Sometimes, it’s assumed that the history of slavery in the U.S. determined the sum total of what black last names are about in the States. If you look closer, however, they dig so much deeper than that. But how do you discover the truth behind this more modern naming convention?
You can learn all you desire from our top guide ahead on black surnames and the tales that made them famous. You’ll also find the proper pronunciations, variations over time, and famous namesakes.
100 Popular Black Surnames
Pride and perseverance lie behind these black last names for many African Americans.
Adams
Adams dates back to the Hebrew “adama,” meaning “red earth.” In 2010, roughly 20% of those with the surname Adams in the U.S. were African Americans.
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Meaning: Son of Adam
- Pronunciation: AED-aemz
- Variations: Adam
- Namesakes: Eric Adams, the 110th mayor of New York City since 2022. John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the U.S. from 1825 to 1829.
- Popularity: Adams ranked 588th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 34th in 2014.
Ahmed
Ahmed is rooted in the Arabic “hamida,” meaning “to praise,” and was one of the names of the prophet Mohammed. In 2010, 22% of those with the surname Ahmed in the U.S. were African Americans.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Thanks to God
- Pronunciation: AAH-Mehd
- Variations: Ahmad
- Namesakes: Nicholas Ahmed, an American baseball player for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Rizwan Ahmed, an English actor named in Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2017.
- Popularity: Ahmed ranked 30th worldwide, is mainly used in Bangladesh, and ranked 1st in Sudan in 2014.
Ames
Like many black last names, Ames is patronymic and means “the son of Amys.” It’s associated with the Latin “amicus,” meaning “friend.”
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Son of Amys
- Pronunciation: EYMZ
- Variations: Aames
- Namesakes: Samuel Ames, the Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court from 1856 to 1865. Adrienne Ames, an American actress known for George White’s Scandals (1934).
- Popularity: Ames is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 1,465th in 2014.
Anderson
Anderson refers to a “son of Ander (or Andrew)” and is based on the Greek Andreas, meaning “manly.” In 2012, 19% of Andersons in the U.S. were African American.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Andrew
- Pronunciation: AEN-der-Sahn
- Variations: Andersen
- Namesakes: Anthony Anderson, an American actor known for the series Black-ish. Calvin Anderson, an American football player for the New England Patriots.
- Popularity: Anderson ranked 367th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 8th in 2014.
Arnold
Black surnames aren’t dissimilar to the original surnames that point to an ancestor. Arnold is made up of the German “arn,” meaning “eagle,” and “wald,” meaning “to rule.”
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Son of Arnold
- Pronunciation: AAR-Nahld
- Variations: Arnaud
- Namesakes: Victor Arnold, an American actor appearing in the series The Edge of Night. Werner Arnold, a German weightlifter who competed at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Arnold ranked 1,543rd worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., ranking 175th in 2014.
Bailey
Bailey is taken from the Anglo-French “bailler,” meaning “to deliver.” It’s known as an occupational surname for a “bailiff” or “steward.”
- Origin: English, Scottish
- Meaning: Bailiff
- Pronunciation: BEY-Liy
- Variations: Bayley, Bailley
- Namesakes: Alvin Bailey, an American football player for the Seattle Seahawks. Pearl Bailey, an American actress who won a 1986 Daytime Emmy award.
- Popularity: Bailey ranked 974th worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., ranking 64th in 2014.
Banks
Banks first referred to a topographical place, “at the bank,” where a slope could be found. In 2010, 55% of the Banks living in the U.S. were African Americans.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: At the bank
- Pronunciation: BAENGKS
- Variations: Bank
- Namesakes: Deonte Banks, an American football player for the New York Giants. Marcus Banks, an American basketball player for the Boston Celtics.
- Popularity: Banks is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 278th in 2014.
Bates
Bates unexpectedly means “the son of Bartholomew,” based on the nickname Bate. It’s also linked to the Old English “bat,” meaning “boat,” for a “boatman.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Bartholomew
- Pronunciation: BEYTS
- Variations: Bateman
- Namesakes: Kathleen Bates, an American actress known for Misery (1990). Lefty Bates, an American blues guitarist who was a session musician in the 50s and 60s.
- Popularity: Bates is uncommon worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 294th in 2014.
Benjamin
Benjamin was given as a surname to “the son of Bennet” or “the son of Benedict.” For boys, it means “son of my right hand” in Hebrew.
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Meaning: Son of Bennet
- Pronunciation: BEHN-jhah-Mihn
- Variations: Benjamen
- Namesakes: André Benjamin (known as André 3000), an American rapper with the group Outkast. Rai Benjamin, an American sprinter and silver medalist at the 2021 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Benjamin ranked 1,792nd worldwide, is primarily used in Nigeria, and ranked 869th in the U.S. in 2014.
Bibb
Bibb is one of the few black girl last names found in the U.S. Bibb is considered a nickname for Barbara, from the Greek “barbados,” meaning “stranger.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Stranger
- Pronunciation: BIHB
- Variations: Bibbin, Bibbins
- Namesakes: Margaret Morton Bibb, an African American quilt maker with work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Leon Bibb, the first African American primetime news anchor in Ohio.
- Popularity: Bibb is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Black
Black was first used for a person with “black hair” or a “dark complexion.” It’s also one of many occupational African American last names that means “cloth dyer.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Dark complexion
- Pronunciation: BLAEK
- Variations: Blacke
- Namesakes: Jack Black, an American actor known for High Fidelity (2000). Aaron Black, a Filipino-American basketball player for the Meralco Bolts.
- Popularity: Black ranked 1,739th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 145th in 2014.
Blevins
Blevins comes from the Welsh “blaidd,” meaning “wolf,” and includes a “-yn” suffix. It’s one of many names like Blevins that centers around a wolf.
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Wolf
- Pronunciation: BLEH-vihns
- Variations: Blevyns, Blevins
- Namesakes: Frank Blevins, the sixth Deputy Premier of South Australia from 1992 to 1993. Christopher Blevins, an American cyclist at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Blevins is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 893rd in 2014.
Bonhomme
Bonhomme is French for “good man,” plus “fellow” or “chap.” It originated with the Latin “bonus homo” and came to mean “peasant farmer.”
