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Someone Knows my Name

snowwhite
By snowwhite
Updated Fri Feb 17 2023
Unusual names from the 'Book of Negroes' Part 1. A list composed to let them know that their names live on and that we respect them as individuals not property. It would be an honour to name a child after one of these strong people.
  1. Absolom
    • Amoretta
      • Bacchus

        • Origin:

          Roman mythology name

        • Description:

          Only if you're hoping for your son to become a wine-besotted poet. To the ancient Romans, Bacchus was the god of agriculture, wine and fertility.
      • Betsey

        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew

        • Meaning:

          "pledged to God"

        • Description:

          This playful variation of Elizabeth became popular in its own right during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in England and America. Betsey offers a sweet, vintage quality with a touch of whimsy that distinguishes it from more formal versions like Elizabeth or even Betsy. While its popularity has declined since its peak, it maintains appeal for parents seeking a name with historical charm and nostalgic value. The name received renewed attention through American fashion designer Betsey Johnson, known for her playful and eccentric designs.
      • Bristol

        • Origin:

          British place-name

        • Meaning:

          "site of the bridge"

        • Description:

          This name of a busy British port city -- as well as of several places in America -- has a brisk and bustling air. It will now--and for years to come--be identified as a Sarah Palin name, chosen for her eldest daughter, who is now a TV personality herself.
      • Brutus

        • Origin:

          Latin

        • Meaning:

          "heavy, dull"

        • Description:

          Brutus is the quintessential brute--far too close to the word brutal. And any child with this name would spend much of his life hearing "Et tu."
      • Brass
        • Casar

          • Description:

            Casar is a masculine name that may derive from several origins. It could be a variant spelling of Caesar, the ancient Roman family name associated with Julius Caesar and later becoming a title for emperors. In Spanish usage, Cásar (with an accent) appears as a variation. The name carries connotations of leadership and authority from its historical connections. Alternatively, in some cultures, it might relate to Arabic 'Qasar' meanings. As a given name, Casar remains uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name combines historical gravitas with a slightly modernized spelling that softens the imperial associations of Caesar while retaining its strength. Parents might choose it for its cross-cultural appeal and historical resonance while appreciating its relative uniqueness compared to more common classical names.

        • Cato

          • Origin:

            Latin

          • Meaning:

            "all-knowing"

          • Description:

            Cato conjures up images of ancient Roman statesmen and southern antebellum retainers; it could have revival potential, with its 'O' ending and the current interest in the names of Greek and Roman antiquity.
        • Charity

          • Origin:

            English word name

          • Meaning:

            "charity"

          • Description:

            Charity is one of the Big Three abstract virtue names, along with Hope and Faith, though far less widely used than the others. But as Faith, Grace and Hope grow more common, some parents are beginning to look at the more unusual three-syllable choices like Verity, Amity, Clarity and Charity, which sound much fresher and also have that pleasingly rhythmic 'y'-ending sound.
        • China

          • Origin:

            Place-name

          • Description:

            Long before the current place-name craze, a pair of the more daring pop singers of the Age of Aquarius picked this name for their daughters. Jefferson Airplane's Grace Slick used the conventional spelling, the Mamas and the Papas's Michelle Phillips went further afield with Chynna (of the group Wilson Phillips).
        • Cornelius

          • Origin:

            Latin

          • Meaning:

            "horn"

          • Description:

            Cornelius, the New Testament name of a third century Pope and saint, is one of those venerable Latin names on the edge of consideration, despite the corny nickname alert.
        • Carsy
          • Cazar
            • Ceasor
              • Cuff
                • Dempsey

                  • Origin:

                    Irish

                  • Meaning:

                    "proud, haughty"

                  • Description:

                    Spunky Irish surname that still has a pugnacious feel from its lingering association with one of boxing's greatest champs, Jack Dempsey. Many people may associate it more with Patrick Dempsey these days—McDreamy from TV's Grey's Anatomy.
                • Dian

                  • Description:

                    Dian is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. Most commonly, it's considered a variant of Diana, the Roman goddess of the moon and hunting, derived from an Indo-European root meaning 'divine' or 'heavenly.' In Chinese contexts, Dian (点) can mean 'spot' or 'dot,' though with different pronunciation. The name gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century in English-speaking countries, appearing both as a standalone name and as a shortened form of Diana. Notable bearers include anthropologist Dian Fossey, known for her work with mountain gorillas. Dian offers a concise, strong alternative to longer feminine names, combining brevity with classical heritage. Its simplicity and cross-cultural potential make it appealing to parents seeking a straightforward yet meaningful name.
                • Dinah

                  • Origin:

                    Hebrew

                  • Meaning:

                    "God will judge"

                  • Description:

                    As the song says, "Dinah, is there anyone finer?" Dinah is a charming, underused Old Testament name with a rich literary and musical resume.
                • Dolly

                  • Origin:

                    English, diminutive of Dorothy

                  • Meaning:

                    "gift of God"

                  • Description:

                    Hello, Dolly! Okay, we couldn't resist, but be warned: Most people who meet your little Dolly won't be able to either. This nickname-name, rarely heard since whatever decade Dolly Parton was born, is singing a fashionable note again along with sisters Dottie and Dixie; it was chosen for one of their twin girls by Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell.