The History and Legacy of African American Surnames

The History and Significance of African American Last Names

If you’re like me, you probably went most of your life thinking your last name came straight from the plantation. And, if you’re like me, yours did come straight from the plantation. But, there’s more to the story. What I didn’t know was that after emancipation, many formerly enslaved Black people didn’t just inherit the names of their enslavers—they chose their own, rejecting the identities forced upon them.

On the plantation, slaves were not even given last names in most cases. It wasn’t until after they left that these names were obtained and many of them chose their own names as a way of rejecting their slave identities and their former masters because they knew when they walked off those plantations, they were whole human beings—not property, not 3/5ths of a person, but free individuals determined to define their own legacies.

Understanding the origins of our last names is more than just a historical curiosity. It’s a crucial part of reclaiming lost ancestral connections and unraveling the layers of Black identity today. Our names are not just markers of who we are—they’re powerful symbols of a resilient and resistant people who have always valued self-identity and independence. 

If you’ve tried researching your family lineage but hit a dead end, it might be due to the complexities of Black surnames. In this video, we’re breaking down how Black Americans obtained their last names, what those names reveal about our ancestors, and why this history matters today. By the end of this blog, I hope you’ll have not only a clearer understanding of your own identity but also a few tools to help you start tracing your lineage. 

Let’s get into it.

The Forced Naming of Enslaved Africans

Before enslavement, most Africans followed traditional naming customs that deeply connected them to their lineage, culture, and spiritual beliefs. Names were not just identifiers; they carried meaning, history, and a sense of belonging. Many African names were directly tied to family and clan structures, making it easy to trace one’s ancestry through generations. 

Before the transatlantic slave trade, many African tribes—particularly the Igbo, Yoruba, Akan, and Ewe—retained Hebrew-influenced naming customs, reflecting their spiritual and ancestral identities. Names often included references to God (El or Yah), lineage, and destiny, similar to biblical traditions. For example, the Igbo name Chukwuemeka (God has done great things) mirrors the Hebrew Obadiah (servant of Yah). Even after enslavement stripped many of their identities, Black people in the Americas often reclaimed biblical and Hebrew-based names, preserving a legacy that predates slavery and still shapes Black identity today.

Others reflected significant events surrounding a child’s birth, such as the circumstances of their arrival or the aspirations their parents held for them. Spiritual significance was also embedded in many African names, with some chosen to invoke blessings, protection, or divine favor. Additionally, certain cultures used day-naming traditions, where a child’s name reflected the day of the week they were born—names like Kojo for Monday, Kweku for Wednesday, Kwame (Saturday-born), or Kofi (Friday-born), carried deep-rooted cultural significance.

But, when enslaved Africans were brought to the Americas, one of the first things stripped from them was their name—a deliberate attempt to erase their identity, lineage, and connection to their homeland and their God. The forced naming of enslaved Africans was a tool of control, reinforcing the idea that they were property rather than human beings. 

Here’s how it happened:

In many cases, enslaved individuals were branded with numbers rather than called by name, reducing them to inventory rather than recognizing them as people with personal histories. Ships’ records reflected this dehumanization, listing enslaved Africans as cargo rather than individuals with identities, stripping them of any link to their past. By the time they arrived in the Americas, their original names were often forgotten, forbidden, or forcibly replaced.

Upon arrival in the Americas, enslaved Africans were often renamed by their enslavers. More often than not, enslaved people were not given surnames at all—an intentional act meant to further erase their lineage and keep them from establishing familial continuity.

Those who did receive last names were often forced to take the name of their enslaver. This practice wasn’t about granting enslaved people an identity so much as marking them as property. Just as an enslaver would brand livestock with their initials, assigning their surname to an enslaved person reinforced the notion of ownership. These names were not inherited through family ties but rather imposed upon them, with no regard for their personal histories or desires.

The renaming process was also fluid—an enslaved person could be sold multiple times throughout their life, and with each transaction, their name could change. This further destabilized any sense of self or heritage. If an enslaved family was separated—children sold away from parents, spouses torn apart—they had no shared last name to serve as a link back to one another. This intentional disruption made it nearly impossible for Black families to remain connected across generations.