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Goodman
- Pronunciation: BOHN-howm
- Variations: Bonhome
- Namesakes: Tessa Bonhomme, a Canadian TV sports reporter for The Sports Network (TSN). Mandy Bonhomme, an American voice actress known for the manga series Genshiken.
- Popularity: Bonhomme is rare worldwide, mostly used in France, and ranked 188th in Haiti in 2014.
Brown
Brown first indicated “the son of Brun,” meaning “brown” in German. Many African Americans took on the surname Brown, inspired by 19th-century black activist John Brown.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Brun
- Variations: Browne
- Namesakes: H. Rap Brown, an American human rights activist and chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Bobby Brown, an American member of the R&B group New Edition.
- Popularity: Brown ranked 206th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S, where it ranked 4th in 2014.
Campbell
Campbell derives from the Gaelic Caimbeul, meaning “wry (or crooked) mouth.” Today, there are more people named Campbell in Jamaica than in Scotland.
- Origin: Gaelic, Scottish
- Meaning: Wry-mouthed
- Pronunciation: KAEM-Bahl
- Variations: Campbelle
- Namesakes: Kim Campbell, the 19th Prime Minister of Canada from June to November 1993. Louis Campbell, an American basketball player for the Antibes Sharks.
- Popularity: Campbell ranked 657th worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., ranking 41st in 2014.
Carter
Carter means “the carter” as an occupation but is associated with the Gaelic “cairtear,” meaning “foreigner.” It’s ranked 22nd among African-American surnames as of 2023.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: The carter
- Pronunciation: KAART-er
- Variations: Carty
- Namesakes: Nell Carter, an American actress known for the series Gimme a Break! (from 1981 to 1987). Mel Carter, an American soul singer best known for Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me.
- Popularity: Carter ranked 796th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 42nd in 2014.
Carver
Carver comes from the Middle English “kerver,” meaning “one who carves.” It was assigned to a woodworker, which is why Carver sounds like a “carpenter.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: The carver
- Pronunciation: KAAR-Vehr
- Variations: Carvar
- Namesakes: George Washington Carver, an American inventor and one of the best-known black scientists of the early 20th century. Randall Carver, an American actor appearing on the series Taxi.
- Popularity: Carver is rare worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., ranking 998th in 2014.
Chapman
Chapman is an occupational name for a “merchant” or “trader” taken from the Old English “cēapmann.” It’s made up of “cēap,” meaning “barter,” and “mann,” meaning “man.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Merchant
- Pronunciation: CHAEP-Maen
- Variations: Chepmon
- Namesakes: Tracy Chapman, an American singer-songwriter known for the song Fast Car” (1988). Keith Chapman an English writer known for the program Bob the Builder.
- Popularity: Chapman ranked 1,803rd worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 215th in 2014.
Clark
Clark is an official title of a “clerk,” otherwise known as a “priest” or “clerk in holy orders. It can also be spelled as Clarke today.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Clerk
- Pronunciation: KLAARK
- Variations: Clarke
- Namesakes: Le’Raven Clark, an American football player for the Philadelphia Eagles. Libby Clark, an African American journalist who founded FEM magazine in 1954.
- Popularity: Clark ranked 545th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., ranking 22nd in 2014.
Clay
Clay comes from the Old English “claeg,” meaning “clay,” and was used for someone living near a “muddy place.” In 2010, 41% of Americans named Clay were of African origin.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: At the clay
- Pronunciation: KLEY
- Variations: Claye
- Namesakes: Bill Clay, an American congressman from Missouri from 1969 to 2001. Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay), an American boxer and the Ring magazine heavyweight champion from 1964 to 1970.
- Popularity: Clay is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 681st in 2014.
Coleman
Coleman is sometimes linked to the Irish Ó’Colmáin. It’s an occupational name for a “burner of charcoal” or “servant” of someone named Cole.
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Son of Cole
- Pronunciation: KOWL-Mahn
- Variations: Colman
- Namesakes: A. E. Coleman, an African American gold miner who contributed to the California gold rush in 1869. Asa Coleman, an American member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1871 to 1873.
- Popularity: Coleman ranked 1,469th worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., ranking 92nd in 2014.
Davis
In Welsh, Davis is another version of David, meaning “beloved.” It’s also associated with the Gaelic MacDaibhéid, meaning “son of David.”
- Origin: English, Welsh
- Meaning: Son of David
- Pronunciation: DEY-Vihs
- Variations: Davison
- Namesakes: Sammy Davis Jr., an American entertainer and member of the Rat Pack. Terence Davis, an American basketball player for the Sacramento Kings.
- Popularity: Davis ranked 311th worldwide and is mostly found in the U.S., ranking 6th in 2014.
Dawson
Dawson represents a unique way of saying “the son of David.” It uses Daw(e), an old medieval nickname for David.
- Origin: English, Gaelic
- Meaning: Son of David
- Pronunciation: DAO-Sahn
- Variations: Dawsen
- Namesakes: Ronnie Dawson, an American baseball player for the Kiwoom Heroes. Richard Dawson, an English-American host of Family Feud.
- Popularity: Dawson is uncommon worldwide and mainly found in the U.S., ranking 341st in 2014.
Dean
Dean was a topographical location taken from the Middle English “dene,” meaning “valley.” It was once used for any “dweller in the valley.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Valley
- Pronunciation: DEEYN
- Variations: Deane
- Namesakes: James Dean, an American actor known for Rebel Without a Cause (1955). Trey Dean, an American football player for the New York Jets.
- Popularity: Dean is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 235th in 2014.
Dorsey
Dorsey is linked to Orsay in Seine-et-Orne, France. In 2010, 52% of American Dorseys were African American.
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: From Orsay
- Pronunciation: DAOER-siy
- Variations: Dorsea, Dorsee, Dorsie
- Namesakes: Jack Dorsey, the American co-founder of Twitter, Inc. Joey Dorsey, an American basketball player for the Houston Rockets.
- Popularity: Dorsey is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 701st in 2014.
Dunkley
Dunkley is one of the rarest black last names based on a place called “Dunkerley” in England. Many link its origin to Lancashire, yet it’s prevalent in Jamaica.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Of Dunkerley
- Pronunciation: DUHNGK-Liy
- Variations: Dunckley
- Namesakes: Errol Dunkley, a Jamaican reggae musician known for the single OK Fred (1979). Julien Dunkley, a Jamaican track and field athlete and silver medalist at the 2001 Caribbean Championships in Athletics.
