The result was the birth of mulatto, quadroon, or mustee (mestee) children. American slave owners or slaveholders were owners of slaves in the United States which typically worked either as agriculture laborers or house servants. . A. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. "While African-American genealogical research in many ways is like all genealogical research, the era of slavery makes the task especially challenging. College Advanced AA Gen. Class, November 2012, Robyn, Aaron, Karen, Katherine and Michael, October 2014, African-American Family History Conference, February 2015, African-American Genealogy Group Conference, October 2016, Central Maryland AAHGS, with Alice Harris, September 2015, Howard Comm.
16 Most Famous Female Slaves of African American Origin Slaveholders and African Americans 1860-1870 - RootsWeb . Gradually, to show contempt for Slaves, the captors used Buck and Wench for naming the genders till they became trade terms, like Filly and Shoat.Contempt for the male was removing his honorific attachment to fatherhood and manhood by being addressed as Boy. Once the vigorous years of his prime were passed, he was allowed to assume the title of Uncle. Females were called Gal, girl, or the name of some animal. CLICK HERE TO SAVE YOUR SEAT! A Wessyngton slave named Bill who was the plantation's blacksmith was known as Billy the Smith during slavery. In 1911, Barnett and Frys widow, Mollie, both applied for pensions from the government. Robyn, Unraveling the origins of FPOC and slaves in Francophone Louisiana takes some thinking outside the fact, meticulous research ,familiarity with the local culture, history and a bit of serendipity on your side. It is these single names that have been most often studied. Prior to the emancipation of the American slaves in 1863, those African-Americans held in bondage had usually just one or two given names. Dick Lewis Barnett and Phillip Fry were African American veterans of the Union Army during the Civil War. In 1850, Ward. Some last names recognize certain histories or describe important events or narratives that mean a lot to the family. No superior alternative has yet been found. Rounding out the Top 40, here are the next 30 most common names among African-Americans and Caribbean people: Taylor (Jayceon Terrel Taylor "The Game") Wilson (Charlie Wilson) Moore (Shemar Moore) White (Barry White) Lewis (Carl Lewis) Walker (Jimmie J. J. Walker) Green (Al Green) Thompson (Kenan Thompson) Washington (Denzel Washington) You already know the rich historical terrain of FPOC in Louisiana, what terrific grounds for family research. A. Mr. Thomas Jefferson of Louisville, bought me when I was three years of age from Mr. Dearing. What remains utterly amazing to me is that in the worst of circumstances, and in spite of every attempt to crush any idea that slaves were anything other than commodities, slaveholders did not succeed. . Students learn about President Andrew Johnson and the Congressional Republican's conflicting visions of how to rebuild the nation after the Civil War. This article is from the Encyclopedia of North Carolina edited by William S. Powell. Isaiah derives from the Hebrew Yeshayahu, containing the elements. One given name the childs family selected and kept secret and one the child was known by given by the slave owner. Unfortunately, I am not knowledgeable enough about African and Caribbean research in the areas you name. . Some of these examples come from the wonderful book, Voices of Emancipation: I served [in the War] as Henry Lock, the Lock being my old Massas name but since the War I have taken name of Rollie., [Edward] was owned by Drury Stovall and went by the name of Edward Stovall. Q. Slavery is a social-economic system under which people are enslaved: deprived of personal freedom and forced to perform labor or services without compensation. Another common practice was to select a surname that fit the personality of an individual, such as Hardy or Rambler. Benson, Susan. Karen Halttunen, Murder Most Foul, p. 175. Drawing on extensive archival records, this digital memorial allows analysis of the ships, traders, and captives in the Atlantic slave trade. Users without a subscription are not able to see the full content on Maria Aparecida Schumaher, Erico teixeira Vital Brazil. Gerald, however, is a Germanic name meaning ruler) 2. Q. Through a video-based activity, students examine Americas struggle for a stronger democracy during Reconstruction and today. When I was born my mother was known as Phillis Smith and I took the name of Smith too. Thanks for this very thoughtful article. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW! There was often a fluidity to the surnames that enslaved people had.
