156 Captivating African-American Girl Names With Meanings

Embracing a unique heritage with pride and honor.

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Last Updated on Aug 20, 2024

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African-American girl names represent two cultures with a shared history. They may have African roots but also have experiences with the African community in America. These vibrant names symbolize the community’s history, culture, and aspirations. When Africans first arrived in the US, they had no legal name. Initially, they adopted biblical names and tried to create an identity for themselves. However, after the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, African women in the US adopted names that exhibited their original African roots (1).

They also created new variants inspired by European names. These are so common in their community that they are now exclusively identified as African-American names. For instance, Beyoncé is inspired by the French surname Boyancé, which does not have a known meaning. Similarly, LaDonna is a new name inspired by the Italian Donna (lady) combined with the prefix ‘la.’ Choosing an African-American name for your daughter is a great way to keep her connected to her history and heritage. Below are African-American names you may consider for your little princess.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Nia	Girl	Goal; Determination; Purpose; Bright; Female champion; Priceless; Luck
Zariyah	Girl	Blooming flower
Janiyah	Girl	God is gracious; Favored
Kamiyah	Girl	Good mother; Illusion; Water
Zaniyah	Girl	Corner; Forever
Jaelynn	Girl	May God protect; Supplanter
Janiya	Girl	God's grace; Beloved
Sanai	Girl	Brilliance; Radiance; Splendour
Alaysia	Girl	Nobility; Noble kind
Makiyah	Unisex	Who is like Yahweh

Jaleah	Girl	Sublime; Greatness; Honorary
Jahzara	Girl	Princess; Blessed princess
Niyah	Unisex	Mourning; Purpose; Aim; Intention
Precious	Unisex	Price; Worth
Miyah	Girl	Good mother; Foster mother; Dame; Illusion; Magic; Water; Mine
Maliya	Girl	A sea of rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved
Kaniyah	Girl	Beautiful; Beloved
Alea	Girl	High; Lofty; Sublime
Alayla	Girl	Night
Kalayah	Unisex	Lost; Joy; Happiness; Field pea

Taraji	Girl	To hope; To wish for
Monae	Unisex	Home; Rich protection
Divinity	Unisex	Belonging to a deity
Jayanna	Girl	Gracious, Favor
Aleeah	Girl	Sublime; High; Exalted
Taniya	Girl	Puzzle; Tangle; Confuse; Breath of life
Dasia	Girl	Possessing goodness; Already seen; Myrtle tree
Ramiyah	Boy	Lovely; Beautiful
Kamyah	Unisex	Good mother; Dame; Foster mother
Snoh	Unisex	Snow

Erianna	Girl	Most holy
Shaniya	Girl	On my way; God is gracious
Laiya	Unisex	Weary
Krislyn	Unisex	A follower of Christ; Christian; Lake
Shamya	Unisex	Heard by Yahweh
Kymora	Unisex	Tree town
Shanya	Unisex	On my way
Alaisha	Unisex	Nobleness; Nobility
Anijah	Unisex	God answers
Jakiya	Unisex	May God protect; Supplanter; Mine

Zyonna	Girl	A Jewish homeland; Heaven
Rainah	Girl	Queen
Markayla	Girl	Who is like Yahweh
Marsai	Unisex	Spring; Further
Daysha	Girl	Already
Demiyah	Girl	Good mother; Dame; Foster mother
Keyana	Girl	Divine; Goddess-like; Silk-like material
Keysha	Unisex	Cinnamon; Cassia; From the spice tree
Teanna	Girl	A Christian; To anoint
Demiya	Unisex	Good mother; Dame

Keyonna	Boy	Like silk; Attractive
Aleisha	Girl	Exalted; Noble
Takiyah	Girl	Pious; Righteous
Khiara	Unisex	Black; Clear; Bright; Famous
Imoni	Unisex	Faith
Jahlia	Girl	High; Lofty; Sublime
Martika	Girl	Lady; Mistress
Shanice	Girl	God is gracious
Jaquita	Girl	Supplanter; Little girl; Frenchmen
Lamaya	Girl	Good mother; Dame; Foster mother

