80 Popular African American Baby Names With Meanings

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African American culture arose as a result of a fusion of African (from West and Central Africa) and European traditions. In South America, this culture evolved over time, and African American or ghetto baby names became popular. African American names are generally influenced by French culture, Muslim names, and Christian names.

On the other hand, some are the outcome of parents’ distinct imaginations. If you’re looking for African American names that are both native and trendy, distinctive, and global, this post is for you. We have compiled a comprehensive list of African American names that you can choose for your baby girl or boy.

African-American Girl Names

1. Akilah:

Akilah is a variation of theArabic nameAaliyah. It means ‘intelligent’ and ‘logical’.

2. Amani:

Amani is a variation of the Arabic name Imani and means ‘faith’. Amani Toomer, former football player, is the most famous bearer of this name. He played for the New York Giants for 13 seasons.

3. Brianna:

This cute-soundingCeltic nameis not just cute. It means strong and virtuous and is the feminine version of Brian.

4. Braelin:

‘A wise person’ or ‘intelligent’ is what this sweet and unique name means. We are sure there won’t be many Braelins around at school!

5. Capria:

Coming from Italian origins, this name means whimsical and musical. Sounds good for a girl who loves whimsical music, don’t you think?

6. Cedrica:

A female version of Cedric, and meaning a battle chieftain, this strong african american name is sure to give your girl the attitude to be brave and strong.

7. Destiny:

Sometimes your fate plays a major role in a lot of things, and it is this fate that takes you places. Destiny means just that and naming your girl so would help her design her own fate.

8. Dallas:

达拉斯是一个Scottish namewhich means meadow dwelling. It is a unisex name, but we think girls can totally carry off this name.

9. Dazzline:

Dazzline is a spelling variation of dazzling and means luminous. Sounds apt for a little angel.

10. Edith:

This name comes from an old English word ‘ead’, which means blessed. It is also blended with French and Dutch associations and happens to be the name of one of the protagonists in the animated movie Despicable Me!

11. Ezra:

Wouldn’t you want your baby girl to grow up into a loving and caring person? Then name her Azra, which is Hebrew for ‘someone who helps’.

12. Fatema:

Fatima was the daughter of Prophet Muhammed, and Fatema is a spelling variation of the same. The name means ‘captivating’.

13. Fayth:

A spelling variation of Faith, this name will hold your daughter up close to God or a powerful someone. When we put our faith into something, it gives us the strength to battle things out.

14. Gabrielle:

What could be better than naming your darling ‘woman of God’? This good african american name is a French word for just that!

15. Gail:

A short form of Abigail, this name means ‘my father rejoices’. This name stands at #844 in the US Social Security Administration’s 2016 name list.

16. Hazzell:

A spelling variation of Hazel, this name means ‘the hazelnut tree’. Hazel colored eyes are to fall in love for, and if your daughter has this name and those eyes, wouldn’t it be the perfect combination?

17. Hannah:

A name that is spelled the same front and backward, it means ‘grace’. Hannah was made popular by pop singer and actress Hannah Montana and stood proudly at #25 on SSA’s list in 2015.

18. Hanita:

This is anIndian origin nameand means ‘divine grace’. So, if you believe in God Almighty, then your baby girl is a gift from Him!

19. Indigo:

Indigo is a kind of blue color and has Greek origins. It is one of the leading color baby names.

20. Imani:

A perfect African-American origin name, Imani is Kiswahili for ‘faith’.

21. Ida:

A name from the Germanic language, it means ‘labor’ or ‘work’. This diverse name is used excessively in Dutch, English and Spanish countries.

22. Jashanna:

We are sure you would have heard this name very rarely, which is good, as your daughter will have a unique african american name. Jashanna means ‘celebration’ and is a possible variation of Jashn, which means the same.

23. Jada:

Jada is a short and sweet nickname for your baby boy. It’s one of those names that are ethnic yet cool. You can switch to Jade if you want it to be taken seriously.

24. Kimani:

This is a beautiful african american name, meaning ‘beautiful’ and ‘sweet’, just how your little girl would be.

25. Lafyette:

Associated with the French fighter Marquis de Lafayette, this name means ‘surname’ in French.

26. Liana:

Liana is a feminine form of Julian and means ‘youthful’ or ‘climbing like a vine’. This is a French name and stood at #527 in 2015.

27. Makayla:

The Latin form of Michael, this Hebrew name means ‘who is like God’. This is a unique and sweet name, which is rare and should be your choice to grant exclusivity to your daughter.

28. Merryll:

This Celtic Gaelic name means ‘bright as the sea’.

29. Nakala:

A spelling variation of Nike, this Greek name means ‘victory’.

30. Nevaeh:

Read this word backward and you will be amazed. This is an absolutely creative word meaning ‘heaven’.

31. Orlena:

Our babies are precious to us and this name signifies that. Orlena is French for ‘gold’.

32. Patriciana:

This Latin name, with English and Spanish variations of Patricia, means a ‘noblewoman’.

33. Quetta:

Quetta is an English name for ‘wildflower’ and is also a place in Balochistan.

34. Rhianna:

Now who doesn’t know this international name? Made famous by the African-American singer Rihanna, this name is a spelling variation of the same and means ‘great queen’.

35. Shania:

This is a Native American name and means ‘on the way’.

36. Sheniqua:

This name is another example of an Africa-American origin name and means ‘God is gracious’.

37. Tia:

Tia is Greek for ‘goddess’. Name your daughter this and make her feel like one too. It is also short for Althea.

38. Umbrosia:

A spelling variation of Ambrosia, this is a Greek name meaning ‘food for gods’.

