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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.

Sidney

Meaning: Saint Denis

Origin:French
594
Solomon

Meaning: peace

Origin:Hebrew
320
Origin:Invented name
2781
Janelle Janelle is of American origin. It is traditi...
Origin:American, modern elaboration of Jane
3131
Stevie Related to the Greek name Stephen, the meani...
Origin:English
4206
Gwendolyn

Meaning: white ring

Origin:Variation of Gwendolen, Welsh
367
Palmer

Meaning: one who holds a palm

Origin:English
2344
Laila

Meaning: night; holy

Origin:Spelling variation of Layla (Arabic); Sami variation of Helga (Finland)
737
Rosa

Meaning: rose, a flower

Origin:Latinate variation of Rose
539
Alexia

Meaning: defending men

Origin:Diminutive of Alexandria
1286
Claudette

Meaning: lame; enclosure

Origin:French, feminine variation of Claude
1389
Condoleezza If you're thinking of naming your kid Condol...
Origin:Modern invented name
4127
Origin:Invented name
13470
Queen

Meaning: queen

Origin:Word name
3788
Angela

Meaning: angel

Origin:Latin
802
Luck Number: 1
4595
Rihanna

Meaning: sweet basil

Origin:Arabic
1313
Tyra The meaning of Tyra is 'of Tyre, the God of ...
Origin:Scandinavian, feminine variation of Tyr, an ancient Indo-European god
3054
Carlotta

Meaning: free man

Origin:Italian variation of Charlotte, French diminutive of Charles
1981
Satchel The meaning of Satchel, in American origin, ...
Origin:American nickname
1275