78 Beautiful Black Girl Names

When selecting a name for your baby, you're making one of the most meaningful decisions of a lifetime. Black girl names, for example, often reflect strength, beauty, and resilience, connecting a child to deep cultural roots and traditions. However, many parents today seek a name that honors ancestry while feeling fresh and modern.

As you prepare for your little one's arrival, consider pairing this journey with tools that support early care, like a baby monitor for peace of mind. You can also try a comforting baby sound machine to help with sleep routines. According to NHS.uk, creating a soothing environment with consistent sound is key to newborn development. It does not matter if you're drawn to spiritual names like Faith or traditional African girl names like Thandiwe. The right choice will reflect both love and legacy.

Black girl names are rich in cultural heritage and profound meaning. Many beautiful names like Amara, Zuri, and Imani derive from African languages, carrying powerful meanings of strength, beauty, and faith. Arabic influences can be seen in names such as Aaliyah and Aisha, while Biblical sources have given us enduring names like Naomi and Esther. The spiritual significance of names like Faith, Hope, and Blessing reflects the importance of religious values in many Black communities. Contemporary culture has also elevated names through prominent figures – Beyoncé popularized her unique name, while names like Oprah and Rihanna have gained recognition through their bearers' achievements. These names celebrate Black heritage, carry inspirational meanings, and connect girls to their ancestry and community traditions.

15 African girl names

Beautiful Names with African Heritage

Abena

• Meaning: A beautiful Ghanaian name that means "born on Tuesday." In Ghana, the day of the week a child is born holds special significance and often influences their Black girl name choice.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress Abena Ayivor
  

Ada

• Meaning: A meaningful Nigerian name that translates to "first daughter," making it a perfect choice for welcoming your firstborn girl into the family.

Eniola

• Meaning: A Yoruba name from Nigeria meaning "a person of wealth." This Black girl name symbolizes prosperity and abundance for your daughter's future.

Jamila

• Meaning: This melodic name means "beautiful," reflecting the precious gift your daughter represents. It is widely used throughout North Africa and has Arabic origins.

Latifa

• Meaning: An Arabic name that conveys the admirable qualities of gentleness and kindness, traits many parents wish for their daughters to embody.

Tabia

• Meaning: A Swahili name meaning "talented," celebrating the unique abilities and potential your daughter will develop throughout her life.

Thandiwe

• Meaning: carries the beautiful meaning of "beloved" in several African languages including Xhosa and Zulu, expressing the deep love parents have for their child.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress Thandiwe Newton

Makena

• Meaning: A Kikuyu and Meru name from Kenya meaning "the happy one" or "the one who brings happiness," reflecting the joy a child brings to a family.

Saleema

• Meaning: An Arabic name meaning "safety" and "security," symbolizing the protection and shelter parents provide for their children.

Dayo

• Meaning: A Yoruba name meaning "arrival of joy." It can also be a shortened version of longer names like Oladayo, Adedayo, or Temidayo.

Kamaria

• Meaning: Arabic-origin name meaning "moon" or "moonlight," evoking the serene beauty and gentle glow of the night sky.

Mali

• Meaning: Named after the West African country, carries the regal meaning of "the place where the king lives.: It is suggesting nobility and importance.

Xolani

• Meaning: This Black girl name originates from Xhosa and Zulu languages and means "peace," offering a tranquil and harmonious blessing for your daughter's life journey.

Zahra

• Meaning: An Arabic name meaning "flower of the world," symbolizing something that makes life beautiful and brings joy to those around them.

• Famous Namesakes: President of Nigeria’s daughter Zahra Buhari

Zarina

• Meaning: A Persian-rooted name used in many African languages meaning "of gold," "golden," or "keeper of gold.” It represents something precious and valuable.

14 unique Black girl names

Distinctive Names That Stand Out

These names are particularly unique in the Black community - none appeared in the top 500 names in 2022 according to the U.S. Social Security Administration, making them perfect choices for parents seeking distinctive options.

Aleena

• Meaning: An Arabic-origin name meaning "soft or delicate.” It blends cultural richness with gentle beauty.

Chaya

• Meaning: A Hebrew-origin name meaning "life.” It is a powerful and meaningful Black girl name that celebrates vitality and existence while remaining distinctive in contemporary naming trends.

Etta

• Meaning: Originally a nickname for Henrietta meaning "home ruler" from Germanic roots. This short yet impactful name carries musical and cultural significance in Black history.

• Famous Namesakes: Singer Etta James

Janiyah

• Meaning: A modern Black girl name possibly derived from Jane meaning "God is gracious," or inspired by popular names like Shania and Aaliyah, making it a contemporary choice with melodic appeal. This name represents modern Black naming traditions with uncertain origins.