While we’re here, let’s talk about first names. One of the most common practices used by enslavers when assigning first names was the use of biblical or classical names. Enslaved people were often given names such as Isaac, Moses, Esther, Caesar, Venus, or Nero. In many cases, enslavers deliberately assigned dehumanizing names meant to mock or degrade those in captivity, like Cuffee, Pompey, or simply “Boy.”

Others were given common English names like John, Mary, Tom, or Betty, which were generic and widely used in white society. Names could change at any moment, often at the whim of the enslaver. If an enslaved person was sold to a new owner, they might receive an entirely new name, further severing any ties to their past. 

Some enslaved parents gave their children unique names such as Minty so that if they were ever separated, they’d be easier to find. Those who obtained their freedom and those who were never enslaved wore the name “Freeman” or “Freedman” declaring their new status. 

Throughout their lives, some enslaved individuals were renamed multiple times, each name change acting as another erasure of identity. The frequent renaming of enslaved people disrupted family continuity and made it even harder for them to maintain connections across generations. By controlling names, enslavers controlled history, ensuring that the stories of Black families were fragmented and difficult to trace.

The Significance of Name Changes After Emancipation

But, then came emancipation. During this critical time in history, freedmen now had the power to choose their own names, and for many, this was their first true act of self-determination. A name was more than a label—it was a declaration of freedom, an assertion of humanity, and, for some, a direct rejection of the forced identities they had been given by cruel and evil enslavers. 

But life after the plantation was far from easy. Emancipation did not come with land, money, or resources. The vast majority of formerly enslaved people were left to fend for themselves with little more than the clothes on their backs and the skills they had developed through forced labor. Many had spent their entire lives cultivating crops, building infrastructure, crafting furniture, or blacksmithing—skills that were essential to the economy but had only ever benefited their enslavers. Now, they had to figure out how to make those same skills work for their own survival.

The Immediate Struggles of Freedmen

For most, the first priority after emancipation was finding lost family members. During slavery, families were frequently torn apart—children were sold away from parents, spouses were separated, and siblings were scattered across different plantations. With no formal record-keeping, many freedmen relied on oral history, word of mouth, and even newspaper ads in an attempt to reconnect with their loved ones. In cities and towns, former slaves posted notices reading, “Seeking my wife and two children, sold from me in Virginia in 1853,” desperately hoping for a response. Some searched for years without success, while others traveled hundreds of miles, following rumors of where their relatives might have been taken.

Beyond the search for family, basic survival was a daily struggle. Many freedmen had nowhere to live, as they had been forced to leave the plantations where they had once lived under bondage. Some built makeshift homes in the woods or along the roadsides. Others sought refuge in abandoned buildings or formed small communities known as “freedmen’s settlements” where they pooled their resources together.

Food and water were scarce. 

Plantation owners still controlled most of the farmland, and without land of their own, many Black people had to take whatever work they could find just to eat. Some resorted to hunting, fishing, or bartering services in exchange for food. Wells, rivers, and creeks were vital for drinking water, but access to clean water was often limited, particularly in areas where white landowners actively tried to push freedmen out.

The lack of resources forced many freed Black people to rely entirely on their own communities. Since they received no assistance from the government or white society at large, they had to create their own support systems. Black churches became a cornerstone of these efforts, not only offering spiritual guidance but also providing food, shelter, and a place for community organizing.

The Transition From Forced Labor to Paid Work

Despite the hardships, many freedmen found ways to turn the skills they had learned in bondage into means of economic survival. Former slaves had been the backbone of the American economy for centuries—they had built plantations, harvested cotton and tobacco, constructed railroads, worked as blacksmiths, seamstresses, carpenters, and more. Now, they sought to use those same skills for their own benefit.

Many Black men took jobs in agriculture, continuing to work the land but this time for wages—though often unfairly low. Others pursued skilled trades such as carpentry, bricklaying, and ironworking, building homes and businesses for the very people who once enslaved them. Black women often worked as cooks, laundresses, or midwives, serving Black and white families alike.

