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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.

Dubois

Meaning: of the forest

Origin:French surname
5510
Origin:English diminutive of Cabell
5635
Wynton

Meaning: friend's farm

Origin:English
6092
Rustin Rustin is a male given name that has both Br...
Origin:British
6797
Gillespie

Meaning: bishop's servant

Origin:Scottish
6916
Zina Zina is a female given name with Russian and...
Origin:African, Nsenga, refers to a child's secret spirit name; Russian, related to Zeus
4171
Nella The meaning of Nella is 'light' and the name...
Origin:American
2033
Carmichael

Meaning: fort of Michael

Origin:Scottish
4393
Josephine

Meaning: Jehovah increases

Origin:French feminine variation of Joseph
17
Clementine

Meaning: mild, merciful

Origin:French feminine version of Clement, Latin
27
Ella

Meaning: all, completely; fairy maiden

Origin:German; English
85
Jacob

Meaning: supplanter

Origin:Hebrew
137