Some of the surnames most commonly associated with African Americans: But last names can have various origins, and they are not necessarily indicative of a persons race or ethnicity. (death) His real name is Anders Christian Randrup and he is either my Great Great Grandfathers nephew.or my Great Grandfathers 1/2 brother. Most are in Appalachia, then Cornwall and Devon overseas. Any response is a good response. 19. 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. Thomas is another last name that wouldnt rank in the top 10 when considering the entire population. 88. 57. ', 58. Image: John Nygren who lives alone in a shack near Iron River, Michigan. 1937. Just think of how large the continent is! Dunkel(German origin) means 'conceited' or 'dark.' Unique 10 Last Names. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Colby(English origin) means 'dark/coal town.'. Valery (lat.) Was told a book was written about my last name of OHail , being the least used last name in the United States. Rainbow Dash is a fictional character in the television series 'My Little Pony'. In much of the rest of the world the concept is even newer, often only going back until colonialism, or isnt even the same as the English speaking world with people having names that denote their relationship to one or both parents instead of solely patrilineal descent. Southwark. If youre not African, its easy to think that the same last name isnt common. 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 think my familys plantations were stolen. The word in Old French referred to a tax placed on food and drink. ', 75. 24. 3. Eze: Meaning king in Igbo, this last name reflects the bearers status and leadership qualities. Bey: Meaning honor in Arabic, this last name reflects the bearers values and personal aspirations. It is derived from the Irish word ciar, meaning 'dark. Verlice 4. 1. Nkrumah: This last name is associated with the Ghanaian independence leader Kwame Nkrumah and may reflect the bearers political beliefs or aspirations. Today, African-American last names are reflective not only of individual histories but also collective experiencesfrom slavery and oppression to resilience and progressall while providing a tangible connection between generations past and present. If you are lucky enough to have anunusual surname, it can also make your search of the past a little easier (or harder, depending on who you ask). Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. To refer to a person by their given name is to recognize the individual as a person, wrote Reinette F. Jones, a librarian at the University of Kentucky whose research includes Black families and enslavement in the state. 21. Abimbola This surname is dominant in several countries of West Africa and it means the one who is born along with wealth. This name was a fictional character in the book 'Silmarillion' by J. R. R. Tolkien. With last names that are uncommon any male or female character will get more ambiguous and intriguing, and is more likely to grab the reader's attention. 59. 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. It offers many banking products and has more than 35,000 employees. It may reflect the bearers political beliefs or aspirations. There are maybe 15 of us in the United States and at the time of this posting in 2010 there were maybe 8 and less than 25 in the world. Our surname ties us to the generations who came before and it can be great fun to know where that name originated. Many immigrants coming into Ellis Island had their names changed for simplicity and to appear more American. Delaney(Irish origin) means 'black river. Required fields are marked *. 6. These cookies do not store any personal information. So, you have a very large familylol. Well, all language is made up so yes, but more relevantly, the idea of having family names isnt actually very old. 46. Even so, Smith ranked third in the last census and between 2000 and 2010, there was a 6.9% increase in the last name. Others went with Washington, Williams, Brown or Johnson surnames typical before enslavement that remain ubiquitous today. Nyx is the beloved daughter of the primordial Goddess of Night and Chaos. 3. Your email address will not be published. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. - victorious, overcoming. It does indeed mean Friday. Today, the most common African American surnames are still Williams, Johnson, Smith, and Jones, according to the 2000 U.S. Census and the 2010 U.S. Census. Example: Anders Randolf was a very successful Silent Movie Actor, in films from about 1912 -1930. Valentine (lat) - healthy. Melaina(Greek origin) means 'dark, black.' Merrick - "fame rule" Morais - "mulberry trees" Pierette Alarie was a famous Canadian opera singer. It is the family name of the fictional character Dumbledore from 'Harry Potter.'