Some former slaves became landowners themselves, pooling their money to buy property and start small farms. Others moved to cities in search of better opportunities, leading to the growth of Black business districts and self-sustaining communities. This entrepreneurial spirit would later give rise to thriving Black economies in places like Tulsa’s Greenwood District, Richmond’s Jackson Ward, and Durham’s Hayti community.

If you couldn’t already tell, these struggles for survival and skills don’t just tell a story of struggle. They represent identity. Those who took on skills such as blacksmiths, bakers, cooks, tailors, and carters took these occupations on as their identities. The areas they settled in carry significant meaning and were kept in the names Rivers, Hill or Hills, Banks, and Woods. 

Occupational Surnames Common Among Black Americans

Many formerly enslaved Black people chose or were assigned surnames based on their occupations, particularly those they had mastered during slavery. These names not only signified their skills but also became identifiers of their newfound independence and self-sufficiency. 

Below is an extensive list of occupational surnames and their meanings:

Agricultural & Land-Based Occupations

• Carter – One who transported goods by cart or wagon.

• Farmer – One who worked on or owned a farm.

• Gardner / Gardner – A person who maintained gardens.

• Shepherd – A person who herded and cared for sheep.

• Fisher – One who caught and sold fish.

• Hunter – A person who hunted animals for food and trade.

• Miller – Someone who operated a grain mill.

• Plummer / Plowman – A person who plowed and tilled fields.

Trades & Skilled Labor

• Smith – A blacksmith or metalworker (e.g., ironsmith, goldsmith, silversmith).

• Cooper – A barrel maker, essential for shipping and storage.

• Mason – A stoneworker, bricklayer, or builder.

• Taylor / Tailor – A person who made or altered clothing.

• Weaver – Someone who wove fabric or textiles.

• Draper – A person who sold cloth or fabrics.

• Potter – A craftsman who made pottery, dishes, and ceramics.

• Tanner – One who processed animal hides into leather.

• Turner – A woodworker specializing in shaping wood on a lathe.

• Fuller – A clothworker who cleaned and thickened wool.

• Glover – A person who made gloves.

Domestic & Household Work

• Cook – A person who prepared food professionally.

• Baker – One who baked and sold bread.

• Butler – A high-ranking servant responsible for household management.

• Chamberlain – A caretaker of rooms or buildings.

• Porter – A person who carried luggage, often at train stations or hotels.

• Stewart / Stewart – A house or estate manager.

• Page – A servant or attendant, often in noble households.

• Spencer – A provider of goods, especially food.

Commerce & Trade

• Merchant – A trader or seller of goods.

• Chapman – An old term for a traveling salesman or merchant.

• Butcher – One who prepared and sold meat.

• Chandler – A candle maker or seller.

• Grover – A seller of goods, particularly in a market or shop.

• Fletcher – A person who made arrows.

Transportation & Delivery

• Walker – A cloth worker who pounded cloth to strengthen it, or one who transported items on foot.

• Wright (e.g., Cartwright, Shipwright, Wheelwright) – A builder of specific items (e.g., carts, ships, wheels).

• Wheeler – A person who made or repaired wheels.

• Driver – A person who managed horses or carriages (in the post-slavery era, this name was often taken from those who drove stagecoaches or delivery wagons).

• Coachman – A person who drove a horse-drawn coach.

Military & Law Enforcement

• Marshall – A law officer, originally in charge of horses or a stable.

• Sergeant – A military officer.

• Knight – A soldier who served under a lord.

• Archer – A skilled bowman.

Religious & Community Roles

• Abbot – A leader of a monastery.

• Bishop – A high-ranking member of the clergy.

• Clarke / Clark – A clerk, often a church official who kept records.

• Deacon – A church officer or minister.

• Parson – A clergyman or minister.

Entertainment & Performing Arts

• Harper – A person who played the harp.

• Singer – A performer known for singing.

• Piper – A musician who played the bagpipes or flute.

Why These Names Matter

These names were often chosen after emancipation, reflecting the skills and trades that Black people had mastered both during and after slavery. Unlike surnames derived from enslavers, occupational surnames allowed freed Black people to build independent identities based on self-sufficiency rather than forced servitude. Many of these trades also became the foundation for Black-owned businesses and economic prosperity, fueling the rise of Black Wall Street districts across the country.

