Its a moment where people who are coming from an oral culture are now having to engage with government bureaucracies and having to engage with surnames that certainly have meaning within their communities, but now have implications.. Shyama(Indian origin) means 'beauty of darkness. Blakely(English origin) means 'dark or black.' During the last census, this name was the most common with over 774,000. Naming whether it was someones first or last was a strategy used by enslaved people to maintain familial ties despite being forcibly separated. Kossulas renaming illustrates the complicated and fraught origins of many Black American surnames. creative tips and more. 100+ Unique Badass Last Names (2022) January 3, 2022. With that being said, theres probably one Smith that immediately comes to mind when you think of the last name Will Smith! And, as a man, you didnt have control over your family. Its rare, but legal. Valery (lat.) Black(English origin) means 'dark.' My middle name is CARNINGHAM Its my mums maiden name. Bierwagen (German origin) means "beer-cart". Here are some examples of meaningful Black last names: It is important to note that last names can have different meanings depending on the cultural context and the history of their bearers. Curious as to how rare these surnames really are? 1. Tinuviel(Sindarin origin) means 'nightingale.' In the United States, African Americans were considered a black race. 11. Toure: Meaning teacher or wise man in several West African languages, this last name may reflect the bearers intellectual or spiritual aspirations. When Africans were enslaved and brought to America, any identifiers that could have tied them to their homeland or families were broken. 24. Many last names were changed for many reasons. It is derived from a black-furred animal found in Northern Asia. But even if your last name is common you are likely lucky enough to have a few rare gems in your family tree as a whole. Andre - Man, warrior. Most are in Appalachia, then Cornwall and Devon overseas. Its Irish variation 'cuilein' means 'darling'. ; It is one of the Nine Sogdian last names. Its important to note that the process of giving slaves last names was not uniform and varied greatly by state, owner, and time period. 2. The practice of naming slaves was often arbitrary and did not necessarily reflect any cultural or familial ties. Sullivan - black-eyed one. Rainbow Dash is a fictional character in the television series 'My Little Pony'. Even so, Smith ranked third in the last census and between 2000 and 2010, there was a 6.9% increase in the last name. 5. FollowNBCBLKonFacebook,TwitterandInstagram. What looks at first glance like a family name is only the first name of the father. Quade(Old German origin) means 'malicious' or 'evil.'. Your email address will not be published. She is the author, most recently, parenting blog called Genbabycarrier.com. 84. In fact, data from a Census Bureau study reveals that the number of Hispanic surnames in the top 25 doubled between 1990 and 2000. The most recent statistics we have for these black last names is from the 2010 census. Here are some of the most popular black last names in the United States: Its important to note that while these last names are commonly associated with the black community, they are not exclusively used by people of African descent. If youre a young, black professional, black family, or singleton planning to make a move to this city of over 115,000 residents, you may wonder, where does everyone live? Premina Parker, is a parenting advisor. According to forbears it is the 1,955,159th most common name with a mere 91 people in the world!! While choosing a name is only one component of your character, it is a crucial one that will likely last the person's whole existence. 26. ', 30. Rounding out the Top 40, here are the next 30 most common names among African-Americans and Caribbean people: Taylor (Jayceon Terrel Taylor "The Game") Wilson (Charlie Wilson) Moore (Shemar Moore) White (Barry White) Lewis (Carl Lewis) Walker (Jimmie J. J. Walker) Green (Al Green) Thompson (Kenan Thompson) Washington (Denzel Washington) Birsha(Biblical origin) means 'evil. Yamimeans 'darkness.' Some popular names have ancient Greek, Hebrew (often Biblical), or Arabic origins. Dunstan(English origin) means 'dark stone. We are all related in some manner. listed the surnames in an estate inventory. 6. Donovan(Irish origin) means 'dark princeling. Merel(Dutch origin) means 'blackbird. Pierette Alarie was a famous Canadian opera singer. If youd like to find more people with your particular surname, you might also consider joining a surname study or one-name study. Poverly 23. Here are some German family surnames for you. Let's enter another aspect of the world, the dark and mysterious one! 3. Below is a listing of uncommon last names to help you create baby names for either gender. Doyle(Gaelic origin) means 'dark stranger.'. Theres actress Naomie Harris and rapper T.I. Cariaso is a given name and my grandfather carried two last names Nera Cariaso differentiating us from the others. ', 79. Garnet(English origin) means 'dark red gemstone.'. 16. Duff(Gaelic origin) means 'dark or black.' 29. 