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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.

Alexia

Meaning: defending men

Origin:Diminutive of Alexandria
1286
Opal

Meaning: gem

Origin:Sanskrit
303
Condoleezza If you're thinking of naming your kid Condol...
Origin:Modern invented name
4127
Satchel The meaning of Satchel, in American origin, ...
Origin:American nickname
1275
Mccoy

Meaning: fire

Origin:Irish variation of McKay
922
Ulysses The name Ulysses is of Latin origin. The mea...
Origin:Latin variation of the Greek Odysseus
607
Crispus

Meaning: curly-haired

Origin:Latin
4697
Parks

Meaning: park-keeper or stone

Origin:English
4886
Mordecai

Meaning: follower of Marduk

Origin:Hebrew
303
Martin

Meaning: warlike

Origin:Latin
378
Derrick

Meaning: the people's ruler

Origin:Spelling variation of Derek
2801
Truth

Meaning: truth

Origin:English word name
8990
Truth

Meaning: the state of being the case

Origin:English word name
4778
Coleman

Meaning: little dove

Origin:English and Irish
2693
Macon The meaning of Macon is ‘mason, to make’ and...
Origin:French place-name
6758
Baker The meaning of Baker is 'to dry by heat' and...
Origin:English occupational surname
1051
Calloway

Meaning: pebbly place

Origin:English from Latin
998
Carver

Meaning: wood carver

Origin:English
2209
Toni

Meaning: from Antium

Origin:Latin
3200
Aretha

Meaning: virtuous

Origin:Greek
4504