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Black Hero Names

Black hero names honor notable Black leaders of history and today, including abolitionists, activists, athletes, artists, and entertainers. Some of the most famous Black figures, such as Dr. Martin Luther King and Josephine Baker, add a subtle layer of significance to their traditional first names. Their more distinctive surnames are a modern and particularly powerful way to connect your child to your hero.

Along with King and Josephine, other Black hero names in the US Top 300 include Brooks, Clara, Ella, Kyrie, Legend, Nina, Ruby, and Walker. Unique surnames of Black figures’ worth considering for your child include Carver, Ellington, Hughes, and Owens.

A Black hero name may serve to imbue your child the strength and values of their namesake. If you are searching for a name to connect your child to their Black heritage or wish to honor an important Black hero, browse our list of over 250 names below.

Octavia

Meaning: eighth

Origin:Latin
306
Augusta

Meaning: great, magnificent

Origin:Feminine variation of Augustus
702
Serena

Meaning: tranquil, serene

Origin:Latin
248
Ruby

Meaning: deep red precious stone

Origin:Latin
48
Althea

Meaning: with healing power

Origin:Greek
155
Florence

Meaning: flourishing, prosperous

Origin: Latin
74
Dorothea

Meaning: gift of God

Origin:Greek
325
Rebecca

Meaning: to tie, bind

Origin:Hebrew
350
Dorothy

Meaning: gift of God

Origin:English variation of Greek Dorothea
352
Sloane

Meaning: raider

Origin:Irish
278
Kara

Meaning: wild stormy one

Origin:Spelling variation of Cara or Norse mythology name
390
Hazel

Meaning: the hazelnut tree

Origin:English
61
Maude

Meaning: battle-mighty

Origin:English and French diminutive of Matilda, German
362
Naomi

Meaning: pleasantness

Origin:Hebrew
118
August

Meaning: great, magnificent

Origin:German form of Latin Augustus
16
Mae

Meaning: bitter or pearl

Origin:Diminutive of Mary or Margaret
30
Cora

Meaning: maiden

Origin:Greek
16
Ida

Meaning: industrious one

Origin:German
166
Harriet

Meaning: estate ruler

Origin:English variation of French Henriette
175
Irene

Meaning: peace

Origin:Greek
195