Names hold deep cultural significance, reflecting heritage, family traditions, and personal identity.
Many beautiful and meaningful names celebrate Black communities’ diverse roots and stories within the rich collection of American culture.
These names often draw inspiration from various sources, including important historical figures, cherished family members, and words from different African languages.
Some names honor strength and courage, while others celebrate beauty, wisdom, or nature.
You’ll find many wonderful choices if you search for the perfect name that connects with Black heritage and carries special meaning.
Our collection of names showcases this wonderful variety, helping you uncover names that speak to your heart and honor your family’s legacy.
African American Names That Speak Legacy
1. Aaliyah
Meaning: Exalted, High, Sublime
Origin: Arabic
2. Amir
Meaning: Prince, Commander
Origin: Arabic
3. Ayanna
Meaning: Beautiful Flower
Origin: African
4. Brielle
Meaning: God is My Strength
Origin: Hebrew
5. Cameron
Meaning: Crooked Nose
Origin: Scottish
6. Chance
Meaning: Good Fortune, Luck
Origin: French
7. Chante
Meaning: To Sing
Origin: French
8. Dajah
Meaning: Already
Origin: African American (Modern Creation)
9. Darius
Meaning: Upholder of Good
Origin: Persian
10. Davina
Meaning: Beloved
Origin: Hebrew
11. DeAndre
Meaning: Brave, Manly
Origin: American (Blending of “De” + Andre)
12. Demarcus
Meaning: Warlike
Origin: American (Blending of “De” + Marcus)
13. Destiny
Meaning: Fate, Fortune
Origin: Latin
14. Dior
Meaning: Golden
Origin: French
15. Donte
Meaning: Enduring
Origin: Italian (Derived from Dante)
16. Ebony
Meaning: Deep Black Wood
Origin: English
17. Emani
Meaning: Belief, Faith
Origin: Arabic
18. Emmanuel
Meaning: God is With Us
Origin: Hebrew
19. Essence
Meaning: Core, True Nature
Origin: Latin
20. Faith
Meaning: Trust, Belief
Origin: English
21. Gianna
Meaning: God is Gracious
Origin: Italian
22. Harlem
Meaning: Woodland, Historical Place Name
Origin: Dutch
23. Harmony
Meaning: Unity, Concord
Origin: Greek
24. Hassan
Meaning: Handsome, Good
Origin: Arabic
25. Imani
Meaning: Faith
Origin: Swahili
26. Isaiah
Meaning: Salvation of the Lord
Origin: Hebrew
27. Jabari
Meaning: Brave
Origin: Swahili
28. Jada
Meaning: Wise, Knowing
Origin: Hebrew
29. Jamal
Meaning: Beauty
Origin: Arabic
30. Jamari
Meaning: Warrior
Origin: American (Modern Creation)
31. Jamiyah
Meaning: Form of Jamal, Meaning Beauty
Origin: American
32. Janelle
Meaning: God is Gracious
Origin: Hebrew
33. Janiya
Meaning: God is Gracious
Origin: American (Modern Variation of Jane)
34. Jaxon
Meaning: God has Been Gracious, Son of Jack
Origin: English
35. Jazelle
Meaning: Pledge
Origin: French
36. Jazmine
Meaning: Jasmine Flower
Origin: Persian
37. Josiah
Meaning: God Heals
Origin: Hebrew
38. Justice
Meaning: Fairness, Righteousness
Origin: English
39. Kaiden
Meaning: Fighter
Origin: Celtic
40. Kaelyn
Meaning: Pure
Origin: American (Modern Name)
41. Kamari
Meaning: Moonlight
Origin: African
42. Kamiyah
Meaning: Rising Sun
Origin: African
43. Kareem
Meaning: Generous, Noble
Origin: Arabic
44. Karmen
Meaning: Song, Garden
Origin: Spanish
45. Kassidy
Meaning: Clever
Origin: Irish
46. Kaylani
Meaning: Sea and Sky
Origin: Hawaiian
47. Keon
Meaning: God is Gracious
Origin: Irish
