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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.

Macon The meaning of Macon is ‘mason, to make’ and...
Origin:French place-name
6758
Baker The meaning of Baker is 'to dry by heat' and...
Origin:English occupational surname
1051
Wendell

Meaning: to travel, to proceed

Origin:German
1420
Turner

Meaning: works with a lathe

Origin:English
1510
Richmond

Meaning: powerful protector

Origin:German
2199
Myles A name with Latin origins, the meaning of My...
Origin:English spelling variation of Miles
557
Kanye

Meaning: honor, tribute

Origin:African place-name, Nigeria
1624
Jackie

Meaning: God is gracious

Origin:English
5828
Jackie

Meaning: supplanter

Origin:English
2503
Ossie Ossie is an English origin name. The meaning...
Origin:Short form of Oscar, Osias, Oswald et al
6413
Carver

Meaning: wood carver

Origin:English
2209
Usher

Meaning: blessed; doorkeeper

Origin:Yiddish variation of Asher or English surname from French
3984
Toni

Meaning: from Antium

Origin:Latin
3200
Septima

Meaning: seventh

Origin:Latin
5732
Melba A name of Spanish origin, the meaning of Mel...
Origin:Modern invented name
3684
Wilma

Meaning: resolute protection

Origin:Diminutive of Wilhelmina
1425
Aretha

Meaning: virtuous

Origin:Greek
4504
Sargent

Meaning: to serve

Origin:Spelling variation of Sergeant, Latin
5584
Fitzgerald

Meaning: son of Gerald

Origin:Irish and Scottish
1300
Garnet

Meaning: pomegranate

Origin:Jewel name, for the French
2003