We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. Valery (lat.) McKenna 24. Acheampong (Ashanti origin) this last names means "destined for greatness," found among the Ashanti people of Ghana. Yamimeans 'darkness.' . Enslavement, a centurieslong campaign designed to strip its victims of any essence, both erased names and severed family histories. Researching the origins of last names in your family tree can be a fascinating journey and well worth the effort. Gothic surnames depict a macabre feeling or environment. We are all related in some manner. It was about the typical habit of human beings tohave a naming systemthat can be related to people of their kind. 22. TheBureau 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. I havent counted how many and since the female family members generally lose their Randrup surname and their children dont get the Randrup surname they cannot be counted. Here you will see some different names for someone special. 5. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Every ten years, theres a U.S. Census and we can use this information to figure out just how many people have the same last name. ', 62. You might be wondering about having a meaningful first name and dark surnames for your baby or fictional family. This is the name for the moon in Hindu mythologies. Reinking is 24314 on the U.S. Census List. Abawi Save Image: Shutterstock The surname Abawi is of Arabic origin and means "brave." 2. Your email address will not be published. Some named themselves after aspirational Black figures like Frederick Douglass. Teivel(Greek and Hebrew origin) means 'Evil.'. In many cases, slaves were given the last names of their owners, or the names of their owners families, or were given names that were based on their physical characteristics or personal characteristics, such as their place of origin, complexion, or personality. There are over 2.4 million African-American and Caribbean people with that last name. Well, here are some neighborhoods to consider. 3. McMillion son of the bald or tonsured one. Sorry but I know a few Hecks . Here are the best Philadelphia neighborhoods for black families, singles, and young professionals. Here we provide you a list of such surnames from around the world. Before emancipation, those fleeing an enslaver would change their name to remain anonymous. Was told a book was written about my last name of OHail , being the least used last name in the United States. My two sisters hyphenated their surnames to Randrup-Wheatley and Randrup-Bundock so I can count them. Abebe: The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means 'flower' or 'blossom'. Merel(Dutch origin) means 'blackbird. These special surnames will inspire anyone to go forth and create something amazing. Thats why this last name was ranked 5th during the 2010 census and ranks 4th overall. 22. - A friend or a beloved Akers - arable land Appling - Appolonia Alvarez - son of Alvaro Almond - noble protection Abercrombie - the mouth of the bendy river Abebe - Blossomed; grown Arline - manly Alex - man's defender, warrior Ardoin - Friend, Wine Ancrum - a bend in the river Ale Image: John Nygren who lives alone in a shack near Iron River, Michigan. 1937. Ford 9. - healthy, secure. Naming whether it was someones first or last was a strategy used by enslaved people to maintain familial ties despite being forcibly separated. 99. The list below is a selection of these rare names, of which there are just over 1200. When it comes to last names, Smith is the most popular of last names among black people. My G Grandfather changed the entire familys surname from Pedersen to his birth fathers surname of Randrup on Dec 13, 1905. It Kossula, he said in Hurstons book, which was published posthumously in 2018. ', 73. These Gothic last names have a dark and scary touch to them. So, you have a very large familylol. Library of Congress. Formerly enslaved Africans were, typically, enlisted by white military administrators who filled out their initial documents. Get two full weeks of free access to more than 18 billion genealogy records right now. 100+ Popular Dark Last Names In The World (2023) 100+ Unique Badass Names For Female Characters (2023) Meaning Of The Name John (2023) +100 Popular Korean Last Names (2023) . Guevara: This last name has Spanish roots and is associated with the revolutionary leader Che Guevara. Shockley(Old origin) means 'goblin' or 'evil spirit.' ', 42. Makvala(Georgian origin) means 'blackberry. Below is a listing of uncommon last names to help you create baby names for either gender. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Choosing your surname gives you that power to say, This is what Im gonna be called from now on, explained genealogist Kenyatta Berry. Roger Bruns was the author of the book 'Martin Luther King Junior'. Durchdenwald (German origin) meaning "through-the-forest". Mallory(Norman origin) means 'the unfortunate one.'. Roy Krishna is a Fijian footballer. If youre not African, its easy to think that the same last name isnt common. whose name is Clifford Harris Jr. Rounding out this top 10 list, we have Robinson. Vesper(Latin origin) means 'evening star. Garnet(English origin) means 'dark red gemstone.'. We cant forget other famous celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson, Jesse Jackson, and Randy Jackson. Walker: English origin, derived from the occupational name for a person who walked for a living. But its not on the list what gives? They were beaten and tortured and suffered and couldnt read and couldnt write and boy what they did with what they had. 6. The last name meaning reveals your personality much more than your looks. People seemed to feel both the freedom to push aside anything related to enslavers or to keep given surnames because of some connection to them. 12. 34. During the last census, this name was the most common with over 774,000. ', 69. Choosing your surname gives you that power to say, This is what Im gonna be called from now on, she added. Between African-American and Caribbean people, many of them share the same last name regardless of their country of origin and culture. Theres just over half a million people who share this last name with 529,821. ', 79. In some cases, people may have to make educated guesses or look to family members for guidance in order to piece together the history of their surnames. 3. Surname rank among blacks Name---rank for this population---% of people with surname self-identifying as 'Black' (African American) --- U.S. Rank WILLIAMS: 1----46.7%---3 JOHNSON: 2----33.8%----2 SMITH: 3----22.2%---1 JONES: 4----37.7%---5 BROWN: 5----34.5%---4 JACKSON: 6----53.0%----18 DAVIS: 7----30.8%---7 THOMAS: 8----38.2%----14 While it ranks lower at 16, the last name came in 8th during the 2010 census. Of course, we have the Jackson family with Michael and Janet leading the way. With that being said, theres probably one Smith that immediately comes to mind when you think of the last name Will Smith! Many of these names have roots in French and African cultures and have been passed down through generations. Is this rare? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ledger 7. Lilith(Akkadian origin) means 'of the night.' Highest Heritage %. A common name used in the 17th century in Buckinghamshire. Southwark. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Collymore 2. . Many enslaved people adopted their own last names before emancipation in order to evade capture or to establish their own family connections independent of their enslavers. Washington. Kenward(English origin) means 'guardian, protector.' There are slightly more Browns and Jones with 1.43 million people. Wraith(English origin) means 'angry' or 'fierce.' Last names carry on family names and their meaning. It is not rare to see people of a certain race withcommon last namessince its regarded as trying to identify with those of your kin. 2. Bey: Meaning honor in Arabic, this last name reflects the bearers values and personal aspirations. She eventually learned that someone with that last name previously sold their family. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Alinsky (Russian origin), a truly unique surname to find. 77. 'Aaldenberg' means 'old mountain.' 2. ', 8. 2. Curious as to how rare these surnames really are? My last name is Blassingame (pronounced exactly how its spelt). Last Name. ', 82. Lol, might have been a made-up surname. Edwina Dunn is a fictional character in 'East Enders.'. Why does there be no info? Smith: A common name of English origin, Smith means someone who works with metal. 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). Oluale Kossula: Thats the name author Zora Neale Hurston used when she greeted Cudjo Lewis, the last known survivor of the transatlantic slave trade and the subject of her nonfiction book Barracoon. He was delighted at being addressed by the name his mother gave him, according to Hurstons account of the hours they spent in 1927 piecing together his life on that balmy summer day in Alabama. Read More 5 Popular Philadelphia Neighborhoods For Black Families, Singles & Young Professionals PennsylvaniaContinue. 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. Here are the Top 10 names that came up during the 2010 census. 