48. Khalani
Meaning: Royalty, Leader
Origin: African
49. Khalil
Meaning: Friend
Origin: Arabic
50. Kiara
Meaning: Bright, Clear
Origin: Irish
51. Kingston
Meaning: King’s Town
Origin: English
52. Kierra
Meaning: Black, Dark
Origin: Irish
53. Lamont
Meaning: Law Man
Origin: French
54. LaShonda
Meaning: God is Gracious
Origin: American (Modern Creation)
55. Latrice
Meaning: Noblewoman
Origin: French
56. Lelah
Meaning: Night Beauty
Origin: Arabic
57. Legend
Meaning: Famous Story
Origin: English
58. Levi
Meaning: Joined or Attached
Origin: Hebrew
59. Lionel
Meaning: Young Lion
Origin: Latin
60. Lyrica
Meaning: Songlike, Musical
Origin: English
61. Maliyah
Meaning: Calm, Gentle Waters
Origin: Hawaiian
62. Malcolm
Meaning: Devotee of Saint Columba
Origin: Scottish
63. Marcus
Meaning: Dedicated to Mars
Origin: Latin
64. Marlon
Meaning: Little Falcon
Origin: French
65. Mariah
Meaning: God is My Teacher
Origin: Hebrew
66. Maurice
Meaning: Dark-Skinned
Origin: Latin
67. Messiah
Meaning: Anointed One
Origin: Hebrew
68. Mekhi
Meaning: Who is Like God?
Origin: Hebrew
69. Milan
Meaning: Gracious, Dear
Origin: Slavic
70. Mikayla
Meaning: Who is Like God?
Origin: Hebrew
71. Miles
Meaning: Soldier
Origin: Latin
72. Monet
Meaning: Solitary
Origin: French
73. Myah
Meaning: Mine, Bitter
Origin: Hebrew
74. Nasir
Meaning: Helper
Origin: Arabic
75. Nathaniel
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: Hebrew
76. Nazir
Meaning: Pure, Devoted
Origin: Arabic
77. Nia
Meaning: Purpose
Origin: Swahili
78. Nylah
Meaning: Winner
Origin: African
79. Octavia
Meaning: Eighth
Origin: Latin
80. Omari
Meaning: Flourishing
Origin: African
81. Orion
Meaning: Rising in the Sky
Origin: Greek
82. Patrice
Meaning: Noblewoman
Origin: Latin
83. Payton
Meaning: Fighter’s Estate
Origin: English
84. Phoenix
Meaning: Mythical Bird, Rebirth
Origin: Greek
85. Portia
Meaning: Offering
Origin: Latin
86. Preston
Meaning: Priest’s Town
Origin: English
87. Princeton
Meaning: Prince’s Town
Origin: English
88. Quincy
Meaning: Fifth
Origin: Latin
89. Raina
Meaning: Queen
Origin: Slavic
90. Rashad
Meaning: Good Judgment
Origin: Arabic
91. Raelyn
Meaning: Ewe, Lamb
Origin: American
92. Rayvon
Meaning: Beam of Light
Origin: American
93. Reagan
Meaning: Little King
Origin: Irish
94. Reginald
Meaning: Powerful Ruler
Origin: Latin
95. Ricardo
Meaning: Brave Ruler
Origin: Spanish
96. Rhianna
Meaning: Great Queen
Origin: Welsh
97. Roman
Meaning: From Rome
Origin: Latin
98. Royal
Meaning: Of the King
Origin: English
99. Royalty
Meaning: Regal Status
Origin: English
100. Sa’Niya
Meaning: Radiant, Brilliant
Origin: African American (Modern Creation)
101. Samiyah
Meaning: Elevated
Origin: Arabic
102. Sanaa
Meaning: Work of Art
Origin: Swahili
103. Sarai
Meaning: Princess
Origin: Hebrew
104. Sekou
Meaning: Leader
Origin: West African
105. Serena
Meaning: Tranquil
Origin: Latin
106. Shamar
Meaning: Guard, Protector
Origin: Hebrew
107. Shanice
Meaning: God is Gracious
Origin: American (Modern Creation)
108. Shante
Meaning: Singing
Origin: French
109. Shylah
Meaning: Strong
Origin: Irish
110. Skye
Meaning: Sky, Shelter
Origin: English
111. Starla
Meaning: Star
Origin: American
112. Sterling
Meaning: Of the Highest Quality
Origin: English
113. Symone
Meaning: Listener
Origin: Hebrew
114. Ta’Nia
Meaning: Fairy Queen
