Black Hero Names

February, which is also known as Black History month, is approaching. Hence, now might be the time to examine the names of several black heroes and heroines from history. 

GIRLS' NAMES:

Dorothy (#563)-This regular choice brings to bring the main character of The Wizard of Oz. Yet, Dorothy also brings to mind activist Dorothy Counts-Scoggins. She was one of the first African-American students to attend the then-segregated Harry Harding High School. 

Frances (#438)-Frances is a timeless classic that has been holding steady in recent years. One of the many bearers of the name was an African American, Frances Harper (1825-1911). She was one of the first African American women to create published works. 

Harriet (#983)-Harriet Tubman (c. 1822-1913) was an American abolitionist. She guided several slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad. It might not be as classic as Eleanor, but it can still make a great alternative. Plus, it just returned to the charts. Harriet is on its way back to the top.

Ida (unranked)-Ada is almost back, so I would not be surprised if Ida returns to the top 1000 within the next decade. The real reason this mini vintage name makes this list, though, is Ida B. Wells (1862-1931). She founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Josephine (#89)-Josephine is the most recent revival name to return to the top 100. It has also been worn by an African-American heroine. Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin (1842-1924) edited the first African-American women's newspaper, Woman's Era. 

Mary (#126)-Two black women put this evergreen classic on the list. First, Mary Church Terrell (1863-1954) became the first African American woman to earn a college degree. Mary Louise Smith (1937-) later refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus. 

Rosa (#650)-I'm unsure if Rosa is as traditional as classic Rose. However, it still has some spirit. Rosa Parks (1913-2005) was an American activist who lived during the Civil Rights movement. Like Mary Louise Smith, she refused to leave a segregated bus. A bonus is that Rosa Parks was born in February. 

Ruby (#66)-This popular antique brings to mind Ruby Bridges. As Dorothy Counts-Scoggins desegregated a high school, Ruby Bridges did the same to an elementary school. She attended the all-white William Frantz Elementary School at the age of six. 

Zora (#789)-Zora means "dawn", putting it in line with Aurora and other celestial nature names. African-American writer Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960) wrote well-known novels such as Their Eyes Were Watching God. It fits in with Nora and Cora, too. 

BOYS' NAMES:

Booker (unranked)-When people think of this name, one of the first associations to come to mind is Booker T. Washington (1856-1915). He was the leader of African Americans from the 1890s to his death. Booker fits in with other surname-names ending in "er" like Carter and Parker. 

Frederick (#475)-Frederick is a timeless classic that works as an alternative to Robert and Thomas. It was also worn by one of the most famous black men in history. Frederick Douglass (c. 1818-1895) led the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York. 

George (#119)-Evergreen George was popular until the early 1990s. However, it seems to be heading back towards the top. George is ranking as its highest since 1997. One of the name's many bearers, George Washington Carver (1864-1943) promoted the prevention of soil reduction.

James (#6)-It's in the top 10 and was always a popular name. However, that doesn't stop James from making this list. James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) led the organization founded by Ida B. Wells. There was also African American novelist James Baldwin (1924-1987).  

Langston (#676)-Langston Hughes (1902-1967) innovated in jazz poetry during the Harlem Renaissance. He made his name sound old-fashioned, but it never entered the charts until 2013. An uncommon petrified choice, Langston now ranks in the 600s.

Martin (#281)-Martin fits in the same category as Frederick and George, a classic that's not too common. Martin Luther King jr. (1929-1968) gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. Even though he was eventually assassinated, his speech paved the way for increased racial equality. 

William (#3)-Probably the most common name on this list, William's many bearers include a black hero. William Monroe Trotter (1872-1934) was one of the many African American activists of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. 

Who was your favorite black hero/heroine from history?