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Biracial or mixed-race babies are born and blessed with multiple heritages. This post on mixed-race or biracial baby names will help you choose a unique name for your little one. The love for biracial names has gained traction among parents of different cultures in modern times. These names are a reflection of their baby’s personalities. They not only celebrate diversity but also pay homage to the rich heritages of both parents, giving children a sense of identity and reflecting their unique backgrounds. Read on for a list of popular biracial baby names for both boys and girls, along with their meanings. These names have been picked for their cultural significance, meaningful symbolisms, and popularity—they celebrate diversity and blend traditions.
Key Pointers
- Biracial names celebrate the unique blend of heritage.
- Biracial names have varied origins and meanings and assimilate the best of both cultures.
- Keiran, Warren, and Naomi are some examples of the commonly used biracial names.
Biracial Baby Girl Names
1. Alaina
The Irish-origin name is also a derivative of the French name Elaina. It means “the one who is a dear child.” Alaina is also a variant of Alan, a name used in Brittany since the 6th century, or could stem from the Alans, an Iranian tribe that migrated to Europe in the 4th and 5th centuries.
2. Ayana
Ayana, meaning “beautiful flower,” has a bright and creative ring to it. It is an Ethiopian name and is also popular in many parts of Europe and North America.
3. Brooklyn
Brooklyn is a toponymic name that originally comes from Dutch. It refers to “the one who lives by the brook through the marshland.” It also means “broken land.”
Did you know?4. Carmel
The name comes from Mount Carmel, a coastal mountain in northern Israel. It’s mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the favorite spots for Mary and baby Christ. This Biblical name is frequently used in Israel, Ireland, and the United States.
5. Chantelle
The unique mixed-race name Chantelle means “singer” and is of French origin. Chantelle is also a variant of Chantal, a name derived from a French surname meaning ‘stony.’ It honors Saint Jeanne-Françoise de Chantal, the founder of The Order of Visitation of Holy Mary.
6. Daniella
The extra “a” in the end makes this name more feminine than Danielle. Daniella means “God is my judge,” and has its origin in Hebrew. It is considered to be a stylish name by some parents. Daniella is the feminine form of Daniel, a Hebrew prophet in the Book of Daniel. Daniel served in the king’s court during the Jewish captivity in Babylon and gained prominence for interpreting the king’s dreams (1).
7. Ella
Ella comes from Old English and originally meant “the other one” or “the rest.” The name is also a shorter variation for other names, such as Eleanor and Ellen. Ella originated as a diminutive of Germanic names featuring the element ‘alles,’ signifying ‘other.’ Brought to England by the Normans, it was popular until the 14th century and saw a revival in the 19th century.
8. Elyse
This common mixed-race baby girl’s name originates in Old German culture and means “the one who is born of noble origins.” The name became popular in the early 1980s because of a character on the TV show Family Ties.
9. Gisele
It is one of the prettiest German names meaning “pledge.” A popular bearer of the name is the supermodel and businesswoman Gisele Bundchen.
10. Kayla
Kayla is an Arabic origin name, meaning “wise child.” It is a variation of Yiddish “Kaila,” a derivative of the Hebrew name “Kelila,” which means “wise,” “laurel,” or “crown.” The name owes its popularity to Kayla Brady, who began appearing on the soap opera Days of Our Lives in the early 1980s.
11. Kyla
The name is of Irish or Gaelic origin with the meaning “narrow strait” or “narrow channel.”
12. Laila
Laila comes from Arabic and means “night” or refers to someone who is “as calm and beautiful as the night sky.” This exotic name’s variant spellings are Layla and Leila. Layla was the beloved of Qays (Majnun) in an ancient Arab story famously retold by the Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi in Layla and Majnun (2). This tale was a celebrated romance in medieval Arabia and Persia.
13. Lauryn
Lauryn as a biracial girl’s name has Latin origins. The meaning of Lauryn is “laurel,” or “sweet bay tree,” which is considered a symbol of victory.
14. Leah
It is a biblical name and refers to “a woman who is weary yet remains loyal” in Hebrew. Leah is Jacob’s first wife and the mother of seven of his children in the Old Testament.
15. Mya
A variant of Mia and Maya, this biracial girl name can mean “beloved” or “great,” and is of Persian origin. Mya was said to be the nickname of the American poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou.
16. Naomi
Naomi means “pleasant” in Hebrew and is a commonly used biracial name. As per the Old Testament, Naomi is the name of the mother-in-law of Ruth.
17. Natalia
It is an ancient Latin name, signifying the Christmas Day. The other form of this name is Natalie, and two brilliant actresses, Natalie Portman and Natalie Dormer, share this name. Natalie was the name of the wife of 4th-century martyr Saint Adrian of Nicomedia (3). She is also venerated as a saint.
18. Nylah
The name is derived from Old Gaelic and means “champion.” This unique name can be spelled in several ways, including Nailah and Nila.
19. Renee
The name Renee has Latin origins and means “reborn.” A notable bearer of the name is the famous American actress Renee Zellweger. The variations of this name include Renny, Rene, and Renae.
