1. Cuffee: A common African name among enslaved people, derived from “Kofi,” meaning born on a Friday. It represents a link to ancestral heritage, carrying significance well into the 19th century.
2. Cudjo: Another African day name, this one has roots in Gulf African traditions and stands as a testament to enduring cultural ties despite oppressive circumstances.
3. Scipio: Popular in classical references, this name was used ironically to highlight both the power and origins of ancient African generals, fostering remembered strength among the enslaved.
4. Caesar: Both a classical and common name, often given to mock the enslaved with irony, echoing implications of power.
5. Jack: A common, shortened name that reinforced the authority of the enslaver while erasing ethnic origins, but used in quiet defiance as part of cultural resistance.
6. London: Geographic names like this reflected the distant origins or captor’s whims, imbuing a sense of place and distant connectivity.
7. Francois: Common in areas like French-speaking Louisiana, where French influences are pronounced in cultural and naming conventions.
8. Pedro: A Spanish name widely used in Spanish colonies, providing a connection to both new world settlement and old local traditions.
9. Abdul Rahman Ibrahima Sori: A poignant name that underscores the remarkable story of a Fula prince who lived under enslavement in the United States for four decades.
10. Amos Fortune: Symbolizing resilience and journey, Amos was an African prince known for regaining freedom and securing an enduring legacy.
1. Sukey: A diminutive of Susan and a common African name that carried familial and cultural ties, maintaining an African identity.
2. Venus: A classical name, often used to embody European notions of beauty yet indicative of imposed identities within enslavement.
3. Mary: Intensely popular, this name served as a versatile portal between identity, representing a European standard with biblical roots.
4. Diane: A classical choice that illustrates the whim of the enslaver, borrowing from cultural stalwarts of mythology and classical antiquity.
5. Phillis: Known for Phillis Wheatley, the renowned poet, this name represents both a typical enslaved woman’s name and a symbol of defied expectations.
6. Delphine: Used in areas influenced by French culture, such as Louisiana, bearing elegance and hints of French legacy.
7. Maria: Spanish influence made this a widespread choice in colonial certain areas, serving as a bridge between European customs and enslaved life.
8. Comfort: A descriptive name that may have reflected a desired trait or perception, imbued with hope and personal aspiration.
9. Lucretia: A classical name often layered with irony and objectification, yet its use speaks to a persistent cultural presence even amidst oppression.
10. Manon: Reflects a French cultural heritage, integrating personal stories into broader colonial narratives, often found within French-dominated regions.