63 Black Names, Perfect For African Babies 

Black names are some of the most beautiful names out there. And picking a good baby name can actually be overwhelming because of all the options. 

There are some really lovely names that are worth considering. In this article, we share with you some of the best black names for African American girls and boys.

Aaliyah

This gorgeous name is one of the best black names out there for girls. Aaliyah is a name that means “exalted” or “highborn”. 

The name is perfect for black girls because of the power it exudes. This name sounds beautiful and has a regal meaning that makes it one of the best name choices out there. 

The name is also popularised by the fact that it belonged to one of the best and most respected African American singers.

Christian

Christian is a boy name that is perfect for African American boys. This name simply means “follower” of Christ. 

For religious families, this is easily a beautiful name to bestow on a baby boy. The name is very popular and respected. 

You couldn’t really go wrong choosing the name for your baby. 

Adah

This gorgeous Igbo name is one of the best black names for girls. Adah is a name that means “first daughter” in the Igbo language. 

This name is great to give to your first-born child or the first girl in a family. 

Adah is a beautiful sounding name that is easy to pronounce and has such a lovely meaning that we can’t help but love it. 

Brianna

Another name with a regal meaning that is great for black girls is “Brianna”. This name means “high”, “noble” or “exalted”. 

Brianna is a name that is somewhat among African American girls. And it popular for good reason. 

Similar to Aaliyah, Brianna is a very powerful name. And the name is very beautiful and easy to pronounce too. 

Brandon

When it comes to black names for boys, Brandon is a really great name. 

While the name has roots in Welsh and Irish culture, it has become a somewhat popular name around the world and for African American boys. 

The name means “prince”. This meaning makes it a very respected name and a great name to give to a baby boy.

Aisha

When it comes to black names for girls, Aisha is a very common and beautiful name. 

The name has Arabic roots and means “alive and well”. This is a very beautiful and uplifting meaning. 

The name is very popular in Islamic communities. Many black girls in Africa, the UK and in America have this name. 

This is definitely a name to consider for a baby girl. 

D’Angelo

This name is a very beautiful name for black boys. The name comes from the Latin word “Angelo” which means “messenger”. 

This name is a common one among African American boys. It also became more popularized by the singer D’Angelo

The name sounds very beautiful to say and has a very divine meaning attached to it. This is definitely one of our favorites. 

Jelani

Jelani is an African name that has a very powerful meaning. The name means “strong” or “mighty”. 

This name has become quite common in African American communities for black boys. 

Jelani is a name that sounds very good and is easy to say. For black boys, this is definitely one of the best names out there. 

Crystal

Crystal is a very gorgeous name that has become popular for black girls. And this is for good reason. 

This name has Greek origins. It means “gem” or “earth mineral”. The meaning behind this name is so special and makes it a beautiful one to give to a girl. 

The name communicates the preciousness of whoever has it and that’s why we love it.

Dakarai

Dakarai is very great name for black boys. This is a Southern African name that comes from the Shona language.

Dakarai means “happiness”. This is a very beautiful meaning and it communicates the joy that a child can bring into a family. 

This makes it one of the best black names. We highly recommend considering this beautiful name for a baby boy. 

Treyvon

This is one of the black names on our list that is very popular but has no definitive meaning or origin. 

Treyvon is thought of as being a derivative of the name Trevor. But it is also thought to be a combination of Trevor and Devon. 

Regardless of the name’s origin, this name sounds good and is great for black boys. 

Tamia

Tamia is a name that is beloved for black girls. This name has Hebrew origins and is said to means “palm tree”.

Tamia is a name that has become quite popular for black girls and is also a name that had become more liked because it belongs to a celebrated black singer. 

We definitely consider this one of the best black names. 

Darius

Darius is a beautiful name for black boys. This name has Persian origins. 

Darius means “maintains possessions well”. This is a really great meaning that makes this one of the best names for a baby boy.

Darius is a name that is becoming more and more popular. The name is also easy to pronounce and spell and we really love it. 

Elijah

Another religious name for boys is Elijah. This name has Hebrew origins. 

Elijah means “Yahweh is my God”. For black boys in Christian families, this is a great name. 

Elijah is a very powerful name that is very respected. You couldn’t go wrong choosing this name for black boys.

Dominique

Another religious name when it comes to the best black names is Dominique. 

This name is perfect for black girls. The name has Latin and French roots. It means “of the Lord”. 

Dominique is said to be a good name to give to a baby born on a Sunday, the day of the Lord. 

For black girls, this is one of our favorite names. 

Dalia

Another very beautiful name for black girls is Dalia. This name has Hebrew and Arabic roots. 

