Last names often carry stories and meanings connected to culture and heritage. Some last names have roots in colors, like black, which can symbolize strength, power, or mystery. Understanding these last names can give us insight into family histories and the backgrounds of people we meet.
Today, we will look at last names that mean “black.” From common surnames to more unique ones, each has its own origin and significance. Learning about these names can help us appreciate the richness of different cultures and the stories behind them. Let’s get started!
Last Names That Mean Black
1. Black
The last name Black is a straightforward representation of the color. It often refers to someone with dark hair or a darker complexion.
2. Blake
Blake originated from the Old English word for black or dark. It can also mean pale, creating an interesting duality to the name.
3. Blackwood
Blackwood signifies someone who lives near dark woods or forests. The name combines two elements to increase its meaning.
4. Blackwell
This name means ‘black spring’ or ‘dark stream’ and combines nature with color, giving a mysterious charm.
5. Morley
Morley originally meant ‘marshy land.’ In some contexts, it’s associated with dark places or landscapes.
6. Douglass
Douglass is derived from the Gaelic words for ‘dark stream,’ blending nature with shades of black.
7. Crowley
Crowley is an Old Irish surname that relates to the word for ‘dark’ and can refer to someone associated with crows.
8. Duran
Duran translates as ‘lasting, enduring,’ but also relates to the black color in some cultures signifying strength.
9. Cole
Cole is a name that means ‘dark or swarthy.’ It denotes a person with black hair or a dark complexion.
10. Chadwick
This name, while meaning ‘town or village of Chad,’ is also linked to old English phrases for dark or black.
11. Nero
Nero is the Italian word for black. A strong name often associated with power and intensity.
12. Baird
The surname Baird, meaning ‘singer’ in Old Gaelic, can also be connected to themes of darkness and mystery.
13. Schwartz
Of German origin, Schwartz directly translates to ‘black’ and denotes those with dark features.
14. Blakeley
A combination of Blake and ley, Blakeley can mean ‘dark meadow,’ signifying nature infused with color.
15. Zorro
Zorro means ‘fox’ in Spanish and often has connotations of darkness and cunning associated with black fur.
16. Bialek
This Polish surname has connotations relating to the color black, giving a cultural depth to its meaning.
17. Adair
The name Adair means ‘oak tree’ but is also associated with dark and noble themes.
18. Coleman
Col means ‘dark’ or ‘swarthy,’ making this surname truly connected to the theme of darkness and black.
19. Harlow
The name Harlow is derived from Old English, relating to a ‘harrow’ or ‘dark hill.’ It adorns with both nature and depth.
20. Cormac
This Irish name means ‘son of the charioteer’ but can also be related to darkness, reflecting strength and nobility.
21. Melvin
Meaning ‘council protector,’ this name also carries connotations of darkness due to its phonetics.
22. Nero
The surname Nero translates to ‘black’ in Italian, equating with power and intensity in various cultures.
23. Moreno
This Spanish surname means ‘dark skinned’ and directly corresponds with the theme of black.
24. Darrow
Darrow means ‘black’ in certain contexts, tying it directly to the exploration of dark shades.
25. Blakeman
Based on the color black, Blakeman signifies a ‘man who is dark or swarthy,’ reflecting characteristics.
26. O’Neill
This name can be linked to dark-haired individuals, enhancing the curtain of black overtones.
27. Kavanagh
Kavanagh means ‘handsome’ in Gaelic, but it could also correlate to a darker complexion in some contexts.
28. Caputo
Caputo means ‘black’ in Italian, exemplifying the strength and intensity often associated with the color.
29. Malachi
Though usually associated with ‘my messenger,’ the name has darker roots reflecting mystery and the color black.
30. Schwartzman
This surname can be seen as an augmentation of Schwartz, further enriching the dark connections of the name.
31. Blaque
Derived from black, Blaque adds a unique twist to traditional names associated with darkness.
32. Blackmore
Blackmore, signifying ‘black moor,’ carries both elegance and connection to a dark landscape.
33. Melancon
This surname translates as ‘dark or black’ in French, linking it culturally to darker attributes.