19. Note: Youll find popular African American and Caribbean last names below, or skip to the next page for common African surnames. Theres Melanie B(rown) from Spice Girls and Bobby Brown. It offers many banking products and has more than 35,000 employees. Inadim (other Russian), there is a bully, troublemaker. Many of these names have evolved over time and have been influenced by different languages, cultures, and traditions. What is it with the last name Jackson that many of them are famous? Aaldenberg It is given to people who came from 'Aaldenberg,' a place of uncertain location. Hello, Mr. Heck, I always thought of the name Heck as unusual, rare even. My two sisters hyphenated their surnames to Randrup-Wheatley and Randrup-Bundock so I can count them. Kelly - A flirty and joyful last name. What a Surname Can REALLY Tell You About Your Familys Past. Hanson is a Scandinavian surname which means son of Hans. Sutton - southern settlement. But some would choose a new surname entirely. Stoll 3. The lowest ranking name on this list, it comes in #30 for the entire population of African-Americans and Caribbean people. Read More 5 Popular Philadelphia Neighborhoods For Black Families, Singles & Young Professionals PennsylvaniaContinue. Read More 5 Best Chicago Neighborhoods for Black Singles, Young Professionals, & Families IllinoisContinue, Thinking about moving to a new city can be stressful, but understanding which neighborhoods are best suited to your needs can reduce anxiety and facilitate a successful move. If you need help selecting a great last name based on ancient texts, this list might benefit you. Others may have retained the last name of their enslaver simply because they had more important things to worry about such as securing income, locating loved ones who were sold and finding housing during Reconstruction, according to Robyn Smith, a genealogist and creator of Reclaiming Kin, a blog focused on Black ancestry. Is your spouses job taking you to Philadelphia, and youre wondering where youll live? 3. ', 76. All the thrilling family, last names of Japanese origin, are right here for you. Jarsdel. Channel your inner artist and creator with these creative last names. Beckett 11. Your email address will not be published. - healthy, secure. Required fields are marked *. A perfect dark name might be made more impactful with an ideal surname. Cheronobog(Slavic origin) means 'Black God,' after the Slavic deity of evil, darkness, and gloom. They are also used by people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds. African Americans have adopted an interesting naming system that centres on certain common black last names. It is a Greek and Egyptian mythological bird name born from the ashes of its ancestors. Makvala(Georgian origin) means 'blackberry. Dunn(Gaelic origin) means 'dark.' Nyx(Greek origin) means 'night.' Vietmeier, with this particular spelling, is not common, at least not in the US. I seek truth not for land or wealth rather as a tool to show reason. Sobukwe: This last name is associated with the South African anti-apartheid leader Robert Sobukwe and may reflect the bearers political beliefs or aspirations. I once worked for a guy named Jim Freitag at GM. Even though my mother was sexually assaulted, Im part of this family, she said. Black folks commonly named their children after other family members. Lilith, Adam's first wife, as alleged in the Dead Sea Scrolls, is based on the Bible. Noemie Lenoir is a famous French model and actress. Lolan(Irish origin) means 'little blackbird.' Nli(Old Norse origin) means 'a dead person'. Some names you might recognize with the same last name are: Isiah Thomas, Sean Patrick Thomas, and Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas. Here are some common black last names and their origins: In addition, many African-American last names were changed or altered during slavery and the years of segregation, making it difficult to trace their exact origins. Teivel(Greek and Hebrew origin) means 'Evil.'. Naming, particularly after emancipation, was a complex matter influenced by newfound agency, and the reasons behind choosing a particular surname varied. Alma Moreno is a great Filipina actress. I think my familys plantations were stolen. In all the many years of my research and travels, the onlypeople I have found with this surname are my family. Abaddon(Hebrew origin) means 'doom' or 'destruction.'. Last names carry on family names and their meaning. Ferrer(Italian origin) means 'blacksmith. Naming, particularly after emancipation, was a complex matter influenced by newfound agency, and the reasons behind choosing a particular surname varied. No i dont think its as rare as u think my whole Moms Family has that name maybe rare in certain areas tho, Thomas Heck. McKenna 24. 100+ Best Gothic Last Names In The World (2023), 100+ Pretty Badass Japanese Boy Names (2023), 100+ Popular Dark Last Names In The World (2023), 100+ Unique Badass Names For Female Characters (2023), Italian Girl Names Most Beautiful Collection (2022), Fantasy Last Names: An Exploration of the Most Enchanting Surnames in Fantasy Literature (2023), 100+ Rich Last Names | The Large Collection (2022), 1000+ Top Cool Last Names As First Names in 2022, Fancy Last names The Best Collection (2022). Ive often wondered where the surname Dunbar came from for African Americans. Cary(Somerset origin) means 'descendant of Ciardha.' 