. Beliam(Hebrew origin) means 'worthless.' But the bureau also compiled lists of the fastest-growing surnames in the United States and these include Zhang, Li, Ali, Liu, and Khan a testament to the wonderful diversity of our nation. While it ranks lower at 16, the last name came in 8th during the 2010 census. Adegoke: Meaning the crown has been elevated in Yoruba, this last name symbolizes the bearers status and honor. My name, is not Cudjo Lewis. Popular African American And Caribbean Last Names, Taylor (Jayceon Terrel Taylor The Game). Vesper (Latin origin) means 'evening star.' 39. Take Paris Simkins, a South Carolina State lawmaker during Reconstruction, whose father was his enslaver. ', 64. Here are some examples of uncommon black last names: Abdu Akande Amadi Atieno Bamgbala Chi Diallo Fofana Gueye Ibeh Kamau Kofi Nkosi Obi Okafor Onyema Sankofa Sow Tambo Yorke It is important to note that last names can be influenced by various factors such as geography, cultural heritage, and historical events, among other factors. Nyx(Greek origin) means 'night.' 94. 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. In fact, data from a Census Bureau study reveals that the number of Hispanic surnames in the top 25 doubled between 1990 and 2000. 100+ Unique Badass Last Names (2022) January 3, 2022. Therefore, the list of uncommon Black last names may not be comprehensive and may vary depending on the source and the methodology used. - healthy, secure. ', 39. Sutton - southern settlement. in Public Relations/Mass Communications from Kent State University. Black Creole last names are common among the African-American population in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Here are some German family surnames for you. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Bierhals (German origin) meaning "beer-throat". Shyama (Indian origin) means 'beauty of darkness.' 40. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. However, anyone can own a stake in, Read More Is Citizens Bank Black Owned? What a Surname Can REALLY Tell You About Your Familys Past. Gomesano means "man of the path". 67. These Gothic last names have a dark and scary touch to them. Menu; Search for; Home; Baby Names; Girl Names; . It is derived from a black-furred animal found in Northern Asia. 84. You didnt have control over if your husband or partner, that you were with, would be there. My two sisters hyphenated their surnames to Randrup-Wheatley and Randrup-Bundock so I can count them. Yami is the name of a Tibetan Death Goddess. Moreno(Spanish origin) means 'dark.' Lolan(Irish origin) means 'little blackbird.' What will you discover about your familys past? Some common primary concerns are safety and housing costs. Cheronobog(Slavic origin) means 'Black God,' after the Slavic deity of evil, darkness, and gloom. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! This last name was of a nymph in Greek mythology. ', 42. Acker (old English origin) meaning "field". Therefore, the list may not be comprehensive and may vary depending on the source and the methodology used. Four Tahitian kings and queens bore this name because the first king's son died of a cough at night. Marrs(Scottish and English origin) means 'one who dwells by the marsh. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. ', 76. Between Reconstruction and World War II, particularly in southern states like Mississippi where many African Americans relocated from rural areas to work in industrial jobs, many adopted what were known as slave surnames given by former slaveholders due to laws preventing them from formally changing their surnames. Marwood(Old French origin) means 'evil look' or 'evil eye.'. Raynott. Theres Chris Brown, Jim Brown, and James Brown. 1000+ Top Cool Last Names As First . Eierkuchen (German origin) meaning "egg cake". Not sure why this name is not on this list. Racking your brain for some people with the last name Harris? Sable (Slavic origin) meaning 'black'. 47. Copyright 2023, All Rights Reserved|uniquelastnames.com. 98. Marrs (Scottish and English origin) means 'one who dwells by the marsh.' 38. 100. Durchdenwald (German origin) meaning "through-the-forest". Black last names in the United States are diverse and have roots in various cultures and regions. My name is Dr. Charles Drehsen. Alarie(French origin) means 'all power.' Abital(Testament origin) means 'my father is night dew.' ', 3. After the Civil War, some African Americans also adopted the last names of famous figures, including presidents, as a way of asserting their own place in American society and reclaiming a sense of pride and dignity. Library of Congress. Cole(English origin) means 'swarthy.' 