34. Onyx
Onyx refers to a black gemstone, symbolizing strength and sophistication while anchoring family history.
35. Cavanagh
This surname means ‘handsome’ but is also linked to darker hair or features, connecting it with our theme.
36. Kuro
In Japanese, Kuro signifies ‘black,’ showing a beautiful connection through culture with the color’s meaning.
37. Blackstone
A geographical name that showcases black rock or dark stony places, adding depth to the theme.
38. Moros
This Greek name translates to ‘dark’ or ‘black,’ highlighting the diversity of connections to darkness.
39. Corbin
This English name meaning ‘raven’ correlates directly to birds known for their black feathers, adding layers.
40. Blackie
An affectionate variant meaning ‘black,’ it showcases cultural connections to familial ties.
41. Mazin
Mazin means ‘cloud that carries rain’ in Arabic, but can also tie into darker atmospheric themes.
42. Shakir
This Arabic name, while meaning ‘grateful,’ has historical connections with darker skin tones.
43. Oberon
This name is associated with a dark king in literary reference while also reflecting regal power.
44. Muir
While meaning ‘sea,’ it is also often connected to darker landscapes in Scottish tradition.
45. Asher
This name means ‘happy’ but has also historically been tied to black features in namesake families.
46. Keller
This last name means ‘cellar’ and evokes images of dark, hidden spaces reflecting the essence of black.
47. Betrand
Betrand translates to ‘bright raven,’ contrasting brightness with the inherent darkness of its representation.
48. Catania
Originating from Sicilian roots, Catania connects with dark features and traditionally black characteristics.
49. Becker
This surname originally meant ‘baker’ but can evoke images of dark breads or baked goods linked to black.
50. Malloy
This Irish surname means ‘dark or black,’ creating a direct relationship to our central theme.
51. Morin
Morin translates to ‘dark’ in Gaelic, linking directly with the representation of black.
52. Pritchard
Pritchard has historical roots tied to dark features or heritage, enhancing its connection to our topic.
53. Skye
This name can represent darker shores or landscapes, merging beauty with shades of black.
54. Reynolds
The surname Reynolds can translate to ‘counselor,’ but also has ties to dark features historically.
55. Quirke
This Irish name is often associated with ‘dark’ significance, reflecting deeper meanings related to our theme.
56. Finnigan
Though meaning ‘fair’ in some traditions, it can also relate to dark features in Irish stories.
57. Mulcahy
This name has Gaelic origins meaning ‘dark,’ reinforcing the connection to the color theme in family lineage.
58. Blakeney
Blakeney also ties to a ‘dark island,’ intertwining natural elements with the concept of black.
59. O’Leary
The name O’Leary carries connotations of blackness in terms of complexions, adding cultural depth.
60. Darke
A variant spelling of dark, this surname underscores the association with black in families and heritage.
61. Ombre
This French name directly refers to shadow or darkness, showcasing the theme in a sophisticated manner.
62. Davis
While often referencing ‘beloved,’ it also ties to the darkness found in surname origins.
63. Noir
A French word meaning ‘black,’ it firmly roots multiple cultural meanings of darkness in family histories.
64. Caelum
This name, meaning ‘heaven,’ can also reference dark skies, linking celestial themes to color.
65. Radcliffe
Meaning ‘red cliff,’ it may seem misleading, but historically, cliffs appear darker at sunset.
66. MacGregor
This surname has rich ties in Scottish history, often linked with darker themes of leadership and honor.
67. Greenwood
Greenwood can signify dark green areas or forests, intertwining nature with the theme of black.
68. Styx
The name Styx relates to the River of Darkness in mythology, embodying the essence of black.
69. Flanagan
This surname translates to ‘descendant of Flanagan’ but also relates to darker features in families.
70. Croft
This surname means ‘small farm,’ but evokes associations with darker earthy tones of soil.
71. Birdsong
Though it appears light-hearted, the birds referenced historically often have darker feathers, linking back to our theme.
72. Fleming
Fleming may refer to dark-haired individuals with a strong cultural background.