Louisiana, U.S., Records of Enslaved People, 1719-1820 - Ancestry.com I especially recommend Mother, Thy Name is Mystery! State of residence is Missouri unless otherwise noted. According to the latest search data available, Italian last names and their meanings are searched for nearly, 40,500 times per month. He stated that he had always been known by his fathers surname Scott, even before he was freed. The same family may appear with different surnames in the 1870 and 1880 federal census records, and may appear in other records with either, both, or a third surname altogether. This meant that army records documented their service with their old names instead of their new ones. by John C. Inscoe, 2006; Revised May 2022 by NC Government & Heritage Library. How did you ever come by the name of "Mollie"? The Genealogy Source Table Collection includes 10 blank, editable source tables for death certificates, city directories, obituaries and funeral programs.
Slave surnames | Vita Brevis I was called by that name all the time I was with the Morrows. Recognizable patterns of change in names and naming practices are evident from the mid-eighteenth century to the early nineteenth century and on through the 1860s. For him, this meant claiming his new identity as a freedman and a citizen. Many names, whether African derived or English, refer to birth circumstances, including both the ubiquitous day-names, which derive from the West African Akan-Twi language group, and others such as birth order and time of birth (e.g., day of the week, month, or season). Thank you. This entry was posted on Friday, August 28th, 2009 at 11:46 am and is filed under Civil War, Genealogy & DNA, Interviews. The battle was long and hard-fought, with pro-slavery campaigners arguing that the slave trade was important for the British economy and claiming that enslaved Africans were happy and well-treated. However, the common practice by slaveholders was to only use the given names of enslaved people in documents such as estate papers, court and deed records. Edmon S. Conner Recalls About His Career", "Law and the Cultural Production of Race and Racialized Systems of Oppression", "Runaway Slaves and Servants in Colonial Virginia", Slavery in the Courtroom: An Annotated Bibliography of American Cases, "Soldier of Furtune: John Smith before Jamestown", "YSTUMLLYN, JOHN ('Jack Black') (d. 1786), gardener and land steward | Dictionary of Welsh Biography", "Strong, Jonathan (c. 17471773), de facto freed slave", "Juan Francisco Manzano | Slave Narratives | The MoAD Salon | MoAD - Museum of the African Diaspora", "Relatos sobre la India Juliana. See flier for more details. By examining periods of violence during the Reconstruction era, students learn about the potential backlash to political and social change. This is another instance of oral history being a key component in tracing African American ancestry. Best of luck to you, We had to register as someone, so we could be citizens. Finding State Laws About Slaves and Free Blacks, More Suggestions for White Slaveholder Descendants, http://justthinking130.blogspot.com/2009/09/calvin-r-yarborough-where-it-all-began.html, http://justthinking130.blogspot.com/2013/11/many-rivers-to-cross-my-priscilla.html, https://www.historicpathways.com/articles.html, http://whitneyplantation.com/the-louisiana-slave-database.html. This lifelong quest has helped me to better know my familys past. After the war ended and slavery was abolished, they exercised their freedom by changing their names. Index to "Descriptive Recruitment Lists of Volunteers for the United States Colored Troops for the State of Missouri, 1863-1865" (NARA Microfilm Publication M1894 - 6 rolls) For more information about the records covered in this index, please contact the History and Genealogy Department. A. Lottie Smith was my name and what they called me before I met Phillip and was married to him. Beginning in the early nineteenth century, more biblical names were given to enslavedchildren, a reflection of the widespread attempts to Christianize enslaved communities. Although enslavers often assigned names to newly acquired enslaved peoplethat were whimsical, satirical, or condescending in intent, the frequent appearance of classical names-Venus, Cato, Hercules, Bacchus, Pompey-reflect enslavers' own educations and libraries.
These Are Some of the Rarest Last Names in the US: Do You Have One in These require Microsoft Word and a Windows platform.