20. Sapphire
Sapphire is a Hebrew term for a gem. It also has its origin in the Ancient Greek word “sappheiros” of the same meaning.
21. Shania
It is of Ojibwe origin and means “I am on my way.” Ojibwe is the name of a Native American tribe.
22. Sianna
It has a Welsh origin and means “God is gracious.” Another variation to the name is Sienna or Siena. A popular bearer of the name is Sienna Miller, a British-American actress. Sianna is also a Romano-Celtic goddess related to the Roman goddess Diana (4).
23. Skye
Skye is derived from the nature-inspired English name “sky,” and is used as a short form of Skyler and Skylar. Skye is also a toponymic name referring to someone from the Isle of Skye.
24. Talia
Talia comes from Hebrew and means “rain from heaven” or “dew showered by God.” The name is popular in many parts of Asia and Europe.
25. Tia
Tia is derived from the mythological Greek Goddess Thea, whose name means “Goddess” or “divine.”
Biracial Baby Boy Names
26. Anderson
Anderson is a patronymic name that refers to “son of Andrew.” Andrew comes from Greek and means a “man” or “manly.” In the New Testament, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was the first disciple to follow Jesus (5).
27. Ansel
The German name Ansel means “God’s protection.” The name sounds down-to-earth and chic at the same time. Ansel comes from an English surname that originated from the given name Anselm, which was brought to England by Saint Anselm in the late 11th century.
28. Darrel
The name comes from Old English and means “beloved.” It was one of the beach boy names in the 1960s and is an evergreen choice for parents.
29. Denzel
It is a patronymic Cornish name that refers to someone who originally belonged to the Denzel family. Some variations of the name are Denzil and Denzell. A popular bearer of the name is the actor Denzel Washington.
30. Dylan
Dylan is a Welsh name, meaning “son of the sea.” It comes from Dylan ail Don, a legendary sea god in Welsh mythology.
31. Franklin
This English name has the meaning “free landholder,” and became quite popular due to its association with Benjamin Franklin. The name has been widely used in the US in his honor and gained additional popularity during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The diminutive form is Frank. The diminutive form is Frank.
32. Greg
It is a Greek name and is the shorter variation of Gregory. The name means “the watchful one.” The name Gregory was widely used by early Christians and was held by several notable saints, including Saint Gregory Thaumaturgus, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, and Saint Gregory of Tours. Greg Oden is an American basketball player.
33. Harrell
In Hebrew, Harrell means “mountain of God.” A variant and short version of the name is Harry.
34. Ian
Ian is the Scottish version of the name John and means “God is gracious.” Numerous emperors, popes, saints, and princes have borne this name.
Quick fact35. Jamal
Jamal means “handsome” or “beautiful,” which every mother thinks of their baby. The name is of Arabic origin.
36. Jayden
Jayden sounds modern and cool and means “God has heard.” The name has a Hebrew origin. The name is likely a modern blend of the “Jay” sound from Jason and the “den” sound from names like Braden and Hayden. Incidentally, “Jay” means victory in Sanskrit. The nicknames include Jade, Jaybo, and JD.
37. Joel
This Hebrew Biblical name, belonging to one of the “mighty men” of King David, was taken up by the Puritans in the 16th century. Joel means “Jehovah is his God.”
38. Keiran
Keiran is an Irish-Gaelic biracial boy name, and it symbolizes being “dusky and dark-haired.” Keiran is a variation of Ciarán, the name of two Irish saints who founded the monasteries at Saighir and Clonmacnoise during the 6th century.
39. Kobe
This biracial boy’s name is of Swahili origin, and it means “tortoise.” Kobe also could be a diminutive form of Jacob, which comes from Hebrew and means “supplanter.” In the Old Testament, Jacob is the son of Isaac and Rebecca and the father of the twelve men who represented the twelve tribes of Israel.
40. Latrell
It refers to the one who is “noble and eager” and is of American origin.
41. Lemuel
Lemuel means “devoted to God” or “God is bright.” This common biracial name has a Hebrew origin. Lemuel is the name of a king mentioned in Proverbs of the Old Testament (6). It is also the main character’s name in Jonathan Swift’s novel Gulliver’s Travels.
42. Marley
This cheerful and cool surfer boy likely comes from Old English and means “meadow by the lake.” Alternative meanings of the name are “pleasant-looking wood.”
43. Matteo
Matteo is the Italian form of Matthew and means “gift from God.” Matthew was a tax collector and one of the twelve apostles. He is believed to have written the first gospel in the New Testament (7).
44. Phineas
This Hebrew name means “oracle.” It is a Biblical name where Phineas is one of the two sons of the priest Eli.
45. Reuben
It means “behold, a son” and is of Hebrew origin. The variant spellings are Rueben or Ruben. In the Old Testament, he is the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah and the ancestor of one of Israel’s twelve tribes.
46. Tyrone
It means “from the land of the yew tree” in Irish. The original meaning of the name was “from the land of Eoghan,” where Eoghan refers to the yew tree.