Many Black Americans today carry these surnames without realizing that they are tied to a long history of resilience, survival, and self-reliance. Understanding these names is a step toward reclaiming the lost narratives of our ancestors and recognizing the incredible skill and craftsmanship they brought to this country.

The Impact of Prominent Figures and Presidential Surnames

After emancipation, many formerly enslaved Black people had the opportunity, for the first time, to choose their own last names. Some sought to create new identities entirely separate from their former enslavers, while others chose surnames that symbolized strength, leadership, and aspiration. Among the most commonly adopted surnames were those of prominent figures and U.S. presidents, reflecting a deep connection to the fight for freedom, the pursuit of respectability, and the hope for a better future.

One of the most well-known examples is the surname Washington. Thousands of freed Black Americans took on the last name Washington, inspired by George Washington, the nation’s first president. Although Washington was a slaveholder, his name became a powerful symbol of leadership and, for many, a new beginning. Over time, Washington became one of the most common surnames among Black Americans, second only to Smith. Many freedmen saw adopting the name as a way to establish themselves as respected citizens in a country that had denied them rights for generations.

Similarly, Jefferson was another widely adopted surname, despite Thomas Jefferson’s history as a slave owner. Some freedmen may have taken the name because they were once enslaved on a Jefferson-owned plantation, while others chose it as a statement of identity, given Jefferson’s role in drafting the Declaration of Independence. The irony is that while Jefferson wrote about all men being created equal, he continued to enslave Black people—even fathering children with an enslaved woman, Sally Hemings. Still, for freed Black people, adopting the name Jefferson could be seen as reclaiming the ideal of freedom that Jefferson himself failed to fully uphold.

The surname Lincoln also gained popularity after the Civil War, directly tied to Abraham Lincoln, the president credited with signing the Emancipation Proclamation. Though Lincoln’s motivations for ending slavery were more political than moral, and he did not see Black people as equal to whites, many freedmen saw him as a symbol of liberation. Taking the name Lincoln was a way of honoring the president who set them on the path to freedom and aligning themselves with the idea of progress.

Beyond presidential surnames, Black Americans also took the names of abolitionists, military leaders, and other influential figures who represented resistance and strength. Some of the most commonly adopted surnames included:

• Douglass – Inspired by Frederick Douglass, the formerly enslaved man who became one of the most powerful voices for abolition and Black empowerment. Many freed people took on Douglass as a surname in recognition of his leadership.

• Turner – Some Black Americans took the name in honor of Nat Turner, who led one of the most famous slave revolts in American history.

• Tubman – Though less common, some freed families honored Harriet Tubman, the fearless Underground Railroad conductor who risked her life to free others.

• Grant – Some Black people took the name Grant in recognition of Ulysses S. Grant, the Union general whose leadership helped bring about the defeat of the Confederacy and later became the 18th U.S. president.

For others, adopting these names was less about admiration and more about practicality. Many freedmen were simply given these surnames by government officials, census takers, or the Freedmen’s Bureau when they registered their identities. Some may have taken the names of prominent figures to avoid using the surnames of their former enslavers but still choose something recognizable and widely respected. Others may have done so in hopes that these names would give them more legitimacy and acceptance in a society that still saw them as second-class citizens.

Beyond Presidents: Prominent Surnames Among Black Americans

While presidential surnames were common, many Black Americans also adopted last names from well-known figures in various fields, such as military leaders, business tycoons, and influential landowners. Some of the most widely used include:

• Adams – Possibly taken from John Adams or John Quincy Adams, both early U.S. presidents who opposed slavery.

• Carter – This occupational surname was widely used, but it also gained recognition through historical figures like Robert “King” Carter, a wealthy Virginia landowner who enslaved thousands. Some Black Americans carried this name from his plantations.

• King – A surname symbolizing leadership, later reinforced by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Franklin – Some may have taken this name from Benjamin Franklin, a founding father known for his evolving stance on slavery. Others may have adopted it as a reference to the idea of independence.

