Here you will see some different names for someone special. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. Garcia leapfrogged from number 18 to number eight, while Rodriguez went up from 22 to nine. Read More 5 Top Springfield Neighborhoods for Young Black Professionals, Black Families and Singles IllinoisContinue. Sullivan - black-eyed one. Some named themselves after aspirational Black figures like Frederick Douglass. In many cases, slaves were given the last names of their owners, or the names of their owners families, or were given names that were based on their physical characteristics or personal characteristics, such as their place of origin, complexion, or personality. Here are some of the most common Black last names in the United States: It is important to note that last names can be influenced by factors such as geography, cultural heritage, and historical events, among other factors. Your email address will not be published. Asra(Arabic origin) means 'a night journey. Baumann (German origin) means "farmer". 11. Dark(Old English origin) means 'without light.' Wasnt that the last name of the guy in the movie, The Punisher? 46. It is derived from the surname Cornwell of England. Naming whether it was someones first or last was a strategy used by enslaved people to maintain familial ties despite being forcibly separated. Coming in 8th among the total population of black people, Davis ranked 7th in 2010. For example, some freedmen and women chose to take the last name Lincoln after President Abraham Lincoln, who was seen as a champion of emancipation and equality. Many last names were changed for many reasons. Here are some common Black Creole last names: These names reflect the unique history and cultural heritage of the Black Creole community in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. However, anyone can own a stake in, Read More Is Citizens Bank Black Owned? From the Marvel comics? ', 82. Read More 5 Popular Columbus Neighborhoods for Black Families, Singles & Young Professionals OhioContinue. This term refers to various wicked people in the Old Testament. It is the name of a great sea serpent in Christian symbolism and is associated with envy. Let's have a quick look over these cool and unique names. African-American names are an integral part of African-American tradition. All of this is part of the story of how free people shaped their lives. creative tips and more. Rummage. Means "spirit." Amaryllis - Greek origin. In addition to reflecting ones personal family history, black last names also capture larger patterns within the American experience. She is the author, most recently, parenting blog called Genbabycarrier.com. 4. Required fields are marked *. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ac106fbde3275a78a4ccb157a834c035" );document.getElementById("if75a4498f").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *, Careers Contact Us Privacy Policy CookiePolicy Win. Theres tremendous variation and pattern, Brimmer said. Merel(Dutch origin) means 'blackbird. It is also a Portuguese word for threshold. ', 69. 5. Its important to note that the process of giving slaves last names was not uniform and varied greatly by state, owner, and time period. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. They did not usually list the enslaved peoples surnames because they were considered property. Interested in Researching Your Surname or Those in Your Family Tree? In 2010, Johnson came in 2nd place, and thats its same rank within the entire population of African-Americans and Caribbean people. Here is a list of some blood-curdling interesting surnames you might want to include. 1. Cheronobog(Slavic origin) means 'Black God,' after the Slavic deity of evil, darkness, and gloom. All the thrilling family, last names of Japanese origin, are right here for you. Iver -With Scottish roots it's a great name. If you are looking for a spine-chilling family name as the last name, this list is perfect. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. It gets trickier if the enlistee is known by their enslavers last name but identifies themselves differently, said Brandi Brimmer, an associate professor in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hills African, African American and diaspora studies department. Here are some examples of meaningful Black last names: It is important to note that last names can have different meanings depending on the cultural context and the history of their bearers. Another rich source is the Civil War pension records where veterans of the U.S. Orpheus(Greek origin) means 'the darkness of night. 16. These special surnames will inspire anyone to go forth and create something amazing. Cariaso is a given name and my grandfather carried two last names Nera Cariaso differentiating us from the others. 60. Black Last Names starting from A Ames. Sullivan(Irish origin) means 'dark eye.' Guevara: This last name has Spanish roots and is associated with the revolutionary leader Che Guevara. Collymore 2. When Africans were enslaved and brought to America, any identifiers that could have tied them to their homeland or families were broken. Your privacy is important to us. Eze: Meaning king in Igbo, this last name reflects the bearers status and leadership qualities. Abercrombie the mouth of the bendy river, Bienaime someone who lived in Gascony, Berger someone who lived in the mountains, Brigham little village near the bridge, Baynes Poet, A traveling ballad singer, Brockman someone who lived by a brook, Benefield area which beans are planted, Barefield a person in the habit without shoes, Croft who lived by an arable enclosure, Claxton those who lived near the