47. Tyson
Tyson means “firebrand” or “son of Denis” and is of Old French origin. A famous bearer of the name is Mike Tyson.
Did you know?48. Warren
A tough and rugged name from a dainty era, Warren means “park-keeper.” It has Old English and Middle English origins. Warren also comes from an English surname, derived from the Norman French word for “animal enclosure” or the town of La Varenne in Normandy.
49. Xavier
This common mixed-race baby boy is of Basque origin and means “bright,” “splendid,” or “new house.” This was the surname of Saint Francis Xavier, the Jesuit priest born in a village of the same name. His surname is used as a given name in his honor, especially among Catholics.
50. Zachariah
The name Zachariah is of Hebrew origin and means “the Lord has remembered.” A shorter form of the name is Zakkai, another interesting name. Zachariah is a variant of Zechariah, a name shared by several Old Testament figures, including the prophet and author of the Book of Zechariah (8). It also appears in the New Testament as the father of John the Baptist.
Tips For Naming A Mixed-Race Baby
There are no specific rules while choosing a name; you can choose a biracial baby name that sounds good to you. Nevertheless, you can consider the following tips to choose the best name that you can cherish forever.
- Consider the languages spoken in your family: Your baby’s name should be pronounceable in every language spoken in your family. Some sounds may not be the same in all the languages. For instance, the “J” sound in Spanish is like the “H” sound in English, and could be difficult for French speakers to pronounce. The name Alejandro of Spanish origin is pronounced as “al-ay-HAHN-droh,” but may not be pronounced this way by English and French speakers.
- Know the different meanings of the name: Look at the meaning of the name in multiple languages. Sometimes, names pleasant in one language may have hilarious meanings in others. For instance, Lola, a Spanish name, refers to a strong woman, whereas, in Filipino, it means “Grandma.”
- Consider a theme-based name: If you find it overwhelming to select a unique name, you may search the name by theme. Focus your search on a theme, such as nature-inspired, space-themed, weather-themed, or sparkling baby names. These names sound cool and fashionable and are acceptable in most cultures.
- Consider the historical significance of names within both cultures: Choose a name that has particular weight or importance in one or both cultures and is meaningful to your family’s heritage.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the differences between naming a biracial baby and a single-race baby?
You may name your baby, whether biracial or single-race babies, whatever you like. But if you’re a biracial couple and want your baby’s name to carry the essence of both cultures, you may look for names derived from more than one origin.
2. Are there any cultural considerations to take into account when selecting a name for a biracial baby?
If you’re selecting a biracial name for your baby, you should ensure that the name is easy to pronounce for both families and carries a significant meaning or story. Also, remember to check the alternate meanings of the name to avoid any negative meaning in the other culture.
3. Is there a difference between names chosen for a mixed-race and biracial baby in different countries?
Different countries have varied naming systems and conventions, so if you’re choosing a mixed-race or biracial name, you may have multiple naming options.
4. What are some popular biracial names that reflect multiple heritages?
Popular biracial names often symbolize the diverse backgrounds of the parents. Some popular biracial names include Ariana, a name with roots in both Portuguese and English cultures, Kai, a name popular in Hawaiian, Chinese, and Scandinavian traditions, Luca, which is popular in Italian and Hungarian cultures, and Zara, which has Bulgarian and English origins.
Parents from mixed cultures are often perplexed while naming their biracial babies. If you are looking for trendy, meaningful, and adorable mixed-race or biracial baby names, this diverse list of biracial names for girls and boys could be worth checking out. These unique baby names are significant and go well with the cultures in question. However, before picking a mixed-race baby name, consider the tips mentioned. For example, check the name’s meaning in multiple languages and the ease of its pronunciation in your native language to select a meaningful and inspiring name for your little one.
Infographic: Connect Your Baby To Mixed Races
Biracial babies have a rich familial history and are a beautiful blend of two races. So, they deserve a captivating name that represents their culture wonderfully. Plunge into the below infographic to get a diverse list of mixed-race names to consider when naming your adorable little one. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Daniel: Prophet of God, Companion of Kings
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-student-manual-kings-malachi/chapter-28?lang=eng - The Story of Layla and Majnun – Romeo and Juliet of the East
https://blog.nli.org.il/en/layla-and-majnun/ - Martyrs Adrian and Natalia and 23 companions, of Nicomedia
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/08/26/102398-martyrs-adrian-and-natalia-and-23-companions-of-nicomedia - Identity of the local pair of deities Telo and Sianna with Apollo and Diana on the territory of Roman Gaul
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318707946_Identity_of_the_local_pair_of_deities_Telo_and_Sianna_with_Apollo_and_Diana_on_the_territory_of_Roman_Gaul - Who Was the First Disciple to Be Called by Jesus?
https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/who-was-the-first-disciple-to-be-called-by-jesus/ - Proverbs
https://www.esv.org/Proverbs+30/ - Matthew: From tax collector to apostle
https://dioceseofraleigh.org/news/matthew-tax-collector-apostle - Introduction to the Book of Zechariah
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-seminary-teacher-manual/introduction-to-the-book-of-zechariah?lang=eng
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