Surname Souther - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Souther: What does the surname Souther mean?
The surname Souther is of English origin and is considered to be topographic in nature. It is believed to have originated from the Middle English term "southerne", referring to 'people from the south'. Thus, the name is thought to have been given to individuals or families who resided in the southern part of a region or settlement. It suggests that the original bearers of the last name, Souther, were from the south or perhaps originated from there. It could also imply that they lived to the south of a main settlement, or were positioned in the southern section of a large homestead or estate. As most surnames were based on a person's occupation, role in society, or geographical location, the surname Souther provides an insight into the lives or origins of an individual's ancestors. Like many surnames, interpretations may vary and it could have other regional or local meanings too.
Order DNA origin analysisSouther: Where does the name Souther come from?
The last name Souther is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the South. Specifically, the most common states for this surname are Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Arkansas. According to the US Census Bureau, over 18,000 individuals living in the United States had the surname Souther in 2020.
Many other countries around the world have also adopted the surname Souther. For example, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Mexico, India, South Africa, and several countries in Europe. Furthermore, the surname Souther is also common in the Philippines.
Certain variations of the name Souther might be more prevalent in certain areas than others. For instance, Suter is a more popular spelling of this name in Germany.
There is evidence that this surname has been around for centuries and can be traced back to ancient Europe. Its origin is believed to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon language, meaning “south dweller”. Over time, as families migrated from Europe to other countries, the surname traveled with them.
Nowadays, the last name Souther is present in many different places around the world. It is a testament to the influence of migration on surnames and a reminder that different parts of the world are now more connected than ever.
Variations of the surname Souther
The surname Souther has several variants, spellings, and surnames that all have the same origin.
Variants of the surname Souther include South, Southerland, Suthers, Sutherlin, and Suddeth.
The spelling variations of this name may include Souther, Southers, Suddeth, Southard, Southerland, Suthers, Sutherlin, Suthern, Sudderth, and Sutherns. It is also common to find these variations of the surname spelled with an 'E' at the end (e.g. Southere, Suddethe, Southarde, Southerlande).
Souther is also seen as a surname variation of the English surname South or Southern. South is commonly a topographic name for a person living in the south, or can be an occupational name for someone who collected taxes or dues in the region of the south.
In Scotland, there are records of a South family in Lanarkshire dating back to the 16th century, and the book 'Heraldry, Chiefly in Scotland', published in 1925 by Hubert Allan Friendships outlines the arms of the ancient South family.
Surnames that are also seen to have the same origin as Souther include Southerington, Southerly, Southerst, and Sutherst. The spelling variations of these surnames include Southerington, Southerly, Southerst, Southerston, Southerstone, and Sutherston.
In summary, the variant, spelling and surnames of Souther include South, Southerland, Suthers, Sutherlin, Suddeth, Southere, Suddethe, Southarde, Southerlande, Southerington, Southerly, Southerst, Southerston, Southerstone, and Sutherston.
Famous people with the name Souther
- J.D. Souther: singer-songwriter and actor
- John David Souther: singer-songwriter and actor
- Dan Southerland: journalist and TV producer
- Larry Souther: baseball player
- Rodney Souther: judge
- Phil Southerland: lecturer and author
- Frank Southerland: U.S. congressman
- Michael Souther: actor
- Tuck Milligan: actor
- Marianna Souther Starr: writer and women's rights activist