Early African-American Names

Pascal

The French-accented Pascal was historically used for sons born at Easter, and can make an interesting choice for a boy with Gallic roots arriving around that holiday.

Pascal has a... Read More 

Phillis

Phoebe

Phoebe is the Latin variation of the Greek name Phoibe, which derived from phoibos, meaning “bright.” In classical mythology, Phoebe is the by-name of Artemis, goddess of the moon and of... Read More 

Pompey

Roman statesman and Caesar rival whose name, like other classical choices, was occasionally used for slaves. The Pompeo version could rise again. Read More 

Sabina

Sabina is a sleek but neglected name (possibly due to The Rape of the Sabine Women) from an ancient Roman tribal name that's well worth consideration. The equally alluring Sabine is heard in... Read More 

Sable

Sable is often associated with the Dynsaty soap opera, but it is actually a type of animal historically hunted for its fur. Sable is also used as a word for a warm, rich black color. Both... Read More 

Scipio

This surname of an ancient Roman invader of Africa is an intriguing, undiscovered option. Read More 

Spencer

Spencer is a name that has everything: it's both distinguished sounding and accessible, dignified but Spencer Tracy-like friendly. Picked by several celebrities (a couple of times even for a... Read More 

Sukey

Eighteenth-century nickname that still appears occasionally as an alternative to Suzy. Read More 

Tamar

Tamar is a rich, strong Old Testament name sometimes given to girls born on the holiday of Sukkoth, as palm branches were used to make the roof of the sukkah. In the Bible, there are several... Read More