Origin: American (Modern Creation)
115. Taliyah
Meaning: Dew of Heaven
Origin: Hebrew
116. Tanesha
Meaning: Born on Monday
Origin: African (Hausa)
117. Tanisha
Meaning: Ambition
Origin: Sanskrit
118. Tariq
Meaning: Morning Star
Origin: Arabic
119. Terrance
Meaning: Smooth, Polished
Origin: Latin
120. Theo
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: Greek
121. Tia
Meaning: Aunt, Happiness
Origin: Greek/Spanish
122. Tionne
Meaning: Blessing
Origin: American (Modern Creation)
123. Tobias
Meaning: God is Good
Origin: Hebrew
124. Treasure
Meaning: Precious Possession
Origin: English
125. Trenton
Meaning: Town by the River Trent
Origin: English
126. Trinity
Meaning: The Holy Trinity
Origin: Latin
127. Trey
Meaning: Three
Origin: English
128. Tyra
Meaning: Thor’s Warrior
Origin: Scandinavian
129. Tyreek
Meaning: Ambitious
Origin: American (Modern Creation)
130. Tyrese
Meaning: Of Tire (a Historical City)
Origin: Greek
131. Tyson
Meaning: Firebrand
Origin: English
132. Unique
Meaning: One of a Kind
Origin: Latin
133. Umar
Meaning: Flourishing, Long-Lived
Origin: Arabic
134. Uriel
Meaning: God is My Light
Origin: Hebrew
135. Valencia
Meaning: Strength, Valor
Origin: Latin
136. Vaughn
Meaning: Small
Origin: Welsh
137. Venisha
Meaning: Butterfly
Origin: American (Modern Creation)
138. Veronique
Meaning: True Image
Origin: French
139. Victor
Meaning: Conqueror
Origin: Latin
140. Wesley
Meaning: Western Meadow
Origin: English
141. Xavier
Meaning: Bright, New House
Origin: Basque
142. Zahara
Meaning: Flowering, Shining
Origin: Swahili
143. Zaina
Meaning: Beautiful
Origin: Arabic
144. Zaire
Meaning: The River that Swallows Rivers
Origin: African (Kongo)
145. Zander
Meaning: Defender of the People
Origin: Greek
146. Zara
Meaning: Princess, Blossom
Origin: Arabic
147. Zariyah
Meaning: Radiance, Blooming
Origin: African (Swahili)
148. Zayla
Meaning: Dark Beauty
Origin: African American (Modern Creation)
149. Zion
Meaning: Highest Point
Origin: Hebrew
150. Aaron
Meaning: High Mountain
Origin: Hebrew
151. Ashanti
Meaning: African Tribe Name
Origin: Ghana
152. Amani
Meaning: Peace
Origin: Swahili
153. Amara
Meaning: Grace, Immortal
Origin: African/Igbo
154. Andre
Meaning: Manly
Origin: French
155. Antoine
Meaning: Praiseworthy
Origin: Latin
156. Adonis
Meaning: Lord
Origin: Greek
157. Avery
Meaning: Ruler of the Elves
Origin: English
158. Baron
Meaning: Nobleman
Origin: English
159. Brandon
Meaning: Beacon Hill
Origin: English
160. Braxton
Meaning: Brock’s Town
Origin: English
161. Breonna
Meaning: Strong, Noble
Origin: Irish
162. Caleb
Meaning: Wholehearted
Origin: Hebrew
163. Chandler
Meaning: Candle Maker
Origin: French
164. Chris
Meaning: Follower of Christ
Origin: Greek
165. Corey
Meaning: Hollow
Origin: Irish
166. Colby
Meaning: Dark-Haired
Origin: English
167. Darnell
Meaning: Hidden Spot
Origin: English
168. Davion
Meaning: Beloved
Origin: American (Variation of David)
169. Deion
Meaning: God of Wine and Revelry
Origin: Greek (Dionysius)
170. Devon
Meaning: Poet
Origin: English
171. Elijah
Meaning: My God is Yahweh
Origin: Hebrew
172. Eric
Meaning: Eternal Ruler
Origin: Scandinavian
173. Ezekiel
Meaning: God Strengthens
Origin: Hebrew
174. Frederick
Meaning: Peaceful Ruler
Origin: German
175. Giavanna
Meaning: God is Gracious
Origin: Italian
176. Heaven
