Southern baby names have a strong history. For many years now the it has long been noted that Southern baby names are often made up of double and family names.  So in many cases there seems to be a trend towards the time honored method of using classic names for girls such as Mary, Anna or Jane and combining this with the family name.  

Often both the parents will have a hand in choosing the name for their child  and in some cases its not just the parents or grandparents names which are passed on to the child but it can also be other members of the families names that may well be used.  So if for example they had a beloved father or friend named Michael they then might use this when naming their baby girl.  The child could then end up with a name such as "Mary Michael".

Because of this tendency to pass on names from one generation to the next in the Southern states of the USA you will often find that there is a proliferation of double names.  In fact the South has long been the leader when it comes to using unusual or uncommon names for their children and are also known for using name forms which are entirely unique to this part of the USA.  Sometimes the names that are used have connotations relating to virtue and where girls are concerned the names are often flowery and feminine such as Annabelle's, Claudette's, Paulette's and Claire's.  Also the people from the Southern states of the USA rely heavily on the bible for both common and unusual names for their children.  Whilst others will often find that their names have been derived from Civil war heroes' names or places where strategic battles took place just take a look at Gone with the Wind which is full of such names. 

However when looking for a really authentic Southern baby names for consideration when naming your newborn you could have a look at the many books which have been written by such Southern authors as Pat Conroy, Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams or in films such as Steel Magnolias.  All these contain quintessentially southern names and you are sure to find one that suits your child perfectly.