Most Common African-American Surnames: Origin & Meanings I'll illustrate transcribing deeds, show you how to find your county deed records on FamilySearch, and you will receive my PDF Beginner's Guide to Using Deed Records, a $12 value! As a result, many slaves used the surnames of their owners wifes family. Through Reclaiming Kin, I share tips on genealogy skillbuilding for all genealogists, and on researching slavery and the enslaved.
Surnames for African-Americans - Former Slaves Most common last names names: 1-1000 | 1001-2000 | 2001-3000 | 3001-4000 | 4001-5000 In fact, it's not even past. I was called mostly Lewis Smith till after the war, although I was named Dick Lewis Smith After the War, I was wearing the name Lewis Smith, but I found the negroes were taking the names of their fathers, like the white folks. Whereas names withAfrican, classical, or other unique origins were popular during enslavement, --- often continuingfrom one generation to the next and creating a distinctive nomenclature unlike that of southern whites -- free black peopleoften used more traditionally Anglicized versions of their first names. Thanks for adding your very experienced voice to the conversation. Emphasizes the giving and repeated use of names as a performative act of domination. Former slaves often used surnames names of historical figures such as Washington, Jefferson or Jackson.
9 of the Biggest Slave Owners in American History - Atlanta Black Star Many Welsh surnames follow this pattern, with Jones (from 'John's son) being the most common.
Slave Names | NCpedia Mining the Census: Are You Finding Every Clue? Going back a decade to the 1850 Slave Schedule, both William Wood and Samuel O. A. Students examine how freed people in the United States sought to define freedom after Emancipation. Slavery. Women tended to have two names, and slaves often just had one. I am sure your father would also be very proud of your interest in family history. You are the continuation of each of these people.". A favorite of British novelists including Evelyn Waugh and P. G. Wodehouse, Ambrose has an air of blooming well-being and upper-class erudition. 42. Q. Kaplan, Justin, and Anne Bernays. I mean, really retro. Phillis Wheatley (May 8, 1753 - December 5, 1784) Source = Wikimedia. I just cannot imagine (thankfully) the idea of my name being changed with every new owner, with not having any idea of what my parents surnames were, of having a white father but not being able to have a father/child relationship with himand all the other myriad of circumstances that enslaved people faced. Abel, et al. I would also recommend Elizabeth Shown Mills various case studies on enslaved people in Louisiana, which you can find at her website at https://www.historicpathways.com/articles.html. I worked for him as nurse for his children, and my full and correct name was OCTAVIA, but the family could not catch on to that long name and called me LOTTIE for short. One frequently occurring name is Rolle. He was a planter with 20,000 acres of land in East Florida and was at the forefront of slavery in The . The second hour is hands-on, and I want you to bring the deeds you've found along with your questions. Join my mailing list below to learn about upcoming webinars.
Index by slave owner's name | Surname unknown or illegible And please do share posts that interest you. Names of prominent slaveholderse.g. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2006. If the former slave had been befriended or assisted in getting established after the Civil War, they might have taken that persons name. I hope youll sign up to receive my postsif you do, youll get a free PDF with some of my favorite tips! The 2000 U.S. Census counted 163,036 people with the surname Washington. You can use the links below to view more common surnames. A great and timely article. Is this the work of the evil spirits or from my bad karma? Is this my fate!To worsen matters, a given new European label applied only to one aspect of the nature (whereas his/her original name referred to a total identity) of the enslaved and this was an effective way to try to fragment a victims mindset. That alone can make if difficult to research an African- American family during those years. When they were sold away they remembered their loved ones and they created extended kinship networks. -Unknown, "Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city;)" Robinson: A patronymic of the name Robin. . Or, the Slaves were given numbers or classical Greek names. However, many African Americans faced a problem when they applied for their pensions. Thanks for commenting and continued luck in your research, EDHASA, 2006, 359 pages, (. Each name was a clue to her origins. i did a simple search of the 1860 slave schedule using the name Culbert and came up with slaveholders in MS,VA,NC,AL,GA and SC holding 17 enslaved people. It starts with a young man falling in love with a girl. Middle Tennessee, where tobacco, cattle, and grain became the favored crops, held the . Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Hi Rodney, i have no way to confirm this.