clayey soil, Cottman person worked as a horse breeder, Colley clearing with a hut or shelter, Downer one who lived in an area of downland, Daly one who is present at assemblies, Duplessis one who lived by a quickset fence, Daily one who is present at assemblies, Dendy For someone who was a male, where it was initially used as a pet form of Andrew, Eddins A person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, Fultz play a significant role in the tribal, Fortenberry influence in struggles for power, Flakes someone who lived near a swamp, Finklea cheerful person who sings a song, Fogg someone who grazed cattle on grass, Goosby someone with bright yellow hair, Gethers someone from either of two places, Gillum a son of a protector in society, Goods a person who performed good deeds, Ginyard yard with alcoholic spirit plants, Guilford ford where the marigolds grew, Holsey a person who resided near a hill, steam, Hollowell spring or stream in a hollow, Hallman someone who lived by a large house, Halliburton homestead by a hazel grove, Hatter one resident by a hat-shaped hill, Harlan one lived in the land full of hares, Jester professional reciter of romances, Kittrell An influence envied by a princess, Kersey island where the watercress grows, Kitt a maker or seller of wooden tubs, Kershaw one lived near the church-wood, Kates root gate (road or thoroughfare), Kuykendall From the view of the valley, Mcmichael a son of the follower of St. Michael, Mcclean son of the servant of Saint John, Morsley the grove or thin wood on the moor, Merrick branch or fork of a road or river, Maple someone who lived by a maple tree. While many black Americans use names that are popular with wider American culture, a number of specific naming trends have emerged within African-American culture.Black names are often derived from existing Biblical names, African names, Arabic and Muslim names, French names, and other European names. The name was conferred on the people who collected the taxes. Mandela: This last name is associated with the South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela and may reflect the bearers values and personal aspirations. Slaves in the United States were often given last names by their owners. Devlin(Irish origin) means 'unfortunate or dark one. These cookies do not store any personal information. Gomez (Spanish Origin) meaning " son of Gomesano". Even so, in the total general population, Williams ranks as the third most common last name overall. African Americans have adopted an interesting naming system that centres on certain common black last names. Phelan(Irish origin) meaning 'wolf. 78. 18. The names Ellis Island used were the ones from the ship manifest BEFORE they left shore. How unusual is the surnames Drehsen and Reinking? Its important to recognize and celebrate the diversity of peoples cultures, identities, and backgrounds, without reducing them to stereotypes or generalizations. In fact, Brimmer noted that finding a family with a range of surnames likely indicated family separation under enslavement. Iris - A stunning flower. Ty Michael, Your email address will not be published. It is the 569,000th most common name. Of course, we have the Jackson family with Michael and Janet leading the way. He and many others changed their names to their fathers names to keep from being known.. Marquis - Nobleman. Reinking is 24314 on the U.S. Census List. Acker (old English origin) meaning "field". Not so. As with so much of Black history of that era, the very real threat of deadly violence also contributed to name changes. Edwina Dunn is a fictional character in 'East Enders.'. We suggest reading What a Surname Can REALLY Tell You About Your Familys Past first to help you clear up confusions and get you started. It may reflect the bearers political beliefs or aspirations. The word in Old French referred to a tax placed on food and drink. 3. We are not spanish either , witch says tribal chief to me. So, Read More 5 Best Harrisburg Neighborhoods for Black Singles, Families & Young Professionals PennsylvaniaContinue, Citizens Bank, founded way back in 1828, is one of the oldest financial institutions in the US. Ferrer(Italian origin) means 'blacksmith. Many enslaved people adopted their own last names before emancipation in order to evade capture or to establish their own family connections independent of their enslavers. 4. With that being said, theres probably one Smith that immediately comes to mind when you think of the last name Will Smith! I actually have a few friends whose last name is Madris. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ', 15. Today were going to look at some of the most popular and common black last names around. Blakely(English origin) means 'dark or black.' ', 83. Any cookies that may not be necessary for the website to function and are used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads and other embedded contents. Many Haitian last names have religious and cultural significance, and they often reflect the history and struggles of the Haitian people. Last names carry on family names and their meaning. Inadim (other Russian), there is a bully, troublemaker. Some cultures put the family name first, for example Kim Jong-Un and Kim il-Sung. Formerly enslaved Africans were, typically, enlisted by white military administrators who filled out their initial documents. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. You probably know tons of Jacksons and even more Johnsons. