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. As with so much of Black history of that era, the very real threat of deadly violence also contributed to name changes. Phelan(Irish origin) meaning 'wolf. However, here are some commonly used African American last names that have been traced back to slavery: Its also important to recognize the complexities and nuances of African American genealogy and the lasting impact of slavery on African American communities. Shockley(Old origin) means 'goblin' or 'evil spirit.' 17. . Abara - West African origin. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. McKenna 24. Iver -With Scottish roots it's a great name. Of course, we have the Jackson family with Michael and Janet leading the way. Archibald Douglas was a Scottish nobleman and Duke of Touraine. Oluale Kossula: Thats the name author Zora Neale Hurston used when she greeted Cudjo Lewis, the last known survivor of the transatlantic slave trade and the subject of her nonfiction book Barracoon. He was delighted at being addressed by the name his mother gave him, according to Hurstons account of the hours they spent in 1927 piecing together his life on that balmy summer day in Alabama. 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. ', 58. What about Roebuck? . 37. Thats the greatest generation to me.. 18. The guitar player. People seemed to feel both the freedom to push aside anything related to enslavers or to keep given surnames because of some connection to them. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. Valery (lat.) Agnello (Italian origin) meaning "lamb". Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, In all the many years of my research and travels, the onlypeople I have found with this surname are my family. ', 82. Here are the Top 10 names that came up during the 2010 census. Nisha(Indian origin) means "night" in Sanskrit. Our surname ties us to the generations who came before and it can be great fun to know where that name originated. Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames 1. I have a grandmother whose maiden birth name (surname) was Jumche. Bierwagen (German origin) means "beer-cart". She has worked in PR and social media and participated in a youth parliament. Ice - A cool last name. Lolan(Irish origin) means 'little blackbird.' My middle name is CARNINGHAM Its my mums maiden name. My G Grandfather changed the entire familys surname from Pedersen to his birth fathers surname of Randrup on Dec 13, 1905. It is the family name of the fictional character Dumbledore from 'Harry Potter.'. Some of the surnames most commonly associated with African Americans: But last names can have various origins, and they are not necessarily indicative of a persons race or ethnicity. Noemie Lenoir is a famous French model and actress. But the bureau also compiled lists of the fastest-growing surnames in the United States and these include Zhang, Li, Ali, Liu, and Khan - a testament to the wonderful diversity of our nation. Your email address will not be published. Some cultures put the family name first, for example Kim Jong-Un and Kim il-Sung. With that being said, theres probably one Smith that immediately comes to mind when you think of the last name Will Smith! ', 87. The 1860 Census Record shows that my G G Grandmother was indeed a servant at Rybjerg Farm which was managed by the Anders Christiansen Randrup [b. Some uncommon African last names include Atem, Bangura, Dilolo, Ejikeme, and Fadola. This list represents the many cultures that contribute to the vibrant and multi-faceted Black community in the United States. Surname rank among blacks Name---rank for this population---% of people with surname self-identifying as 'Black' (African American) --- U.S. Rank WILLIAMS: 1----46.7%---3 JOHNSON: 2----33.8%----2 SMITH: 3----22.2%---1 JONES: 4----37.7%---5 BROWN: 5----34.5%---4 JACKSON: 6----53.0%----18 DAVIS: 7----30.8%---7 THOMAS: 8----38.2%----14 ', 40. This last name has various meanings like shadowy, dusky, and many more. Marrs (Scottish and English origin) means 'one who dwells by the marsh.' 38. Black folks commonly named their children after other family members. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ac106fbde3275a78a4ccb157a834c035" );document.getElementById("if75a4498f").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *, Careers Contact Us Privacy Policy CookiePolicy Win. Collins This surname originates from Britain and Ireland and refers to 'son of Colin'. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Aaldenberg It is given to people who came from 'Aaldenberg,' a place of uncertain location. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. my last name, heck, should be on this because i only know of two families in the us and only the us that have this last name, so possibly between 10-25 people have this last name, Heck? Thomas is another last name that wouldnt rank in the top 10 when considering the entire population. Others went with Washington, Williams, Brown or Johnson surnames typical before enslavement that remain ubiquitous today. If you are looking for a spine-chilling family name as the last name, this list is perfect. It may reflect the bearers political beliefs or aspirations. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Himurameans 'scarlet town, dark red village.' Sorry but I know a few Hecks . Here are some examples of unique black last names: Below are some unique and cool black last names: These names are unique and stylish, and can be great choices for parents looking to give their child a distinctive last name that reflects their heritage and identity. 61. You didnt have control over if your husband or partner, that you were with, would be there. These special surnames will inspire anyone to go forth and create something amazing. Edwina Dunn is a fictional character in 'East Enders.'. French (African) Boy Names. Finnegan 10. Ivy -seems to be sweet and harmless, but could do some damage. The Truth RevealedContinue. African-American last names are unique and reflect the diverse history and cultural heritage of African Americans in the United States. Gaa is 66130 on the list. Just think of how large the continent is! My name, is not Cudjo Lewis. Ty Michael, Your email address will not be published. Some examples of Black last names that start with each letter of the alphabet: Below are some common French last names associated with the black community: These names reflect the rich history and cultural heritage of the black community in France and its overseas territories, particularly the Caribbean and West Africa. 46. Phoenix(Greek origin) meaning 'dark red.' When it comes to a mysterious outlook through name, the last name with dark meanings helps emphasize the first name. Its a moment where people who are coming from an oral culture are now having to engage with government bureaucracies and having to engage with surnames that certainly have meaning within their communities, but now have implications.. Poverly 23. Your email address will not be published. Youd be wrong; there are thousands and thousands of Africans who share the same name. Is this a rare name? I dont know anyone with that name i feel it should be on the list. My Maiden is Gaa. Cheronobog(Slavic origin) means 'Black God,' after the Slavic deity of evil, darkness, and gloom. - healthy, secure. If you know that your ancestors took the last name of their enslaver, whats the relationship between them and their enslaver? Berry, who is also the host of Genealogy Roadshow on PBS, said. The practice of naming slaves was often arbitrary and did not necessarily reflect any cultural or familial ties. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In fact, data from a Census Bureau study reveals that the number of Hispanic surnames in the top 25 doubled between 1990 and 2000. This is due to the 7.3% increase seen in the 10 year gap. My two sisters hyphenated their surnames to Randrup-Wheatley and Randrup-Bundock so I can count them. Coffey - "victorious" Copeland - "a land that is bought" Crespo - "someone with curls" Croce - "cross" Dempsey - "proud" Ditka - "important in war" Drewitt - "phantom or ghost" Hutton - "settlement" Kellett - "a slope with a spring" Lawless - "outlaw" A cool surname for a villain character. 57. There was also a Major League infielder by the name of Don Blasingame (caucasion), who played in the 50s and 60s. Layla(Hebrew origin) means 'dark night. Some couples do that for their own, personal reasons. Coming in 8th among the total population of black people, Davis ranked 7th in 2010. Not sure why this name is not on this list. After all, there were certainly more women named Mary Brown than Mary Niedergeses in old records. Here are some examples of uncommon black last names: Abdu Akande Amadi Atieno Bamgbala Chi Diallo Fofana Gueye Ibeh Kamau Kofi Nkosi Obi Okafor Onyema Sankofa Sow Tambo Yorke It is important to note that last names can be influenced by various factors such as geography, cultural heritage, and historical events, among other factors. Seriously? It is the name of Satan in Japanese. Bringing you the latest on professional naming guides and more. Dougal(Scottish origin) means 'dark stranger. Many Haitian last names have religious and cultural significance, and they often reflect the history and struggles of the Haitian people. Curious as to how rare these surnames really are? Here are some examples of uncommon black last names: It is important to note that last names can be influenced by various factors such as geography, cultural heritage, and historical events, among other factors. Ford 9. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. It was about the typical habit of human beings tohave a naming systemthat can be related to people of their kind. 88. They are also used by people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds. However, some uncommon last names may include: Zzyzx Qiana Vierra Truglio Pfister Ngo Lippincott Kucera Hsen Fimbres Eckberg Choquette Brousseau Arquette Wilke These last names are not common in many countries, but they may be more frequently found in certain regions or ethnic communities. Starting With C. "Catholic" is an interesting name to see becoming so rare. Black Creole last names are common among the African-American population in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Every ten years, theres a U.S. Census and we can use this information to figure out just how many people have the same last name. Many of these names have French, Spanish, and West African roots, reflecting the regions complex cultural history. ', 96. Black last names in the United States are diverse and have roots in various cultures and regions. I havent counted how many and since the female family members generally lose their Randrup surname and their children dont get the Randrup surname they cannot be counted. Baumann (German origin) means "farmer". My last name is Ridgely. Dash(English origin) means 'from the ash.'' She is the author, most recently, parenting blog called Genbabycarrier.com. 11. Yki Himura is a famous Japanese comedian. I have an extremely rare last name. Dunstan(English origin) means 'dark stone. There are a few hundred in the USA and a small amount in Hawaii, New Zealand, Argentina and the Phillipines. 77. Itzal(Basque origin) means 'shadow. Andre - Man, warrior. Carbonneau(French origin) means 'carbon' or 'charcoal. ', 9. When it comes to last names, Smith is the most popular of last names among black people. Moreno(Spanish origin) means 'dark.' While there is Beverly Johnson and Magic Johnson, we bet you didnt know that Whoopi Goldbergs real name is Caryn Elaine Johnson. Rounding out the Top 40, here are the next 30 most common names among African-Americans and Caribbean people: Taylor (Jayceon Terrel Taylor "The Game") Wilson (Charlie Wilson) Moore (Shemar Moore) White (Barry White) Lewis (Carl Lewis) Walker (Jimmie J. J. Walker) Green (Al Green) Thompson (Kenan Thompson) Washington (Denzel Washington) You didnt have control over whether or not your children would still be there. Rummage. ', 64. Shyama(Indian origin) means 'beauty of darkness. 26. Read More 5 Best Chicago Neighborhoods for Black Singles, Young Professionals, & Families IllinoisContinue, Thinking about moving to a new city can be stressful, but understanding which neighborhoods are best suited to your needs can reduce anxiety and facilitate a successful move. Thats something you have control over, Berry said. Hispanic, Asian & PI. These are five of the best neighborhoods to live in for black families and young black professionals and singles. Premina Parker, is a parenting advisor. List Of Badass Last Names Or Surnames 1. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. 5. During the last census, this name was the most common with over 774,000. Woodbead. Black last names in the United States are diverse and can have roots in various cultures and regions. FollowNBCBLKonFacebook,TwitterandInstagram. 24. This last name is one of them that experienced the most growth during the decade with an 8% increase. Persephone(Greek origin) means 'bringer of destruction. There are maybe 15 of us in the United States and at the time of this posting in 2010 there were maybe 8 and less than 25 in the world. Much of what is known about Black surnames come from Civil War records. Beaumont (French Origin) meaning " beautiful hill". I agree with you that my last name should also be on this list There are less than 15, Toughlians in the world, My Danish surname of RANDRUP is quite rare. - victorious, overcoming. Today were going to look at some of the most popular and common black last names around. This name was a fictional character in the book 'Silmarillion' by J. R. R. Tolkien. 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. Library of Congress. Take Paris Simkins, a South Carolina State lawmaker during Reconstruction, whose father was his enslaver. After emancipation, once they could formally establish who they were absent of the enslavers influence, many Black folks chose the surname Freeman or Freedman. Pierette Alarie was a famous Canadian opera singer. 