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In the United States, many Black parents choose names that celebrate culture, meaning, identity, and uniqueness. Below are Black names commonly used, along with their meanings, origins, and what makes them special today.
Girl Names
Aaliyah – Of Arabic origin meaning “exalted” or “high-ranking.” Popularized by the late singer Aaliyah.
Sanaa – Arabic/Swahili origin, meaning “art” or “brilliance.” Elegant and radiant.
Naomi – Hebrew, meaning “pleasantness” or “delight.”
Nova – Latin for “new.” Symbolic of stars and beginnings.
Serenity – English virtue name meaning “peace” and “calmness.”
Amari – African origin (Yoruba roots), meaning “strength” or “builder.” Unisex but popular for girls.
Leilani – Hawaiian name meaning “heavenly flower.”
Aurora – Latin for “dawn,” often associated with rebirth and light.
Selena – connection to iconic figures like Selena Quintanilla and Selena Gomez, has now become a symbol of resilience and elegance.
Aria – Hebrew for “lioness” or Italian for “melody.”
Hazel – English nature name referencing the hazel tree; often tied to wisdom and protection.
Violet – Latin; a flower name and soft purple hue, often linked with royalty and grace.
Willow – English origin, from the willow tree, symbolizing flexibility and resilience.
Soraya – Persian/Arabic, meaning “jewel” or associated with the Pleiades star cluster.
Yuna – Korean and Japanese roots. In Korean, it may mean “allow” or “consent,” while in Japanese it can imply beauty, elegance, or “gentle melody.”
Emorie – Modern American variant of “Emery,” meaning “brave and powerful.”
Zuri – Swahili for “beautiful.” A favorite in Afrocentric name circles.
Skye – English/Scottish, referencing the Isle of Skye or the heavens.
Azariah – Hebrew name meaning “Yahweh has helped.”
Fia – Short, fiery girl name with Scottish and Irish roots; sometimes associated with “Fiona.”
Nia – Swahili, meaning “purpose.” Also represents one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Journey – English name symbolizing adventure, growth, and transformation.
Tiana – Slavic/Latin; means “princess.” Popularized by Disney’s first Black princess.
Brielle – French; short for Gabrielle, meaning “God is my strength.”
Zendaya – Shona (Zimbabwean) origin, meaning “to give thanks.”
Aminah – Arabic, meaning “trustworthy” or “faithful.” Root of “Amina,” the Prophet Muhammad’s mother’s name.
Boy Names
Ezra – Hebrew, meaning “helper.” A biblical name that’s gained popularity.
Noah – Hebrew, meaning “rest” or “comfort.” A timeless name.
Kairo – Modern variant of “Cairo,” often linked to “victory” or “triumph.”
Asher – Hebrew, meaning “happy” or “blessed.”
Aiden – Irish/Gaelic, meaning “little fire.”
Xavier – Arabic/Basque/Spanish origins; can mean “bright,” “new house,” or “splendid.”
Zion – Hebrew, meaning “highest point” or “holy place.”
Orion – Greek; mythological hunter and star constellation.
Leo – Latin, meaning “lion.” Strong, bold, and popular.
Legend – English word name, meaning “famous story.” A modern and bold choice.
Omari – Swahili/Arabic roots, meaning “flourishing” or “long-lived.”
Benny – a short and affectionate form of Benjamin.
Zaire – African place name (Congo River), meaning “the river that swallows all rivers.”
Nasir – Arabic origin, meaning “helper” or “supporter.”
Kyan – Irish or modern variation of “Cian,” meaning “ancient.”
Khalil – Arabic, meaning “friend” or “companion.”
Malik – Arabic, meaning “king” or “sovereign.”
Tariq – Arabic, meaning “morning star” or “he who knocks at the door.”
Micah – Hebrew, meaning “Who is like God?”
Jabari – Swahili, meaning “brave” or “fearless.”
Tyrese – Modern name popularized in the Black community; unclear etymology but widely embraced.
Elijah – Hebrew for “My God is Yahweh.” A strong prophetic name.
Kamari – Swahili origin, meaning “moonlight.”
Cairo – Capital of Egypt; often used as a name to signify heritage and strength.
Shiloh – Hebrew, meaning “peaceful” or “tranquil.”
Nehemiah – Hebrew, meaning “comforted by God.”
Gender-Neutral / Modern Favorites
Sage – Latin/English virtue name; “wise” or “prophet,” also a healing herb.
Ember – From English, meaning “glowing coal.” Evokes warmth and power.
River – Nature name used by all genders; symbolizes life and movement.
