1. Home
  2. Topics

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.

Maxine

Meaning: greatest

Origin:Latin
466
Constance

Meaning: steadfastness

Origin:English version of Latin Constantia
292
Venus

Meaning: desire

Origin:Latin
449
Lois

Meaning: most desirable

Origin:Greek
538
Vivian

Meaning: life

Origin:Latin
205
Alma

Meaning: nurturing, soul

Origin:Latin
475
Evelyn

Meaning: desired; or water, island

Origin:English from French and German
117
Maya

Meaning: water

Origin:Greek; Central American Indian empire name; Latinate variation of May; Spanish, diminutive of Amalia; variation of Maia; Hebrew
82
Simone

Meaning: hearkening

Origin:French, feminine variation of Hebrew Simon
587
Gabrielle

Meaning: God is my Strength

Origin:French, feminine variation of Gabriel
774
Blanche

Meaning: white

Origin:French
239
Faith unique, to advise, alone, nun, solitary
Origin:Virtue name
295
Lena The Hebrew name Lena is a shorter version of...
Origin:English, Scottish, Dutch, German, and Scandinavian, diminutive of various names ending in lena
162
Viola

Meaning: violet

Origin:Latin
340
Zora

Meaning: dawn

Origin:Serbo-Croatian
365
Hendrix

Meaning: estate ruler

Origin:Dutch and German, from first name Hendrik
379
Denzel

Meaning: from the high stronghold

Origin:Cornish
535
Cassius

Meaning: hollow

Origin:Latin
11
Cornelius

Meaning: horn

Origin:Latin
228
Nash

Meaning: by the ash tree

Origin:English
142