Southern Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Southern come from? What does the surname Southern mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Southern and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Southern Origin: What does the last name Southern mean?
The Southern surname is of English origin, with records dating back to the early 15th century. It is believed to have originated as a locational surname, likely derived from a place name or geographical feature. Over the centuries, the Southern surname has spread globally, with significant concentrations in England and the United States. Notable individuals bearing this surname include musicians, artists, scientists, athletes, and writers, showcasing the diverse impact of the Southern family name.
YourRoots data further confirms the widespread presence of the Southern surname, indicating its continued prominence in various countries. The dataset highlights the surname's growth and distribution over time, reflecting a rich history that transcends borders and cultures. Whether in business, politics, sports, or the arts, individuals with the Southern surname have made significant contributions to society, embodying the legacy and heritage associated with their ancestral name.
Southern Last Name History: Where did the last name Southern come from?
Origin of Southern Surname: Where does the last name Southern originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Southern first appeared in records from England around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Southern spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Southern: What does the Southern surname history look like in the early days?
The Southern surname started growing in England from the 15th to the 19th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Southern family records in the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Southern surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Southern surname grew significantly in England and the United States. The Southern surname remains prominent in these regions. It appears in many countries, including those mentioned in the YourRoots dataset.
Explore Southern last name heritage and Southern surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Southern Surame?
Lauren Southern
Lauren Cherie Southern (born Jun 16, 1995) is a Canadian alt-right YouTuber, political activist, and commentator. She gained attention for her controversial views on immigration, feminism, and race, leading to her being labeled as conservative, right-wing, and even far-right. Despite denying accusations of being racist or a white nationalist, Southern has faced backlash for her promotion of conspiracy theories. She has worked for various media outlets, authored a book, and made headlines for her activism, including running as a Libertarian Party candidate in the Canadian federal election. Southern continues to be a polarizing figure in the online sphere, with a strong following and critics alike.
Terry Southern
Terry Southern (May 1, 1924 – October 29, 1995) was an American novelist, essayist, and screenwriter known for his satirical style. He was part of the Paris postwar literary scene in the 1950s, associated with Beat writers in Greenwich Village, and a central figure in Swinging London in the 1960s. Southern's work on films like "Dr. Strangelove" and "Easy Rider" helped shape American cinema in the 1970s. He also contributed to Saturday Night Live in the 1980s. His dark humor and absurdist satire continue to influence writers, directors, and readers across generations.
Jeri Southern
Jeri Southern (Genevieve Lillian Hering; August 5, 1926 – August 4, 1991) was an American jazz singer and pianist known for her minimalist singing style and interpretations of torch songs. Starting her career in the 1940s, she signed with Decca Records and became popular for both pop and jazz music. She was the first to record "When I Fall in Love" in 1952 and had a hit with "Fire Down Below" in 1957. Southern's personal life was marked by shyness and performance anxiety, leading to her retirement from singing in 1960. She left behind a legacy of intimate and heartfelt musical recordings before her passing at age 64.
Edwin Southern
Sir Edwin Mellor Southern (June 7, 1938 - ) is an English molecular biologist known for inventing the Southern blot, a DNA analysis technique widely used in laboratories. He is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Oxford and a fellow of Trinity College, Oxford. Southern founded Oxford Gene Technology and charitable organizations promoting education in the natural sciences. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to molecular diagnostics and DNA microarray technologies, including the Albert Lasker Award. Southern's work has been instrumental in advancing genetic research and technology in the scientific community.
R. W. Southern
Sir Richard William Southern (8 Feb 1912 - 6 Feb 2001) was a renowned English medieval historian known as R. W. Southern. Based at the University of Oxford, he authored "The Making of the Middle Ages," a groundbreaking book that revolutionized the study of the period. Southern's work on medieval spirituality and figures like St Anselm and Robert Grosseteste challenged long-held views, paving the way for new interpretations. Despite his iconic status in medieval scholarship, Southern's influence extended to the next generation through students like Robert Bartlett and Valerie Flint. His legacy continues to shape the field of medieval history.
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