The Symbolism of Name Choice

For many freed Black people, taking the name of a president or a well-known leader was a way to establish an identity that commanded respect. While some of these figures were directly involved in slavery, the names themselves carried weight in society. A name like Washington, Lincoln, or Douglass placed them in historical conversations larger than their former enslavers, symbolizing strength and resilience rather than subjugation.

However, others intentionally rejected prominent surnames altogether in favor of names that reflected occupation, geography, or freedom. Some chose African-derived names (though records of these are scarce), while others picked entirely new names that held meaning for them.

Regardless of the method, the process of naming after emancipation was not just about identification—it was about self-determination. For the first time, Black people had the power to define themselves outside the ownership of others. Whether through the names of presidents, abolitionists, or chosen identities, they forged a new legacy, one that still resonates in Black American surnames today.

Obtaining Names in Slavery

In some cases, enslaved people adopted surnames based on their father’s first name, following a naming tradition known as patronymics. A man whose father was named John might take the surname Johnson, meaning “son of John.” Similarly, a person with a father named William might take the name Williamson or someone with a father named Richard might become Richardson. This method of name selection gave some enslaved people a direct connection to their ancestry, even if their lineage had been otherwise erased by slavery.

One of the most common ways enslaved people acquired surnames was through their enslavers’ last names. If an enslaved person belonged to a plantation owner named Williams, Carter, or Jackson, they might have been referred to as “Ben Williams” or “Sarah Carter.” 

Many of us carry these names today. Our ancestors chose not to change their names because after emancipation, they wanted their families to find them. I look at it as their way of leaving a paper trail for us to trace them back. 

How These Names Were Obtained

• Direct Assignment by Enslavers – Many enslaved individuals were given their enslaver’s surname to signify ownership. This practice was common on large plantations where record-keeping required enslaved people to be “marked” by the enslaver’s family name.

• Inheritance from White Fathers – In cases of rape or forced relations between enslavers and enslaved women, mixed-race children sometimes received the last name of their white fathers.

• Practical or Legal Necessity – After emancipation, formerly enslaved people often had to adopt a surname for legal reasons, and the easiest option was to use the name they had been called on the plantation.

• Connection to Family – Some freed Black people retained their enslaver’s surname because it was the only way they could reconnect with separated family members after slavery.

• Government Assignment – In some cases, census takers, Freedmen’s Bureau officials, or employers gave Black people surnames if they did not already have one on record.

Large Plantation Families & Wealthy Slaveholders

These surnames were linked to powerful enslaving families who owned large plantations in the South:

• Carter – One of Virginia’s wealthiest slaveholding families, including Robert “King” Carter.

• Lee – Connected to the Lee family of Virginia, including Robert E. Lee.

• Howard – A powerful family name tied to plantations in Maryland and Virginia.

• Gordon – Associated with multiple slaveholding families across the South.

• Randolph – Linked to the influential Randolph family of Virginia.

• Harrison – Another name from a major Virginia slaveholding dynasty.

• Fitzgerald – Linked to wealthy enslaving families in the Carolinas.

• Livingston – From the powerful New York and Louisiana Livingston families.

• Calhoun – From John C. Calhoun, a major pro-slavery politician.

• Pickens – A name tied to slaveholding families in Georgia and South Carolina.

Common Anglo-American Surnames on Plantations

Many enslaved people were simply given generic English surnames that were common among white Americans, regardless of whether they had been enslaved by a person of that name:

• Smith – One of the most common surnames in both Black and white America.

• Johnson – Often used for enslaved people and derived from a first-name tradition (John’s son).

• Brown – A widely adopted surname that became common among freed Black Americans.

• Jones – Another frequently given surname among formerly enslaved people.

• Miller – Often given to Black Americans post-slavery, sometimes tied to actual enslavers.

• Harris – A name tied to multiple slaveholding families across the U.S.

• Clark / Clarke – Used frequently for enslaved people who worked in domestic settings.

• Davis – A common name given to enslaved individuals, possibly from Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy.

• Walker – While often an occupational surname, it was also used by enslavers.

