african american name

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

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.

Noah Sullivan

Noah Sullivan

Noah Sullivan is a renowned researcher and full-time freelancer with an MA in Anthropology from Harvard University who has been part of various dynamic teams. His extensive fieldwork and academic pursuits have equipped him with a deep understanding of the socio-cultural impacts of names.
She is a passionate traveler and a great reader of historical fiction. She also brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical insights to his writing. She infuses his passion for culture into his insightful articles, making them informative and engaging.

https://www.mothersalwaysright.com

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