- Popularity: Dunkley is rare worldwide, mainly used in England, and ranked 131st in Jamaica in 2014.
Edwards
Edwards is one of many black boy last names taken from an ancestor’s name. It refers to the “son of Edward” from Eadweard, meaning “prosperity guard.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Edward
- Pronunciation: EHD-Werdz
- Variations: Edward
- Namesakes: Frank Edwards, a Nigerian singer who founded Rocktown Records. Yvvette Edwards, a Caribbean-English writer known for A Cupboard Full of Coats (2011).
- Popularity: Edwards ranked 731st worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 49th in 2014.
Ellis
Ellis was used for “the son of Ellis,” taken from Elice, a nickname for Elizabeth. Though typically among black girl last names, it’s sometimes associated with Elis, a Welsh name meaning “kindly.”
- Origin: English, Welsh
- Meaning: Son of Elice
- Pronunciation: EHL-ihs
- Variations: Elias
- Namesakes: Evelyn Ellis, an American actress appearing in The Lady from Shanghai (1947). Rita Ellis, the first female mayor of Delray Beach, Florida.
- Popularity: Ellis ranked 1,329th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., ranking 115th in 2014.
Evans
While Evan refers to “the son of Evan,” it originates with Ifan, the Welsh equivalent to Evan. Ifan is the Welsh form of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
- Origin: English, Welsh
- Meaning: Son of Evan
- Pronunciation: EH-Vahnz
- Variations: Evan
- Namesakes: Adriana Evans, an American R&B singer-songwriter known for the album Adriana Evans (1997). Matilda Evans, the first African-American woman to practice medicine in South Carolina.
- Popularity: Evans ranked 655th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 46th in 2014.
Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick is one of the less common Irish African American black surnames for a “son of Patrick.” Names like Fitzpatrick were used by African Americans living alongside Irish people in the late 19th-century ghetto.
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Son of Patrick
- Pronunciation: Fihtz-PAA-trik
- Variations: Fitzpatricks
- Namesakes: Catherine A. Fitzpatrick, a Russian–English research director at Human Rights Watch. Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, an American basketball player for Rapid București.
- Popularity: Fitzpatrick is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 777th in 2014.
Floyd
Floyd has been linked to the Gaelic O’Maoltuile,” from “tuile,” meaning “flood.” Some associate it with the Gaelic “toile,” meaning “toil,” while it can mean “the son of Lloyd,” meaning “gray.”
- Origin: English, Welsh
- Meaning: Gray
- Pronunciation: FLOEYD
- Variations: Floyde
- Namesakes: Malcom Floyd, an American football player for the San Diego Chargers. Eddie Floyd, an American R&B singer known for the number one song Knock on Wood.
- Popularity: Floyd is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 471st in 2014.
Fludd
Like Flood, Fludd is forever connected to the Irish Tully and means “flood” or “toil.” It first appeared in Connacht with the famous O’Connors of Galway.
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Flood
- Pronunciation: FLUHD
- Variations: Flood
- Namesakes: Robert Fludd, a 17th-century physician known for his work with occult philosophy.
- Popularity: Fludd is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Francis
Francis is the modern form of the French François originating as the Latin Franciscus. Though associated with St. Francis, it’s come to mean “Frenchman” to most.
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Frenchman
- Pronunciation: FRAEN-Sihs
- Variations: Francois
- Namesakes: Barrington Francis, a Jamaican-Canadian boxer and the WBF World Champion in 1991. Dennis Francis, a Trinidadian and Toboggan representative to the UN since 2021.
- Popularity: Francis ranked 960th worldwide, is primarily used in Nigeria, and ranked 961st in the U.S. in 2014.
Franklin
Franklin dates back to the Middle English “frankelin,” meaning “freeman.” A more meaningful association for African American ancestors is a “landowner of free but noble birth.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Freeman
- Pronunciation: FRAENGK-Lihn
- Variations: Francklin
- Namesakes: Aretha Franklin, an American singer called the Queen of Soul. Alex Franklin, a Puerto Rican-American basketball player for Gigantes de Carolina.
- Popularity: Franklin is uncommon worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 238th in 2014.
Freeman
Freeman comes from the Old English “frēomann,” meaning “free-born man.” It became a top name choice for post-Civil War African Americans who wanted to cement their freedom.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Free-born man
- Pronunciation: FREE-Maen
- Variations: Freedman
- Namesakes: Devonta Freeman, an American football player for the Atlanta Falcons. Ben Freeman, an English actor known for the ITV soap opera Emmerdale.
- Popularity: Freeman ranked 1,652nd worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 133rd in 2014.
Gaines
Gaines has a similar meaning in French and English as a nickname for “a cunning or deceitful person.” It’s associated with the Welsh MagFhionnbhairr, from “fionnbharr,” meaning “fair head.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Cunning person
- Pronunciation: GEYNZ
- Variations: Gaynes
- Namesakes: Grady Gaines, an American saxophonist who performed with Little Richard. Clarence Gaines, an American basketball coach inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982.
- Popularity: Gaines is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 755th in 2014.
Glaspie
Glaspie originates with an ancient Pictish-Scottish clan called Gilleasbuig, meaning the “bishop’s servant.” It also dates back to the Latin “episcopus,” meaning “bishop.”
- Origin: English, Scottish
- Meaning: Bishop
- Pronunciation: GLASS-pee
- Variations: Glaspey
- Namesakes: April Glaspie, the 13th U.S. Ambassador to Iraq from 1988 to 1990. Nikki Glaspie, an American drummer for the band Dumpstaphunk.
- Popularity: Glaspie is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Glover
Glover is an occupational name for a “glover,” who made or sold gloves. It’s based on the Old English “glōf,” meaning “glove.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: The glover
- Pronunciation: GLUH-vehr
- Variations: Gloever
- Namesakes: Danny Glover, an American actor known for the Lethal Weapon film series. Roger Glover, a Welsh bassist with the hard rock band Deep Purple.
- Popularity: Glover is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 472nd in 2014.
Goodman
Goodman refers to “the son of Godmund,” from the Middle English “gode,” meaning “good,” and “man.” It was for the head of a household in England and a landowner in Scotland.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Good man
- Pronunciation: GUHD-maan
- Variations: Guttman
- Namesakes: Geoffrey Goodman, an English journalist with the Daily Mirror from 1969 to 1986. Alison Goodman, an Australian writer whose book Singing the Dogstar Blues won an Aurealis Award for best YA novel.