Dalia means “gentle”. This is a lovely meaning that makes this name fitting for a baby girl. 

Dalia is a name that is quite popular in Arabic speaking communities and many black communities around the world. 

The name sounds really lovely and is absolutely one of our favorites. 

Hakeem

Another favorite when it comes to black names that have Arabic roots is Hakeem. This name is really great for black boys. 

Hakeem means “wise” or “learned”. This meaning is really great because it bestows a good omen on a baby about their characteristics. 

Hakeem is a common name among many black communities. In Islamic African countries as well as in African American communities, this name is cherished.

Idris

This name has a Welsh origin but has become more and more popular in black communities.

Idris means “fiery leader”. This meaning makes this a very powerful name and one of the best black names for boys. 

Idris has also become popularized because it is the name of Idris Elba, the very celebrated black British actor

We absolutely love this name for black boys. 

Efrem

For black boys, Efrem is one of the best names. This name is also one that has Hebrew origins. 

Efrem means “doubly fruitful”. This is a great name that expresses the blessing a child can bring to a family. 

The name can also be seen as bestowing a good omen on the child’s future. 

We definitely champion this name for black boys. 

Destiny

One of the best black names for girls is Destiny. This name is one of those name that has a straightforward and clear meaning. 

Destiny is a name that gives the person who holds and air of power. And this is why it is a name that is becoming increasingly popular. 

This name commands respect and we absolutely love it for black girls. 

Imani

Imani is another name of Arabic origin that is beautiful for black girls. This name is quite common in black communities. 

Imani means “belief” or “faith”. This makes it a good name for those who are religious but can also be given to a child in a not so religious context. 

Imani is a name that sounds absolutely beautiful. It is also phonetic so it is easy to spell. 

Jada

Another fantastic name for black girls that has Hebrew roots is Jada. This name means “wise”.

This name has also been popularized by a celebrity. Jada Pinkett Smith being a celebrated black actress and public figure has made this name even more common among black girls. 

This name is very simple but beautiful and we really love it for black girls. 

Gabriel

Another quite religious name that is good for black boys is Gabriel. This name means “God is my strength”. 

This very powerful meaning makes this one of the best black names if you are looking for a black boy name that is tied to Christianity.

The name is empowering and this is why we love it. Gabriel is a common but very beautiful name that is great for black boys. 

Damien

This name is one that has Greek origins and is one of the best black names for boys because of how popular it has become in black communities. 

Damien means “to tame” or “to subdue”. This meaning is one that is very strong and makes it perfect for a baby boy. 

This name is a simple but very beautiful and powerful name and this is why we love it. 

Jasmine

This name is one of the best black names for girls. Jasmine is a name with a few beautiful meanings. 

In Persian, Jasmine means “gift from God”. This meaning is very beautiful and makes the name lovely for a girl. 

The name is also the name of a flower, which also makes it a beautiful name for a girl. 

Jamal

Jamal is one of the most popular black names for boys. This name is also one that has Arabic origins.

Jamal means “handsome” in Arabic. This makes it a very simple and great name in terms of its meaning for black boys.

Jamal is an easy name to pronounce and spell and we appreciate and love it. 

Abena

This beautiful name is one of the best black names for girls. Abena is a name that has west African origins.

The name means “born on a Tuesday”. If you have a baby girl born on a Tuesday, this is a beautiful name to go with. 

Abena is very easy to pronounce and spell. And the name sounds lovely to say. 

Isaiah

Isaiah is another biblical name that is very popular for black boys. This name means “God saves” in Hebrew.

If you want a name with religious connotations for your baby, Isaiah is a good name to go with. 

This name has a beautiful meaning and sounds beautiful too. Many black boys from religious families or otherwise have this name and we really like it. 

Keenan

Another name with Irish roots that has become one of the best black names for boys is Keenan.

This name means “ancient”. But the name is also said to have Hebrew origins and in Hebrew it means “possession”. 

Keenan is a beautiful name and it is easy to spell and pronounce. Many black boys have it and we really recommend considering this name. 

Jordan

Jordan is another black name that has Hebrew origins. This name means “to flow down” or “to descend”. 

The name is said to have come from the Jordan River which flows into the Dead Sea. 

The name has become a very popular one around the world. But in African American communities, this name is really beloved and we really like it for black boys.  

Kwame

Kwame is a very good name for black boys that has African origins. This name has origins in Ghana. 

The name means “born on Saturday”. If you have a baby boy born on a Saturday, this name is great. 

Kwame is a name that is becoming more and more popular with African American black boys and we truly love this name. 

Nirvana

This beautiful name on our list has Hindu roots but has become increasingly popular for black girls. And this is for very good reason. 

