What are the most common African American last names? The most common African American last names include Williams, Johnson, Smith, Jones, Brown, Jackson, Davis, Thomas, Harris, and Robinson . Williams is the most common, with over three-quarters of a million bearers . These names largely reflect the surnames of enslavers or the adoption of common English, Scottish, and Welsh surnames after emancipation.
Your surname is a legacy. For many African Americans, it tells a story of survival, resilience, and the enduring power of family. After emancipation in 1865, formerly enslaved people faced a monumental decision: what would their name be?
Some chose to keep the surname of their former enslaver, often as a way to maintain ties to family networks they had built on the plantation . Others chose the name “Freeman” or “Freedman” to celebrate their new liberty . Many adopted common English, Scottish, or Welsh surnames like Williams, Johnson, or Smith, which remain the most common African American last names today . As genealogist Kenyatta Berry explained, “Choosing your surname gives you that power to say, ‘This is what I’m gonna be called from now on'” . This guide explores the stories and meanings behind the most common African American last names.
10 Most Common African American Last Names with Meanings and Origins
1. Williams
Meaning: Son of William
Origin: English, Norman
Personality: Williams is a name of strength and resilience. As the most common African American surname, it represents a legacy of endurance and the establishment of family identity after emancipation. It is a name that has been carried by generations of Black Americans building new lives.
Style: Classic, Strong, Widespread
Best For: A family name with a proud, enduring heritage; often used as a first name for those honoring their ancestry
Popularity: Williams is the most common African American surname in the United States, with over three-quarters of a million people holding it .
Emotional Appeal: This name feels strong, grounded, and deeply connected to American history.
Pop Culture Reference: Williams is a prominent surname in music, sports, and entertainment, including tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams and singer Pharrell Williams.
Similar Names: Williamson, Will, Willy, Wilson
Why It Still Works Today: Williams is a name that carries immense weight and history. Its prevalence reflects the widespread adoption of common English surnames by newly emancipated Black families.
2. Johnson
Meaning: Son of John
Origin: English, Scottish
Personality: Johnson is a name of determination and ambition. It is a patronymic name that suggests a legacy of building and creating. Those with the Johnson name often embody strength, leadership, and a commitment to family.
Style: Classic, Strong, Ambitious
Best For: A family name with a legacy of hard work and achievement
Popularity: Johnson is the second most common African American surname, with upwards of 700,000 bearers .
Emotional Appeal: This name feels steady, determined, and full of purpose.
Pop Culture Reference: Johnson is a widely recognized name in politics, entertainment, and sports, including actors Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson (though Jackson is a different name, Johnson is equally prominent).
Similar Names: Johnstone, John, Johnny, Jon
Why It Still Works Today: Johnson is a classic, strong name that has been carried by generations. Its straightforward meaning and widespread use make it a cornerstone of African American surnames.
3. Smith
Meaning: One who works with metal (blacksmith)
Origin: English
Personality: Smith is a name of skill, craftsmanship, and hard work. It is an occupational surname that suggests a legacy of building and creating. Those with the Smith name are often resilient, resourceful, and proud of their heritage.
Style: Classic, Widespread, Skilled
Best For: A family name with a history of hard work and craftsmanship
Popularity: Smith is the most common surname in the United States overall, but the third most common African American surname .
Emotional Appeal: This name feels grounded, hardworking, and full of integrity.
Pop Culture Reference: Smith is a name that appears everywhere, from actor Will Smith to singer Sam Smith.
Similar Names: Smythe, Smithers, Blacksmith
Why It Still Works Today: Smith is a universal name that represents the working class and the spirit of resilience. Its widespread use among African Americans reflects the adoption of common English surnames after emancipation.
4. Jones
Meaning: Son of John
Origin: Welsh, English
Personality: Jones is a name of heritage and strength. It is largely of Welsh origin but has become a cornerstone of African American identity. Those with the Jones name often embody resilience and a deep connection to family history.
Style: Classic, Strong, Heritage-Rich
Best For: A family name with a proud Welsh-American heritage
Popularity: Jones is the fourth most common African American surname .
Emotional Appeal: This name feels strong, grounded, and deeply connected to history.
Pop Culture Reference: Jones is a prominent name in film and music, including actor James Earl Jones and musician Quincy Jones .
Similar Names: John, Johns, Johnson
Why It Still Works Today: Jones is a classic name that has become deeply embedded in African American culture. Its Welsh origins remind us of the diverse influences that shaped American surnames.