French, Spanish, and Other European Surnames

Some enslaved Black people carried surnames from French, Spanish, and other European enslavers, particularly in Louisiana, the Caribbean, and the Gulf Coast:

• DuBois – French surname meaning “of the woods,” often linked to Louisiana plantation owners.

• Baptiste – A common surname given by French and Spanish Catholic enslavers.

• Lafayette – Possibly tied to the Marquis de Lafayette or other French slaveholding families.

• Gomez – A surname linked to Spanish enslavers in Florida and Louisiana.

• Martínez – A common Spanish surname among Black Latin Americans.

• Rodriguez – Found among Black descendants of Spanish-owned plantations.

• Deslonde – A powerful Creole slaveholding family in Louisiana.

• Beauregard – Associated with Confederate general and Louisiana planter P.G.T. Beauregard.

• Fontaine – A French surname tied to Creole and Caribbean slavery.

The Registry of Names After Slavery

The Freedmen’s Bureau, established by the U.S. government in 1865, was tasked with assisting formerly enslaved individuals by providing basic necessities, employment contracts, and legal aid. One of its most significant duties was registering Black Americans under official names, many for the first time. This process was essential for securing marriage certificates, work agreements, property records, and reuniting families. Many freed people walked into Bureau offices with no last name recorded anywhere, forcing them to quickly choose one that would now define them and their descendants.

For some, the last name they selected remained unchanged throughout their lifetime. Others, however, changed surnames multiple times as they attempted to solidify a new identity. The practice of having multiple surnames over a lifetime was not uncommon. Freed people who initially kept their enslaver’s name for legal convenience might later adopt a different surname when they had the freedom and security to do so. In some cases, individuals changed their names to align with newfound communities or family members they had been separated from during slavery. Others may have altered their names as they moved to new cities, hoping for a fresh start without the weight of their past identity.

This shifting of names created challenges for future generations trying to trace their genealogy. Because some freed people were registered under multiple surnames in different documents—one in a Freedmen’s Bureau record, another in a labor contract, and a different one in a marriage certificate—it often became difficult for their descendants to follow a clear ancestral path. However, these name changes also reflect the agency that freed Black Americans exercised for the first time: the power to define themselves on their own terms.

The act of legally registering a name after slavery was a profound declaration of personhood and dignity. For centuries, enslaved people were reduced to property, denied the basic right to claim an identity. The ability to walk into a government office and record a chosen name signified more than just bureaucratic documentation—it was a symbol of independence, belonging, and self-determination. Even when those names changed over time, the act of choosing and recording a surname marked the first steps toward reclaiming family history and building generational legacies.

The Anglicization of Black Surnames

In the years following emancipation, the surnames of many Black Americans underwent significant transformations due to spelling variations, anglicization, and generational modifications. Whether through clerical errors, regional dialects, or a desire to assimilate into American society, the names of formerly enslaved individuals were often altered, sometimes intentionally and sometimes as a result of external forces.

Name Alterations Over Time

One of the most common ways that Black surnames changed over time was through spelling variations. Many freedmen were illiterate due to laws that forbade enslaved people from learning to read and write. As a result, their names were often recorded phonetically by census takers, Freedmen’s Bureau officials, or local record keepers—many of whom were white and unfamiliar with Black naming traditions or accents. This led to inconsistent spellings across different documents. A surname like Philips could easily become Phillips, just as Green could be recorded as Greene or Gray as Grey.

Some names were shortened or modified over generations for ease of pronunciation, cultural shifts, or personal preference. A surname like Robertson might become Roberts, or Williams might be shortened to Willis. Other names that were complex or difficult to spell were often simplified—Jefferson could become Jeffers, and Williamson might be reduced to Wilson. These changes weren’t always deliberate on the part of Black families; sometimes, they were the result of repeated misspellings in legal documents or school records.

In some cases, freed Black families intentionally altered their names to distance themselves from enslavers or past hardships. While some kept their enslaver’s surname for practical reasons, others changed a single letter or syllable to differentiate themselves. A name like Harrington might become Harrison, or Freeman might be adapted into Friedman or Freman. These minor changes allowed families to maintain aspects of their identity while also creating new lineages that were no longer directly tied to their past in bondage.