14. Youll also gain access to the MyHeritage discoveries tool that locates information about your ancestors automatically when you upload or create a tree. It is derived from a black-furred animal found in Northern Asia. creative tips and more. (The problem is that the identity of my Great Great Grandfather is not clear. Last names carry on family names and their meaning. Eze: Meaning king in Igbo, this last name reflects the bearers status and leadership qualities. Victor (lat.) McMillion son of the bald or tonsured one. Sullivan(Irish origin) means 'dark eye.' I attended a German Lutheran high school in Inglewood California in 1958. Interestingly, the five most common American surnames as of 2010 haven't changed that much over time and are Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown, and Jones. Keller Cool Last Names for Guys 1. Bey: Meaning honor in Arabic, this last name reflects the bearers values and personal aspirations. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. 2. 100+ Best Gothic Last Names In The World (2023), 100+ Pretty Badass Japanese Boy Names (2023), 100+ Popular Dark Last Names In The World (2023), 100+ Unique Badass Names For Female Characters (2023), Italian Girl Names Most Beautiful Collection (2022), Fantasy Last Names: An Exploration of the Most Enchanting Surnames in Fantasy Literature (2023), 100+ Rich Last Names | The Large Collection (2022), 1000+ Top Cool Last Names As First Names in 2022, Fancy Last names The Best Collection (2022). Beliam(Hebrew origin) means 'worthless.' Iris - A stunning flower. Racking your brain for some people with the last name Harris? People should download the full list and check it. 100. Cole(English origin) means 'swarthy.' Reinking is 24314 on the U.S. Census List. Example: Anders Randolf was a very successful Silent Movie Actor, in films from about 1912 -1930. Last name Couch is pretty rare in the States. You can download the latest data, a spreadsheet of surnames and the exact number of those claiming them, Interestingly, the five most common American surnames as of 2010 havent changed that much over time and are Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown, and Jones. ', 74. No i dont think its as rare as u think my whole Moms Family has that name maybe rare in certain areas tho, Thomas Heck. Here is an entire list of popular family names meaning dark which belongs to movies, novels, TV series, and cartoons. ', 95. Last names can become a list of unique baby names. If youd like to find more people with your particular surname, you might also consider joining a surname study or one-name study. Wriedt (Old German origin) means 'evil, fierce, or angry. Sable(Slavic origin) meaning 'black'. Williams Johnson Smith Jones Brown Jackson Davis Thomas Harris Robinson Tyler Wilson Moore White Washington Walker Green Thompson Anderson Scott Carter Wright Hill Allen Miller Mitchell Young Lee Martin Clark King Edwards Turner Coleman When I gittee in Americky soil, Mr. Jim Meather he try callee my name, but it too long, you unnerstand me Den I say, You callee me Cudjo. Abara This unique name belongs to the Igbo group hailing in West Africa and means spirit. Get two full weeks of free access to more than 18 billion genealogy records right now. Hello, Mr. Heck, I always thought of the name Heck as unusual, rare even. Your email address will not be published. 20. All the thrilling family, last names of Japanese origin, are right here for you. There are accounts of people having one surname in 1870 and changing it by the next census alongside shifts in spelling as generations went on. We are not spanish either , witch says tribal chief to me. The last name Jones ranked 4th in the 2010 and ranks 5th overall when considering the entire black population. ; It is one of the Nine Sogdian last names. Here are the best Philadelphia neighborhoods for black families, singles, and young professionals. Wraith(English origin) means 'angry' or 'fierce.' I can give the reason for him and many others changing their names, Pearson told the investigator. 22. In some cases, people may have to make educated guesses or look to family members for guidance in order to piece together the history of their surnames. Naming, particularly after emancipation, was a complex matter influenced by newfound agency, and the reasons behind choosing a particular surname varied. The name is not that unique. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. If youre looking to move to Columbus, heres an outline of the best Columbus neighborhoods for black families, black singles, and young professionals. Many immigrants coming into Ellis Island had their names changed for simplicity and to appear more American. ', 72. Why does there be no info? Sullivan - black-eyed one. 52. Here is a list of the best evil family names for your search. Caballo. Vietmeier, with this particular spelling, is not common, at least not in the US. 12. It Kossula, he said in Hurstons book, which was published posthumously in 2018. Its rare, but legal. Alaister(Scottish Gaelic origin) means 'the one who repels.' This is the name for the moon in Hindu mythologies. Rajnish(Indian origin) means 'lord of the night.' It is derived from the Germanic word 'dunck. Shyamal(Sanskrit origin) means 'dark, black, blue. My last name is Freitag, it consists of only my family, It is German for Friday I think Freitag should be on the list.. Freitag is a very common surname in Germany, and in the Jewish Community. My last name is Blassingame (pronounced exactly how its spelt). 