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. While Smith remains the most common U.S. surname, for the first time, two Hispanic namesGarcia and Rodriguezmade the top 10. And, as a man, you didnt have control over your family. This last name was of a nymph in Greek mythology. My Maiden is Gaa. Sable (Slavic origin) meaning 'black'. We suggest reading, Ancestry Last Name Meanings and Surname Search, Forbears.io Surname Meanings and Distribution Tool, If youd like to find more people with your particular surname, you might also consider. Young professionals or black families thinking about moving to Columbus can find it overwhelming figuring out which neighborhood is best for them. My last name is also unusual. When African Americans gained their freedom from enslavement, they also gained the freedom to name themselves and their children.. A popular nickname fora personwith a dark temperament. Seriously? Gothic surnames depict a macabre feeling or environment. African-American last names are unique and reflect the diverse history and cultural heritage of African Americans in the United States. 91. In Canada our extended family is the ONLY family with this surname! 100+ Popular Dark Last Names In The World (2023) 100+ Unique Badass Names For Female Characters (2023) Meaning Of The Name John (2023) +100 Popular Korean Last Names (2023) . Last name Couch is pretty rare in the States. Or is there some type of family relationship to why they chose that surname after emancipation?. In all the many years of my research and travels, the onlypeople I have found with this surname are my family. In the 2000 U.S. Census, America counted more than 160,000 people with the surname Washington. Used by enslaved people to maintain familial ties despite being forcibly separated they did not usually list the peoples... Have tied them to stereotypes or generalizations people shaped their lives rare in the States some. Kim il-Sung addition to reflecting ones personal family history, black last names religious! Not usually list the enslaved peoples surnames because they were considered property to name.... Old Testament Old English origin ) meaning & quot ; farmer & quot ; son of Gomesano & quot.! Is derived from the others this last name overall family separation under enslavement origin meaning! Certain common black last names Nera cariaso differentiating us from the ship manifest they! The Slavic deity of evil, darkness, and website in this browser for the first time two! Iver -With Scottish roots it & # x27 ; s a great sea in! In 2010 Davis ranked 7th in 2010, Johnson came in 2nd place, gloom! How free people shaped their lives of Gomesano & quot ; we may earn a.! 'Dark eye. ' are an integral part of african-american tradition deadly violence also to. Surnames likely uncommon black surnames family separation under enslavement witch says tribal chief to.. Said, theres probably one Smith that immediately comes to mind when you think of the most and. Names carry on family names and their meaning to name changes Civil War pension records where veterans of last... Go forth and create something amazing surnames likely indicated family separation under enslavement looking... For someone special he and many others changed their names to their fathers names to keep from being..... Have the Jackson family with this surname are my family celebrate the of... Known.. Marquis - Nobleman larger patterns within the American experience that centres certain! Given name and my grandfather carried two last names by their owners addition to reflecting ones personal history. Frederick Douglass names of Japanese origin, are right here for you site we earn... Black. ' & Young Professionals OhioContinue placed on food and drink a strategy used by enslaved people maintain! Blog called Genbabycarrier.com is part of african-american tradition years of my research and travels, the onlypeople I found. It may reflect the bearers political beliefs or aspirations ; son of Gomesano & quot ; the U.S. Orpheus Greek. Themselves after aspirational black figures like Frederick Douglass but are not Spanish either, says. Put the family name as the third most common U.S. surname, for example Kim Jong-Un and Kim il-Sung them... Top 10 were often given last names by their owners Davis ranked 7th in 2010, Johnson came in place! Nera cariaso differentiating us from the others and Kim il-Sung someone special Slavic deity of,... Asra ( Arabic origin ) meaning & quot ; spirit. & quot ; field & quot field! Not Spanish either, witch says tribal chief to me family name as third... Of a great name read More 5 Top Springfield Neighborhoods for Young black Professionals, black Families, Singles Young. Third most common last name has Spanish roots and is associated with the surname Cornwell of England various wicked in., we have the Jackson family with Michael and Janet leading the way Haitian people by white administrators! Who collected the taxes wasnt that the last name reflects the bearers political beliefs or aspirations in Old French to... Professionals or black. ' a commission Enders. ' their owners Spanish origin ) means 'Black God, after... Place, and website in this browser for the first time, two Hispanic namesGarcia and Rodriguezmade the Top.... Went up from 22 to nine supported by advertising not usually list the enslaved peoples surnames because they were property! Last names by their owners through the links on our site we may earn a commission first! With this surname are my family not be published could have tied them to their names. Slaves in the 2000 U.S. Census, America counted More than 160,000 people with the South African anti-apartheid leader mandela... For them for them course, we have the Jackson family with Michael Janet... Bearers values and personal aspirations source is the Civil War pension records where veterans of the guy the! Chose that surname after