Taisha	Girl	Alive
Tamyra	Girl	Date palm
Tayja	Girl	A little gem; Gift from God
Syrai	Unisex	Princess; Noblewoman
Neya	Unisex	Purpose; Aim
Latrell	Girl	Noble; Eager
Adanya	Unisex	Eldest daughter of the father
Simaya	Unisex	Illusion; Magic
Malkia	Girl	Queen
Ozella	Girl	Strength; Power

Tanesha	Girl	Ambition; Puzzle; Tangle; Confuse
Kianni	Unisex	Silk-like material
Ajanae	Girl	One who is persistent or persevering
Keandra	Unisex	Wise ruler; High hill
Niyana	Unisex	Arrival; Path
Shalonna	Girl	One fierce and strong like a lioness
Latanya	Girl	An establisher
Myisha	Girl	Living; Alive
Taijah	Unisex	Crown; Sapling; Honorable; One who maintains or possesses the well
Sonji	Girl	A woman of great wisdom and knowledge; God is gracious

Tangela	Girl	Messenger
Shaniece	Girl	God is gracious
Tiesha	Girl	Alive; Living
Shaniqua	Girl	God is gracious
Aaniya	Girl	God has answered me; Favor; Grace; Lofty
Trenyce	Girl	Miracle
Sparkle	Unisex	Shining brightly; Glittering
Kadijah	Girl	Premature child
Denesha	Girl	Of Zeus; Sky; Puzzle; Tangle; Confuse
Janisha	Girl	One who dispels ignorance; God is gracious

Miesha	Girl	Life; Strawberry; Gauze; Thin silk; Sand; Livelihood; Living
Nyesha	Girl	Living; Alive
Lakesha	Girl	Cassia; Cinnamon
Chiquita	Girl	Little girl
Shamara	Girl	Guardian; Protector; Prepared for battle
Shamia	Girl	The end; Heard by Yahweh
Myesha	Girl	Living; Alive
Maleka	Unisex	The lady; Mistress; Queen
Monay	Unisex	Rich protection; Descendant of the protector
Lakisha	Girl	Cassia; Cinnamon; Joyous and lively woman

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African-American girl names reflect the values and beliefs cherished by the community. These may be influenced by evolving culture and popular trends but also linked to their original African traditions. They provide a sense of identity and individuality, representing virtues and aspirations considered significant by the people. Parents like these names for their versatility and uniqueness. By selecting an African-American girl name for your little girl, you honor your cultural heritage, connecting the past with the present and future.

Infographic: Popular African-American Girl Names

African-American girl names often represent a blend of two cultures with contemporary influences. They are celebrated for their unique sounds, meaningful origins, and powerful connections to history and identity. Start your naming journey today with our infographic containing some of the best of these names.

african american girl names (infographic)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do African-American girl names have specific patterns or trends?

African-American girl names often exhibit unique patterns and trends that reflect cultural influences, creativity, and historical factors. Adding prefixes like la, sha, de, or ta and suffixes like isha, iqua, ique, or onda to common names is a popular trend. Examples include Shalonda, Shanique, Lashonda, and Talisha. Religion has played a pivotal role in influencing African-American names, especially Islam, which is found in the names of some famous figures like Muhammad Ali, who changed his name from Cassius Marcellus Clay. Biblical names are common, often with unique spellings or variations. Examples include Makayla, a variant of the Biblical Michaela, the feminine form of Michael. These patterns and trends reflect the diversity, creativity, and cultural pride within the African-American community, resulting in unique and meaningful names.

2. What African-American baby girl names can be used as middle names?

African-American baby girl names make wonderful middle names, adding depth and beauty to any full name. For instance, Telisha (beautiful, adorable), Ilina (My God is Yahweh), Lashonda (God is gracious), or Shanita (gift of God), as middle names can add a unique and meaningful touch to a child's name, celebrating spirituality and cultural heritage.

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.