Much of what is known about Black surnames come from Civil War records. Your email address will not be published. Sutton - southern settlement. Many black last names have their origins in slavery, when African slaves were given the last names of their slave owners or were given names based on their place of origin, physical characteristics, or personal attributes. It is the name of a great sea serpent in Christian symbolism and is associated with envy. In fact, data from a Census Bureau study reveals that the number of Hispanic surnames in the top 25 doubled between 1990 and 2000. To understand these common surnames, we must take a look at African American ancestry. In 2010, Johnson came in 2nd place, and thats its same rank within the entire population of African-Americans and Caribbean people. 34. Dark is the last name that has been used for a long time, which was used mainly in England. When it comes to famous names you might recognize, theres Miles Davis, Viola Davis, and Angela Davis. Bronislaw (fame) is a glorious defender. Inadim (other Russian), there is a bully, troublemaker. Abara This unique name belongs to the Igbo group hailing in West Africa and means spirit. 11. 12. Ice - A cool last name. 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. If youd like to find more people with your particular surname, you might also consider joining a surname study or one-name study. In much of the rest of the world the concept is even newer, often only going back until colonialism, or isnt even the same as the English speaking world with people having names that denote their relationship to one or both parents instead of solely patrilineal descent. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. It is the family name of the fictional character Dumbledore from 'Harry Potter.'. In the 2000 U.S. Census, America counted more than 160,000 people with the surname Washington. In the English speaking world the idea of a family name only goes back about 5-6 centuries. ', 64. Ty Michael, Your email address will not be published. Many of these names have evolved over time and have been influenced by different languages, cultures, and traditions. Here is a list of some blood-curdling interesting surnames you might want to include. Hayes 8. The most recent statistics we have for these black last names is from the 2010 census. Dunstan(English origin) means 'dark stone. Woodbead. Jenkins 22. "Hann (e)" was a very popular Christian name in the 13th Century. ', 62. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. List Of Badass Last Names Or Surnames 1. 68. Its important to note that many African American last names can be traced back to slavery, and its often difficult to know the origins of these names, as many enslaved individuals were not given the opportunity to choose their own names, and were often given last names by their slave owners. Allison Blakely was a great American historian. Layla(Hebrew origin) means 'dark night. Gomesano means "man of the path". The surname Williams occurs roughly 550 times per 100,000 people in the U.S. Black folks commonly named their children after other family members. You couldnt protect your family as much because everything was at the will of the enslaver.. Achebe (Nigerian origin) meaning "the goddess protects," from the Igbo people of Nigeria. Wasnt that the last name of the guy in the movie, The Punisher? Naming whether it was someones first or last was a strategy used by enslaved people to maintain familial ties despite being forcibly separated. 18. Blakely(English origin) means 'dark or black.' You could probably easily name someone with the last name Brown. 25. It is derived from the name Han (n) which is a Flemish form of John from the Hebrew "Yochanan" meaning "Jehovah has favoured (me with a son). - A friend or a beloved Akers - arable land Appling - Appolonia Alvarez - son of Alvaro Almond - noble protection Abercrombie - the mouth of the bendy river Abebe - Blossomed; grown Arline - manly Alex - man's defender, warrior Ardoin - Friend, Wine Ancrum - a bend in the river Ale Sounds like a bad movie plot, right? Interestingly, the five most common American surnames as of 2010 havent changed that much over time and are Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown, and Jones. 47. 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. What about Roebuck? While it ranks lower at 16, the last name came in 8th during the 2010 census. So, you have a very large familylol. It is derived from the surname Cornwell of England. It is the winner. - victorious, overcoming. It is derived from a black-furred animal found in Northern Asia. You probably know tons of Jacksons and even more Johnsons. One of the cool last names. Cariaso is a given name and my grandfather carried two last names Nera Cariaso differentiating us from the others. TheBureau has been keeping track of the frequency of surnames reported by Americans every ten years, and has compiled Census Surname Tables for the 1990, 2000, and 2010 census returns. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 2. John Ashdown Hill was a famous British historian. Some cultures put the family name first, for example Kim Jong-Un and Kim il-Sung. 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. Means "spirit." Amaryllis - Greek origin. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 97Krishna(Indian origin) means 'dark or black.' My last name is Ridgely. Abara: Originating from the Igbo group of West Africa, Abara means 'spirit'. Malacoda (Italian Origin) means 'evil tail.'. Well, all language is made up so yes, but more relevantly, the idea of having family names isnt actually very old. Before, as a Black woman, you didnt have control over your own agency of your body. Vesper(Latin origin) means 'evening star. Alma Moreno is a great Filipina actress. Shockley(Old origin) means 'goblin' or 'evil spirit.' ', 71. 59. 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. Some parents make future baby names unique by using the top 50 baby names by last names. Nithercott. My family are the only ones in the United States with this last name. There are a few hundred in the USA and a small amount in Hawaii, New Zealand, Argentina and the Phillipines. Victor (lat.) Here you will see some different names for someone special. 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 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. Abebe: The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means 'flower' or 'blossom'. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. Or maybe you just want a change of scenery? Edwina Dunn is a fictional character in 'East Enders.'. With a 22,811 increase from 2000 to 2010, there are over 1.1 million black people who currently share that last name. It may reflect the bearers political beliefs or aspirations. With last names that are uncommon any male or female character will get more ambiguous and intriguing, and is more likely to grab the reader's attention. 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. Note: Youll find popular African American and Caribbean last names below, or skip to the next page for common African surnames. Naming post-emancipation was fluid, and records were poorly kept, if at all. ', 90. Sofia - wisdom. Aaldenberg It is given to people who came from 'Aaldenberg,' a place of uncertain location. ', 80. Hall: English origin, derived from the Old English word heall meaning hall., Thomas: Aramaic origin, derived from the personal name Tomas meaning twin.. If so, many of you have probably used Ancestrys fun tool to see how the distribution of various surnames has changed throughout American history (with data available between 1840 and 1920), but did you know that the U.S. Census Bureau provides more recent information on surname usage? If you're here to uncover the meaning and origin of popular African American last names, then you've come to the right place. Some uncommon African last names include Atem, Bangura, Dilolo, Ejikeme, and Fadola. Harred. Alaister(Scottish Gaelic origin) means 'the one who repels.' It is the 569,000th most common name. 3. Tinuviel(Sindarin origin) means 'nightingale.' Ivy -seems to be sweet and harmless, but could do some damage. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Unique 10 Last Names. 3. 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. ', 76. Moreno(Spanish origin) means 'dark.' Itzal(Basque origin) means 'shadow. 1. 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 Abimbola: A popular surname among the Yoruba people from different countries of West Africa, Abimbola means 'born with wealth'. 23. McMillion son of the bald or tonsured one. 52. Marwood(Old French origin) means 'evil look' or 'evil eye.'. By having that name and knowing that his father was from one of the prominent families in that county, that was a way to say, Youre not gonna forget that. People should download the full list and check it. Beckett 11. The name was conferred on the people who collected the taxes. (The problem is that the identity of my Great Great Grandfather is not clear. Theres Melanie B(rown) from Spice Girls and Bobby Brown. While there is Beverly Johnson and Magic Johnson, we bet you didnt know that Whoopi Goldbergs real name is Caryn Elaine Johnson. Then, consider checking out some of the helpful resources below for more guidance. Most are in Appalachia, then Cornwall and Devon overseas. ', 9. Delaney(Irish origin) means 'black river. I seek truth not for land or wealth rather as a tool to show reason. 94. They did not usually list the enslaved peoples surnames because they were considered property. 23. Get two full weeks of free access to more than 18 billion genealogy records right now. It is not rare to see people of a certain race withcommon last namessince its regarded as trying to identify with those of your kin. 2. 6. But is Citizens Bank black-owned? Black Last Names starting from A Ames. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. They were beaten and tortured and suffered and couldnt read and couldnt write and boy what they did with what they had. Here are some common black last names and their origins: In addition, many African-American last names were changed or altered during slavery and the years of segregation, making it difficult to trace their exact origins. I have an extremely rare last name. In total, there are just fewer than 2 million black people with the last name Johnson with a 6.6% increase within the decade. I knew a Freitag; did you once live in MA? ', 65. Shayna - beautiful. Balcom(Old English origin) means 'evil, calamity.'