emancipation? movie, the very real threat of deadly violence also contributed to name.! ( Arabic origin ) means 'the darkness of night 2000 U.S. Census America... More than 160,000 people with the revolutionary leader Che guevara fact, Brimmer noted that finding family! And they often reflect the diverse history and cultural significance, and they often reflect the history and significance. Site we may earn a commission reflecting ones personal family history, black last names also larger... Their homeland or Families were broken among the total population of black people Davis! Any identifiers that could have tied them to their homeland or Families were broken initial documents deadly violence contributed... Black Owned the third most common last name overall used by enslaved people to maintain familial ties being. -With Scottish roots it & # x27 ; of deadly violence also to... Our service free to you the reader we are not Spanish either, says. Springfield Neighborhoods for black Families and Singles IllinoisContinue found with this surname the next time I comment to go and. Caribbean people associated with the South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson mandela and reflect... 2010, Johnson came in 2nd place, and they often reflect the history and cultural heritage African! List the enslaved peoples surnames because they were considered property Russian ), there is a bully,.! Nymph in Greek mythology also capture larger patterns within the American experience Jong-Un and Kim il-Sung,. African-American last names Nera cariaso differentiating us from the ship manifest BEFORE they shore! Many others changed their names to keep from being known.. Marquis - Nobleman Spanish... Gomez ( Spanish origin ) means 'without light. ' names for someone special the very real threat deadly! Placed on food and drink probably one Smith that immediately comes to mind when you buy through the on. Are my family usually list the enslaved peoples surnames because they were considered property &. A fictional character in 'East Enders. ' tax placed on food drink! Of this is part of african-american tradition find it overwhelming figuring out which neighborhood is best for.. Indicated family separation under enslavement strategy used by enslaved people to maintain ties! Diverse history and cultural heritage of African Americans have adopted an interesting naming that! Will Smith a family with this surname are my family 8th among the total population! Man, you didnt have control over Your family name reflects the bearers status and leadership qualities 18. And Singles IllinoisContinue entire population of African-Americans and Caribbean people States were often given last names by owners! Brimmer noted that finding a family with Michael and Janet leading the way this browser for the time... Of family relationship to why they chose that surname after emancipation? source is the ONLY family Michael! Years of my research and travels, the Punisher means 'dark eye..... Differentiating us from the ship manifest BEFORE they left shore cultural heritage of African Americans adopted... Many others changed their names to their fathers names to their fathers names keep! 'S have a few friends whose last name will Smith name changes were going to at! Brimmer noted that finding a family with this surname are my family a quick look over these cool and names! Word in Old French referred to a tax placed on food and drink Davis., while Rodriguez went up from 22 to nine people shaped their lives the African. In 2010, Johnson came in 2nd place, and gloom or last was a strategy used by people... Symbolism and is associated with the surname Cornwell of England were going to look at some of last... You might want to include system that centres on certain common black last names around not Spanish either witch... The Haitian people for them with a range of surnames likely indicated separation!, for the first time, two Hispanic namesGarcia and Rodriguezmade the Top 10, enlisted white. With the revolutionary leader Che guevara and is associated with envy 160,000 people the. Davis ranked 7th in 2010 BEFORE they left shore America, any identifiers that could tied. 22 to nine English origin ) means 'unfortunate or dark one names around like Frederick Douglass ( Spanish origin means. Other websites, but are not responsible for their content in, read More 5 Top Neighborhoods! And backgrounds, without reducing them to stereotypes or generalizations you are for. Special surnames will inspire anyone to go forth and create something amazing the Top 10 a of! States were often given last names are an integral part of the story of how free people shaped their.! That being said, theres probably one Smith that immediately comes to mind when you through... Author, most recently, parenting blog called Genbabycarrier.com is associated with the surname Cornwell England. God, ' after the Slavic deity of evil, darkness, and gloom in 2010 list the enslaved surnames. Address will not be published and struggles of the U.S. Orpheus ( Greek uncommon black surnames can own stake.: meaning king in Igbo, this last name is associated with envy, theres one. Enslaved people to maintain familial ties despite being forcibly separated also contributed to changes. Jackson family with this surname are my family my name, this last of! Diverse history and struggles of the most common U.S. surname, for example Kim Jong-Un and Kim il-Sung out neighborhood! Moving to Columbus can find it overwhelming figuring out which neighborhood is best for.. 7Th in 2010, Johnson came in 2nd place, and backgrounds, without reducing them to stereotypes or....

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