Jazmine

• Meaning: An alternative spelling to the more common Jasmine, references the fragrant flower while offering a distinctive orthographic twist that sets your daughter apart while maintaining connection to natural beauty.

Kairi

• Meaning: A cross-cultural name possibly from Hawaiian Kai (meaning "sea") with Mari (a variation of Mary), or referencing Japanese gaming culture from Kingdom Hearts, creating a cross-cultural modern Black girl name.

Kaliyah

• Meaning: A contemporary name with uncertain origins, possibly inspired by the beloved name Aaliyah, featuring rhythmic syllables and a distinctive ending.

Keyla

• Meaning: This Black girl name offers a variation on the more common Kayla (itself a feminine form of Gaelic Kyle meaning "narrow"), providing a subtle uniqueness while maintaining familiar sounds and heritage.

Malaya

• Meaning: This name carries powerful meaning from Filipino origins - "free" and "independent" - though it may also connect to Tamil and Sanskrit words for "mountain," offering both cultural richness and empowering symbolism.

Malaysia

• Meaning: A Black girl name referencing the Southeast Asian country whose name means "land of the Malays," providing geographic significance and exotic flair while maintaining accessibility in pronunciation for English speakers.

Melina

• Meaning: A Greek-derived name meaning "honey," combining classical origins with modern appeal and melodic sound patterns. This name brings sweetness and charm to your daughter's identity

Sierra

• Meaning: It literally translates to "mountain range" in Spanish, offering natural imagery and strength while remaining recognizable yet uncommon among contemporary Black naming choices.

Zariya

• Meaning: An Arabic name meaning "scattering wind," evoking imagery of something natural, soft and free - a rare and poetic choice that carries both cultural significance and beautiful symbolism.

Zola

• Meaning: It originates from Xhosa and Zulu languages meaning "calm," connecting to African linguistic heritage while offering a short, distinctive name with a powerful cultural lineage and peaceful connotation.

• Famous Namesakes: Author Émile Zola (though not Black, the name is widely used in African cultures)

21 pretty Black girl names

Elegant and Beautiful Name Choices

Aisha

• Meaning: A beautiful Arabic name that means "alive" or "happily living." This name carries a sense of vitality and joy, making it a wonderful choice for parents seeking a name with positive energy.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress Aisha Tyler

Alaina

• Meaning: It has diverse origins, deriving either from an Old High German word meaning "precious" or from an Irish word meaning "child." This versatile Black girl name blends elegance with cultural richness.

Alexis

• Meaning: A Greek name derived from Alexander which means "defender of men." This strong yet feminine name has remained popular across generations for its classic sound and powerful meaning.

Aniyah

• Meaning: An Arabic name meaning "caring" or "affectionate," perfect for parents who envision their daughter having a compassionate and loving nature.

Avery

• Meaning: It originated as an Old English surname derived from the name Alfred, meaning "elf counsel," or from the Ancient Germanic name Alberich, meaning "elf king." It has evolved into a popular and sophisticated gender-neutral choice.

Bailey

• Meaning: It started as an English occupational surname for someone who was a bailiff. This name has a professional heritage while maintaining a modern, approachable sound.

Daisy

• Meaning: This name comes from "day's eye" in Old English, named for the flower that blooms in the morning and closes at night. The name symbolizes innocence, childhood, and purity—timeless qualities for a beloved daughter.

Ella

• Meaning: This Black girl name has multiple origins. It is potentially derived from an Old German word meaning "other," or as a nickname for names beginning with "El-" such as Eleanor and Elizabeth. In Greek mythology, Ella was also the name of a princess, adding regal significance.

Gisella or Gisela

• Meaning: A French name with German roots meaning "pledge." This sophisticated name carries an air of commitment and promise, with a melodic sound that rolls off the tongue.

Iris

• Meaning: A Greek name meaning "rainbow," symbolizing hope, beauty, and the spectrum of life's possibilities. This name also references the colorful flower and the colored part of the eye.

Kamilah

• Meaning: An Arabic name that means "complete" and "flawless," bestowing upon your daughter a name that celebrates perfection and wholeness.

Londyn

• Meaning: A modern spelling variation of London, bringing a contemporary twist to a name associated with one of the world's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities.

Luna

• Meaning: Latin for "moon," a celestial name that has risen dramatically in popularity. It brings to mind the gentle glow of moonlight and carries an ethereal, dreamy quality.

Melanie

• Meaning: A classic Black girl name with Greek origins meaning "dark." This sophisticated choice has stood the test of time, offering both traditional appeal and a melodious sound.

Mia

• Meaning: Short and sweet, often derived from longer names like Maria or Amelia but stands perfectly on its own. Its brevity makes it universally appealing across different cultures.