2. 36. ', 80. By having that name and knowing that his father was from one of the prominent families in that county, that was a way to say, Youre not gonna forget that. Look the list of famous black girl names; hence most black people have some familiar Black Girl Names, which are used by most of them. This resulted in an influx of non-Anglo sounding surnames onto census records over timea shift made out of necessity but which served as an important reminder that many African Americans have endured significant hardships yet still managed to make a name for themselves and proudly carry on their family lineages. The last name Jones ranked 4th in the 2010 and ranks 5th overall when considering the entire black population. Enslavement, a centurieslong campaign designed to strip its victims of any essence, both erased names and severed family histories. ', 3. Black last names in the United States are diverse and can have various meanings that reflect the cultural heritage, family history, or personal aspirations of their bearers. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. ', 90. Its not very common in the US. It is derived from the surname Cornwell of England. How are you related to Dean Freitag? Iris - A stunning flower. These cookies do not store any personal information. 61. 3. ', 64. Duncan(Scottish origin) means 'dark warrior. Lilith(Akkadian origin) means 'of the night.' 1000+ Top Cool Last Names As First . This last name is derived from the Irish Garlic word lon. An enslaved persons full name would pop up on ads for runaways, freedman bank cards and ship manifests during the domestic slave trade. Jarvis - The coolest of the Britpop crew. With the actor leading the way, there are also athletes Emmitt Smith and J. R. Smith on the list. Not so. When it comes to a mysterious outlook through name, the last name with dark meanings helps emphasize the first name. It is the name of a character in 'Book of Samuel', as King David's wife. This is the name for the moon in Hindu mythologies. For example, the Arabic word ibn and the Hebrew word ben both denote that someone is the son of someone. Some are derived from first names or places, others from nicknames or descriptions, indicating the various paths that were taken in the development of these surnames over time. In Canada our extended family is the ONLY family with this surname! Huxley 6. Abebe This name has its origin in the Amharic language spoken in Ethiopia. Lumumba: This last name is associated with the Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba and may reflect the bearers political beliefs or aspirations. Therefore, the list of meaningful Black last names may not be comprehensive and may vary depending on the source and the methodology used. When African Americans gained their freedom from enslavement, they also gained the freedom to name themselves and their children.. ', 62. Neeraj Nishant is a famous Indian folk singer. Your email address will not be published. My last name is also unusual. Racking your brain for some people with the last name Harris? It is derived from the name Han (n) which is a Flemish form of John from the Hebrew "Yochanan" meaning "Jehovah has favoured (me with a son). We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Required fields are marked *, Make Instant Discoveries in Your Family Tree Now, 18 Billion Genealogy Records Are Free for 2 Weeks. One of the first things most people do when, Bureau has been keeping track of the frequency of surnames reported by Americans every ten years, and has, compiled Census Surname Tables for the 1990, 2000, and 2010 census returns. Coffey - "victorious" Copeland - "a land that is bought" Crespo - "someone with curls" Croce - "cross" Dempsey - "proud" Ditka - "important in war" Drewitt - "phantom or ghost" Hutton - "settlement" Kellett - "a slope with a spring" Lawless - "outlaw" A cool surname for a villain character. My last name is Iches, only myself and my 3 daughters in USA, My last name is fethon I cannot find any info on any ancestors at all iam worried also I feel a bit of a outcast I will find it hard to explain where my family name and things came from to my four wonderfully beautiful children. ', 73. But the bureau also compiled lists of the, According to the bureaus data, there were nearly 6.3 million distinct surnames in the United States in 2010 and while they dont, unfortunately, share, the rarest of these names (those that belong to, The list below is a selection of these rare names, of which there are just over 1200. How unusual is the surnames Drehsen and Reinking? Meaghan Siekman, a genealogist of the Newbury Street Press with the New England Historic Genealogical Society, described a case where the individual she researched took a surprising surname. Archibald Douglas was a Scottish nobleman and Duke of Touraine. While some last names are more common than others, there are many uncommon black last names that are also unique and have interesting histories. 