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Black History Names

Black history names include the names of African-Americans throughout US history who've achieved extraordinary things.

Among the Black history names here are the names of politicians, activists, writers, artists, businesspeople and others who might make worthy namesakes for contemporary babies.

Black history names come from centuries of history, from the Renaissance to the late twentieth century. Note: While there are many notable figures from Black and African-American history with ordinary names, we've focused on the names that are more clearly associated with historic heroes and heroines. Also here are many last names that can be used as firsts.

To learn more about the figures these Black history names commemorate, see our main blog on Black history names.

Kamala

Meaning: lotus or pale red; or, a garden

Origin:Hindi, Hawaiian
2396
Sojourner

Meaning: to stay a while

Origin:French, English
3461
Lionel

Meaning: young lion

Origin:Latin
942
Davis

Meaning: beloved

Origin:Surname derived from David, Hebrew
940
Bessie

Meaning: pledged to God

Origin:Diminutive of Elizabeth
1552
Origin:Word name
1670
Tatum

Meaning: Tate's homestead

Origin:English
837
Mamie Mamie is a name given primarily to girls. It...
Origin:Diminutive of Mary or Margaret
1595
Biddy

Meaning: strength or exalted one

Origin:Irish
2563
Eulalie

Meaning: sweetly speaking

Origin:French form of Eulalia, Greek
926
Salem

Meaning: safe

Origin:Biblical place-name or Arabic
739
Lorraine

Meaning: from the province of Lorraine

Origin:French
877
Lorna The meaning of Lorna is ‘victory’ or ‘fox’. ...
Origin:English literary name
1361
Origin:Word name
1839
Clarissa

Meaning: bright, clear

Origin:Elaboration of Clara
707
Della Della is a shortened version of the name Del...
Origin:Diminutive of Adela
622
Marvel The meaning of Marvel is ‘to wonder’ or ‘to ...
Origin:English word name
4542
Booker

Meaning: scribe

Origin:English
688
Roscoe

Meaning: deer forest

Origin:Norse
588
Theophilos

Meaning: loved by God

Origin:Greek
6266