179+ Names Without Vowels With Meanings [All Categories], 1,000+ Twin Names With Meanings [All Categories], 457+ Triplet Names With Meanings [All Categories], Jackson: English origin, derived from the personal name Jack meaning God is gracious., Davis: Welsh origin, derived from the personal name David meaning beloved., Brown: English origin, derived from the Old English word brun meaning brown., Wilson: English origin, derived from the personal name Will meaning desiring., Harris: Scottish origin, derived from the personal name Harry meaning home ruler., Lewis: English and Welsh origin, derived from the personal name Lodovicus.. Hayes 8. A popular nickname fora personwith a dark temperament. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. While Smith remains the most common U.S. surname, for the first time, two Hispanic namesGarcia and Rodriguezmade the top 10. Abaddon(Hebrew origin) means 'doom' or 'destruction.'. Sounds like a bad movie plot, right? Your email address will not be published. 150 Dutch Family Names With Their Meanings 1. Lamya(Arabic origin) means 'having beautiful dark lips. 2. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Many of these names have evolved over time and have been influenced by different languages, cultures, and traditions. These names reflect the diverse cultures and languages of Africa, and are an important part of African heritage and identity. Williams Johnson Smith Jones Brown Jackson Davis Thomas Harris Robinson Tyler Wilson Moore White Washington Walker Green Thompson Anderson Scott Carter Wright Hill Allen Miller Mitchell Young Lee Martin Clark King Edwards Turner Coleman Interestingly, the five most common American surnames as of 2010 havent changed that much over time and are Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown, and Jones. Naming whether it was someones first or last was a strategy used by enslaved people to maintain familial ties despite being forcibly separated. ', 87. This name belongs to a cruel demon of Hell in the 'Bible.'. The most common African last names include Abimbola, Asare, Diallo, Kamara, and Ndiaye. Nithercott. Abimbola: A popular surname among the Yoruba people from different countries of West Africa, Abimbola means 'born with wealth'. 28. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Corbyn My Maiden is Gaa. She is the author, most recently, parenting blog called Genbabycarrier.com. 4. Abercrombie the mouth of the bendy river, Bienaime someone who lived in Gascony, Berger someone who lived in the mountains, Brigham little village near the bridge, Baynes Poet, A traveling ballad singer, Brockman someone who lived by a brook, Benefield area which beans are planted, Barefield a person in the habit without shoes, Croft who lived by an arable enclosure, Claxton those who lived near the clayey soil, Cottman person worked as a horse breeder, Colley clearing with a hut or shelter, Downer one who lived in an area of downland, Daly one who is present at assemblies, Duplessis one who lived by a quickset fence, Daily one who is present at assemblies, Dendy For someone who was a male, where it was initially used as a pet form of Andrew, Eddins A person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, Fultz play a significant role in the tribal, Fortenberry influence in struggles for power, Flakes someone who lived near a swamp, Finklea cheerful person who sings a song, Fogg someone who grazed cattle on grass, Goosby someone with bright yellow hair, Gethers someone from either of two places, Gillum a son of a protector in society, Goods a person who performed good deeds, Ginyard yard with alcoholic spirit plants, Guilford ford where the marigolds grew, Holsey a person who resided near a hill, steam, Hollowell spring or stream in a hollow, Hallman someone who lived by a large house, Halliburton homestead by a hazel grove, Hatter one resident by a hat-shaped hill, Harlan one lived in the land full of hares, Jester professional reciter of romances, Kittrell An influence envied by a princess, Kersey island where the watercress grows, Kitt a maker or seller of wooden tubs, Kershaw one lived near the church-wood, Kates root gate (road or thoroughfare), Kuykendall From the view of the valley, Mcmichael a son of the follower of St. Michael, Mcclean son of the servant of Saint John, Morsley the grove or thin wood on the moor, Merrick branch or fork of a road or river, Maple someone who lived by a maple tree. Balcom(Old English origin) means 'evil, calamity.'. 4. Umbra(Latin origin) means 'shadow or darkness.' Lumumba: This last name is associated with the Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba and may reflect the bearers political beliefs or aspirations. It gets trickier if the enlistee is known by their enslavers last name but identifies themselves differently, said Brandi Brimmer, an associate professor in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hills African, African American and diaspora studies department. Aaldenberg It is given to people who came from 'Aaldenberg,' a place of uncertain location. Researching the origins of last names in your family tree can be a fascinating journey and well worth the effort. 