- Popularity: Goodman is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 392nd in 2014.
Graves
Graves first indicated a location “at the greaves.” It’s associated with the Middle English “greyve,” meaning a “steward” who acted as a village head.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: At the greaves
- Pronunciation: GRAEYVZ
- Variations: Greaves
- Namesakes: Earl G. Graves Sr., an American businessman who founded Black Enterprise magazine. Milford Graves, an American jazz drummer with the New York Art Quartet.
- Popularity: Graves is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 342nd in 2014.
Green
Green originated with the Old English “grene,” meaning “green” or “grassy.” It was first a surname for someone living near a village green.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Grassy
- Pronunciation: GRIYN
- Variations: Greene
- Namesakes: Aaron Green, an American football player for the Los Angeles Rams. Al Green, an American singer known for Let’s Stay Together.
- Popularity: Green ranked 634th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., ranking 37th in 2014.
Guidry
Guidry has French origins as a black Creole and Cajun name, but is linked to the Italian Guido. Guido is a form of the Germanic Wido and was once ranked 5th among French surnames in Louisiana.
- Origin: French, German
- Meaning: Wood
- Pronunciation: GIH-driy
- Variations: Guedry
- Namesakes: Ron Guidry, an American baseball player for the New York Yankees. Greg Guidry, an American singer-songwriter and backing vocalist for the Allman Brothers Band.
- Popularity: Guidry is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 1,708th in 2014.
Hamilton
Hamilton is based on an English place name called Hambledon. Many African Americans are named after Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the U.S.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Crooked hill
- Pronunciation: HHAE-mihl-Tahn
- Variations: Hamilten
- Namesakes: Tang Hamilton, an American basketball player for the Miami Heat. Roy Hamilton, an American singer known for Unchained Melody.
- Popularity: Hamilton ranked 1,322nd worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., ranking 102nd in 2014.
Harris
Like Harrison, Harris means “son of Harry,” a pet form of Henry. In 2010, 42% of Americans named Harris were African American.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Harry
- Pronunciation: HHAA-Rihs
- Variations: Harrison
- Namesakes: Kamala Harris, the 49th and current vice president of the United States. F. Leon Harris, the first African American elected to a county-wide office in Monmouth County, New Jersey.
- Popularity: Harris ranked 482nd worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 21st in 2014.
Hart
Hart derives from the Old English “heorot,” meaning “stag,” as a nickname for a fast person. It’s also associated with the Dutch “hert,” meaning “deer,” or “hart,” meaning “’heart.”
- Origin: English, English
- Meaning: Stag
- Variations: Heart, Harte
- Namesakes: Kevin Hart, an American comedian named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine in 2015. Bret Hart, a Canadian wrestler for World Championship Wrestling.
- Popularity: Hart ranked 1,869th worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., ranking 186th in 2014.
Hawkins
Hawk means “the son of Henry or Harry,” yet can indicate “Hawkin’s son.” The Old English Hauekinge also points to a place called Hawkinge.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Harry
- Pronunciation: HHAO-Kihnz
- Variations: Hawk
- Namesakes: Chauncey Hawkins (known as Loon), an American rapper associated with Bad Boy Records. Tianna Hawkins, an American basketball player for the Townsville Fire.
- Popularity: Hawkins is uncommon worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 182nd in 2014.
Hayes
Like many African American last names with English origins, Hayes indicates a place “at the hay.” A “hay” refers to a “hedge” or “enclosure” and may relate to the Gaelic surname O’Aodha, meaning “descendant of Aodh (fire).”
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: At the hay
- Pronunciation: HHEYZ
- Variations: Hays
- Namesakes: Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the U.S. from 1877 to 1881. Tae Hayes, an American football player for the Baltimore Ravens.
- Popularity: Hayes ranked 1,520th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., ranking 114th in 2014.
Hill
Hill was once a surname for someone living “near a hill,” from the Old English “hyll.” It’s currently ranked 36th among English surnames and 18th for Scottish last names.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Hill
- Variations: Hillard
- Namesakes: Jemele Hill, an American sports journalist and host of ESPN2’s Numbers Never Lie. Henry Hill, an American mobster and the subject of Goodfellas (1990).
- Popularity: Hill ranked 677th worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 35th in 2014.
Holland
Holland refers to a place name and is composed of the Old English “hōh,” meaning “ridge,” and “land,” meaning “place.” It’s linked to two locations called Hoeland in Sussex.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From Holland
- Pronunciation: HHAO-Lahnd
- Variations: Holand, Hollande
- Namesakes: Dexter Holland, an American member of the rock band the Offspring. Steve Holland, an American actor and model for Fawcett Comics’ cowboy Bob Colt.
- Popularity: Holland is uncommon worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 269th in 2014.
Hopkins
Hopkins is a Welsh patronymic name meaning “the son of Robert.” Hob or Hobbe is a diminutive for Robert, based on the Germanic Hrodberht, meaning “renowned fame.”
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Son of Hob
- Pronunciation: HHAAP-Kihnz
- Variations: Hopkin
- Namesakes: Anthony Hopkins, a Welsh actor given the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005. Katie Hopkins, an English columnist for The Sun (2013 to 2015).
- Popularity: Hopkins is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 297th in 2014.
Horton
Horton is made up of the Old English “horu,” meaning “dirt’ and “tūn,” meaning settlement.” Horton was used for any “muddy piece of land.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Dirt settlement
- Pronunciation: HHOR-Tahn
- Variations: Hortun
- Namesakes: Tim Horton, a Canadian ice hockey player who co-founded the Tim Hortons restaurant chain. Frank Horton, a U.S. representative from New York State from 1963 to 1993.
- Popularity: Horton is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 340th in 2014.
Imani
Imani is an example of African American surname taken from African Swahili origins. It’s a personal name associated with the Arabic “īmān,” meaning “belief” and “faith.”
- Origin: African, Swahili
- Meaning: Faith
- Pronunciation: Iy-MAA-niy
- Variations: Iman
- Namesakes: Imani (born Emandu Wilcox), an American rapper and member of the group The Pharcyde. Blair Imani, an American author who founded Equality for HER (Health Education Resources).