The beautiful name means “bliss” or “transcendent state”. This meaning gives this name such an enchanting quality. 

Even the sound of the name sounds enchanting. This is definitely one of our favorite names on the list of black names for girls. 

LaMonte

This is another name that has some form of European origin but has become one of the best black names for boys. 

This name has French origins and it means “man of law”. This is a name that is especially quite popular with African American boys.

This name is beautiful and easily likeable. You couldn’t go wrong with this beautiful name for black boys. 

Jaden

This name is one of the black names for boys that has a few meanings to it. The name has Hebrew roots. 

Jaden is thought to means “thankful” in Hebrew. But it also said to have another meaning which is “God has heard”. 

Whichever interpretation you take of the name however is really beautiful. This name is definitely one of our favorites for black boys. 

Malikah

This is another black girl name with Arabic origins that we consider one of the very best black names out there. The name Malikah means “queen” in Arabic.

This meaning gives this name so much power and this is why it is so perfect for black baby girls. 

Malikah sounds beautiful to say and has such a beautiful meaning. No wonder this name has become more and more popular in black communities are the world.

Lebron

Another one of the best black names with French origins is Lebron. This name means “brown-haired” in French. 

Lebron is a simply beautiful sounding name that is perfect for black boys. 

The name has also been popularized by the fact that is belongs to the very celebrated black basketball player Lebron James. 

We absolutely love this name choice for black boys. 

Malachi

This name is a very beautiful one for black boys. This name means “Messenger of God” in Hebrew. 

The meaning behind this name is very beautiful and this is one of the reasons we love this name so much. 

Malachi is also a name that sounds very beautiful to say. No wonder this name is becoming more popular for black boys. 

Wesley

This name is another one that has European origins that has become popular for black boys. The name has English origins and it means “western meadow”. 

Wesley is a name that is beloved around the world in general. The name has a nice sound to it and is easy to spell. 

When it comes to names for black boys, this name is a good choice. 

Kaylen

Kaylen is another name that has Irish origins but has become one of the best black names out there. This name is very good for black girls. 

In Irish, the name means “keeper of the keys”. This gives the name a very interesting quality. 

Kaylen is a very beautiful sounding name and it is easy to spell and pronounce. We really love this name for black girls. 

Malik

Malik is one of the best black names for boys and it comes from Arabic origins. This name means “king” or “sovereign” in Arabic. 

The meaning behind this name is very powerful and that is why we love it so much. Malik also sounds very beautiful. 

The name is popular in Arabic speaking communities and more and more so in African American communities. 

Karim

One of the best black names for boys is the name Karim. Karim also has Arabic origins. 

This name means “generous” or “giving”. This is a very beautiful meaning that makes it one of the best names you can give to a child. 

Karim is a name that sounds very lovely and is becoming more and more popular for African American boys. We definitely recommend this name choice. 

Raven

This name is one that is popular for boys and girls but mostly for girls. The name Raven has English origins and is very popular for black girls. 

In African American communities especially this is a very popular name. 

The name means “dark haired” or “wise”. This gives it a very powerful air and this is what we love most about the name. 

Malcolm

Malcom is also a name with English roots that has become popular for black boys. The name Malcom means “a dove”. 

This name is said to have been popularized by William Shakespeare in the play Maceth. 

The name has since become common worldwide and in black communities has become quite popular for black boys. 

Many African American boys have this name and we really like it. 

Nolan

This name is another name of Irish origin that is really good for black boys. 

The name Nolan means “champion” in Irish. This is a really powerful meaning that makes this a great name for a boy. 

The name Nolan sounds really good and is very easy to pronounce and spell. 

We really love this name for black boys. 

Nala

This name is one of the best black names for girls. Nala is a name that has African origins. 

The name is thought to have roots in the Swahili language specifically. And it means “queen”. 

Nala is a very beautiful name to say and its powerful meaning is also one of the reasons we love it so much. 

Nala is also a very easy name to pronounce and spell. 

Orion

One of the most beautiful names for a boy is Orion. This name has roots in the Greek language. 

Orion means “rising in the sky”. It is also part of the name of a constellation of stars called the Orion’s belt.

This meaning makes this one of the loveliest names for a boy. We definitely recommend choosing this name.

Wendell

This is another one of the best black names for boys that has European roots. Wendell is a name that comes from the German language, specifically old German.

The name means “wanderer”. This is a very interesting meaning that makes this name quite unique. 

Wendell is a name that is quite common among African American boys and we really love it. 

Shenique

This is one of those black names whose origin is hard to trace but it is very beloved. 

The name Shenique is said to mean “thanks” and to have roots in various languages. 