Harper – English occupational name; originally for harp players.
Riley – Irish, meaning “valiant” or “courageous.”
Quinn – Irish, meaning “wise” or “intelligent.”
Phoenix – Greek, mythical bird that rises from its ashes; rebirth and power.
Justice – English virtue name representing fairness and equality.
Royal – English origin; symbolizes nobility and regality.
True – Simple, powerful, and modern. Often linked with authenticity and honesty.
Zya – Variation of Zia, meaning “light” in Arabic. Also pronounced as “Zy-ya.”
Nuri – Arabic/Hebrew, meaning “my light.”
Tai – Can mean “great” in Chinese, or Taye short for Taiwo in Yoruba.
Ace – English origin; means “number one.” Stylish and confident.
Blu – Bold and minimal. Popularized by Beyoncé’s daughter, Blue Ivy.
Lux – Latin, meaning “light.” Unisex and radiant.
Kingston – English place name. Made popular by Gwen Stefani’s son.
Names Gaining Momentum in 2025
These names are rapidly climbing in popularity among Black families and on naming websites:
Rylo – Edgy, futuristic-sounding.
Zai – Minimalist, stylish.
Nayla – Arabic/Swahili blend, meaning “attainer” or “successful one.”
Kove – Cool and coastal in sound.
Jireh – Hebrew, meaning “provider” (from Jehovah Jireh).
Zael – Rare name, possibly Hebrew, meaning “one who is full of zeal.”
Shai – Hebrew meaning “gift.”
Onyx – Precious black gemstone; strong and bold.
Sevyn – Modern twist on “Seven.” R&B influenced.
Jream – Stylized form of “Dream.” Uncommon but growing.
Lyric – Used across genders. Musical and poetic.
Halo – Light, spiritual, and angelic.
Navi – Feels futuristic; used by Black and multi-ethnic families.
Nyomi – A twist on Naomi. Softer sound and unique spelling.
Nature / Virtue-Inspired
Ocean – Symbolizes calmness, depth, nature.
Rain – Soft and poetic. Growing in popularity for girls.
Storm – Strong, fierce, edgy.
Sol – Spanish for “sun.” Minimalist and warm.
Sevyn – A stylized version of “Seven.” Unisex and poetic.
Promise – Virtue name. Often used by Nigerian families and African Americans.
Blessing – Common in Nigerian and diaspora communities. Uplifting meaning.
Treasure – Symbolic and radiant.
Heaven – Continues to trend, especially in urban naming styles.
Tru – Stylish and sleek virtue name.
Royal – Used for boys and girls. Symbolizes strength and legacy.
Legacy – Unisex and becoming popular on baby name charts.
Mercy – Deeply meaningful, virtue-driven.
Glory – Strong spiritual resonance.
Truth – Bold and intellectual.
Peace – Calming and increasingly used as a first name.
Dream – Symbolic and poetic. Gaining popularity across all demographics.
Royalty – Power name rooted in self-worth and esteem.
Culturally Rooted Names
Makai – Hawaiian origin, meaning “towards the sea.” Popular in the Black community due to its melodic sound.
Imani – Swahili origin, meaning “faith.” One of the Kwanzaa principles.
Ayana – Ethiopian origin, meaning “beautiful flower” or “eternal blossom.”
Ayo – Yoruba origin, meaning “joy.”
Eniola – Yoruba origin, meaning “a person of wealth.”
Tunde – Yoruba origin, meaning “returns” or “has returned,” typically part of longer names like Babatunde.
Sekou – West African origin, meaning “leader.” Made famous by activist Sekou Touré.
Pop Culture–Driven Names (Music, Media, Sports)
Nipsey – In honor of rapper Nipsey Hussle. Evokes power, legacy.
Ciara – Irish origin, meaning “dark-haired.” Made famous by singer Ciara.
Solange – French origin, meaning “solemn” or “dignified.” Beyoncé’s sister.
Tyga – Modern twist on “Tiger.” Influenced by pop culture.
Neyo – Made famous by singer Ne-Yo. A sleek, modern name.
Oluwadamilola is a multi-passionate Creative Brand Strategist, Social Media Expert, and certified Medical Aesthetician. With a strong background in digital storytelling and global brand growth, she blends creativity with strategy to amplify community-driven narratives. Beyond the newsroom, she is building a personal brand at the intersection of skincare, technology, and remote work; empowering undergraduates and young professionals to build digital skills and explore future-forward careers. Deeply curious and always evolving, she thrives on learning, innovation, and creating impact through intentional content. Check out www.tuyifedami.com for more