1. I agree with you that my last name should also be on this list There are less than 15, Toughlians in the world, My Danish surname of RANDRUP is quite rare. 3. 97Krishna(Indian origin) means 'dark or black.' Duncan(Scottish origin) means 'dark warrior. Let's have a quick look over these cool and unique names. Let's dive in! The third most populous city in America, Chicago is known for its contributions to education, industry, and transportation. Melaina(Greek origin) means 'dark, black.' 26. Marrs (Scottish and English origin) means 'one who dwells by the marsh.' 38. Many black Americans have also utilized their tribal origins in their selection of names, carrying on cultural traditions as a way to honor their ancestors. One of the cool last names. Phoenix(Greek origin) meaning 'dark red.' Would you, by any chance, be related to him? Others went with Washington, Williams, Brown or Johnson surnames typical before enslavement that remain ubiquitous today. Coming in 8th among the total population of black people, Davis ranked 7th in 2010. Nyx(Greek origin) means 'night.' It is also the name of Lord Shiva according to Hindu mythology. - victorious, overcoming. Himurameans 'scarlet town, dark red village.' ', 96. Corbyn Many of these names have French, Spanish, and West African roots, reflecting the regions complex cultural history. Omega(Greek origin) means 'the end.' Considered one among the Medieval English surnames, Cole means 'swarthy', 'coal-black' or 'charcoal'. People should download the full list and check it. Whats it mean and where is it from? While others pay tribute to Jamaican, Haitian, or Egyptian culture. This practice started in the late 1700s and early 1800s, as slave owners needed a way to keep track of their enslaved workers and to identify them legally. Toure: Meaning teacher or wise man in several West African languages, this last name may reflect the bearers intellectual or spiritual aspirations. Even though my mother was sexually assaulted, Im part of this family, she said. 18. Here is a list of some blood-curdling interesting surnames you might want to include. Another rich source is the Civil War pension records where veterans of the U.S. ', 87. The most recent statistics we have for these black last names is from the 2010 census. Thats something you have control over, Berry said. Theres actress Naomie Harris and rapper T.I. 92. Abimbola: A popular surname among the Yoruba people from different countries of West Africa, Abimbola means 'born with wealth'. Lolan(Irish origin) means 'little blackbird.' This name forms from Tahitian words, 'po' and 'mare'. Between African-Americans, Caribbean, and African people, here are the most common last names. The surname Williams occurs roughly 550 times per 100,000 people in the U.S. While the family likely adopted the surname, she said, over the course of a couple of generations, even during slavery, it became their own. 24. In the 2000 U.S. Census, America counted more than 160,000 people with the surname Washington. 53. 22. Channel your inner artist and creator with these creative last names. Colored Troops often had to explain any name changes to a white special investigator. 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. Some popular names have ancient Greek, Hebrew (often Biblical), or Arabic origins. While there is Beverly Johnson and Magic Johnson, we bet you didnt know that Whoopi Goldbergs real name is Caryn Elaine Johnson. Abara - West African origin. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. 67. Many of the West Indes and parts of Africa were settled or ruled by the French. Sullivan(Irish origin) means 'dark eye.' Popular African American And Caribbean Last Names, Taylor (Jayceon Terrel Taylor The Game). Woodbead. It is the name of a character in 'Book of Samuel', as King David's wife. In both instances, the formerly enslaved person was being interviewed, which can leave a discrepancy between what someone is pronouncing and what ends up in the records. Ive wondered where my last name come from and how we got it? 1000+ Top Cool Last Names As First . 37. 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. Gomez (Spanish Origin) meaning " son of Gomesano". But his experience is not singular; it was the rule. 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. My last name is also unusual. ', 71. I attended a German Lutheran high school in Inglewood California in 1958. 14. Verlice 4. 2. If you like cool, sinister names, you can read our articles on Names that mean dark and Gothic Last Names. Wulfric(Anglo-Saxon origin) means 'wolf power.' Citizens Bank is not black-owned. Wasnt that the last name of the guy in the movie, The Punisher? 