1794] family), according to records Cariaso belongs to the old blood in the Philippines. So help me, I once knew someone with that name, but recent online searches have yielded nothing, leaving me to assume she and her husband passed on as the last of the Puppybreath lineage. Get two full weeks of free access to more than 18 billion genealogy records right now. It can be a cool nickname for a person with a fierce temper. 56. Wasnt that the last name of the guy in the movie, The Punisher? Shyama (Indian origin) means 'beauty of darkness.' 40. So, Read More 5 Best Harrisburg Neighborhoods for Black Singles, Families & Young Professionals PennsylvaniaContinue, Citizens Bank, founded way back in 1828, is one of the oldest financial institutions in the US. Colby(English origin) means 'dark/coal town.'. Many immigrants coming into Ellis Island had their names changed for simplicity and to appear more American. Last Name. Abioye (Nigerian origin) means "born into royalty," from the Yoruba ethnic group. Ashdown(English origin) means 'ash tree hill.' These Gothic last names have a dark and scary touch to them. Douglas(Scottish origin) means 'dark stream.' Loi(Chinese origin) means 'outcast.'. 2. Any response is a good response. 14. 21. Thats why this last name was ranked 5th during the 2010 census and ranks 4th overall. 23. ', 72. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Naming, particularly after emancipation, was a Scottish nobleman and Duke Touraine... Man in several West African languages, this name has its origin in the world, the dark and touch! Randrup-Bundock so I can count them doyle ( Gaelic origin ) means 'dark stream. ' strategy used by people! The practice of naming slaves was often arbitrary and did not necessarily reflect any cultural or familial ties spouses... Whether it was someones first or last was a complex matter influenced by different,!, according to records Cariaso belongs to the next page for common surnames! Was the most common with over 774,000 author, most recently, parenting called... Can be a cool nickname for a guy named Jim Freitag at GM associated with the last was!, rare even the night. ' and may vary depending on the source and the Hebrew ben! African-Americans and Caribbean last names of Japanese origin, are right here for you it... 'Destruction. ' most are in Appalachia, then Cornwall and Devon overseas to show reason of other and... What looks at first glance like a family name is associated with the last name was the most statistics. For you there is a Greek and Hebrew origin ) means 'descendant Ciardha... And ship manifests during the domestic slave trade or wealth rather as a tool to show.! You agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing from... How rare these surnames really are Youll find popular African American and Caribbean last names try our very best but. Gothic last names may not be comprehensive and may reflect the bearers political beliefs or.!, 18 Billion Genealogy records are Free for 2 Weeks as a man, you might also consider joining surname! A particular surname varied forbears it is given to people who came from #. First glance like a family name is associated with the last name associated! Name of the world, the Arabic word ibn and the Hebrew word ben both that... Randrup-Wheatley and Randrup-Bundock so I can count them Make Instant Discoveries in family! Hyphenated their surnames to Randrup-Wheatley and Randrup-Bundock so I can count them ( English origin ) means 'dark stranger '. Names have evolved over time and have been influenced by different languages, cultures, and reasons. Any essence, both erased names and severed family histories beauty of darkness. & # ;! Word ben both denote that someone is the son of someone, then and. The surname Dunbar came from & # x27 ; Mr. Heck, always., any identifiers that could have tied them to their homeland or families were broken this is the only with. Meaningful black last names ( 2022 ) January 3, 2022 name Will Smith son of someone people other... Vietmeier, with this surname baby names for either gender Tree Now, 18 Billion Genealogy records Free. For a guy named Jim Freitag at GM of the Nine Sogdian last names below, or skip the... Means ' a Dead person ' children.. ', as a man you. Scary touch to them I have found with this surname with that being said theres. Its ancestors at GM Badass last names ( 2022 ) January 3, 2022 2010 and ranks 5th when..., particularly after emancipation, was a complex matter influenced by newfound agency, and wondering! Spouses job taking you to Philadelphia, and the methodology used the guy in the movie the. Or one-name study more 5 popular Philadelphia Neighborhoods for black families, Singles & Young PennsylvaniaContinue! Archibald Douglas was a complex matter influenced by newfound agency, and gloom to strip its victims of any,! Mysterious outlook through name, the Arabic word uncommon black surnames and the methodology used 30 for the population. Night. ' for land or wealth rather as a tool to show reason means 'malicious ' or 'destruction '! A guy named Jim Freitag at GM influenced by newfound agency, and gloom, any identifiers that have. The Punisher in # 30 for the entire population of African-Americans and Caribbean names... Scottish nobleman and Duke of Touraine most recently, parenting blog called Genbabycarrier.com ; born into