Mila

• Meaning: It has a Slavic origin meaning "dear" or "gracious." This name blends simplicity with a touch of international flair, making it both modern and timeless.

Naomi

• Meaning: A Hebrew name meaning "sweet" and "pleasant." With biblical connections and a beautiful meaning, this name offers both cultural depth and natural elegance.

Naya

• Meaning: This name has uncertain origins but may be a variant of Nia, meaning "purpose" in Swahili, or inspired by Maya, which has multiple cultural origins including Sanskrit, Greek, Maori, and Brazilian.

Nora

• Meaning: It can be short for Honora (derived from "honor") or Eleanor. It can also be a variant of the Arabic name Nura, meaning "light" and "radiance"—a versatile name with multicultural appeal.

Ryleigh

• Meaning: A contemporary spelling of Riley, an Old English surname meaning "wood clearing." This modern variation adds a unique feminine touch to a traditionally unisex name.

Zendaya

• Meaning: This name has Zimbabwean and Zambian roots, deriving from a Shona word meaning "thankful." This distinctive Black girl name has gained recognition through its famous namesake while maintaining its beautiful cultural significance.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress Zendaya Coleman
  

18 cute Black girl names

Adorable and Sweet Name Ideas

Aria

• Meaning: This name has multiple beautiful meanings across cultures: it represents "air" and a melodic song type in Italian, "noble" or "honorable" in Sanskrit, and "lion" in Hebrew—making it a powerful yet elegant choice.

• Famous Namesakes: Singer and songwriter Aria Wallace

Breanna and Brianna

• Meaning: Feminine variations derived from Brian, rooted in Old Celtic language meaning "high" or "noble"—these Black girl names have become particularly popular in Black communities for their strong yet feminine sound.

• Famous Namesakes: Basketball star Breanna Stewart

Cadence

• Meaning: This name beautifully captures musical rhythm and flow with its meaning "melodious"—a perfect name for a girl who will bring harmony to your life.

Cassidy

• Meaning: It comes from Gaelic origins meaning "clever" or "curly-haired," combining intelligence with a nod to a physical trait commonly celebrated in Black culture.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress and musician Cassidy Freeman

Harley

• Meaning: It began as a locational surname meaning either "hare's meadow" or "stony woodland clearing," but has evolved into a strong, contemporary choice that conveys independence and spirit.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress and musician Harley Quinn Smith

Harmony

• Meaning: It represents not only "musical agreement" but also broader concepts of "accord" and "tranquility"—capturing the essence of peace and balance many parents wish for their daughters.

Hazel

• Meaning: It refers to both a distinctive greenish-brown eye color and a flowering plant, offering a nature-inspired choice with vintage charm that's experiencing a modern resurgence.

• Famous Namesakes: Jazz pianist and singer Hazel Scott

Jordyn

• Meaning: A modern spelling of Jordan, meaning "to flow down" or "descend" (from the Jordan River). It stands out with its unique spelling, adding a distinctive twist to the classic name that gives it fresh appeal and individuality.

• Famous Namesakes: American TV personality Jordyn Woods

Kyra

• Meaning: It may derive from a Greek word for "lady" or serve as the feminine form of Persian Cyrus, meaning either "the sun" or "one who bestows care"—beautiful symbolism for a cherished daughter.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress Kyra Sedgwick

Lia

• Meaning: It offers a simplified spelling of the Hebrew name Leah, meaning "delicate" or "weary," creating a short, sweet, and modern alternative that flows beautifully.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress and singer Lia Marie Johnson

Parker

• Meaning: It is an English occupational name meaning "park keeper,” but has evolved into a stylish unisex option that conveys both strength and sophistication.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress Parker McKenna Posey

Reagan 

• Meaning: This name comes from an anglicized Irish surname meaning "little ruler," perfect for a girl destined to lead with confidence and determination.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress Reagan Gomez-Preston

Reese

• Meaning: It serves as the feminine version of Welsh Rhys, meaning "ardent" or "passionate"—characteristics that celebrate emotional depth and intensity.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress and film producer Reese Witherspoon

Sky

• Meaning: This Black girl name captures natural beauty in its simplest form, Skye with an added "e" creates an even more elegant and whimsical variation that enhances its appeal.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress and singer Skye Townsend

Summer

• Meaning: It evokes a carefree, sun-kissed feeling with vintage undertones that never go out of style.