This name is very beautiful and is perfect for baby girls. Shenique has become more and more popular among African American girls and we really love this name. 

Taj

This is another name of Arabic origin that is one of the best black names for boys. 

Taj is a name that means “crown”. And this beautiful, empowering meaning makes it a great name for black boys. 

The name Taj is also said to have a similar meaning in Sanskrit. This name is definitely one of our favorites on the list. 

Rashad

Rashad is another great name for black boys that has Arabic language roots. This beautiful name means “good judgement”. 

This is a great meaning that gives the name an air of respectability. And this is why we love it. 

Rashad also sounds very good and it is becoming more and more popular among African American boys to have this name.

Tamara

This name is a very popular one when it comes to the best black names for girls. 

Tamara is a name of Hebrew origins. It means “date palm” in Hebrew. 

In biblical history, this name belonged to the daughter of King David. This makes it a very cherished name for girls in religious communities. 

This name is very beautiful and we really recommend it. 

Nevaeh

This gorgeous name is one of the very best black names for girls. This name is the word “heaven” spelled backwards and it is quite a creative name. 

Nevaeh is a name that has become more and more popular in the world in general but especially for African American girls. 

This is definitely one of our favorite names for black girls.

Omari

Omari is another gorgeous name for black boys that have African roots. This name comes from the Swahili language. 

Omari means “flourishing”. This beautiful meaning makes this a very good name for a baby. 

The name really communicates the blessing that a child is and is a good omen for a baby’s life. This is definitely a favorite of ours.

Randall

This is another name for black boys that has old German origins. The name Randall means “wolf shield” in old German. 

The meaning behind this name is a little odd. But the name itself is very beautiful and sounds good. 

Randall is very common as a name for boys around the world. For African American boys especially it is becoming more and more popular. 

Sade

This name is one of the best black names for girls. Sade is a name that has African origins. 

Sade comes from the Yoruba language and it means “honor confers a crown”. This name commands respect and has so much power to it. 

This is why this name is perfect for black girls. The name is quite popular is black communities around the world and we absolutely love it. 

Tyrell

This name is a very special one in terms of its origins. The name Tyrell has Scandinavian origins but has become a very popular black name for boys. 

Tyrell means “stubborn”. This meaning gives the name a bit of an edge to it that some may or may not like. 

But if you want to raise a child who is firm and assertive, giving them a name like this may be considered a good omen. 

This name sounds good and is easy to pronounce and spell. We definitely think this one is worth considering.

Tyrone

Tyrone is another name of Greek origins that is popular for black boys. The name means “Lord” in Greek. 

Such a powerful meaning makes this name a really great one for a black boy. The name commands respect and it sounds really good. 

Tyrone is definitely one of our favorite names for black boys on this list. 

Zuri

This lovely name is of Swahili origins and is one of the best black names for girls.

The name Zuri means “beautiful”. It is a very simple but lovely meaning that makes it one of our favorite names for black girls. 

Zuri is becoming more and more popular in America and we definitely think it is a name worth considering for your baby. 

Viola

This name is a gorgeous one of Latin origins that has become one of the best black names for girls. 

Viola means “violet”. This is beautiful as it is the name of a gorgeous colour and flower. 

The name is also the name of a beautiful string instrument and that is why we love it.

Xavier

Xavier is another beautiful name for boys that comes from an Arabic word. 

The name has two meanings, “new house” and “bright”. 

This name sounds very lovely and is becoming a more common name for African American boys. 

We definitely appreciate this unique and special name for black boys. 

Tinashe

Tinashe is a beautiful unisex name that has African origins. It comes from the Shona language and it means “we are with God”. 

The name is common for boys and girls in Africa. But it has become more common for African American girls as it is also the name of a highly celebrated black female singer. 

Tinashe is a beautiful name you should definitely consider for your baby. 

Terrence

Terrence is a beautiful name for boys that has Latin roots. The name means “tender” or “gracious”.

The name Terrence has such a special meaning and is very popular among African American boys. 

You couldn’t go wrong with this one. We definitely consider this one of the best black names out there. 

Zahra

This beautiful Arabic name may not be one of the most popular on our list of best black names but it is definitely becoming more recognized as a great name. 

Zahra means “flower”. This beautiful name makes it a perfect name for a baby girl. 

Zahra is very simple to say and to spell and it easily one of our favorite names for black girls.

Best Black Names, Final Thoughts

There are so many black names for your baby. And our list is just the tip of the iceberg. 

Whether you need a boy or girl name, there are many beautiful ones out there. 

Hopefully our list has given you a few ideas and you have found a few names you are in love with.