404 African American Baby Names With Deep Roots

Connecting to roots while adapting to a new culture.

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Last Updated on Aug 2, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

African-American baby names have a unique place in American culture. They are a blend of two diverse histories and legacies as the names have witnessed the struggles and triumphs of African people on American soil. Historically, African names have diverse roots exhibiting African, Arabic, and European influences. But when Africans were brought to the US, their employers changed their African names to the latter’s preference and convenience.

Following the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, Africans in the US started to regain their identity as they proudly adopted their African culture (1). Initially, Africans chose biblical names such as Moses, Elijah, and Abraham. However, after the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans preferred adopting newly invented or creative variants of existing names. They started creating new, unique names by adding prefixes such as La- or De- or suffixes such as -ique or -isha to known names. For instance, the popular name Latasha is the African-American variant of Natasha meaning ‘Christmas day.’ Similarly, Deshawn and Deshaun are the African-American version of the English name Shawn meaning ‘Yahweh is gracious.’

The masculine name Tyrique is a variant of the African-American version name Tyrone, which is derived from the Irish Gaelic name of a kingdom, Tir Eoghain meaning ‘land of Eoghan.’ The feminine name Tanisha is believed to be a blend of the names Tamika and Natasha. Even though made-up and modern, the names are a symbol of pride for African Americans. We have curated a list of authentic African-American names; from cool to creative, these names might suit your preference.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Zyaire	Boy	River swallowing rivers; Congo river
Zaire	Boy	River that swallows other rivers
Imani	Girl	Faith; Belief
Makai	Boy	Who is like God; Ocean
Nia	Girl	Goal; Determination; Purpose; Bright; Female champion; Priceless; Luck
Kyree	Boy	Benevolent; Noble lord or lady
Zariyah	Girl	Blooming flower
Janiyah	Girl	God is gracious; Favored
Kamiyah	Girl	Good mother; Illusion; Water
Zaniyah	Girl	Corner; Forever

Javion	Boy	Greece; Noah's grandson; Young
Deandre	Boy	Manly; Masculine
Davion	Boy	Beloved; Uncle
Jabari	Boy	Almighty; Powerful; Brave one
Javon	Boy	Greece; Eternal
Davian	Boy	Beloved; Uncle
Jaelynn	Girl	May God protect; Supplanter
Syncere	Unisex	Heartfelt; Genuine; Pure; Clean
Kymani	Boy	Adventurous traveler
Lamar	Boy	Of the sea; Liquid gold

Akeem	Boy	Wise
Amarion	Boy	Flourishing; To live long; Wished-for child; Sea of bitterness
Deshawn	Boy	Yahweh is gracious
Deangelo	Boy	Angel; Messenger
Pharaoh	Boy	Great house
Jaylon	Boy	One who remains calm
Janiya	Girl	God's grace; Beloved
Sanai	Girl	Brilliance; Radiance; Splendour
Jayvion	Boy	One who can heal or a healing power
Makhi	Boy	Battle; Sea; Who is like God

Marquise	Boy	March; Borderland
Donte	Boy	Enduring; Hard
Alaysia	Girl	Nobility; Noble kind
Makiyah	Unisex	Who is like Yahweh
Zavion	Boy	New house
Demari	Unisex	One who lives a long life; One who builds
Jaleah	Girl	Sublime; Greatness; Honorary
Jahzara	Girl	Princess; Blessed princess
Niyah	Unisex	Mourning; Purpose; Aim; Intention
Kyan	Boy	Ancient; Enduring

Precious	Unisex	Price; Worth
Jaquan	Boy	Holder of the heel; Supplanter
Miyah	Girl	Good mother; Foster mother; Dame; Illusion; Magic; Water; Mine
Dashawn	Boy	Yahweh is gracious
Jakai	Unisex	God is gracious
Jacari	Unisex	May God Protect; Supplanter
Xavian	Boy	The new house
Markell	Boy	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male; Horse border; Wolf border
Jayvon	Boy	One who belongs to Greece; Healing; Ionian
Maliya	Girl	A sea of rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved

Kaniyah	Girl	Beautiful; Beloved
Javari	Unisex	River crossing; Stream
Deshaun	Boy	God is gracious
Romelo	Boy	From Rome
Jayven	Boy	Ancient Greek inhabitants of Attica
Alea	Girl	High; Lofty; Sublime
Kyaire	Unisex	The strength from God; Welcome
Javonte	Boy	Son of Japheth
Tyreek	Girl	Invented name
Davonte	Boy	Defender; Beloved; River

Kavon	Boy	Handsome; Beloved
Mehki	Boy	Rising; Fragrant
Jahari	Unisex	Jewel; One with youth and strength
Javan	Boy	Greek tribe Ionian; Noah's grandson; Young
Jayvian	Unisex	Invented name
Alayla	Girl	Night
Devontae	Boy	Tribe of Dumnonii
Jeremih	Boy	God will exalt
Martez	Boy	The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male
Cartier	Unisex	One who transports goods

Omarion	Boy	Populous; Flourishing
Jariah	Girl	Taught by Yahweh
Kalayah	Unisex	Lost; Joy; Happiness; Field pea
Taraji	Girl	To hope; To wish for
Monae	Unisex	Home; Rich protection
Jarell	Boy	Spear ruler; Spear hill
Lamarcus	Boy	God of War; Mars; Male
Daveon	Boy	Beloved; Uncle
Jaren	Boy	To sing loud
Demar	Unisex	Marsh

Javien	Unisex	Eternal
Zori	Unisex	Mighty; Beautiful; Morning star
Rashaad	Boy	Good sense or guidance; Right path or religion
Divinity	Unisex	Belonging to a deity
Jayanna	Girl	Gracious, Favor
Antwon	Boy	Worthy of praise
Davien	Unisex	Beloved; Uncle
Romero	Boy	Pilgrim to Rome
Aleeah	Girl	Sublime; High; Exalted
Sebastion	Boy	From Sebaste; Venerable; Exalted

Zavien	Unisex	New house
Taniya	Girl	Puzzle; Tangle; Confuse; Breath of life
Shemar	Boy	God's guardian
Jaheem	Boy	Dignified; Abyss
Malique	Boy	A king; A master
Dasia	Girl	Possessing goodness; Already seen; Myrtle tree
Raekwon	Boy	Great army
Tavian	Boy	Eighth
Ramiyah	Boy	Lovely; Beautiful
Dionte	Boy	One from Zeus

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African-American baby names honor African history of struggle and courage. For parents, these names are a way to instill a sense of pride in African heritage and history in their children. The names uphold the unique identity of African Americans in the US. When choosing a traditional baby name, ensure it connects your child to their roots and holds meaningful significance. The name should be like an ornament that your child will be proud to flaunt.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How have African American baby naming trends changed over time?

Many African Americans adopted Biblical and European names like John, Mary, and David. But, with the rise of African American movements, like the Civil Rights Movement, the naming trends started shifting towards names inspired by leaders like Rosa and Martin. They also started giving names that celebrated African heritage, such as Quianna and Cleavon.

2. Can African American baby names be influenced by popular culture?

Yes. Many African American names are influenced by popular culture, including those from music, movies, television, and sports. Some examples include Zendaya, Keisha, LeBron, and Serena.

Infographic: African-American Names With Beautiful Meanings

A lot of thought goes into creating a modern name. One of the most important considerations is the meaning of the name. African-American names may be creative variants of American and other foreign names. However, these names have beautiful and powerful meanings that add to their charm. Check out the infographics below for African-American names with beautiful meanings.

modern african american names with positive meanings (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

A brief history of black names
from Perlie to Latasha. https://news.osu.edu/a-brief-history-of-black-names-from-perlie-to-latasha/

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.