African American Last Names; Black Last Names

May 2024 · 5 minute read

In This Post You will Find All Details About African American Last Names; Black Last Names, Most common black last names for African Americans. It is important to acknowledge that there is a wide variety of surnames used by African Americans, and that each individual’s name is unique to them and their family.

However, there are some last names that have been historically more commonly used by African Americans due to a variety of factors, including slavery, migration, and assimilation.

African American Last Names; Black Last Names

Some of the most common black last names for African Americans are:

These surnames have been widely used by African Americans for generations, and many people of different backgrounds may also share these surnames. It is important to remember that a person’s name does not define them, and that every individual should be respected and valued regardless of their surname.

Williams:

Williams is a popular last name that has English and Welsh origins. It is derived from the given name William, which means “strong-willed warrior.” Many African Americans may have this surname due to the fact that it was a common name among enslaved people who were brought over from England and Wales during the colonial era.

Smith:

Smith is an English surname that means “metalworker.” It was a common name among enslaved people, who were often forced to work in blacksmith shops and other trades that involved working with metal.

Johnson:

Johnson is an English and Scottish last name that means “son of John.” It is a very common name among African Americans, and may have been adopted by some enslaved people as a way to assert their identity and kinship ties.

Brown:

Brown is a common English and Scottish last name that means “brown-haired” or “brown-skinned.” Many African Americans may have this surname due to their ancestral ties to enslaved people who were brought over from the British Isles.

Davis:

Davis is an English and Welsh surname that means “son of David.” It is a common name among African Americans, and may have been adopted by enslaved people as a way to assert their identity and kinship ties.

Jones:

Jones is a Welsh surname that means “son of John.” It is a common name among African Americans, and may have been adopted by some enslaved people as a way to assert their identity and kinship ties.

Jackson:

Jackson is an English and Scottish surname that means “son of Jack.” It is a very common name among African Americans, and may have been adopted by enslaved people as a way to assert their identity and kinship ties.

Wilson:

Wilson is an English and Scottish last name that means “son of Will.” It is a common name among African Americans, and may have been adopted by some enslaved people as a way to assert their identity and kinship ties.

Anderson:

Anderson is an English and Scottish last name that means “son of Andrew.” It is a common name among African Americans, and may have been adopted by some enslaved people as a way to assert their identity and kinship ties.

Thomas:

Thomas is an English and Welsh last name that means “twin.” It is a common name among African Americans, and may have been adopted by some enslaved people as a way to assert their identity and kinship ties.

Amazing black surnames

It is important to recognize that all surnames, regardless of their origin or popularity, are meaningful and significant to the individuals and families who carry them.

However, there are some black surnames that have unique origins and meanings, or are associated with notable figures and achievements within the African American community. Here are a few examples:

Mandela: This surname is associated with the late South African political leader and anti-apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela. The name is of Xhosa origin and means “son of the mighty one.”

Tubman: This surname is associated with Harriet Tubman, a celebrated abolitionist who helped enslaved people escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. The name likely originated in Maryland, where Tubman was born and spent much of her early life.

Douglass: This surname is associated with Frederick Douglass, a former slave who became a leading abolitionist, orator, and writer. The name is of Scottish origin, but was likely adopted by African American families who were inspired by Douglass’ activism and legacy.

Du Bois: This surname is associated with W.E.B. Du Bois, a sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist who co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The name is of French origin, but was likely adopted by African American families who were inspired by Du Bois’ work and ideas.

Angelou: This surname is associated with Maya Angelou, a celebrated poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. The name is of Spanish origin, but was likely adopted by Angelou’s African American ancestors at some point in their family history.

King: This surname is associated with Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister and civil rights activist who led the Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped organize the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The name is of English origin, but has become a powerful symbol of African American leadership and activism.

Wells: This surname is associated with Ida B. Wells, a journalist and activist who exposed the brutality of lynching in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name is of English origin, but was likely adopted by African American families who were inspired by Wells’ courage and advocacy.

These are just a few examples of amazing black surnames that are associated with inspiring individuals and important moments in African American history. Each of these names carries its own unique history and meaning, and reflects the rich diversity and resilience of the black community.

ncG1vNJzZmiZnKG0rbvBmqOuqJSWwaa%2FjZympmeRm7%2Bqr8CnZJqllae2pK3NZqOaq6Riu6K5xKxm