Most Black Americans today can probably distinguish what “Black people names” are based on what is popular in the community and across the diaspora. However, these uniquely Black names have only been a part of the culture since relatively recently. The popularity of distinctively African American names started to gain prominence during and after the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. During this time, there was a resurgence of interest in African heritage and pride, and a rejection of assimilationist practices. This cultural awakening extended to naming practices, with some Black Americans opting for names that reflected their African roots or had unique and creative qualities. Before this period, many Black Americans often had European or Anglo-sounding names, often reflecting the influence of slavery and societal norms.
However, there is no singular “Black American” naming tradition or official “Black people names,” especially since the Black population in the United States is incredibly diverse. Many of these names may originate from Western cultures but they have been adapted as “Black people names” in the way they sound similar to other common Black names.
Basically, as you probably already know, all names can be “Black people names” as the Black community is not a monolith. Any name can be used to describe the millions of different kinds of people throughout the diaspora. However, Black Americans have created names that are quintessentially Black, unique and popular in the community.
Here are examples of “Black people names” and their potential origins:
Black Girl Names
- Aaliyah: This name has Arabic origins and means “exalted” or “sublime.”
- Keisha: Often derived from the name Keziah, of Hebrew origin, meaning “cassia” or “cinnamon.”
- Aisha: Of Arabic origin, meaning “alive” or “living.”
- LaToya: A combination of the prefix “La” often used in African American names and the name “Toya,” possibly of Spanish origin.
- Tanisha: A name created in the United States, often with African American roots, combining the prefix “Tan” and the suffix “isha.”
- Malika: Of Arabic origin, meaning “queen” or “female ruler.”
- Jasmine: Of Persian origin, referring to the fragrant flower.
- Shanice: A modern American name, possibly derived from a combination of “Shane” and “Janice.”
- Zara: Of Arabic origin, meaning “princess” or “flower.”
- Nia: Of Swahili origin, meaning “purpose” or “intention.”
- Imani: Of Swahili origin, meaning “faith” or “belief.”
- Ayana: Of Swahili origin, meaning “beautiful flower.”
- Zuri: Of Swahili origin, meaning “beautiful” or “good.”
- Amara: Of Igbo origin, meaning “grace” or “mercy.”
- Jamila: Of Arabic origin, meaning “beautiful” or “graceful.”
- Laila: Of Arabic origin, meaning “night” or “dark beauty.”
- Kendall: Of English origin, meaning “valley of the River Kent.”
- Sanaa: Of Swahili origin, meaning “art” or “work of art.”
- Malia: Of Hawaiian origin, meaning “calm” or “peaceful.”
- Amina: Of Arabic origin, meaning “trustworthy” or “faithful.”
- Nyla: Of Arabic origin, meaning “winner” or “champion.”
- Zendaya: A modern and unique name, popularized by the actress Zendaya.
- Symone: A variation of the name Simone, of French origin, meaning “hearkening” or “listening.”
- Jada: A modern American name, possibly derived from the gemstone jade.
- Sasha: Of Russian origin, often used as a nickname for Alexandra or Anastasia.
- Kenya: Named after the African Country
Black Boy Names
- Demetrius: Of Greek origin, meaning “devoted to Demeter” or “follower of Demeter.”
- Darnell: A name with English origins, possibly meaning “hidden nook.”
- Kwame: A Ghanaian name of Akan origin, often given to boys born on a Saturday.
- Tyrone: Of Irish origin, meaning “land of Eoghan” or “noble.”
- Jamal: Of Arabic origin, meaning “handsome” or “beautiful.”
- Malik: Arabic for “king” or “leader.”
- Kobe: A name with Japanese origins, meaning “tortoise” or “success.”
- Jalen: A modern American name, possibly a combination of the names Jamal and Len.
- Malcolm: Of Scottish origin, meaning “disciple of Saint Columba.”
- Chase: Of English origin, meaning “to hunt” or “to chase.”
- Jeremiah: Of Hebrew origin, meaning “appointed by God” or “God will raise.”
- Darius: Of Persian origin, meaning “possessing goodness” or “upholder of good.”
- Kamari: Of Swahili origin, meaning “moonlight” or “moon.”
- Donte: A modern American name, possibly a variation of Dante, meaning “enduring” or “steadfast.”
- Jamar: A modern American name, possibly a combination of Jamal and Lamar.
- Omari: Of Swahili origin, meaning “flamboyant” or “high-born.”
- Isaiah: Of Hebrew origin, meaning “Yahweh is salvation.”
- Kyrie: Of Greek origin, meaning “lord” or “lord have mercy.”
- Jamir: A modern American name, possibly a variation of Amir, meaning “prince” or “commander.”
- Tevin: A modern American name, possibly a combination of Terrence and Kevin.
- Jovon: A modern American name, possibly a variation of Giovanni, meaning “God is gracious.”
- Nehemiah: Of Hebrew origin, meaning “comforted by God.”
- Lamar: Of Old French origin, meaning “the sea.”
- Tariq: Of Arabic origin, meaning “morning star” or “he who knocks at the door.”
- Khalil: Of Arabic origin, meaning “friend” or “companion.”
Unisex Black People Names
Many of these names are used in different variations to make them into typical male sounding names or female sound names.
- Ashanti: Named after the Ashanti people of Ghana, reflecting African heritage.
- Jordan: A name of Hebrew origin, meaning “to flow down” or “descend.”
- Taylor: Of Old French origin, meaning “cutter of the cloth” or “tailor.”
- Alex: Often used as a short form for names like Alexander or Alexandra, it has Greek origins and means “defender of the people.”
- Dakota: Of Native American Sioux origin, meaning “friend” or “ally.”
- Cameron: Of Scottish origin, meaning “crooked nose” or “bent nose.”
- Avery: Of Old English origin, meaning “ruler of the elves.”
- Riley: Of Irish origin, meaning “courageous” or “valiant.”
- Casey: Of Irish origin, meaning “descendant of Cathasaigh” or “vigilant” or “watchful.”
- Jaden: A modern and unisex name, possibly a variation of Jayden or a combination of Jade and Hayden.
- Sydney: Of Old English origin, meaning “wide island” or “wide meadow.”
- Quinn: Of Irish origin, meaning “descendant of Conn” or “chief leader.”
- Morgan: Of Welsh origin, meaning “sea circle” or “great brightness.”
- Jaime: A variation of the name James, of Hebrew origin, meaning “supplanter.”
- Drew: Of English origin, meaning “manly” or “courageous.”
- Devon: Of English origin, meaning “poet” or “defender.”
- Kai: Of Hawaiian origin, meaning “sea” or “ocean.”
- Jesse: Of Hebrew origin, meaning “gift” or “wealthy.”
- Amari: A unisex name of African origin, Amari means “strength” or “strength and builder.”
- Tracey: Of Irish origin, Tracey means “warlike” or “fighter.”
- Ryan: An Irish name, Ryan means “little king” or “descendant of the king.”
- Dion: Of Greek origin, Dion is a name meaning “child of heaven” or “son of Zeus.”