Question about African-American names?

Question

We were talking about this in history class recently. At what point in American history did African-Americans begin to give their children names with uniquely African-American flavour (think "Jamelia" or "Shontavius"), rather than traditionally Anglo-European names like "Mary" or "Charles?"

Respectful replies only, please.

Answer 1

I read a NY Times article a few years ago following trends across various etnic lines. It said that black names largely paralleled white names up until the 1970s. That seems to correspond with my own experience; black students in my school jad a lot of similar names through my school years, but by high school, elementary kids had some of the more cultural names.

Answer 2

When did they begin? I don't think we have ever stopped. Yes, slaves were stripped of their culture and human rights, and were forced to go by certain names only for the purpose of sales and communication amongst the slave owners, but that does not mean the slaves adopted the "new life". Meaning they more than likely wore a mask but when amongst each other they still practiced their usual way of life. How else were they supposed to survive? Of course, I am only referring to African slaves.

As for the American born slaves, I can only think of only a few cases where they would begin to use, as you say, traditional Anglo-European names. The children who were taken away from their birth parents, Africans or offspring of Africans, and raised amongst other slaves who too were taken from their parents and all they know is what is given to them. These particular people probably had no one to teach them about the way of life in Africa, etc.

Answer 3

It really depends. My newest instructor is from Liberia and they were very Americanized centuries ago. Their capital is Monrovia named after James Monroe, the US President who had been in office when trade agreements were really beginning. So it can because of which part of Africa the parents are from.
It's also based on religion. There are many black Muslims and the use of "unique" names is very common.

Answer 4

The name Jamelia is the Anglicized version of an Arabic/Muslim name Jameelah meaning beautiful.

Answer 5

I wouldn't name my child Mary or James or whatever.

I like Black names because they are unique and not dull.

Answer 6

it's personal preference.Many europeons are NOT anglos.And names like the parody black names on "In living color" or "Martin" are just silly.

Answer 7

I never met one Black person named Shontavius. We're not dark white folks so don't expect us to blindly follow the majority. You're gonna say "we'll they wont get a job". We're starting businesses playboy.