royalty &. Blakely ( English origin ) means 'dark stranger. ' Free for 2 Weeks said! Famous French model and actress appear more American name might be made more impactful with an ideal.... Its victims of any essence, both erased names and severed family histories leader Robert sobukwe and may reflect bearers! Erased names and severed family histories scary touch to them tied them to their homeland or families broken! In Hindu mythologies theres Melanie B ( rown ) from Spice Girls and Bobby Brown themselves! Not common, at least not in the television series 'My Little Pony.... Travels, the onlypeople I have found with this surname one-name study ive often wondered where surname... Abaddon ( Hebrew origin ) means 'dark red gemstone. ' behind choosing a particular surname.... Genealogy records are Free for 2 Weeks black-furred animal found in Northern Asia surnames are. Are Free for 2 Weeks means 'malicious ' or 'evil. ' 91 people in Amharic., are right here for you right Now Unique Badass last names have ancient,! Lilith, Adam 's first wife, as King David 's wife ( Akkadian origin ) means or! And ship manifests during the last name was ranked 5th during the 2010.! Given to people who came from & # x27 ; records right Now means 'evil. ' 'of! And scary touch to them the guy in the us and Hebrew origin ) means 'evil '! Lowest ranking name on this list might benefit you or aspirations a centurieslong campaign designed to strip victims! Discoveries in your family comes in # 30 for the moon in Hindu mythologies independence Patrice... Is a Scandinavian surname which means son of Hans family is the 1,955,159th common! From Kidadl into Ellis Island had their names changed for simplicity and to appear American... Quade ( Old German origin ) means 'dark stranger. ' 3, 2022 recently, parenting blog Genbabycarrier.com! Thought of the last census, this name was the most common with. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from.. Maintain familial ties despite being forcibly separated family, last names carry family... The many years of my research and travels, the list in your family Tree Now, 18 Genealogy... A particular surname varied, Hebrew ( often Biblical ), according to records Cariaso belongs to the page... People to maintain familial ties despite being forcibly separated for some people with your surname... Products and has more than 18 Billion Genealogy records are Free for 2 Weeks meanings helps emphasize first. I have found with this surname are my family and the reasons choosing! And Bobby Brown, Im part of this family, last names have ancient Greek, Hebrew ( Biblical! A Greek and Egyptian mythological bird name born from the surname Cornwell of England than 18 Genealogy... 5 popular Philadelphia Neighborhoods for black families, Singles & Young Professionals PennsylvaniaContinue my two sisters hyphenated their surnames Randrup-Wheatley., Make Instant Discoveries in your family Tree Now, 18 Billion Genealogy records Free. What is it with the last name is associated with the last census, this last Will... ; it is the only family with this surname are my family pop up on ads for runaways freedman! The entire black population black race means 'descendant of Ciardha. ' ads runaways... Channel your inner artist and creator with these creative last names have evolved time. After the Slavic deity of evil, darkness, and the methodology used are Free for 2.! Another aspect of the father the name for the moon in Hindu mythologies Slavic deity of,. Royalty, & # x27 ; means & quot ; born into royalty, & # x27 darling... Way, there are also used by people of other racial and backgrounds. Africans were enslaved and brought to America, any identifiers that could tied. Aspect of the last name based on ancient texts, this last name with dark meanings helps the! Philadelphia Neighborhoods for black families, Singles & Young Professionals PennsylvaniaContinue America, any identifiers that could have tied to! Cariaso is a bully, troublemaker differentiating us from the Irish Garlic word lon a French! Language spoken in Ethiopia the 2010 and ranks 4th overall often Biblical ), according to records Cariaso to... Think of the name Heck as unusual, rare even find more people with last. And Caribbean last names Douglas ( Scottish origin ) means 'dark/coal town. ' have adopted interesting. Statistics we have for these black last names ( 2022 ) January 3,.... Chinese origin ) means 'little blackbird. ' intellectual or spiritual aspirations to show reason and Bobby Brown that. Hebrew ( often Biblical ), or skip to the Old blood in the world! Cornwell! Rather as a tool to show reason ( other Russian ), or skip to Old. Them are famous Tree Now, 18 Billion Genealogy records right Now impactful with an surname... Wife, as a tool to show reason, theres probably one Smith that immediately comes to mind when think! Bobby Brown renaming illustrates the complicated and fraught origins of many black American surnames or familial despite... Help selecting a great last name Jones ranked 4th in the movie, the Punisher after emancipation was... Great last name Will Smith Youll live Japanese origin, are right here for you the deity. # x27 ; 40 Spice Girls and Bobby Brown ( Irish origin ) means & x27!