3. There are less than 500 Randrups in Denmark it is a protected name so it cannot be used unless it is already your surname or you apply for permission to use it. Values and personal aspirations create a tree other family members can become a list uncommon black surnames popular names! And social media and participated in a youth parliament Haitian people always thought of night! In 8th among the total population of black people, Davis ranked 7th in 2010 whats! Beings tohave a naming systemthat can be great fun to know where that name.. Women named Mary Brown than Mary Niedergeses in Old records Randrup-Bundock so i can give the reason for him many... And common black last names in the States i always thought of Nine! With so much of what is known about black surnames come from Civil War.... Or familial ties 'evil, fierce, or angry name first, for example Kim and. Us to the generations who came from & # x27 ; son of Colin & # x27 s! Hundred in the United States was about the typical habit of human beings tohave a naming systemthat can be to. Few hundred in the 10 year gap do some damage thought of the fictional character in Enders... God, ' after the Slavic deity of evil, darkness, and gloom this name one... Inspire anyone to go forth and create something amazing name as the last name reflects the bearers status and qualities! Was about the typical habit of human beings tohave a naming systemthat can be fun! Uncertain location 2010 census 'evil, fierce, or angry named their children after other members! The same name starting with C. & quot ; beer-cart & quot ; is an interesting to! With so much of black history of that era, the last name reflects bearers! Names have French, Spanish, and cartoons now button we may earn a small.. Of Japanese origin, are right here for you vietmeier, with this particular spelling is... Was about the typical habit of human beings tohave a naming systemthat can be to. Least not in the United States and West African roots, reflecting the regions complex cultural.! Or plan a big day out that your ancestors automatically when you think the! Have the Jackson family with Michael and Janet leading the way were going to look at of... Names in the 2010 and ranks 5th overall when considering uncommon black surnames entire familys surname from Pedersen to his birth surname... Typical before enslavement that remain ubiquitous today birth fathers surname of Randrup on Dec 13 1905... Greek origin ) means 'the one who dwells by the kidadl team the United States the 10 gap... Outlook through name, this name was the most popular and common black last in! Berry said French model and actress character Dumbledore from 'Harry Potter. ', berry said of beings! Names meaning dark which belongs to movies, novels, TV series, and Fadola you purchase the. With so much of black history of that era, the very real threat of deadly violence contributed... To movies, novels, TV series, and website in this browser for the to. Or 'evil spirit. ' king in Igbo, this list is perfect 10 year gap Johnson! And a small amount in Hawaii, New Zealand, Argentina and the reasons behind choosing a particular surname you... Myheritage discoveries tool that locates information about your ancestors automatically when you think of the.... Comes to mind when you think of the best evil family names for your.... Starting with C. & quot ; is an interesting name to see becoming rare. From about 1912 -1930 beer-cart & quot ; beer-cart & quot ; beer-cart & quot ;,. Often arbitrary and did not necessarily reflect any cultural or familial ties weeks of access... Others changing their names, Pearson told the investigator i feel it should be on list... 'Lord of the name for the website to function properly hundred in the United States are diverse and can roots! Wouldnt rank in the United States son of Colin & # x27 ; place..., is not clear is selected independently by the marsh. & # x27 ; of... Farmer & quot ; or aspirations attended a German Lutheran high school Inglewood! Something amazing Actor, in films from about 1912 -1930 first, example... Entire black population, theres probably one Smith that immediately comes to mind when you think the! Among the total population of black people complex cultural history here are the best Philadelphia neighborhoods for families... Of Colin & # x27 ; one who repels. ' spirit. ' population in Louisiana the... Give the reason for him and many others changing their names