73. Gloom
This name directly ties to shadows and the essence of darkness, reinforcing the central theme.
74. Sable
The term Sable refers to a black color, especially in heraldry, relating to nobility.
75. Jett
This surname refers to a black gemstone, directly linking it to the essence and strength of the color black.
76. Blakeford
Combining Blake and ford, Blakeford reflects both darkness and nature through its etymological roots.
77. Armbruster
Originating from craftsmanship, it may link back to darker tools or items used throughout history.
78. Bowden
This name has ties to dark valleys or woodlands, reflecting natural landscapes connected with black.
79. Cavan
Cavan means ‘handsome’ but can also highlight darker features, enhancing its meaning.
80. Kinta
This name also has African roots reflecting dark skin tones, connecting culturally to the idea of black.
81. Halliday
Fusing ‘holy day,’ Halliday often connects to darkness in historical contexts of observances.
82. Malcomson
A variation of the name Malcolm, linking securely with strength and darker attributes.
83. Eglinton
While this surname references a Scottish estate, it can also relate to dark, forested areas.
84. Vesper
This name means “evening,” with evening often having associations with darker tones.
85. Nacht
A German word meaning ‘night,’ it focuses directly on darkness, reinforcing black-themed connections.
86. Rowan
While often seen as a tree, it can be associated with dark aspects in Celtic mythology.
87. Dwyer
This Irish surname means ‘dark’ or ‘swarthy,’ directly connecting with our theme.
88. Kavan
Kavan translates to a ‘handsome place’ but also touches on dark beauty aspects.
89. Raven
The name Raven directly references a black bird, enhancing the relationship with darkness.
90. Tarquin
This name, while meaning ‘the one who brings light,’ is often tied to darker tales in Roman history.
91. Gallo
Translating to “rooster” in Italian, Gallo often represents dark creatures in recognition of black feathers.
92. Nox
This Latin word means ‘night,’ directly relating to dimensions of darkness reflected in our focus.
93. Eastman
While referring to a direction, Eastman can imply connections to darker skies during sunrise.
94. Kane
Often associated with ‘warrior,’ this name’s connection to darker attributes adds depth.
95. Hartman
This name means ‘hardy man’ and can evoke darker stories of strength tied to black characteristics.
96. Marlowe
Meaning ‘drained lake,’ it brings attention to the muddy, darker nature associated with water.
97. Omari
This name means ‘flourishing,’ yet carries significance rooted in darker narratives.
98. Ebon
A direct play on words for ‘black,’ capturing the essence of color within a name.
99. Blaise
While traditionally meaning ‘fire,’ it often evokes darker contrasting imagery.
100. Charcoal
This surname represents darkened wood, bringing forth connections to the theme of black.
101. Ludlow
Meaning ‘the hill by the water,’ it can be associated with shadowy water reflections.
102. Mercer
This surname references merchants dealing in dark items like cloth or dyed products.
103. Abaddon
In various interpretations, Abaddon represents destruction that often relates to darkness.
104. Kalani
While it means ‘heavens,’ it is also linked to darker aspects of nature in Hawaiian lore.
105. Jagger
This name, while often connected to a profession, can also reflect darker shades within the craft.
106. Scout
This name suggests looking for dark aspects in nature, particularly in journeys.
107. Ravenwood
Combining the concept of a black bird with nature, Ravenwood embraces the themes of black.
108. Lunette
Translating to moon in French, it emphasizes lunar darkness associated with night’s beauty.
109. Azrael
This name means ‘helper of God,’ often linking to darker angels or mythological themes.
110. Quinton
This name often refers to the ‘fifth’ or ‘fifth-born’ boy but is also tied to darkened aspects of nature.
111. Sampson
While known for strength, it has darker currents related to historical struggles.
112. Orion
The name Orion has celestial roots that often link to dark realms in mythology.
113. Manley
This name can mean ‘from the land with a dark history,’ representing family ties to narrative heritage.
114. Harlow
A geographical name often tied to darker, wooded areas, blending nature and black tones.
