African-American names
[1] Economic historians Lisa D. Cook, John Parman and Trevon Logan have found that distinctive African-American naming practices happened as early as in the Antebellum period (mid-1800s).
[5][6] Paustian has argued that black names display the same themes and patterns as those in West Africa.
Jean Twenge believes that the shift toward unique Black American baby names is also the result of a trend in America that values individuality over conformity.
The most common and typical names among enslaved women in America included Bet, Mary, Jane, Hanna, Betty, Sarah, Phillis, Nan, Peg, and Sary.
Private names were Abah, Bilah, Comba, Dibb, Juba, Kauchee, Mima, and Sena.
Those enslaved in French Louisiana received names differing from English colonies in America: Francois, Jean, Pierre, and Leon for men; and Manon, Delphine, Marie Louise, Celeste, and Eugenie for women.
[11] While creoles of color historically had classical French names, many names of French origin entered the picture during the 1950s and 1960s in homage to the relative freedom that many African American expatriates in Paris had experienced during and after the Années folles.
These names are often seen with spelling variations such as Antwan, Antwaun or Antwon (Antoine) or Shauntelle (Chantal).
[13] The name LaKeisha is typically considered American in origin but has elements drawn from both African and French roots.
Rather uncommonly or unconventionally, some non-African Americans have been given names that are usually perceived or seen as typically carried by their black fellows.
[20] Some Black Americans also changed their birth names to those which they felt matched their African identity, like Ntozake Shange.
Daniel, Christopher, Michael, David, James, Joseph, and Matthew were among the most common names for African-American boys in 2013.
A study in the early 2020s concluded that applicants with traditionally black names have 2.1% less chance of getting a call back after an interview.
