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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.

Banks

Meaning: one who lives on the hillside or riverbank

Origin:English surname
421
Miles

Meaning: soldier or merciful

Origin:English form of Milo
24
Arthur

Meaning: bear

Origin:Celtic
32
Brooks

Meaning: of the brook

Origin:English
101
Malcolm

Meaning: devotee of St. Colomba

Origin:Scottish
130
Wyatt

Meaning: brave in war

Origin:English surname
167
Hale

Meaning: someone who lives in a hollow

Origin:English
433
Moses

Meaning: delivered from the water

Origin:Egyptian
817
Wells

Meaning: spring

Origin:Surname from place name
139
Origin:English rank of nobility
1327
Spike

Meaning: a very large nail

Origin:English word name
1395
Idris

Meaning: lord; studious

Origin:Welsh; Arabic
710
Shaquille

Meaning: well developed, handsome

Origin:Arabic
1449
Harry

Meaning: estate ruler

Origin:Diminutive of Henry
294
Frederick

Meaning: peaceful ruler

Origin:German
144
Julian

Meaning: youthful, downy-bearded, or sky father

Origin:English from Latin, variation of Julius
157
Claude

Meaning: lame; enclosure

Origin:French from Latin
508
Jupiter

Meaning: godfather

Origin:Latin
953
Jackson

Meaning: son of Jack

Origin:English
389
King

Meaning: monarch

Origin:English
489