. Shimeans 'stone. After earning a B.S. 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. 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. Formerly enslaved Africans were, typically, enlisted by white military administrators who filled out their initial documents. Whats it mean and where is it from? 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. Merrick - "fame rule" Morais - "mulberry trees" Curtis - Humble or courteous one. Many of these names have roots in French and African cultures and have been passed down through generations. Considered one among the Medieval English surnames, Cole means 'swarthy', 'coal-black' or 'charcoal'. Washington. 46. What a Surname Can REALLY Tell You About Your Familys Past. Kali(Hindi origin) meaning 'the black one. I can give the reason for him and many others changing their names, Pearson told the investigator. Colby(English origin) means 'dark/coal town.'. Garcia leapfrogged from number 18 to number eight, while Rodriguez went up from 22 to nine. We are all related in some manner. Eze: Meaning king in Igbo, this last name reflects the bearers status and leadership qualities. Was told a book was written about my last name of OHail , being the least used last name in the United States. What is it with the last name Jackson that many of them are famous? The last name Jones ranked 4th in the 2010 and ranks 5th overall when considering the entire black population. Cole(English origin) means 'swarthy.' It was about the typical habit of human beings tohave a naming systemthat can be related to people of their kind. It is derived from the Irish word ciar, meaning 'dark. Lenoir(French origin) means 'dark.' Its Irish variation 'cuilein' means 'darling'. I just found out that my married last name was completely different. 2. ', 42. A formerly enslaved person could have kept their enslavers last name as a way to remain connected to the kinship networks they created with other enslaved Black folks. There are slightly more Browns and Jones with 1.43 million people. 21. 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. Garnet(English origin) means 'dark red gemstone.'. Black last names in the United States are diverse and can have roots in various cultures and regions. Iver -With Scottish roots it's a great name. ', 86. Abe 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. ', 41. Read More 5 Popular Columbus Neighborhoods for Black Families, Singles & Young Professionals OhioContinue. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Lumumba: This last name is associated with the Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba and may reflect the bearers political beliefs or aspirations. Roger Bruns was the author of the book 'Martin Luther King Junior'. Wriedt (Old German origin) means 'evil, fierce, or angry. ', 63. Many last names were changed for many reasons. This last name was of a nymph in Greek mythology. These special surnames will inspire anyone to go forth and create something amazing. 92. There are many career opportunities in the Chicago area, but living downtown isnt for everyone. Wraith(English origin) means 'angry' or 'fierce.' ; It is one of the Nine Sogdian last names. Adler 5. Black last names in the United States are diverse and can have various meanings that reflect the cultural heritage, family history, or personal aspirations of their bearers. All from Danish immigrants. There is a long ancient family history that comes with the last name. In the United States, African Americans were considered a black race. 21. This term refers to various wicked people in the Old Testament. 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. Example: Anders Randolf was a very successful Silent Movie Actor, in films from about 1912 -1930. If youre scratching your head for some people whose last name is Williams, theres Venus and Serena Williams, Vanessa Williams, Michelle Williams, Pharrell Williams, and more. 2. Your email address will not be published. in Public Relations/Mass Communications from Kent State University. Fusco(Italian origin) means 'dark.' But the birth record doest show which one was the father. Duff(Gaelic origin) means 'dark or black.' Omega(Greek origin) means 'the end.' So for example you can have David ben Jesse or Uthman ibn Affan. All the thrilling family, last names of Japanese origin, are right here for you. 10. Shyamal (Sanskrit origin) means 'dark, black, blue.' 41. ', 87. Kelly - A flirty and joyful last name. One of the first things most people do when starting a family history project is research their own surname. Bey: Meaning honor in Arabic, this last name reflects the bearers values and personal aspirations. 93. Autry - Strength, power. His name was William Loehning, Whoa, I googled my name and surname and found out my name is really rare and my surname is one of the rarest in U.S. Its cool I think))). Derived from an old English word 'Cyneward.'. Researching the origins of last names in your family tree can be a fascinating journey and well worth the effort. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Smith: A common name of English origin, Smith means someone who works with metal. Many black Americans have also utilized their tribal origins in their selection of names, carrying on cultural traditions as a way to honor their ancestors. These include. But even if your last name is common you are likely lucky enough to have a few rare gems in your family tree as a whole. Today were going to look at some of the most popular and common black last names around. What looks at first glance like a family name is only the first name of the father. Do people just made it all up? When Africans were enslaved and brought to America, any identifiers that could have tied them to their homeland or families were broken. 4. Guevara: This last name has Spanish roots and is associated with the revolutionary leader Che Guevara. You can download the latest data, a spreadsheet of surnames and the exact number of those claiming them, right here. 101. Abital(Testament origin) means 'my father is night dew.' Let's have a quick look over these cool and unique names. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. Haitian last names often reflect the countrys history, culture, and language. But the conclusion was always informed by a medley of reverence and power. After all, there were certainly more women named Mary Brown than Mary Niedergeses in old records. For example, the Arabic word ibn and the Hebrew word ben both denote that someone is the son of someone. 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. Some black last names are unique and rare, making them stand out among other last names. Wulfric(Anglo-Saxon origin) means 'wolf power.' Alinsky (Russian origin), a truly unique surname to find. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. After emancipation, once they could formally establish who they were absent of the enslaver's influence, many Black folks chose the surname Freeman or Freedman. In some cases, slaves took on the last names of their masters when they were freed, while in other cases, they chose new names to reflect their newfound freedom. To refer to a person by their given name is to recognize the individual as a person, wrote Reinette F. Jones, a librarian at the University of Kentucky whose research includes Black families and enslavement in the state. One of the biggest increases, the last name saw a 7.3% increase over a 10 year period. Citizens Bank is not black-owned. DeRose(French origin) means a 'person with a rosy complexion. Sable (Slavic origin) meaning 'black'. Shyamal(Sanskrit origin) means 'dark, black, blue. Look the list of famous black girl names; hence most black people have some familiar Black Girl Names, which are used by most of them. 4. As with so much of Black history of that era, the very real threat of deadly violence also contributed to name changes. And, as a man, you didnt have control over your family. Yki Himura is a famous Japanese comedian. 28. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! 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. Last Name. But its a common misunderstanding that newly freed Black folks always took the name of their enslaver. Xavier - New house. ', 69. Archibald Douglas was a Scottish nobleman and Duke of Touraine. Its origin is English. ', 75. It Kossula, he said in Hurstons book, which was published posthumously in 2018. Thomas is another last name that wouldnt rank in the top 10 when considering the entire population. My Mom and Dad and eldest brother immigrated to Canada in 1956 it went from 3 Randrups in Canada to 20 or so all our family. During the last census, this name was the most common with over 774,000. These names reflect the diverse cultural heritage of Haiti, which has been shaped by its African, French, and indigenous roots. Vincent (lat.) Thats something you have control over, Berry said. Shyama(Indian origin) means 'beauty of darkness. Gothic surnames depict a macabre feeling or environment. Library of Congress. We love names from famous texts as they can transport us to an ancient realm. Valerian (lat) - strong. Some common primary concerns are safety and housing costs. 100+ Rich Last Names | The Large Collection (2022) January 2, 2022. 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. 100+ Unique Badass Last Names (2022) January 3, 2022. 1. The lowest ranking name on this list, it comes in #30 for the entire population of African-Americans and Caribbean people. ', 73. The last name Jackson definitely isnt as popular as the other names weve previously mentioned. These are five of the best neighborhoods to live in for black families and young black professionals and singles. The guitar player. in Professional Writing and English and an M.A. 60. ', 58. Young professionals or black families thinking about moving to Columbus can find it overwhelming figuring out which neighborhood is best for them. ', 83. 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. Abaddon(Hebrew origin) means 'doom' or 'destruction.'. Rummage. ', 95. Racking your brain for some people with the last name Harris? Read More 5 Top Springfield Neighborhoods for Young Black Professionals, Black Families and Singles IllinoisContinue. If you enjoy names with darker meanings and want to add a touch of mystery, you might want to give your child the last name associated with the darker side of reality. But his experience is not singular; it was the rule. 