- Popularity: Imani is rare worldwide and primarily used in Iran, where it ranked 156th in 2014.
Ingram
Ingram is one of many patronymic black boy last names. It derives from Ingelramnus, composed of Ingle and “hrafn,” meaning “raven.”
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Son of Ingram
- Pronunciation: Ihn-Grahm
- Variations: Inghram
- Namesakes: Brandon Ingram, an American basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans. Lorenzo Ingram, a Jamaican cricketer for the Jamaica national cricket team.
- Popularity: Ingram is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 450th in 2014.
Jackson
Jackson is meant for a “son of Jack or John” and is England and Wales’s 24th most popular surname. Many African Americans took Jackson as a surname in honor of Andrew Jackson, the 7th president of the U.S.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of John
- Pronunciation: JHAHK-Sahn
- Variations: Jacksen, Jacksun
- Namesakes: Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the U.S. from 1829 to 1837. Michael Jackson, a famous American entertainer known as The King of Pop.
- Popularity: Jackson ranked 383rd worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 16th in 2014.
Jefferson
Jefferson refers to a “son of Geoffrey,” meaning “peaceful place.” It once appeared as Geffreyson in the Middle Ages and was voted 2nd among black last names in 2011.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Geoffrey
- Pronunciation: JHEH-fehr-Sahn
- Variations: Jeferson
- Namesakes: Melissa Jefferson (known as Lizzo), an American singer known for the album Cuz I Love You (2019). Al Jefferson, an American basketball player for the Boston Celtics.
- Popularity: Jefferson is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 652nd in 2014.
Jenkins
Jenkin is a Welsh alternative to English patronymic surnames and means “the son of John.” It uses the Welsh diminutive Jenkin, also meaning “little John.”
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Son of John
- Pronunciation: JHEHN-Kihns
- Variations: Jenkin
- Namesakes: Richard Jenkins, an American actor known for the series Six Feet Under (2001 to 2005). Teven Jenkins, an American football player for the Chicago Bears.
- Popularity: Jenkins ranked 1,398th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., ranking 100th in 2014.
Jennings
Jenning derives from the Middle English given name Jenyn, a variation of John. Jennings follows suit to Jones and Jackson among patronymic black boy last names.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Little John
- Pronunciation: JHEHN-ihngz
- Variations: Jenning
- Namesakes: Elizabeth Jennings Graham, an African American figure who started New York City’s first kindergarten for African American children. Peter Jennings, a Canadian American anchor for ABC World News Tonight.
- Popularity: Jennings is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 311th in 2014.
Johnson
Johnson most obviously means “the son of John,” yet differs from the Scandinavian-based Johnsen. It dates back to the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning “gift of God.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of John
- Pronunciation: JHAAN-Sahn
- Variations: Johnston, Johnsun
- Namesakes: Caryn Johnson (known as Whoopi Goldberg), an American actor awarded the 2001 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Marv Johnson, an American R&B singer known for the Motown song Come to Me.
- Popularity: Johnson ranked 173rd worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 2nd in 2014.
Jones
Like other names, Jones means “the son of John.” In 2000, Jones ranked 5th among American surnames, with 37% of Joneses being African American.
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Son of John
- Pronunciation: JHOWNZ
- Namesakes: Leslie Jones, an American cast member for Saturday Night Live from 2014 to 2019. Darryl Jones, an American bassist with the Rolling Stones since 1993.
- Popularity: Jones ranked 208th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., ranking 5th in 2014.
Kesse
Kesse is found from France and Belgium to Germany, but its African Ashanti meaning of “fat at birth” tops them all. Others link it to the Old German “kes,” meaning “swamp,” and “käse,” meaning “cheese.”
- Origin: South African, German
- Meaning: Fat at birth
- Pronunciation: KEHS
- Namesakes: Kesse, a Ghanaian singer who competed in Project Fame West Africa. Yona Kesse, an Israeli member of the Knesset between 1949 and 1965.
- Popularity: Kesse is rare worldwide and primarily used in the Ivory Coast, where it ranked 221st in 2014.
King
King began as a medieval nickname for a “king” from the Old English “cyning.” In 2010, 23% of Americans with the surname King were African American.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: The king
- Variations: Kingley
- Namesakes: Martin Luther King Jr., an American activist and top leader of the civil rights movement from 1955 to 1968. B.B. King, an American blues guitarist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
- Popularity: King ranked 592nd worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., ranking 32nd in 2014.
Lavine
Lavine means “grandson of Lamh” in Irish or “grandson of the little ruler.” It’s often conflated with Levine, a Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew Levi.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Grandson of Lamh
- Pronunciation: Laa-VEENE
- Variations: Lavigne
- Namesakes: Eric Lavine, Barbadian footballer with the Barbados national football team. Pamela Lavine, a Barbadian cricketer in 24 One Day Internationals for the West Indies.
- Popularity: Lavine is very rare worldwide, mainly used in the U.S., and ranked 362nd in Barbados in 2014.
Lewis
Lewis means “the son of Louis/Lewis,” based on the German Ludovicus, meaning “renowned” and “famous battle.” The Welsh form of Lewis is an Anglo form of the Welsh Llywelyn.
- Origin: German, Welsh
- Meaning: Son of Louis
- Pronunciation: LUW-ihs
- Variations: Louis
- Namesakes: Cam Lewis, an American football player for the Buffalo Bills. John Lewis, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 2020.
- Popularity: Lewis ranked 546th worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 25th in 2014.
Logan
Logan is taken from the Scottish-Gaelic “lag,” meaning “hollow.” It’s also a place name located in Auchinleck, Ayrshire, Scotland.
- Origin: Gaelic, Scottish
- Meaning: Hollow log
- Pronunciation: LOW-Gahn
- Variations: Loagan
- Namesakes: Coley Logan, an American Negro League baseball player for the Philadelphia Stars. Kirsty Logan, a Scottish writer and broadcaster for BBC Radio 4.
- Popularity: Logan is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 446th in 2014.
Malone
Malone represents an Anglo variation of the Gaelic O’Maoileoin, meaning “descendant of the devotee of St. John.” It’s one of the few black surnames in the U.S. directly associated with a saint.
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic
- Meaning: Devotee of St. John
- Pronunciation: Maa-LOWN
- Variations: Mallone
- Namesakes: Jena Malone, an American actress known for Donnie Darko (2001). Karl Malone, an American basketball player with the Utah Jazz.