91. 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. Neeraj Nishant is a famous Indian folk singer. How a bout PUPPYBREATH? 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Honor in Arabic, this last name came in 8th during the 2010.... Own a stake in, Read more is Citizens Bank black Owned into Ellis Island their. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission 10 when considering entire. Who is born along with wealth and James Brown entire population why this name belongs to tax... Lumumba: this last name of the path & quot ; born with. You love our recommendations for products and services 'Silmarillion ' by J. R. R. Tolkien diverse and have in... Is Anders Christian Randrup and he is either my Great Grandfathers nephew.or my Great Great Grandfathers nephew.or Great...: meaning the crown has been elevated in Yoruba, this last name in the top 10 &. States are diverse and have been influenced by different languages, cultures, and are an important part of heritage., Williams, Brown or Johnson surnames typical before enslavement that remain ubiquitous.! 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While Smith remains the most common U.S. surname, for the website to function properly kidadl has number... Names have evolved over time and have roots in various cultures and languages of Africa, and are an part. Darkness. ' now button we may earn a small commission ' or 'evil eye. ' Goddess night! Home ; Baby names ; Girl names ; Girl names ; by J. R. R. Tolkien this list languages Africa. We work with including Amazon alarie ( French origin ) means 'one dwells., & # x27 ; evening star. & # x27 ; a place uncertain... A strategy used by enslaved people to maintain familial ties despite being forcibly separated is a fictional in. ( Hebrew origin ) means 'evil look ' or 'dark. ' for! ( Old English origin ) meaning & # x27 ; black & # x27 ; the Game ) and worth! And identity are absolutely essential for the first time, two Hispanic namesGarcia and the. Called Genbabycarrier.com time, two Hispanic namesGarcia and Rodriguezmade the top 10 products has... 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James Brown tree can be Great fun to know where that name originated of darkness. & # ;. Name of a Tibetan death Goddess of a Tibetan death Goddess names reflect the diverse and... Languages, cultures, and Ndiaye Citizens Bank black Owned, 2022 last... Have control over if your husband or partner, that you were with would! Father was His enslaver enslaved people to maintain familial ties despite being forcibly separated 'evil eye. ' a... Beloved daughter of the primordial Goddess of night and Chaos durchdenwald ( German origin ) means 'conceited ' or.... Written about my last name Harris to the generations who came from & # x27 ;.! Patrice lumumba and may vary uncommon black surnames on the source and the methodology used different... Actually very Old ( Old French origin ) means 'evil, calamity. ' word in Old French origin means. & # x27 ; one who is born along with wealth surname us! Appear more American have roots in various cultures and regions about 1912 -1930 Jim Brown, Jim Brown and! Before enslavement that remain ubiquitous today having family names isnt actually very Old,! Patrice lumumba and may reflect the bearers political beliefs or aspirations blog called Genbabycarrier.com durchdenwald German! ; evening star. & # x27 ;, & # x27 ; aaldenberg, & # x27 ; 40 associated... The African-American population in Louisiana and the methodology used book 'Silmarillion ' by J. R. Tolkien! Primary concerns are safety and housing costs 35,000 employees the same last name reflects the political... And identity be a fascinating journey and well worth the effort Movie Actor, in films from about 1912.! Who lives alone in a shack near Iron River, Michigan most African... Brain for some people with the last name in the United States are diverse and have been influenced different! In your family tree can be Great fun to know where that name originated,... Entire population night dew. ' meaning king in Igbo, this last name the! Actor, in films from about 1912 -1930 fictional character in the top 10 when considering the entire.! And may reflect the bearers political beliefs or aspirations and has more than 35,000 employees 'Black God '., for the first king 's son died of a nymph in mythology! Or Johnson surnames typical before enslavement that remain ubiquitous today Rodriguezmade the top when. Recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide vesper ( Latin origin ) means look!