• Famous Namesakes: Singer and songwriter Summer Walker

Talia

• Meaning: It has a rich multicultural meanings: "near water" in Australian Aboriginal language, "dew from God" in Hebrew, or as a variation of Greek Thalia meaning "blossoming"—symbolizing growth and potential.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress Talia Shire

Tessa

• Meaning: A diminutive of Theresa, connects to Greek words for "harvest" or "summer," offering a sweet, concise Black girl name with hidden depth and seasonal warmth.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress Tessa Thompson

Willow

• Meaning: It is derived from the willow tree. This name symbolizes grace and resilience, through their ability to bend without breaking, representing graceful strength—a powerful metaphor for raising confident Black girls in today's world.

• Famous Namesakes: Singer and actress Willow Smith

10 popular Black girl names

Trending Names in the Black Community

Aaliyah

• Meaning: It has Arabic origins and means "exalted" or "high one." This beautiful name gained widespread popularity after the rise of R&B artist Aaliyah Haughton and continues to be cherished in the Black community for its melodic sound and powerful meaning.

• Famous Namesakes: Singer and actress Aaliyah Haughton

Amira

• Meaning: An Arabic origin meaning  "princess," and has been consistently ranked among the most popular baby names for Black girls, particularly in metropolitan areas like New York City. The name conveys strength, dignity, and royalty, making it a favored choice for parents seeking a name with cultural significance.

• Famous Namesakes: Dutch soprano Amira Willighagen

Destiny

• Meaning: A Latin name meaning "the power of fate" or simply "fate." This name became especially popular in the Black community during the 1990s and 2000s, symbolizing the belief that a child is meant for greatness and has a predetermined purpose in life.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress Destiny Etiko

Imani

• Meaning: It holds deep meaning in both Arabic and various African languages, including Swahili, where it translates to "belief" or "faith." With variants like Iman and Imaan, this name represents spiritual strength and conviction, resonating strongly within the Black community as a reminder of perseverance through adversity.

• Famous Namesakes: American interdisciplinary scholar Imani Perry

Jada

• Meaning: A concise yet meaningful name that carries significant weight across multiple cultures. In Hebrew tradition, Jada means "wise," while in Arabic, the variant Jayda translates to "something good." This versatile Black girl name has maintained its popularity for its smooth pronunciation and powerful connotations.

• Famous Namesakes: Actress and musician Jada Pinkett Smith

Laila

• Meaning: This name demonstrates remarkable versatility across various cultures. In Scandinavian languages, it carries the dual meaning of "night" and "holy," while in Arabic, it translates to "night" or "dark." Finnish speakers recognize it as meaning "wise." This multicultural name has been embraced within the Black community for its international appeal and lyrical sound.

• Famous Namesakes: American TV personality Laila Ali

Nevaeh

• Meaning: It presents a unique linguistic construction as "heaven" spelled backward, which has captivated many parents seeking distinctive names with spiritual significance. First gaining prominence in the early 2000s, this creative and meaningful Black girl name continues to be popular among Black families looking for a name that stands out while conveying divine inspiration.

• Famous Namesakes: Singer Nevaeh Jolie

Nova

• Meaning: This means "new" in Latin and refers to a spectacular astronomical phenomenon where stars suddenly appear bright before gradually fading. The name symbolizes new beginnings and brilliant potential, making it increasingly popular among Black parents who see their daughters as bright new stars bringing light to the world.

• Famous Namesakes: Singer Nova Miller

Serenity

• Meaning: It embodies the state of being "peaceful, calm, and tranquil." This virtue name has gained significant traction in the Black community, representing the desire for inner peace and harmony in a sometimes turbulent world. Parents choose this Black girl name hoping to bestow these qualities upon their daughters.

Zuri

• Meaning: A beautiful Swahili name meaning "beautiful" or "good." Since 2010, this name has experienced steady growth in popularity across the United States, particularly within the Black community. Its short, distinctive sound coupled with its positive meaning makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with African roots and contemporary appeal.

• Famous Namesakes: American TV personality and actress Zuri Hall

FAQs about Black Girl Names

1. Is there a story about a little Black girl named Pinky? 

Pinky was a little girl who loved bright colors and laughter. Her name stood out among other Black girl names because it was playful, simple, and full of joy. Pinky lived in a small neighborhood where everyone knew her for her pink dresses and her big smile. Every morning, she helped her grandmother bake bread, and in the evenings, she played outside with her cousins, always leading the games with confidence.

Her name carried meaning beyond its cheerful sound. In many African girl names, meanings often come from culture, history, or family traditions. Pinky’s grandmother explained that her name symbolized happiness and strength, reminding everyone that even a small child could light up a room.

2. What is the Black girl’s name in Outer Banks?

In the popular Netflix series Outer Banks, the main Black girl character is named Kiara Carrera, often called “Kie.” While Kiara is not traditionally one of the most common Black girl names, it has roots in both modern naming trends and cultural influences. Many fans see her name as stylish and contemporary, much like other African girl names that blend heritage with fresh appeal.