- Popularity: Malone is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 425th in 2014.
Martin
Martin may have pointed to “the son of Martin,” but derives from the Roman Martinus. As a boy’s name, Martin refers to Mars, the god of war.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Martin
- Pronunciation: MAAR-Tahn
- Variations: Marten, Martyn
- Namesakes: Dick Martin, an American comedian who co-hosted the sketch comedy program Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In from 1968 to 1973. Jartavius Martin, an American football player for the Washington Commanders.
- Popularity: Martin ranked 207th worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., ranking 17th in 2014.
McClelland
MacLelland comes from the Gaelic Mac Gille Fhaolain, meaning “son of the servant of St Fillan.” It’s also associated with “faolán,” meaning “’wolf” or “little wolf.”
- Origin: Scottish, Gaelic
- Meaning: Son of the little wolf
- Pronunciation: Mac-LEHL-ahnd
- Variations: McClellan, McLelland
- Namesakes: Douglas McClelland, an Australian senator for New South Wales from 1962 to 1987. Glenn McClelland, an American keyboardist for the band Ween.
- Popularity: McClelland is rare worldwide, mostly used in the U.S., and ranked 181st in Northern Ireland in 2014.
Mitchell
Mitchell is used for “the son of Michael” using the medieval variation Michel. It also means “of Saint Michael” and “who is like God.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Michael
- Pronunciation: MIHTCH-ehl
- Variations: Mitchel
- Namesakes: Jane E. Mitchell, the first African American nurse in Delaware. Charlene Mitchell, the first Black woman candidate for president of the U.S. in 1968.
- Popularity: Mitchell ranked 752nd worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 45th in 2014.
Morgan
Morgan means “sea-born” in Welsh-Gaelic. It also indicates “the son of Morgan,” placing it among unisex and black girl last names.
- Origin: English, Welsh
- Meaning: Sea-born
- Pronunciation: MOWR-gahn
- Variations: Morgane
- Namesakes: Tracy Morgan, an American cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1996 to 2003. Garrett Morgan, an African American inventor of a three-way traffic light in 1923.
- Popularity: Morgan ranked 844th worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., ranking 60th in 2014.
Morrison
Morrison means “the son of Maurice,” which became common as Morris. It dates back to the Latin Mauritius, also meaning “dark.”
- Origin: Scottish, Gaelic
- Meaning: Son of Morris
- Pronunciation: MAOR-ih-Sahn
- Variations: Morrisson
- Namesakes: Toni Morrison, an American novelist awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. Des Morrison, a Jamaican-English boxer who won the British Boxing Board of Control Southern Area welterweight title.
- Popularity: Morrison ranked 1,919th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 231st in 2014.
Mosley
Mosley is based on the Old English first name Mūsa or indicative of a location called “Mssley” in Yorkshire, England. It also relates to the Old English “mūs,” meaning “mouse,” and “lēah,” meaning “woodland clearing.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From Mossley
- Pronunciation: MOWZ-Liy
- Variations: Moseley
- Namesakes: Shane Mosley, an American boxer named Fighter of the Year by Boxing Writers Association of America in 1998. Tonya Mosley, an American journalist who co-hosted the NPR radio show Here & Now.
- Popularity: Mosley is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 749th in 2014.
Moss
Moss derives from the Old English “mos,” meaning “moss bog.” It was given to someone living “at the moss,” near a boggy locale, and is a cute first name.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Peat bog
- Pronunciation: MAOS
- Variations: Mosse
- Namesakes: Shad Moss (known as Bow Wow), an American rapper known for the 2003 album Unleashed. Elisabeth Moss, a British-American actor known for the series Mad Men (2007 to 2015).
- Popularity: Moss is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 394th in 2014.
Murphy
Murphy is an Anglo variation of the Gaelic Ó’Murchadha, meaning “descendant of Murchadh.” It’s composed of the Gaelic “muir,” meaning “sea,” and “cath,” meaning “battle,” ranked number one among Irish surnames.
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic
- Meaning: Sea warrior
- Pronunciation: MER-Fiy
- Variations: Murfey, Murfy, Murphey
- Namesakes: Isaac Burns Murphy, an African American jockey inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1955. Eddie Murphy, an American comedian awarded the 2015 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
- Popularity: Murphy ranked 800th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., ranking 58th in 2014.
Omari
Omari is one of the less common African-American last names with actual African origins. In Swahili, it means “most high” or “God is the highest.” Omari appears both in Eastern Africa and among African-American communities.
- Origin: Tanzanian, Swahili
- Meaning: God is exalted
- Pronunciation: Ow-MAAR-iy
- Namesakes: Levy Matebo Omari, a Kenyan long-distance runner who came second at the 2012 Boston Marathon. Fatos Omari, the Albanian Chess Championship winner in 1968.
- Popularity: Omari is uncommon worldwide and mainly used in Tanzania, where it ranked 33rd in 2014.
Patterson
Patterson indicates a “son of Patrick” based on the Latin Patricius, meaning “nobleman.” In 2010, 27% of Americans named Patterson were African American.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Patrick
- Pronunciation: PAE-ter-Sahn
- Variations: Paterson
- Namesakes: Charles Richard Patterson, an African-American carriage manufacturer who founded C.R. Patterson and Sons. John W. Patterson, an African American baseball player for the Chicago Columbia Giants.
- Popularity: Patterson ranked 1,588th worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., ranking 107th in 2014.
Pearson
Pearson was given to “the son of Piers,” an old-fashioned form of Peter. Pearse and Piers were used interchangeably for Peter, meaning “rock” in Greek.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Piers
- Pronunciation: PEER-suhn
- Variations: Pierson, Peirson
- Namesakes: Preston Pearson, an American football player for the Dallas Cowboys. Eric Pearson, an American screenwriter for Thor: Ragnarok (2017).
- Popularity: Pearson is uncommon worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 279th in 2014.
Reed
Reed originated as a nickname meaning “the red” for someone with a ruddy complexion. It comes from the Middle English “red(e),” meaning “red,” and hasn’t changed to this day.
- Origin: English, Scottish
- Meaning: The red
- Variations: Reede
- Namesakes: Thomas Reed, an American member of the Alabama House of Representatives from 1970 to 1988. Tracy Reed, an American actress known for the series Barefoot in the Park (1970).