Slave Names and Naming in the Anglophone Atlantic . In the early years, especially between the 1860 and 1880s, families even changed a surname several times until they settled on a certain one. I hope you dont mind my sharing those posts. 20 August 2022, 1-3:30 pm [PAST EVENT], Eastern Standard Time: Join me for a two-hour lecture and workshop on Using Deed Records.
Slave rebellions | History, Examples, & Facts | Britannica No, I dont know to whom she belonged before she was brought from Virginia to Kentucky.
Lists Of Most Common Bajan (Barbados) Last Names - Blogger In instances where slaves were sold from their families and they did not retain their previous owners surnames, they named their children for parents, sisters and brothers to keep a connection with their families. The most common origin for surnames is that enslaved people initially used the surname of either their mother or their father, if they knew what those names were.
common last names for slaves in the 1800s Fernsby, (Old English Origin) Derived from the old English words meaning "fern farmstead". Because I like to let formerly enslaved people speak for themselves, here are several examples of freedmen and women discussing their surnames.
5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S. | Name Census The difficulties include using records that provide no surnames, the constant sale and breakup of families, and the lack of identification of fathers. Surely the hundreds of black Culbert people living today cannot all be connected to those three cases. Eugene D. Genovese, Roll, Jordan, Roll: The World the Slaves Made (1974). -Kendall Hailey, "If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all the generations of your ancestors. Robyn. Plus, Jonah comes with a ready-made nursery-decorating motif. It prohibited. One ancestor was known as Baber Masse, Elizabeth SENET and Elisabeth Leveille in different documents. The first published African-American poet & author Phillis Wheatley was born in West Africa. An 's' at the end of a personal name also meant 'son of', for example Richards, Stevens, Williams and so on. By the late 19th century, England was home to about 300 surnames with traceable genealogy. Former slaves often made up surnames based on their occupations. College, Advanced AA Gen. Class, September 2009, Alice, Robyn and Lajoye, CM AAHGS, September 2017, Robyn and Andrea, NGS Conference, May 2014. He took his last enslaver surname. I focused on surnames but many of these books also discuss first names. A. Lottie Smith was my name and what they called me before I met Phillip and was married to him. I am the identical person who served in the said companies under the name of Lewis Smith. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Like most of the architecture and towns in Italy, they can also tell a story. Here, three different former slaves discuss their names and the changes they underwent after Emancipation. Thank you for your comment, My mothers name was Octavia Smith and it was from her that I got it but where the name came from to her I never knew. They cut it off from OCTAVIA. This unique-sounding French last name means 'bold' or 'daring'. A Wessyngton slave named Bill who was the plantations blacksmith was known as Billy the Smith during slavery. It means 'clerk' or 'secretary'. I love that your example shows two brothers, who came to different conclusions about their surnames. In Greek mythology, Athena is the name of the daughter of Zeus who was the goddess of wisdom, warfare, handicrafts, mathematics, and courage, among others. They are part of Records of the U.S. Customs Service . Spencer is a name that has everything: it's both distinguished sounding and accessible, dignified but Spencer Tracy-like friendly. Also, the government seemed to be in a almighty hurry to have us get names. Here, our list of notable early African American names. > | Index main page>| Index by slave owner's name, Index to "Descriptive Recruitment Lists of Volunteers for the United States Colored Troops for the State of Missouri, 1863-1865"(NARA Microfilm Publication M1894 - 6 rolls). College, Advanced AA Gen Class, September 2011, AAHGS Annual Genealogy Conference, November 2008, Howard Comm. Benson 2006 is one of the few general discussions of slave names. If the former slave had been befriended or assisted in getting established after the Civil War, they might have taken that person's name. Place names that were disproportionately popular among Black Americans in history include Boston, Jamaica, York, and Africa.
