EXHIBIT 5.1


                   [MAYNARD, COOPER & GALE, P.C. LETTERHEAD]


                               December 7, 2000



Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549

          RE:  Registration Statement on Form S-4
               Alabama National BanCorporation

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     As counsel for Alabama National BanCorporation ("Alabama National"), we are
familiar with the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws of Alabama
National and the above-referenced Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the
"Registration Statement") relating to 735,000 shares of the common stock, $1.00
par value per share, of Alabama National (the "Shares").  We have examined such
public records and corporate proceedings and other documents as we have deemed
necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinion expressed below.

     Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares will, when
issued, be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement.

                                   Very truly yours,

                              Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C.



                                   By: /s/ Christopher B. Harmon
                                       ------------------------------
                                       Christopher B. Harmon