- Popularity: Reed ranked 1,263rd worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., ranking 66th in 2014.
Rhodes
Rhodes is based on the Old English “rod,” meaning “clearing,” to describe someone living in one. Rhodes is also associated with Rhodes in Yorkshire, England.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Clearing
- Pronunciation: ROHDZ
- Variations: Rhoads
- Namesakes: Jim Rhodes, the 61st and 63rd Governor of Ohio. Xavier Rhodes, an American football player for the Minnesota Vikings.
- Popularity: Rhodes is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 314th in 2014.
Rice
Rice is an Anglo form of the Welsh Rhys to describe “the son of Rhys.” It’s linked to the German surname Reiss, an occupational name for a rice dealer.
- Origin: English, Welsh
- Meaning: Son of Rhys
- Pronunciation: RAEYS
- Variations: Reece
- Namesakes: Constance L. Rice, an American civil rights activist who co-founded the Advancement Project in Los Angeles. Sidney Rice, an American football player for the Minnesota Vikings.
- Popularity: Rice is uncommon worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 169th in 2014.
Richardson
Richardson derives from the Middle English first name Richard and the “-son” suffix. Richard itself is composed of the Germanic “ric,” meaning power, and “hard,” meaning brave.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Richard
- Pronunciation: RIH-cherd-Suhn
- Variations: Richardsson
- Namesakes: Rupert Richardson, the national president of the NAACP from 1992 to 1995. Miranda Richardson, an English actress known for The Crying Game.
- Popularity: Richardson ranked 1,071st worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 77th in 2014.
Rivers
Rivers is associated with “de Rivers,” a Norman surname based on a French locale. It’s based on the Latin “ripa,” meaning “riverbank.”
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: At the river
- Pronunciation: RIH-vehrz
- Variations: Ryvers, River
- Namesakes: Austin Rivers, an American basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Joan Rivers, an American comedian and the first woman to host a late-night network talk show.
- Popularity: Rivers is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 922nd in 2014.
Robinson
Robinson is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Robert.” It uses the nickname Robin and is common among African-American surnames.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Robert
- Pronunciation: RAA-bihn-Suhn
- Variations: Robeson
- Namesakes: Sugar Ray Robinson, an American boxer inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. Smokey Robinson, an American R&B singer inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
- Popularity: Robinson ranked 533rd worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 27th in 2014.
Rosser
Rosser means “the son of Rosser,” a Welsh form of Roger. It also describes “a dweller upon a heath or promontory.”
- Origin: English, Welsh
- Meaning: Son of Rosser
- Pronunciation: RAW-ser
- Variations: Roser
- Namesakes: Hamish Rosser, an Australian musician and member of The Vines band. Khallifa Rosser, an American hurdler and gold medalist at the 2022 North American Championships.
- Popularity: Rosser is rare worldwide, mainly used in the U.S., and ranked 177th in Wales in 2014.
Saunders
Saunders describes “the son of Alexander” using Sander, a medieval nickname for Alexander. The original Saunders came from Sanderstead in Surrey, England, in the 9th century.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Alexander
- Pronunciation: SAWN-derz
- Variations: Sanders
- Namesakes: Jennifer Saunders, an English actress and creator of the series Absolutely Fabulous. Clarence Saunders, a Bermudian high jumper and bronze medalist at the 1982 Commonwealth Games.
- Popularity: Saunders is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 424th in 2014.
Senegal
Senegal is a surname taken by some African Americans in honor of the west African country. In Senegalese-Wolof, it derives from “sunu gal,” meaning “our canoe.” Senegal originated in Louisiana as a slave name for those from Senegal.
- Origin: African, Wolof
- Meaning: Our canoe
- Pronunciation: SEH-naa-Gawl
- Variations: Senecal
- Popularity: Senegal is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Shanks
Shanks refers to a Scottish place name in Lanarkshire. It comes from the Old Scottish “schank,” meaning “hill spur,” and was an English nickname meaning “leg.”
- Origin: English, Scottish
- Meaning: Hill spur
- Pronunciation: SHAENGKS
- Variations: Shank
- Namesakes: Michael Shanks, a Canadian actor appearing on the series Stargate SG-1. Bruce Shanks, an American editorial cartoonist who won the annual 1957 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning.
- Popularity: Shanks is rare worldwide, mainly used in the U.S., and ranked 503rd in Scotland in 2014.
Shelton
Shelton is made up of the Old English “scelf,” meaning “rock ledge shelf,” and “tūn,” meaning “farmstead estate.” It’s linked to a place called Shelton, located in Norfolk.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Of Shelton
- Pronunciation: SHEHL-Tahn
- Variations: Sheltone
- Namesakes: Blake Shelton, an American country music singer appearing on NBC’s The Voice (2011 to 2023). Deborah Shelton, an American actress known for Dallas (1984 to 1987).
- Popularity: Shelton is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 312th in 2014.
Smith
Smith means “blacksmith from the Old English “smītan,” meaning “to strike a hammer.” It’s ranked number one in England and Australia and was used by African Americans to reflect their father’s trade.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Blacksmith
- Pronunciation: SMIHTH
- Variations: Smythe
- Namesakes: James Webster Smith, the first black person to achieve a cadetship at West Point. Jabari Smith, an American basketball player for the Houston Rockets.
- Popularity: Smith ranked 130th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked number one in 2023.
Stevens
While Stevens means “the son of Steven,” it’s a more modern spelling for Stephen. It derives from the Greek “Stephanos,” meaning “crown” or “garland.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Steven
- Pronunciation: STEE-Vuhns
- Variations: Stephens
- Namesakes: Shadoe Stevens, an American radio host of American Top 40 from 1988 to 1995. Lamar Stevens, an American basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- Popularity: Stevens ranked 1,316th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., ranking 119th in 2014.
Sutton
Sutton is composed of the Old English “sūth,” meaning “southern,” and “tūn,” meaning “farmstead estate.” It’s another place name in England that means “southern farm.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Southern farm
- Pronunciation: SUHT-ahn
- Variations: de Sutton
- Namesakes: Laurie S. Sutton, an American comic book writer for Marvel Comics. Frank Sutton, an American actor known for the series Gomer Pyle.
