What is the Black Panther's real name?

The Black Panther’s real name is T’Challa, the Wakandan king and superhero most associated with the mantle.

T’Challa is a fictional prince of Wakanda, a technologically advanced African nation in Marvel’s universe. He first appeared in Fantastic Four #52 in 1966, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The Black Panther identity is not simply a secret nickname: it is a hereditary and ceremonial mantle connected to Wakanda’s royal leadership and the Panther Goddess.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Chadwick Boseman played T’Challa in Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. The character is often described as both a monarch and a scientist, with his abilities enhanced by the heart-shaped herb and his equipment built from vibranium.

A common mix-up is assuming “Black Panther” is T’Challa’s surname. It is his heroic title. Other characters, including T’Challa’s sister Shuri, have also carried the Black Panther mantle in Marvel stories.