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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.

Archibald

Meaning: truly brave

Origin:Scottish from German
317
Harris

Meaning: son of Harry

Origin:English
344
Gordon

Meaning: great hill

Origin:Scottish
714
Douglas

Meaning: black water

Origin:Scottish
755
Jesse

Meaning: gift

Origin:Hebrew
264
Simeon

Meaning: he [God] has heard

Origin:Hebrew
713
Ebenezer

Meaning: stone of help

Origin:Hebrew
943
Lemuel

Meaning: devoted to God

Origin:Hebrew
829
Hiram

Meaning: brother of the exalted one

Origin:Hebrew
875
Garvey

Meaning: rough peace

Origin:Irish
5519
Kobe

Meaning: tortoise

Origin:Swahili
2007
Luther

Meaning: army people

Origin:German
604
Langston

Meaning: tall man's town

Origin:English
1436
Coltrane

Meaning: descendant of Coltarán

Origin:Irish surname
2966
Sidney

Meaning: Saint Denis

Origin:French
594
Solomon

Meaning: peace

Origin:Hebrew
320
Holiday

Meaning: holy day

Origin:English word name
2623
Gwendolyn

Meaning: white ring

Origin:Variation of Gwendolen, Welsh
367
Palmer

Meaning: one who holds a palm

Origin:English
2344
Rosa

Meaning: rose, a flower

Origin:Latinate variation of Rose
539