- Popularity: Sutton is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 316th in 2014.
Taylor
Taylor is an occupational name from the Old French “tailleur,” meaning “cutter of cloth.” It was used by African Americans to describe their trade.
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Tailor
- Pronunciation: TAEY-Laor
- Variations: Tayler
- Namesakes: Dorothy Mae Taylor, the first African American woman in the Louisiana House of Representatives. Elizabeth Taylor, a British-American actress named the seventh greatest female screen legend by the AFI in 1999.
- Popularity: Taylor ranked 345th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., ranking 11th in 2014.
Townsend
Townsend indicates a place “at the town’s end” for someone living on the outskirts of a village. It’s taken from the Middle English “toun(es)ende,” meaning “dweller at the town’s end.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Town’s end
- Pronunciation: TOUN-Zehnd
- Variations: Townesend
- Namesakes: Robert Townsend, an American director known for Hollywood Shuffle (1987). Peter Townsend, a British Royal Air Force officer and equerry to Queen Elizabeth II.
- Popularity: Townsend is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 454th in 2014.
Tubman
Tubman represented the occupation of “a tubman,” also known as a “cooper.” It’s also made up of the Middle English “tub(b)e” and “man,” meaning a “servant of Tub(b)e.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Cooper
- Pronunciation: TUBB-Mahn
- Variations: Tubb
- Namesakes: Harriet Tubman, an American abolitionist known for her work with the Underground Railroad. William Tubman, the 19th president of Liberia from 1944 to 1971.
- Popularity: Tubman is very rare worldwide, primarily used in the U.S., and ranked 1,280th in Liberia in 2014.
Turner
Turner is an occupational name for “the turner,” someone working with a lathe tool to make wood or metal objects. It’s based on the Old French “tornier,” meaning “lathe.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Lathe worker
- Pronunciation: TERN-ehr
- Variations: Tourner
- Namesakes: Chester Novell Turner, an American filmmaker known for Tales from the QuadeaD Zone (1987). Kathleen Turner, an American actress known for Romancing the Stone (1984).
- Popularity: Turner ranked 788th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., ranking 48th in 2014.
Vaughn
Vaughn has Welsh origins with the words “vychan” and “bychan,” meaning “small” or “little.” It was a nickname for a person of small stature.
- Origin: English, Welsh
- Meaning: The little
- Pronunciation: VAOWN
- Variations: Vaughan
- Namesakes: Chip Vaughn, an American football player for the New Orleans Saints. Robert Vaughn, an American actor appearing in The Magnificent Seven (1960).
- Popularity: Vaughn is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 326th in 2014.
Walker
Someone with the occupation of a “walker” was also known as a “fuller.” In 2010, 35% of U.S. residents named Walker were African American.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Fuller
- Pronunciation: WAO-kehr
- Variations: Wallker
- Namesakes: James Walker, an American actor known for the series Good Times (1974 to 1979). LaVar Walker, an American comedian appearing on BET’s ComicView.
- Popularity: Walker ranked 543rd worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., ranking 26th in 2014.
Warrick
Warrick is constantly swapped with Warwick, both denoting Warwickshire, England. It means “strong leader who defends” and is a character on the CSI TV series.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Strong leader
- Pronunciation: WAO-Riyk
- Variations: Warwick
- Namesakes: Joby Warrick, an American journalist who won the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. Hakim Warrick, an American basketball player for the Chicago Bulls.
- Popularity: Warrick is rare worldwide, mostly used in the U.S., and ranked 932nd in Trinidad and Tobago in 2014.
Washington
Washington refers to someone “from Washington,” as in Washington, Tyne and Wear, George Washington’s hometown. So many African Americans chose Washington as a surname to honor their freedom that it’s considered the blackest surname.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Of Washington
- Pronunciation: WAH-shing-Tuhn
- Namesakes: George Washington, the first president of the U.S. from 1789 to 1797. Booker T. Washington, an American educator and one of the founders of the National Negro Business League.
- Popularity: Washington is uncommon worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 146th in 2014.
White
White derives from the Old English “hwīt,” meaning white. It was once for those with a fair complexion and is associated with the Gaelic MacGillebhain, meaning “son of the fair Gillie.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: The white
- Pronunciation: WEHYT
- Variations: Wight
- Namesakes: Lulu Belle Madison White, an African American civil rights activist and the executive secretary of the NAACP in 1943. Coby White, an American basketball player for the Chicago Bulls.
- Popularity: White ranked 435th worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., ranking 18th in 2014.
Wiggins
Wiggins refers to “the son of Wigand” using the Breton given name Wiucon,” meaning “high and noble.” It’s also linked to the similar French Wigein, meaning “battle.”
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Noble
- Pronunciation: WHIG-ihns
- Variations: Wiggin, Wigan
- Namesakes: Gerald Wiggins, an American jazz pianist known for his work with Louis Armstrong. Candice Wiggins, an American basketball player who won the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year (2008).
- Popularity: Wiggins is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 639th in 2014.
African American Last Names FAQs
Where Do African Surnames Come From?
Several key factors typically appear when talking about last names with African origins. They include geographical origins, occupations, names based on ancestry, or nicknames associated with personal characteristics. Some of these last names appear as English, Dutch, or Portuguese due to colonization, but most African surnames existed long before colonization.
What Are the Most Common Black Last Names?
The top black surnames usually parallel the most popular Anglo last names, such as Williams, Johnson, Smith, Jones, and Brown. Williams ranked 183rd worldwide in 2014 and 3rd in the U.S. It means “son of William,” just as Johnson means “son of John,” which ranked 2nd for U.S. names in 2014.
Smith is the top occupational last name given to a “blacksmith” and ranked number one for U.S. surnames in 2014.
How Rare Is the Last Name Black?
The last name Black is pretty common worldwide. In 2014, Black ranked 1,739th worldwide, 145th in the U.S., 124th in Australia, and 120th in Jamaica. It was first used for someone with a dark complexion, eyes, or hair and dates back to the 15th century in England. Black also referred to a dyer of cloth or someone using black dyes.
What Is the Most Black Last Name?
If discussing a name used most for African Americans, Washington tops among black surnames. In 2016, it was used by 39 million African Americans, representing 90% of African Americans in the year 2000. Washington is associated with George Washington, the first U.S. president, but was first linked to a place name in England.
