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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.

Booker

Meaning: scribe

Origin:English
688
Lebron

Meaning: brown-haired one

Origin:French
928
Arsenio

Meaning: virile, strong

Origin:Spanish from Greek
2622
Arsenio

Meaning: virile, strong

Origin:Spanish from Greek
2622
Abbott

Meaning: father

Origin:Aramaic, Hebrew
9016
Archibald

Meaning: truly brave

Origin:Scottish from German
317
Ross

Meaning: upland, peninsula

Origin:English and Scottish
395
Gordon

Meaning: great hill

Origin:Scottish
714
Stephen

Meaning: garland, crown

Origin:Greek
534
Jesse

Meaning: gift

Origin:Hebrew
264
Prince

Meaning: chief, prince

Origin:Latin
2422
Prince

Meaning: chief, prince

Origin:Latin
2422
Jeter Jeter is a surname of French origin. The mea...
Origin:French or German surname
2671
Simeon

Meaning: he [God] has heard

Origin:Hebrew
713
Hughes

Meaning: mind, intellect; son of Aodh

Origin:English, Scottish, Irish surname
3336
York

Meaning: from the yew estate

Origin:English
3432
Horace

Meaning: timekeeper

Origin:Latin clan name
1158
Usain

Meaning: beautiful

Origin:Arabic, possible variation of Hussein
9885
Whitney

Meaning: white island

Origin:English
3985
Ebenezer

Meaning: stone of help

Origin:Hebrew
943