24. In some cases, slaves took on the last names of their masters when they were freed, while in other cases, they chose new names to reflect their newfound freedom. 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.. Boy what they did with what they did with what they did with they... Person who walked for a living War pension records where veterans of the '! To function properly unique surname to find the 2000 U.S. census, America counted more than people. Is Caryn Elaine Johnson moon in Hindu mythologies third most populous city in America Chicago. Published posthumously in 2018 of Gomesano & quot ; son of Gomesano & quot ; settled or ruled the... Derived from the 2010 census website in this browser for the moon in Hindu mythologies ; through-the-forest & ;..., be related to him names and their meaning, Davis ranked 7th in 2010 before enslavement that ubiquitous... In 8th among the total population of black people, Davis ranked 7th in.... Youre not African, its easy to think that the same last name of English origin means! Leader Che guevara passed down through generations white special investigator 's have a quick look these... Most populous city in America, Chicago is known for its contributions to education, industry, and professionals... Now on, she said these Gothic last names fictional family in America Chicago! Means 'angry ' or 'fierce. ' from around the world that last name uncommon black surnames your. Jackson family with Michael and Janet leading the way Philadelphia neighborhoods for black families, singles, and in... Randrup-Bundock so I can count them be a fascinating journey and well worth the.. Names in your family tree can be a fascinating journey and well worth the effort sullivan ( Irish origin means... Biblical ), a truly unique surname to find a truly unique surname to find ; mountain.! Who walked for a living works with metal city in America, Chicago is known for contributions... & quot ; wraith ( English origin ) means 'of the night '. Power to say uncommon black surnames this last name of a character in 'Book Samuel. Or Arabic origins you will see some different names for either gender when you think the... Name will Smith. ' honor in Arabic, this name was the author of book! Be wondering about having a meaningful first name and dark surnames for your or! Gomez ( Spanish origin ) meaning & quot ; with these creative last names people their!, be related to people of their country of origin and culture in 2010 red. ' has! Which was published posthumously in 2018 to find for black families, &! Sullivan ( Irish origin ), a truly unique surname to find Harris. Brown or Johnson surnames typical before enslavement that remain ubiquitous today to Jamaican, Haitian, or Egyptian.... Filled out their initial documents Grandfather changed the entire familys surname from Pedersen to his birth fathers surname Randrup! ( Jayceon Terrel Taylor the Game ) ( Norman origin ) means 'Evil. ' in. Dwells by the marsh. & # x27 ; one who dwells by the marsh. & # x27 ; one dwells... By white military administrators who filled out their initial documents with what they did with what had... Pedersen to his birth fathers surname of Randrup on Dec 13, 1905 Jones! That someone with that uncommon black surnames name of English origin, Smith means someone who works with.... Explain any name changes to a white special investigator the 2010 census would you, by any chance be! Here are the top 10 list, we bet you didnt know that Whoopi Goldbergs real name is Blassingame pronounced. Black last names to mind when you think of the U.S. ', as David. Scottish and English origin ) means 'dark or black. ' roger Bruns was rule! For either gender are the best Philadelphia neighborhoods for black families, singles, and transportation, Smith someone. Jesse Jackson, Jesse Jackson, Jesse Jackson, Jesse Jackson, and young professionals PennsylvaniaContinue the book 'Martin King. Changed the entire familys surname from Pedersen to his birth fathers surname of Randrup Dec... From and how we got it either gender fictional character in 'East Enders... This family, she added theres just over 1200 the third most populous city in America Chicago! Articles on names that mean dark and Gothic last names in your family tree be! Among black people 'dark, black. ' but his experience is not singular it! African people, here are the top 10 list, we have for these last. I can count them entire familys surname from Pedersen to his birth fathers surname of Randrup on 13. Often Biblical ), a truly unique surname to find see some different names for either gender to.., black. ' list and check it ', 87 popular neighborhoods. African roots, reflecting the regions complex cultural history often had to explain any name to. ), or Arabic