353 Mysterious Baby Names Meaning Dark

Consider taking the less-traveled path with these offbeat titles.

Written by N Pravenchandra Singh, MA Specialty: Literature and RelationshipsExperience: 2 years

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Last Updated on Jul 24, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Parents who are intrigued by the allure of enigmatic and mysterious qualities may choose baby names meaning dark for their children. At the same time, parents might also select such names because they symbolize something meaningful to their little ones, such as dark skin tone, dark hair, and black or brown eyes. Earlier, people may have associated the word ‘dark’ with something negative, or worse, they may have looked down upon it as something of an offense. But things have changed and in the present day, these names that carry the connotation of darkness are viewed as powerful names that are rich in meaning and phonetic beauty.

This compilation of names draws its inspiration from numerous dark elements that can be found in everyday life such as the dark wood of trees, the pitch blackness of the night, the dark brown color of a person’s eyes, and even the jet black feathers of a raven or a crow. The inspiration for these names can be taken from anywhere and that is where its beauty lies. These names may also be connected to different deities and mythologies of the world. Some names have also been derived from the history of different nations, pinning them with a sense of heritage, glory, and legacy.

Interestingly, some parents may choose a name that signifies darkness because of their emotional connection to it. They can be a symbol of the battles they fought and it marks a turning point in their lives and a testament to their courage and perseverance. In this post, we bring you a list of names from feminine, masculine, or unisex. Keep reading to find a perfect name for your child that truly makes your heart sing.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Layla	Girl	Night; Dark
Melanie	Girl	Black; Dark; Dark-skinned
Blakely	Girl	Black; Dark; Woodland clearing
Leila	Girl	Night time; Dark
Lila	Girl	Playful; Amusement; Dark beauty; Night
Laila	Girl	Night; Dark beauty; Dark-haired
Phoenix	Boy	A bird that gets reborn from ashes; Dark red; Excellent person
Milani	Girl	Middle of the plain; Black; Dark
Corbin	Boy	Raven; Person with dark hair
Donovan	Boy	Brown-haired chieftain; Dark

Colby	Boy	From a coal town; From a dark town
Melany	Girl	Black; Dark
Douglas	Boy	Dark river; Dark water
Laylah	Girl	Night time; Dark
Zayla	Girl	Azalea flower; Dry; Night; Dark beauty
Kiera	Girl	Little dark one; Dark-headed; Dusky; Black
Kerry	Girl	Ciar's people; Kingdom of Ciar; One with dark complexion
Devyn	Unisex	Poet; Young deer; Fawn; Little dark one
Meilani	Girl	Heavenly flower; Dark; Heavenly May
Dwayne	Boy	Dark; Black; Little dark one

Krish	Boy	Black or dark
Kolby	Boy	Coal town; Dark town
Kaira	Girl	Alluring; Delightful; Beloved; Dark
Kiran	Boy	Sunrays; Beam of light; Dust; Thread; Black; Dark; Dark-haired
Dev	Unisex	God; Bee; Calf; Dark little one
Corbyn	Boy	Raven; Person with dark hair
Don	Boy	Dark Brown; Chief; Noble; Ruler of the world
Deven	Unisex	Descendant of Damhán; Calf; Fawn; Little dark one; Lord of gods
Morris	Boy	Dark-skinned; North African; Moorish; Dark; Swarthy
Nila	Girl	Dark blue; Sapphire

Duane	Boy	Dark; Swarthy; Little dark one
Fenix	Boy	An immortal bird; Dark red; Crimson
Milania	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Middle of the plain; Dark; Black
Mahogany	Girl	Dark Red Wood
Krisha	Girl	Black or dark
Dewayne	Boy	Dark; Swarthy; Little dark one
Devan	Boy	Descendant of Damhán; Calf; Fawn; Divine; Godlike; Heavenly; Little dark one
Mindy	Girl	Black; Dark; Bee; Sweet as honey; Honey
Krishna	Boy	Dark or black; All-attractive
Laina	Girl	Little rock; Handsome; Dark; Wave; Of Magdala; Path

Naira	Girl	Bright; Luminous; Brilliant; Eye; Early; One having big eyes; Black or dark
Blakeley	Girl	Pale-skinned; Dark
Kolbie	Girl	Coal town; Dark town
Maelani	Girl	Heavenly; Dark; Black
Esmeray	Girl	Dark moon
Malinda	Girl	Bee; Black; Dark; Sweet; Honeybee; Gentle; Tender
Nilah	Girl	Water hyacinth; Moon; Dark blue; Indigo
Kiernan	Boy	Son of a lord; Little dark one; Black; Dark
Layal	Girl	Dark hours of the day; Night
Neela	Girl	Horn; Dark blue

Krishav	Boy	Dark or black and auspicious; Plougher
Phoenyx	Unisex	Mythical bird; Dark red
Adham	Boy	Black; Dark; Formed of Earth; Son of the red earth
Lamya	Girl	One who has dark lips
Kannan	Boy	Black; Dark; Lord Krishna; The one who is to be seen
Deagan	Boy	One with dark black hair; Grain of corn
Jacolby	Boy	Son of Jacob; Supplanter; Holder of the heel; Coal town; Dark town
Sully	Unisex	Dark eyes; To stain
Donavon	Boy	Descendent of Donndubhan; Dark; Brown
Darci	Girl	From the fortress; A dark one