Meaning: Paradise
Origin: English
177. Hadiyah
Meaning: Guide to Righteousness
Origin: Arabic
178. Indigo
Meaning: Deep Blue Dye
Origin: Greek
179. Jace
Meaning: The Lord is Salvation
Origin: Hebrew
180. Jahlil
Meaning: Greatness
Origin: Arabic
181. Jaheim
Meaning: Raised Up
Origin: African American (Modern Creation)
182. Jalen
Meaning: Calm, Serene
Origin: African American (Modern Creation)
183. Jayden
Meaning: Thankful
Origin: Hebrew
184. Jericho
Meaning: City of the Moon
Origin: Hebrew
185. Jermaine
Meaning: Brotherly
Origin: French
186. Jordon
Meaning: Flowing Down
Origin: Hebrew
187. Kalani
Meaning: The Heavens
Origin: Hawaiian
188. Karese
Meaning: Beloved
Origin: French
189. Kashton
Meaning: Cask or Container
Origin: English
190. Kendall
Meaning: Valley of the River Kent
Origin: English
191. Kymani
Meaning: Adventurous Traveler
Origin: African
192. Lamar
Meaning: Of the Sea
Origin: French
193. LaToya
Meaning: Victorious One
Origin: African American (Modern Creation)
194. Leilani
Meaning: Heavenly Flower
Origin: Hawaiian
195. Marcellus
Meaning: Little Warrior
Origin: Latin
196. Miracle
Meaning: Marvel, Wonder
Origin: Latin
197. Nadia
Meaning: Hope
Origin: Slavic
198. Naveah
Meaning: Heaven (Spelled Backwards)
Origin: American
199. Nyah
Meaning: Purpose
Origin: Swahili
200. Opal
Meaning: Precious Gemstone
Origin: Sanskrit
201. Rashid
Meaning: Rightly Guided
Origin: Arabic
202. Rashaun
Meaning: God is Gracious
Origin: African American (Modern Creation)
203. Simone
Meaning: Listener
Origin: Hebrew
204. Syreeta
Meaning: Good Tradition
Origin: American
205. Tameka
Meaning: Twin
Origin: Swahili
206. Terrell
Meaning: Ruler of Thunder
Origin: English
207. Zayna
Meaning: Grace, Beauty
Origin: Arabic
208. Zahari
Meaning: God has Remembered
Origin: Hebrew
209. Ashon
Meaning: Strong, Brave
Origin: African
210. Maleek
Meaning: King
Origin: Arabic
211. Dakari
Meaning: Happiness
Origin: African (Shona)
212. Chaz
Meaning: Free Man
Origin: English
213. Tybalt
Meaning: Bold People
Origin: German
214. Kahlon
Meaning: Strong Warrior
Origin: Hebrew
215. Reynaldo
Meaning: Counsel Power
Origin: Spanish
216. Janel
Meaning: God is Gracious
Origin: Hebrew
217. Venita
Meaning: Graceful
Origin: Latin
218. Divonte
Meaning: Steadfast
Origin: American (Modern Creation)
219. Cormel
Meaning: Fruitful, Bountiful
Origin: American (Modern Creation)
220. Davionne
Meaning: Beloved
Origin: American
221. Azariah
Meaning: God has Helped
Origin: Hebrew
222. Tyrek
Meaning: Leader, Ambitious
Origin: American (Modern Creation)
Conclusion
The diverse collection of African American names showcases the beautiful blend of cultures, traditions, and meanings that shape identity.
Each name tells a unique story, from names rooted in various African languages to modern creations that reflect modern culture.
Many of these names celebrate strength, wisdom, faith, and beauty, carrying deep meanings that connect generations.
Whether inspired by nature, virtues, or ancient languages, these names are powerful expressions of heritage and hope.
As families choose names for their children, they can honor their roots while creating new traditions.
These meaningful names continue to enrich American culture, reminding us of the importance of identity, family history, and names’ power to shape our life trip.