common last names in the 1800s - conference.ase.ro By country & year of birth. Others who wanted no connection to their former owners used surnames like Freeman or Freedman. They are recorded with the Ashby surname on subsequent documents. I have been a researcher, writer, and lecturer for over twenty-five years. I was called mostly Lewis Smith till after the war, although I was named Dick Lewis SmithDick was the brother of John Barnett whom I learned was my father . Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts South Atlantic Creole Archipelagos With mythological names rising, the handsome son of Zeus and god of medicine, music, and poetry among many other things might offer an interesting, if high-pressure, option. So just a few things to be aware of when researching any African-American ancestors. John C. Inscoe, "Carolina Slave Names: An Index to Acculturation," Journal of Southern History 59 (November 1983).
And even though slave marriages were not legal, many enslaved people followed the practice of the wife taking her husbands surname: My mother was named Mary Bradley and my father was named Hilliard Bradley. Rather than being derived from the supernatural world, European given names were a mere handle or tag. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1997. The population was more than 16 million and the industrial revolution was under way, which debunks any perception of a broadly colonial society. If a surname was needed, the slave owners family name might be used. "The past is not dead. For descendants, I would add the substantial emotional impact of seeing an ancestor's name attached to a dollar value, or being valued in a list with silverware and cattle. 2. Cora: We first fell in love with this short baby girl's name from Downton Abbey, but Cora was already popular in the 1800s, meaning 'maiden' or 'good'. My mother's name was Octavia Smith and it was from her that I got it but where the name came from to her I never knew. Where did you get the maiden name of Smith from?
On another branch, members of the Griffin family from around Campbell County VA all stuck together and are believed to have kept family bonds & name of their father after Emancipation. Herbert G. Gutman, The Black Family in Slavery and Freedom, 1750-1925 (1976). Popular English baby names by decade - 1840s - 1990s 1840s 5 Robert - 53 Margaret - 47 The 1860s first saw the Rimmers' use of 1870s Boys Girls Total registered births - 1,944 1 John - 160 Mary - 151 The 1870s first saw the Rimmers' use of What was the first girl's name in the 1900s? But if Romeo and Venus are now deemed baby-appropriate, why not Apollo? . It was after emancipation on that I went back to work for Col. Morrow and where I got the name Lottie, as already explained. Such resistance signified continual deep-rooted discontent with the condition of bondage and, in some places, such as the United States, resulted in ever-more-stringent mechanisms for social control and repression in slaveholding areas. For more details, see the flier here, and you can purchase them here. Edited by Gabriele vom Bruck and Barbara Bodenhorn, 178-199. But the Slaves generally had two namesthe one given by the slave owner (e.g.
I worked for him as nurse for his children, and my full and correct name was OCTAVIA, but the family could not "catch on" to that long name and called me "LOTTIE" for short. I also have a Slavery and Freedom Collection available for $20. Wesley is one of a group of W-starting surname names reminiscent of the Old West that are making a comeback -- though it's not as well used as it was in the 1970s, when he ranked as high as Number 66. Former slaves also interchanged surnames on census records. Robyn. The name.Auber.is also.in.Haiti and.is of.French orign. And you get to tell the story of Jean-Louiss life in slavery and also in freedom. After emancipation, he moved back with his mother, brothers and sisters and used the Cobbs surname.
Changing Names | Facing History and Ourselves This causes many researchers to wrongly conclude that enslaved people did not have surnames until after emancipation, which was not the case. See flier here. Another myth is once African Americans were sold they never saw their families again.
Surname origins reveal a complex history of slavery in The Bahamas USA.gov, The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Popular Last Names in the 1920s Gatsby Flapper Girl Enslaved people suffered constant sale, where children were frequently torn away from parents at young ages and spouses were often separated. Copeland This last name comes from Old Norse origin. The quote below, from a Southern Claims Commission file, is one of the most powerful and one of my favorites to use in lectures: I enlisted under Ross because that was my fathers name.
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