71 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
Janiyah	Girl	God is gracious; Favored
Jaelynn	Girl	May God protect; Supplanter
Janiya	Girl	God's grace; Beloved
Sanai	Girl	Brilliance; Radiance; Splendour
Alaysia	Girl	Nobility; Noble kind
Jahzara	Girl	Princess; Blessed princess
Miyah	Girl	Good mother; Foster mother; Dame; Illusion; Magic; Water; Mine
Maliya	Girl	A sea of rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved
Alea	Girl	High; Lofty; Sublime

Taraji	Girl	To hope; To wish for
Aleeah	Girl	Sublime; High; Exalted
Taniya	Girl	Puzzle; Tangle; Confuse; Breath of life
Dasia	Girl	Possessing goodness; Already seen; Myrtle tree
Erianna	Girl	Most holy
Iyonna	Girl	Graceful; Beautiful
Rainah	Girl	Queen
Daysha	Girl	Already
Keonna	Girl	God's gracious gift
Janasia	Girl	Combination of Jane and Asia

Teanna	Girl	A Christian; To anoint
Aleisha	Girl	Exalted; Noble
Takiyah	Girl	Pious; Righteous
Martika	Girl	Lady; Mistress
Jaquita	Girl	Supplanter; Little girl; Frenchmen
Taisha	Girl	Alive
Tamyra	Girl	Date palm
Tayja	Girl	A little gem; Gift from God
Shanita	Girl	She is a gift of God
Latrell	Girl	Noble; Eager

Malkia	Girl	Queen
Ozella	Girl	Strength; Power
Tanesha	Girl	Ambition; Puzzle; Tangle; Confuse
Ajanae	Girl	One who is persistent or persevering
Shalonna	Girl	One fierce and strong like a lioness
Latanya	Girl	An establisher
Tangela	Girl	Messenger
Tiesha	Girl	Alive; Living
Shaniqua	Girl	God is gracious; Merciful
Aaniya	Girl	God has answered me; Favor; Grace; Lofty

Kadijah	Girl	Premature child
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
Lakisha	Girl	Cassia; Cinnamon; Joyous and lively woman
Lateisha	Girl	A feeling of happiness and joy
Marquetta	Girl	Pearl; Noble title; Borderland; Related to Mars
Marquita	Girl	March; Borderland

Shanique	Girl	A giving God
Tenika	Girl	People's victory; Beautiful child
Latricia	Girl	Noble; Patrician
Lakeisha	Girl	Cassia; Cinnamon
Kadesha	Girl	Early baby
Kalisha	Girl	Noble; Joy; Beautiful
Shalonda	Girl	Peace; Violet
Jeanetta	Girl	Yahweh is gracious; God is gracious
Quanita	Girl	Obedient
Telisha	Girl	Beautiful; Adorable

Quianna	Girl	Silky
Shakyra	Girl	Grateful; Thankful
Micole	Girl	Who is like God; Brook
Laquisha	Girl	Charismatic; Expressive; Communicative
Lashawnda	Girl	God is gracious
Shanika	Girl	The graciousness of God
Takisha	Girl	Cassia; Cinnamon; Alive
Ladasha	Girl	Possessing goodness; Christmas day
Shandi	Girl	God's grace
Afternoon	Girl	One who is creative, a risk taker, practical, an art lover, and likes challenges

Swintayla	Girl	A sweet one

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/

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