rigsby
Meaning: Ridge settlement
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents mountain homesteads
230. Roark
Meaning: Famous ruler
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Found in Scots-Irish pioneer families
231. Robey
Meaning: Son of Robert
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Common in early Southern families
232. Roper
Meaning: Ropemaker
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents old-time craftsmanship
233. Rosser
Meaning: Red-haired
Origin: Welsh
Cultural Significance: Tied to early Appalachian settlers
234. Satterfield
Meaning: Field by the trees
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to rural farm life
235. Scroggins
Meaning: Thorny bush
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes toughness and survival
236. Seagraves
Meaning: Meadow by the sea
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents deep roots in the land
237. Sells
Meaning: Merchant
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Linked to old trading families
238. Sexton
Meaning: Church caretaker
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to religious mountain communities
239. Shadrick
Meaning: Command of God
Origin: Hebrew
Cultural Significance: Represents faith in hillbilly culture
240. Sizemore
Meaning: Big person
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Found in Appalachian pioneer records
241. Sluder
Meaning: Americanized form of German Schlüter
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Found in rural Southern families
242. Snipes
Meaning: Long-beaked bird
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Tied to hunting traditions
243. Spurlock
Meaning: Sparrow’s nest
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents nature and rural life
244. Stamey
Meaning: Unclear
Origin: German
Cultural Significance: Found in early mountain families
245. Tabor
Meaning: Drum player
Origin: Hebrew
Cultural Significance: Linked to old-time Appalachian music
246. Tapp
Meaning: Cloth maker
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents early Appalachian industry
247. Teague
Meaning: Poet or philosopher
Origin: Irish
Cultural Significance: Found in Scots-Irish settlers
248. Tinsley
Meaning: Field near a river
Origin: English
Cultural Significance: Represents rural life and homesteads
249. Waddell
Meaning: Ford near a hill
Origin: Scottish
Cultural Significance: Tied to pioneer migration
Summing It Up
Learning these common hillbilly last names helps us understand mountain folk history better. Names like Smith, Jones, Williams, and Johnson show how early settlers shaped hill country life.
Many of these names come from jobs (Miller, Baker), places in Europe, or family ties that go back hundreds of years.
When you hear these last names in the hills of Kentucky, Tennessee, or West Virginia, remember they tell stories of hard work, family bonds, and making do with what you have. These names aren’t just words – they link today’s hill families to their past.
By knowing these hillbilly last names, you can better understand the rich history of mountain communities and the proud folks who call them home.
These old names carry the spirit of the hills and the tough, kind people who’ve lived there for many, many years.
Learn more about your own family name—it might have hillbilly roots that connect you to America’s mountain heritage.