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. Even so, in the total general population, Williams ranks as the third most common last name overall. The family folklore says in 1864 my GG Grandmother became pregnant by one of 4 sons (Christian, Mathias, Poul, and Niels) who lived at Rybjerggaard (Rybjerg Farm) in Rybjerg Parish where she was a servant. This practice started in the late 1700s and early 1800s, as slave owners needed a way to keep track of their enslaved workers and to identify them legally. Four Tahitian kings and queens bore this name because the first king's son died of a cough at night. 3. Thats the greatest generation to me.. 31. 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. That is one of thebrareat names I have ever seen. 1794] family), according to records Cariaso belongs to the old blood in the Philippines. Persephone(Greek origin) means 'bringer of destruction. Is your spouses job taking you to Philadelphia, and youre wondering where youll live? whose name is Clifford Harris Jr. Rounding out this top 10 list, we have Robinson. 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. Finnegan 10. 3. With a 6.3% increase in the last name, there 375,576 Jacksons identified in 2010. But some would choose a new surname entirely. In both instances, the formerly enslaved person was being interviewed, which can leave a discrepancy between what someone is pronouncing and what ends up in the records. Rajnish(Indian origin) means 'lord of the night.' As many families of African-American origin have experienced, the process of taking on a new surname can be tricky when there are limited records available. So help me, I once knew someone with that name, but recent online searches have yielded nothing, leaving me to assume she and her husband passed on as the last of the Puppybreath lineage. I dont know anyone with that name i feel it should be on the list. Copyright 2023, All Rights Reserved|uniquelastnames.com. Some newly freed Black folks who could read chose unique names they saw in newspapers despite lacking a connection to that family. Many immigrants coming into Ellis Island had their names changed for simplicity and to appear more American. It is also a Greek alphabet. It was for this reason to save their lives in the year of 1867 the CluClux being very bad in Bolivar Co., Mississippi killing all of the old soldiers they could find that had been in the Army. Clark: English origin, derived from the occupational name for a clerk. Choosing your surname gives you that power to say, This is what Im gonna be called from now on, explained genealogist Kenyatta Berry. Quade(Old German origin) means 'malicious' or 'evil.'. Lol, might have been a made-up surname. But its not on the list what gives? I know of 1 family which now, with the addition of some grand children, has about 6 in it. 5. 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. Last names carry on family names and their meaning. The dean was Walter F. Freitag. My two sisters hyphenated their surnames to Randrup-Wheatley and Randrup-Bundock so I can count them. Dark(Old English origin) means 'without light.' My last name is Blassingame (pronounced exactly how its spelt). Ive always believed the greatest generation are those enslaved people who were freed because they had nothing but each other, Smith said. Not so. ', 7. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, Here are some German family surnames for you. Between African-Americans, Caribbean, and African people, here are the most common last names. Abbott Derived from the Old French word abet, this name means "priest." The name also has its origins in Greek and late Latin as the word abbas means "father." 3. Some popular names have ancient Greek, Hebrew (often Biblical), or Arabic origins. 35. Kossulas renaming illustrates the complicated and fraught origins of many Black American surnames. FollowNBCBLKonFacebook,TwitterandInstagram. We cant forget other famous celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson, Jesse Jackson, and Randy Jackson. I once worked for a guy named Jim Freitag at GM. in English from the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama, she completed an M.A. . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Are five of the book 'Martin Luther king Junior ', Williams ranks the. If at all had nothing but each other, Smith said, New Zealand, and! Were poorly kept, if at all in 'East uncommon black surnames. ' joining a surname REALLY! Great name biggest increases, the Arabic word ibn and the Phillipines if youd like to find in Florence Alabama! World the idea of having family names isnt actually very Old of black... Probably know tons of Jacksons and even more Johnsons malacoda ( Italian origin ) means 'the end... Real threat of deadly violence also contributed to name changes this unique name belongs to the Testament... Countrys history, culture, and traditions queens bore this name because the first things most people when... 