5. Brown
Meaning: Based on complexion or hair color
Origin: English, Scottish
Personality: Brown is a name of warmth, earthiness, and resilience. It is a descriptive name that suggests a connection to the land and a strong sense of identity. Those with the Brown name often embody strength, stability, and a deep love for family.
Style: Classic, Earthy, Warm
Best For: A family name with a warm, grounded heritage
Popularity: Brown is the fifth most common African American surname, held by over half a million Black Americans .
Emotional Appeal: This name feels warm, stable, and deeply connected to the earth.
Pop Culture Reference: Brown is a common surname in entertainment, including singer James Brown and actress Millie Bobby Brown.
Similar Names: Browne, Browning, Brun
Why It Still Works Today: Brown is a classic name that has been carried by generations. Its simplicity and warmth make it an enduring favorite.
6. Jackson
Meaning: Son of Jack or God has been gracious
Origin: English, Hebrew
Personality: Jackson is a name of grace and strength. It suggests a connection to divine favor and a legacy of resilience. Those with the Jackson name often embody determination, faith, and a commitment to family.
Style: Classic, Strong, Graceful
Best For: A family name with a legacy of faith and determination
Popularity: Jackson is the sixth most common African American surname, with just under 400,000 bearers .
Emotional Appeal: This name feels strong, graceful, and full of faith.
Pop Culture Reference: Jackson is a legendary name in music, most famously associated with the Jackson family, including Michael Jackson.
Similar Names: Jack, Jax, Jaxon, Jackman
Why It Still Works Today: Jackson is a powerful name that has become synonymous with Black excellence, particularly in music and entertainment.
7. Davis
Meaning: Son of David
Origin: Welsh, Hebrew
Personality: Davis is a name of leadership and strength. It is a patronymic name that suggests a legacy of leadership and resilience. Those with the Davis name often embody courage, integrity, and a commitment to family.
Style: Classic, Strong, Heritage-Rich
Best For: A family name with a proud Welsh-American heritage
Popularity: Davis is the seventh most common African American surname .
Emotional Appeal: This name feels strong, grounded, and deeply connected to history.
Pop Culture Reference: Davis is a name that appears in politics, including the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, Ketanji Brown Jackson (Jackson is her name, but Davis is also common).
Similar Names: Davey, Davie, Davison
Why It Still Works Today: Davis is a classic name that has become deeply embedded in African American culture. Its Welsh origins remind us of the diverse influences that shaped American surnames.
8. Thomas
Meaning: Twin
Origin: Aramaic, English
Personality: Thomas is a name of faith and resilience. It is a biblical name that suggests a connection to heritage and a legacy of strength. Those with the Thomas name often embody determination, faith, and a deep sense of family.
Style: Classic, Strong, Biblical
Best For: A family name with a proud biblical heritage
Popularity: Thomas is the eighth most common African American surname .
Emotional Appeal: This name feels strong, grounded, and deeply connected to faith.
Pop Culture Reference: Thomas is a common name in politics, entertainment, and sports, including actor Danny Thomas.
Similar Names: Thomason, Tom, Tommy, Thomson
Why It Still Works Today: Thomas is a classic name that has stood the test of time. Its biblical origins and widespread use make it a cornerstone of African American surnames.
9. Harris
Meaning: Son of Harry
Origin: English, Welsh
Personality: Harris is a name of heritage and strength. It is a patronymic name that suggests a connection to family and a legacy of resilience. Those with the Harris name often embody determination, courage, and a deep love for family.
Style: Classic, Strong, Heritage-Rich
Best For: A family name with a proud English-Welsh heritage
Popularity: Harris is the ninth most common African American surname, held by over a quarter of a million people .
Emotional Appeal: This name feels strong, grounded, and deeply connected to history.
Pop Culture Reference: Harris is a name that appears in politics, including former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Similar Names: Harrison, Harry, Harries
Why It Still Works Today: Harris is a classic name that has become deeply embedded in African American culture. Its prevalence reflects the widespread adoption of common English surnames.
10. Robinson
Meaning: Son of Robin
Origin: English, Norman
Personality: Robinson is a name of resilience and achievement. It is a patronymic name that suggests a legacy of building and creating. Those with the Robinson name often embody determination, courage, and a commitment to family.
Style: Classic, Strong, Ambitious
Best For: A family name with a legacy of hard work and achievement
Popularity: Robinson is the tenth most common African American surname .
Emotional Appeal: This name feels strong, grounded, and full of purpose.
Pop Culture Reference: Robinson is a name that appears in sports, including baseball legend Jackie Robinson.