The Role of Assimilation & Regional Differences

As Black Americans migrated throughout the country, especially during the Great Migration (1910–1970) when millions moved from the rural South to cities in the North and West, their names continued to evolve. Some families anglicized their names to fit into their new environments or to avoid racial discrimination. A name that sounded distinctly African or Southern may have been softened to appear more “American.”

Additionally, certain regional influences played a role in name alterations. In Louisiana, where French influence was strong, names with French origins like Baptiste, Dupree, and Pierre remained intact but were sometimes Americanized to Baptist, Duprey, or Perry. In Spanish-speaking areas like Florida and the Southwest, names such as Martínez or Rodríguez could be simplified to Martin or Rogers to align with English-speaking communities.

Unintentional Name Changes Through Official Documents

Government documents, school records, and employment applications also contributed to the unintentional evolution of surnames. Many Black Americans, especially in rural areas, had their names changed by record keepers who simply guessed at spellings or altered them for convenience. Some government officials recorded names incorrectly, and those errors stuck for generations.

For example:

• A Freedman’s Bureau agent might record McKinley instead of McKinzie.

• A census taker could write Thompson instead of Tomson.

• A school teacher might simplify Devereaux to Dever or Devry.

Because these official records were often the first legal documents that Black families possessed, whatever was written down became the official family name, even if it wasn’t the original.

The anglicization of Black surnames is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Black Americans navigating a society that often dictated their identities. While some alterations were intentional—to create a fresh start, to assimilate, or to reclaim independence—others were imposed by external forces, from misspellings to bureaucratic record-keeping. These surname transformations serve as a reminder of the complex history of Black identity in America, where names, like people, evolved to survive and thrive despite centuries of oppression.

The surnames carried by Black Americans today are more than just identifiers—they are living records of history, survival, and self-determination. From the trauma of forced naming during slavery to the strength of self-naming after emancipation, each surname tells a story of resilience. Some names were imposed by enslavers, others were chosen as a declaration of freedom, and many evolved over time due to migration, assimilation, or bureaucratic changes. Yet, despite the painful origins of many Black surnames, they remain a testament to the endurance and adaptability of a people who refused to be erased.

Regardless of how these names came to be, they represent legacy. They are reminders of the skills and trades that Black ancestors mastered, the communities they built, and the families they fought to hold together despite systemic efforts to separate them. They reflect the transition from enslavement to self-sufficiency, from being listed as property to becoming landowners, entrepreneurs, and leaders in society.

Whether your last name was inherited, assigned, or chosen, it is part of a larger narrative of Black survival and identity. The significance of these names goes beyond what is written on a birth certificate—they are markers of history, passed down through generations, and they deserve to be understood.

Reclaiming Our History: The Importance of Researching Your Last Name

If you’ve never looked into the origins of your last name, now is the time. Our surnames hold pieces of history that can reconnect us to our ancestors, their struggles, and their triumphs. While many people can easily trace their lineage through family records, Black Americans often face unique challenges due to the legacy of slavery. Unlike other groups, our history was systematically erased, rewritten, and scattered, making it difficult to piece together the full picture of where we come from.

Start by researching your genealogy:

• Talk to your elders. Ask about family names, locations, and any oral history they remember.

• Explore census records. Many Black families first appeared in the U.S. Census in 1870, after emancipation.

• Look into Freedmen’s Bureau archives. These records hold contracts, marriage registrations, and other documents that may help trace your ancestors.

For Black Americans, however, our search often leads us to the very people who enslaved our ancestors. Because enslaved individuals were often recorded under their enslaver’s surname or listed only by first names in property records, learning about our own families often requires studying those who enslaved them. This is one of the most painful realities of researching Black genealogy—our history is often locked in the documents of those who once controlled our lineage.

But within that history is resilience. Despite the attempts to erase our past, our ancestors ensured we had a future.Every name, every record, and every story uncovered is a piece of the puzzle that brings us closer to understanding who we are. The more we learn, the more we reclaim what was taken from us.

So, start today. Research. Ask questions. Preserve the knowledge. Because the more we know about our past, the more power we have to shape our future.