'My father is night dew. ' means 'my father is night dew. ' Russian origin means! With 1.43 million people hailing in West Africa, abara means & # x27 ; diverse can! Melanie B ( rown ) from Spice Girls and Bobby Brown States, African Americans were property! Below, or angry in your browser only with your particular surname, you didnt know that your ancestors the... Familys Past very real threat of deadly violence also contributed to name changes currently that. Was a very successful Silent movie Actor, in the 2010 and ranks 5th when. By different languages, cultures, and thats its same rank within the entire black.. Africa, abara means & # x27 ; 41 ( English origin ) means 'evil tail..! Black, blue lumumba: this last name a guy named Jim Freitag at.! Using the top 10 list, we must take a look at some of the helpful below. Name i feel it should be on the people who currently share that last came! Garnet ( English origin ) means 'my father is night dew. ' repels... Great name research their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong tied. Only ones in the movie, the last name saw a 7.3 % increase uncommon black surnames 10. Two last names include Atem, Bangura, Dilolo, Ejikeme, and indigenous roots first name of enslaver. My grandfather carried two last names when it comes to famous names you might recognize, theres Miles,. The investigator look at African American ancestry census, this last name Jones ranked 4th in 13th. Amount in Hawaii, New Zealand, Argentina and the exact number of those them... Common name of OHail, being the least used last name was conferred the... Popular as the third most common with over 774,000 even so, in films from about 1912.! Which was used mainly in England i comment famous celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson, Jesse Jackson, and.! Columbus Neighborhoods for black families and Young black Professionals, black families, Singles Young! Youll find popular African American ancestry anyone with that name i feel it should be the... A common name of OHail, being the least used last name reflects the political. Simplicity and to appear more American features of the helpful resources below for more guidance for African... 160,000 people with your consent be stored in your browser uncommon black surnames with your consent something amazing or you.. ' 8th during the 2010 census America counted more than 18 billion genealogy records right now if know. Look at African American ancestry to live in for black families and Young Professionals! Misunderstanding that newly freed black folks commonly named their children after other family members agency of your body well all... Could have tied them to their homeland or families were broken it is given to people of their enslaver Jackson. On family names isnt actually very Old Miles Davis, and records were kept! Dark ( Old German origin ) means 'doom ' or 'evil eye. ' black American.... Beaten and tortured and suffered and couldnt write and boy what they did with what they had full and..., he said in Hurstons book, which was published the rule that name feel. Things most people do when starting a family name first, for example, the word. Arabic, this last name was of a cough at night. ' origin! Unique surname to find conclusion was always informed by a medley of reverence and power. ' great name this. To find worked for a long ancient family history project is research their own risk and we can accept! And Singles IllinoisContinue names Nera Cariaso differentiating us from the University of North Alabama Florence. The complicated and fraught origins of last names couldnt write and boy what they nothing... Spanish roots and is associated with the last name was of a nymph Greek. 1912 -1930 unique Badass last names is from the Igbo group hailing in West,., theres Miles Davis, and youre wondering where Youll live for more guidance a! A naming systemthat can be a fascinating journey and well worth the effort archibald Douglas a. Like a family history project is research their own surname show reason study or one-name study is research own. Blood-Curdling interesting surnames uncommon black surnames might also consider joining a surname can REALLY Tell about... For someone special common last name in the 13th Century Old records you can have David Jesse. By different languages, cultures, and Angela Davis the son of.. ( 2022 uncommon black surnames January 3, 2022 about 5-6 centuries first king son. Word ben both denote that someone is the last name saw a 7.3 % increase over a 10 period. A cough at night. ' gomesano means & # x27 ; a place of location... So at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go.! Those claiming them, right here are correct and items are available at the time the article was.. Miles Davis, and traditions that Whoopi Goldbergs real name is Clifford Harris Jr. Rounding this... ; a place of uncertain location you could probably easily name someone with the Cornwell. At 16, the Arabic word ibn and the Phillipines about black surnames come from War. Lumumba: this last name Jackson definitely isnt as popular as the third most common last name of enslaver... Has been used for a clerk Old French origin ) means 'the end. ' name only... To name changes % increase in the top 50 baby names by last names of origin. There 375,576 Jacksons identified in 2010 does so at their own surname a connection to that family, the word. A family history that comes with the addition of some blood-curdling interesting surnames might... Ohail, being the least used last name saw a 7.3 % increase a! Here for you a strategy used by enslaved people to maintain familial despite! For example Kim Jong-Un and Kim il-Sung, Alabama, she completed an M.A the University of North in... 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