Similar Names: Robins, Robin, Robertson
Why It Still Works Today: Robinson is a classic name that has been carried by generations. Its association with achievement and resilience makes it an enduring favorite.
Quick Comparison Table
| Nickname | Meaning | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Williams | Son of William | Classic, Strong | A family with a proud, enduring heritage |
| Johnson | Son of John | Classic, Ambitious | A family with a legacy of hard work |
| Smith | Metalworker | Classic, Widespread | A family with a history of craftsmanship |
| Jones | Son of John | Classic, Heritage-Rich | A family with a proud Welsh-American heritage |
| Brown | Complexion or hair color | Classic, Earthy | A family with a warm, grounded heritage |
| Jackson | Son of Jack | Classic, Graceful | A family with a legacy of faith |
| Davis | Son of David | Classic, Strong | A family with a proud Welsh-American heritage |
| Thomas | Twin | Classic, Biblical | A family with a proud biblical heritage |
| Harris | Son of Harry | Classic, Heritage-Rich | A family with a proud English-Welsh heritage |
| Robinson | Son of Robin | Classic, Ambitious | A family with a legacy of achievement |
The History Behind African American Surnames
The story of African American surnames is a story of survival. When Africans were enslaved and brought to America, any identifiers that could have tied them to their homeland were broken . They were generally given Anglophone names, overwhelmingly English, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish surnames, often those of their enslavers .
After emancipation, naming was a complex matter. Newly freed people had newfound agency, and the reasons behind choosing a particular surname varied . As genealogist Robyn Smith noted, “It was more common for a previously enslaved person to take their mother or father’s last name depending on which parent they knew” . Others chose the name “Freeman” to celebrate their new liberty .
Today, most common African American last names reflect the adoption of these English, Scottish, and Welsh surnames. However, starting in the 20th century, some Black families adopted surnames of their own choosing as an assertion of identity .
Most Common African American Surnames Today
According to recent United States censuses, the most popular African American surnames are :
- Williams
- Johnson
- Smith
- Jones
- Brown
- Jackson
- Davis
- Thomas
- Harris
- Robinson
These names dominate because they were widely adopted after emancipation and have been passed down through generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common African American last name?
Williams is the most common African American surname in the United States, with over three-quarters of a million people holding it . It is followed by Johnson and Smith .
How did African Americans get their last names?
Most African Americans received their last names from their enslavers. After emancipation, some kept their enslaver’s surname, others took their mother’s or father’s name, and some chose new names entirely . Many chose common English, Scottish, or Welsh surnames .
Why are so many African American last names English?
When Africans were enslaved and brought to America, they were generally given Anglophone names by their enslavers, often English, Scottish, or Welsh surnames . After emancipation, many kept these names or adopted other common English surnames .
Did enslaved people always take their enslaver’s name?
No. While many did, it was not universal. Some took their mother or father’s last name depending on which parent they knew . Others chose new surnames entirely, like “Freeman,” to celebrate their new liberty .
What does the name “Freeman” mean?
Freeman was a name chosen by some newly emancipated Black Americans to celebrate their freedom . It was a powerful assertion of identity and a rejection of the names imposed on them during slavery.
Are there African last names among African Americans?
Yes, but they are less common. Starting in the 20th century, some Black families adopted surnames of their own choosing as an assertion of identity . Many African immigrants also brought African surnames to the United States .
Why are there so many “son of” names like Johnson and Jackson?
Many common African American last names are patronymic, meaning they mean “son of” someone. Johnson means “son of John,” Jackson means “son of Jack,” and Robinson means “son of Robin” . These names reflect the widespread adoption of English naming conventions.
Did any enslaved people keep their African names?
Some did. However, when enslaved people were brought to America, their original last names were often changed to something their enslaver could pronounce . The name “Kossula” was a rare example of an African name that survived .
Conclusion
African American last names are a powerful legacy. From Williams to Robinson, each name carries the weight of history, the resilience of ancestors, and the triumph of identity. Whether your surname is a common English one or an African-derived name, it tells a story of survival, determination, and the enduring power of family.
We hope this guide to African American last names has helped you understand the rich history behind these names. Whether you’re researching your own ancestry or simply appreciating the cultural significance, these surnames are a powerful connection to the past. Share this article with someone who might be curious about their roots, and let us know in the comments if you learned something new about your own surname!
Scarlett Howard is a writer and name enthusiast at NicknameCorner. She creates creative and helpful guides on nicknames, names, usernames and naming ideas, helping readers find meaningful, memorable and unique names for every occasion.