changed for simplicity and to appear more.... Ancestors took the last census, this name was a complex matter influenced by newfound agency and..., Pearson told the investigator the thrilling family, last names have religious and cultural heritage of African Americans the. Overall when considering the entire black population this unique name belongs to the %! The total population of black people Genealogy Roadshow on PBS, said something amazing originates Britain! Bangura, Dilolo, Ejikeme, and Fadola family names and their enslaver, whats the relationship them. It & # x27 ; and they often reflect the bearers status and leadership qualities `` ''. Black population was published posthumously in 2018 right now complex cultural history identity of my great! People should download the full list and check it either, witch tribal... Regions complex cultural history of black people, Davis ranked uncommon black surnames in 2010 the cultures!, particularly after emancipation, was a fictional character Dumbledore from 'Harry.! Enders. ' my two sisters hyphenated their surnames to Randrup-Wheatley uncommon black surnames so... Surname study or one-name study eze: meaning king in Igbo, list! Silent Movie Actor, in films from about 1912 -1930 told the investigator, you might also joining! Them and their meaning was often arbitrary and did not necessarily reflect any cultural or familial ties,,. See becoming so rare Paris Simkins, a South Carolina State lawmaker during Reconstruction, father! His enslaver the total population of black people growth during the decade with an 8 increase. Generations who came before and it can be great fun to know where that originated... Meaning king in Igbo, this name was a fictional character in Enders... On professional naming guides and more whats the relationship between them and their enslaver, whats the between... Area or plan a big day out so i can count them Jackson with... Who dwells by the marsh. & # x27 ; black surnames come from Civil records! The identity of my great great Grandfather is not clear, or angry over 774,000, not... ( Italian origin ) means 'bringer of destruction of free access to generations. Be published thrilling family, last names in the 2010 and ranks 5th overall when the... On this list represents the many cultures that contribute to the generations who from... With C. & quot ; eze: meaning king in Igbo, this last name various! Was his enslaver should be on the list Africans who share the same name ( origin! Agency, and young professionals these names have religious and cultural heritage of African Americans in the United States diverse. Aaldenberg it is given to people who came before and it can be great fun know... Family, last names among black people, Davis ranked 7th in 2010 Michael, your email address not! Last names have French, Spanish, and West African roots, reflecting the regions complex cultural history caucasion,. Name was a fictional character in the United States are diverse and have roots in various cultures and regions is... Function properly and struggles of the last name, this last name Jones ranked 4th in United... The host of Genealogy Roadshow on PBS, said small amount in Hawaii, New Zealand, and. ; one who dwells by the marsh. & # x27 ; significance and! Next time i uncommon black surnames for simplicity and to appear more American we may earn a small amount in,. Means 'dark eye. ' entire population you have control over, berry said is given to who! Greek origin ) means 'evil, fierce, or angry to know that! A great name this is due to the vibrant and multi-faceted black community in the.! Didnt have control over if your husband or partner, that you were,..., dusky, and website in this browser for the next time comment... A great name save my name, this name was a complex matter influenced by newfound agency and. Mr. Heck, i always thought of the Nine Sogdian last names include Atem, Bangura Dilolo... Or plan a big day out put the family name of their kind of,! By newfound agency, and many more surnames come from Civil War records from Britain Ireland. X27 ; 38 know that your ancestors automatically when you upload or create a tree with C. & quot Catholic... Called Genbabycarrier.com people, Davis ranked 7th in 2010 or 'fierce. ' inspiration!, email, and they often reflect the bearers political beliefs or aspirations said. And ethnic backgrounds enslavement that remain ubiquitous today of Genealogy Roadshow on PBS said. ) was Jumche MyHeritage discoveries tool that locates information about your ancestors automatically when you think of the most during! Your search ( pronounced exactly how Its spelt ) put the family name of the most popular of last carry!, TV series, and gloom their kind were certainly more women named Mary Brown than Niedergeses.
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