39. Yolanda:

A given name meaning ‘violet’, this name has Greek origins. It is also the name of a top pastry chef Yolanda Gampp, who is famous for her unique cake designs.

40. Zari:

A name from the African-American origin, Zari means ‘golden’.

African-American Boy Names

41. Ahmod:

An Arabic name that means ‘highly praise’, this name is a beautiful variation of Ahmed. The spelling makes it unique, so that no other boy around would have it.

42. Asaad:

This spelling variation of Asad is Arabic for ‘lion’, which means your son has a brave name.

43. Autry:

Autry is a non-traditional French name meaning noble strength. This name isn’t used much and might just bounce back to popularity anytime soon.

44. Booker:

An English occupational name, Booker means ‘scribe’. It is famous among literary people and might just give your little boy a nerdy attitude.

45. Busta:

A variation of the name Buster, this unconventional American name means ‘fellow’ or ‘friend’.

46. Calvin:

Calvin and Hobbes is one of the most famous comic series in the world. It means ‘little bald one’ and is one of the most popular African American names.

47. Caleb:

Caleb means ‘devotion to God’ and is a Hebrew word.

48. Craig:

This is a Scottish name and means ‘from the rocks’. Daniel Craig ‘James Bond’ is a famous namesake.

49. Dajon:

Dajon is a variation of Dijan and is an uncommon name.

50. Daran:

Daran is an English baby name and means ‘great’. This would be quite a name for your baby boy, giving him an amazing personality.

51. Elijah:

This is a Hebrew name and means ‘God is powerful’. The name Elijah was made famous by a character from The Originals TV series featuring vampires.

52. Farrell:

A spelling variation of the name Pharrell, Farrell means ‘superior man’ or ‘heroic’ and is a classic rough and tough name. This famous african american name owes its fame to the American singer and songwriter Pharrell Williams.

53. Furnell:

With a beautiful meaning of ‘fern covered hill’, this name is a variation of the name Farnell.

54. Gabriel:

This unisex name can be used for a girl as well with an extra ‘e’ at the end (which, of course, is not compulsory). It means ‘God is my strength’.

55. Guyton:

This name has a lot of variations. It is not only a French variation of ‘Gayton’, but also a long form of ‘Guy’.

56. Hampton:

This name means a ‘high settlement’ and has spelling and name variations such as Hamdyn, Hampden, etc.

57. Herold:

Herold hasGermanic originsand is a Scandinavian variation of Harald. It means ‘to rule’ or ‘be a warrior’.

58. Isaiah:

Isaish is a Hebrew name and means ‘Yahweh is salvation’. This was also the name of one of the prophets from the Old Testament.

59. Izaak:

We would all want our babies to be happy and joyful, so cherish this quirky name. It is Hebrew for ‘laughter’.

60. Jamal:

Handsome as a prince, isn’t your son? Jamaal is Hebrew for ‘handsome’.

61. Jaylen:

An original African-American origin name, Jaylen stands for Jaybird. It is also the variant of English Jalen.

62. Joshua:

Like Isaiah, Joshua also means ‘Yahweh is salvation’. This name has Hebrew origins and is a very common African-American name.

63. Karlus:

Karlus is a variation of Karlos and has Geltic, Irish, and Germanic origins. It means a ‘free man’ and stands for an independent thinker.

64. Kwamie:

This eccentric name is unique on our list as it is an African-Akan origin name. It is a variation of Kwame and means ‘born on a Saturday’. So, if your prince is born on a Saturday, you could choose this name for him.

65. Llyod:

A name that can be used as a first or surname, Lloyd means ‘gray’.

66. Luther:

Martin Luther King is a symbol in so many ways. The name Luther can be used as a first or surname and means ‘people’s warrior’. Apt, isn’t it?

67. Malik:

According to the Holy Quran, Malik is the name of God and means ‘king’.

68. Major:

We all know what this sweet little name means. Isn’t it important and great? Yes, this Latin derivation means ‘one who is great’.

69. Nathan:

A Hebrew and biblical name, Nathan means a ‘gift from God’. Isn’t your little boy a gift from the Heaven above?

70. Noah:

We hope your baby gives you all the comfort in the world. Noah, having Hebrew and Slavic origins, means ‘comfort’ or ‘rest’.

71. O’Brian:

这是一个彻头彻尾的爱尔兰desce词义”ndant of Brian’. It is used mainly as a surname but can be used as a first name too.

72. Owen:

This is a Welsh name for ‘young warrior’ and has been on a rise since 2000. This name held a fantastic #36 positions in 2015. Owen is a unisex name but is used mainly for boys.

73. Perry:

Perry is an English name used for ‘a dweller near a pear tree’.

74. Parvez:

Parvez is an oldPersian nameand means commendable.

75. Pierre:

Pierre is a famous French brand that goes by Pierre Cardin. It means ‘rock’ or ‘stone’.

76. Qasim:

Want to teach your little boy to be loving and caring? Then name him Qasim, which is Arabic for ‘sharing’.

77. Warren:

Warren is anOld English wordmeaning ‘to protect’. Warren Buffet is the most influential namesake.

78. Xavier:

Used as a unisex name, Xavier means a ‘new house’ and has French and Spanish origins.

79. Yogi:

Remember the Yogi Bear? This name means a ‘spiritual guru’ and is a very pleasant and calming name.

80. Zephan:

This Hebrew name that means ‘treasured by God’ is probably one of the cutest names on our list of multiracial names.

With the vast influence of the French, Gaelic, Irish, and Spanish cultures, ghetto baby names grew vast in numbers. Yes, there was some originality and a lot of creativity at work as well, which resulted in such a great collection of these names with both an urban and rural feel. Go ahead and splurge.

Do tell us if you know of more such cosmopolitan names and of your favorite pick too.