Melo	Unisex	Honey; Birth; Black; Dark; Blackbird
Adrik	Boy	One who is from Hadria; Dark; Small mountain
Twila	Girl	Woven with a double thread; Morning star; Light in dark places; Wildflower; Twilight; Strength
Melony	Girl	Black; Dark
Kiarah	Girl	Bright; Clear; Dark
Kier	Boy	Little dark one; Dark-skinned; Dusky; Thicket or marsh; Key-maker or locksmith
Donavin	Boy	Brown and dark
Doyle	Boy	Dark stranger; Descendant of Dubhghall
Glendon	Boy	From the dark glen
Kordae	Boy	The name means means Coal Worker, Dark Skinned

Phenix	Unisex	Dark red; A mythical bird symbolizing rebirth and renewal
Dawayne	Boy	The one who is dark haired
Kieren	Boy	Dark-haired; Dark-complexioned; Black; Dark; Descendant of Ciarán
Nayra	Unisex	Eye; Early; Black; Dark; To guide; Bright; Radiant
Kerwin	Boy	Descendant of Ciardhubhán; Dark and black
Devine	Unisex	Divine; Fortune-teller; Descendant of Damhain; Descendant of Dubhain; Fawn; Calf; The dark one; Heavenly; God-like
Keyara	Girl	The small one with dark hair; Clear; Bright; Famous
Ama	Girl	Child born on Saturday; Heaven; Beloved; Vigorous; Sky; God of fertility and rain; Wet nurse; Grandmother; Dark one
Devone	Unisex	Calf; Dark; Divine
Krishay	Boy	Black; Dark

Colbie	Boy	From a coal town; From a dark town
Cobin	Unisex	Raven; Person who has dark hair
Kieron	Boy	Dark-haired; Dark-complexioned; Black; Dark; Descendant of Ciarán; Ray of light
Suneel	Boy	Dark blue; Very blue
Shyam	Boy	Dark blue; Black; Hindu god Krishna
Fenyx	Boy	Rising from the ashes; Dark red
Dwain	Boy	Little dark one
Kannen	Boy	Lord Krishna; Black; Dark; Church official; Large reed
Darcie	Girl	Dark-haired; From the fortress; Descendant of the dark
Kaaliyah	Unisex	Dark kind of sandalwood; A dark snake living in Yamuna river; Exceeding

Kara	Boy	To love; Dark; Beloved
Darcey	Girl	Someone from Arcy; Dark
Malaina	Unisex	Black; Dark
Kiora	Girl	Hello or goodbye; Little and dark; Hollyhock; Rare; Harmony
Kerrigan	Boy	Descendant of Ciaragá; Black or dark
Ker	Boy	Black; Dark brown
Kishan	Boy	Black; Dark
Mellie	Girl	Black; Dark; Honey; Bee; Sweet
Melly	Girl	Black, Dark
Keary	Boy	Dark

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For parents who are interested in baby names meaning dark or darkness, do not worry about them being viewed as negative. They go beyond mere labels and carry rich meanings inspired by many dark elements. You can select a name meaning dark from different cultures and languages for your child from a wide range of names. Ultimately, bestow a name on your adorable little one that resonates with you and watch them use it as a beacon of self-identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any positive associations of baby names meaning dark?

Baby names meaning dark can convey various positive meanings. Black is associated with qualities like strength, comfort, and sophistication. Names that mean dark are enigmatic and embody a special kind of allure. They can mean ‘a noble person,’ ‘a dark-haired beauty,’ and ‘night.’ Also, dark colors are linked to security, shelter, wealth, and power, all positive associations.

2. What are some tips for selecting baby names meaning dark?

The first step to choosing names meaning dark would be to consider their symbolism. Such names can signify a variety of traits, such as wealth, strength, mysteriousness, and shadow. So, it would help to consider the qualities you want your child’s name to embody and accordingly search. Also, look for names from various ancient cultures like Hindu and Irish. You will find many exciting names, such as Kali, the black goddess, and Ciaran, or the little dark one. Ensure that the name is easy to pronounce and has an uncomplicated spelling.

3. What naming traditions are associated with baby names meaning dark?

Naming traditions vary widely across cultures. For example, English-speaking people choose names based on aesthetic appeal. They can also select names meaning dark that sound nice. In contrast, Hindu families rely on Vedic astrology to select names. Italian, Spanish, and Mexican people often use a saint’s name for their child. These naming traditions can be used to select any name that feels appropriate.

Infographic: Intriguing Baby Names That Mean Dark

Darkness is associated with strong spiritual aspects. The shade also has an aura of magic and mystery that is hard to ignore. Names representing it perfectly capture its essence. Parents expecting babies with dark skin, hair, and eyes can also explore names representing dark. This infographic features the top ones that suggest darkness in different ways.

enigmatic names that signify darkness (infographic)

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.