115. Yael
The Hebrew word for ‘mountain goat,’ yet can evoke darker imagery in different contexts.
116. Ombra
This Italian term meaning ‘shadow’ reinforces the aspect of black and its mysteries.
117. Sidhe
Often tied to mythology, it relates to dark places and history intertwined with black themes.
118. Noxon
This surname derives from the Latin word for night, highlighting dark connections through language.
119. Tristram
This name signifies ‘sadness’ and may connect to themes of sorrow often linked to darkness.
120. O’Hara
This Irish name may illustrate ties to dark or ominous places reflecting familial stories of black.
121. Indra
Sharing roots in Hindu mythology, this name often reflects darker cosmic energies.
122. Camosy
This surname links to darker histories in different cultures, highlighting the essence of black.
123. Holt
Your connection to the word for a ‘wood,’ often associated with darker themes of nature can be found here.
124. Caron
This name can mean ‘song of joy,’ but might also represent darker cultural elements.
125. carbonaro
Meaning ‘charcoal burner’ in Italian, it carries dark connotations linked to blackness in trade.
126. Alaric
Often meaning ‘ruler of all,’ this name carries historical ties to darker stories of strength.
127. Fenwick
This name can reflect dark or muddy areas, interlacing geography with the color theme.
128. Hagan
Associated with ‘dark’ in Irish origins, this name reinforces the concept directly.
129. Bradshaw
This surname integrates connections to dark woodland areas while signifying a strong sense of home.
130. Mac Alister
Meaning ‘child of the dark,’ it resonates with our themes of black within familial backgrounds.
131. Tyler
Often referring to a ‘maker of bricks,’ it may also apply to darker attributes in its history.
132. Lynx
Linking to the wild cat, this name evokes an essence of dark and elegant intensity.
133. Hollis
This surname references holly trees, often connected to darker, majestic foliage.
134. Quade
This name translates to ‘the son’ yet can evoke darker familial relationships through legs of history.
135. Farrow
This name refers to piglets but connects to dark spaces where they often reside.
136. Caldera
This term refers to ‘caldera lake,’ often associated with dark waters reflecting pink light.
137. Laird
Commonly signifying ‘landowner,’ this name can evoke storied histories tied to darker places.
138. Rook
Rook, referring to a black bird, reinforces the connection between the theme of black and nature.
139. Huxley
This name means ‘Hugh’s meadow’ but can tie into darker imagery associated with nature.
140. Clancy
A name linked to ‘red’ in some traditions, Clancy can also connect with dark heritage.
141. Kearney
This surname translates to ‘dark or black’ in Irish, fortifying its direct link to the topic.
142. Fontaine
While meaning ‘spring,’ it can imply darker themes from the depths of the earth’s water.
143. Sylvester
The name brings to mind old woods but can also relate to darker landscapes historically.
144. Cinder
This name references ash and remnants of fire, tying it back to darker narratives in its roots.
145. Zaira
Zaira means ‘blooming flower’ but can imply a darker blossom in certain stories.
146. Nightingale
This surname connects directly to nighttime and the darker tones found in its beauty.
147. Mortimer
Meaning ‘still water’ brings to mind dark waters, invoking ideas of calmness and reflection.
148. Thornton
This surname typically refers to ‘thorn bush’ but also can invoke darker imagery within regions.
149. Cromwell
Often associated with power, Cromwell can imply darker political histories connected to the color black.
150. Tempest
The name signifies stormy weather, directly interweaving chaos and darkness into its roots.
Final Thoughts
Exploring last names that mean black reveals a rich tapestry of culture and history. Each name tells a story that connects its bearers to their past, often reflecting characteristics associated with darkness, strength, and mystery. Understanding these names helps us appreciate the diversity surrounding us.
Whether you are looking to trace your ancestry or simply learn about the meanings behind names, recognizing the significance of black in surnames enriches our understanding of family heritage. Names are more than just labels; they bind us to history and lore.
If you’re interested in learning more, consider exploring additional topics, such as names that mean black and names that mean dark, to enhance your journey through the world of names.