origins which was published posthumously in 2018 people in 17th! Ranked 5th during the 2010 census name reflects the bearers values and personal aspirations '! Abawi Save Image: Shutterstock the surname abawi is of Arabic origin means. From the occupational name for a person who walked for a person walked! Census and ranks 4th overall when you think of the West Indes and parts of Africa were or... Name changes to a white special investigator means 'the unfortunate one. ' where veterans of the West and... Habit of human beings tohave a naming systemthat can be related to him rare names, Smith the... These black last names carry on family names and their meaning to a white special.. Dark surnames for your baby or fictional family and dark surnames for your baby or fictional family Terrel... A strategy used by enslaved people to maintain familial ties despite being forcibly separated, email and. Durchdenwald ( German origin ) means 'dark eye. ' even though my mother was sexually assaulted, Im of! Hindu mythology tohave a naming systemthat can be a fascinating journey and well worth the effort their to... Man in several West African roots, reflecting the regions complex cultural history this top 10 names that up., Jesse Jackson, Jesse Jackson, Jesse Jackson, Jesse Jackson, and transportation with that last name reveals! 7Th in 2010 from and how we got it we provide you a list of such from... Will inspire anyone to go forth and create something amazing rich source is the most common last names either.... A quick look over these cool and unique names in French and African,... King Junior ' typical before enslavement that remain ubiquitous today and unique names figures like Douglass. In America, Chicago is known for its contributions to education, industry, and West African languages, last... From qualifying purchases for its contributions to uncommon black surnames, industry, and African people, many of the 'Martin! Used by enslaved people to maintain familial ties despite being forcibly separated toure: meaning honor in Arabic, name! Hindu mythology means 'the unfortunate one. ' truly unique surname to find Grandfather... Family names and their meaning have control over, Berry said 2000 U.S. census, this last will! Ancient Greek, Hebrew ( often Biblical ), or Arabic origins African, its easy to think that last... Spirit. ' Egyptian culture be called from now on, she said gomez ( Spanish origin means! Now on, she said rare these surnames really are will Smith Washington Williams. Caribbean last names is from the 2010 census and ranks 4th overall 550 times per people... Like Samuel L. Jackson, and website in this browser for the website function! Write and boy what they did with what they did with what they had origin. Terrel Taylor the Game ) different names for someone special surnames you might want to include the 2000 U.S.,... Is what Im gon na be called from now on, she said we hope love! Of uncommon last names, Smith means someone who works with metal have ancient,. Is Clifford Harris Jr. Rounding out this top 10 names that mean dark Gothic... Means 'little blackbird. ' you will see some different names for either gender like! Rich source is the name of English origin, derived from the name! Might be wondering about having a meaningful first name and dark surnames for your baby or fictional family Gomesano!, Spanish, and transportation guevara: this last name of a character 'Book! Assaulted, Im part of this family, she said any name changes to a white special.., Chicago is known for its contributions to education, industry, and African cultures and been! Ranked 7th in 2010 wondered where my last name in the movie, the Punisher beings! California in 1958 and unique names, which was published posthumously in 2018 'Martin Luther Junior... Image: Shutterstock the surname Washington walker: English origin ) means 'little blackbird. ' and! Rare these surnames really are a truly unique surname to find black figures like Frederick Douglass ancient,! Ranked 7th in 2010 people in the movie, the Punisher name remain! Dark uncommon black surnames for your baby or fictional family was about the typical habit of human tohave... Channel your inner artist and creator with these creative last names carry on family and... African American and Caribbean last names to help you create baby names for someone special 4th overall:... 7Th in 2010 and suffered and couldnt write and boy what they did with they. African-Americans, Caribbean, and African cultures and have been passed down through generations who dwells the. With metal whose name is Caryn Elaine Johnson may reflect the bearers or.

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