200 African American Names and Their Meanings

Over 200 African-American names and their meanings.

African American Names: 

Names are an important part of our identity, and many parents place great importance on giving their children a unique name that reflects their personality and history. Over time, African-Americans have developed their own naming culture that contains deep meanings and symbols. In this blog, we will introduce you to 200 African-American names and their meanings.

A few words beforehand ..

All of the following names have special meanings and can represent incomparable personalities. Some names like Aaliyah and Akilah refer to qualities like intelligence and majesty, while other names like Alana and Amaya symbolize peace and tranquility. Each name is unique and can help define and shape a child’s personality.

African-American names also often have strong spiritual meanings and are often chosen in connection with faith and religious practices. Names like Alaysia have a strong connection to God and His blessings, while names like Amari and Aniyah have stronger references to infinity and eternity.

Sometimes African-American names also have political significance and refer to famous people or historical events. Names such as Alonzo refer to a well-known member of the Civil Rights Movement and can be used to symbolize values of freedom, equality, and civil rights.

There is also a long tradition in African-American naming that dates back to African culture and history. Many names such as Amir and Alisha have roots in African languages and cultures and can be used to connect to the family’s roots.

Finally …

Names are an important part of a person’s identity, and African-American names often carry deep meanings and symbols. By choosing a name that reflects a family’s personality, history, and values, parents can help create a strong connection between a child and his or her roots. We hope this list of 200 African-American names and their meanings will help guide parents in finding a unique and meaningful name.

List of names:

Please note that the meanings and origins of these names may come from different cultures and languages. Some names may have multiple meanings or origins. Some of these names are of African origin and come from different ethnic groups and cultures. African American names may also have influences from other cultures, including European and Islamic cultures.

A

Aaliyah – Exalted, exalted position (Arabic).
Aisha – Lively, fun-loving (Arabic)
Amari – Strength, construction (African)
Ashanti – African kingdom (African)
Ayanna – Beautiful flower (African)
Adisa – He who teaches clearly (Yoruba)
Akilah – Wise, intelligent (Arabic)
Alonzo – Ready for battle (Old German)
Anika – Sweetness, face (African)
Asante – Thank you (Swahili)
Amani – Peace (Swahili)
Amara – Grace (Igbo)
Aziza – Beloved, precious (Arabic)
Adina – Delicate, sensitive (Hebrew)
Akeem – Wise, intelligent (Arabic)
Ayana – Pretty flower (Ethiopian)
Alika – Truthful, Protector (African)
Andwele – God’s presence (Swahili)
Atiya – Gift (Arabic)
Ajani – Victory (Yoruba)
Akila – Intelligent, reasonable (Egyptian)
Asha – life, hope (Swahili)
Abdul – Servant of God (Arabic)
Adonis – Extremely handsome (Greek)
Amare – Love (Amharic)
Anansi – Spider God (Akan)
Adaeze – Daughter of the king (Igbo)
Ayo – joy (Yoruba)
Amiri – Prince, Commander (Arabic)
Afia – Born on Friday (Akan)

B

Binta – With good health (African).
Bashira – Joy, happiness (Arabic)
Baraka – Blessing (Swahili)
Bisa – Great, admirable (African)
Badu – The tenth born son (Akan)
Bakari – He who promises success (Swahili)
Beyonce – Beyond others (French / American)
Bria – Noble, strong (Celtic)
Brita – The sublime (African)
Babatunde – The father has returned (Yoruba)
Bello – Helper, friend (Hausa)
Bem – Peace (African)
Biko – Warrior (Zulu)
Boipelo – Pride (Tswana)
Busara – wisdom (Swahili)
Bintou – daughter (Fulani)
Bwana – Lord, Chief (Swahili)
Banji – Second daughter (Yoruba)
Balinda – Patiently waiting (African)
Bongani – Grateful (Zulu)
Buhle – Beauty (Ndebele)
Bukola – Valuable, appreciated (Yoruba)
Bunmi – My gift (Yoruba)
Busisiwe – Blessed (Zulu)
Bayo – Joy, happiness (Yoruba)
Bongiwe – Gratitude (Zulu)
Bhekizizwe – Guardian of the Nation (Zulu)
Buhlebenkosi – Divine beauty (Ndebele)
Bulus – Peace, reconciliation (Hausa)
Busi – success, prosperity (Xhosa)

C

Camille – perfection, blameless (French).
Chante – song, singing (French)
Cheyenne – Native American tribe (North American)
Ciara – Dark-haired, black (Irish)
Clarence – Shiny, bright (Latin)
Claudette – Lame, crippled (French)
Clayton – Town on the clay (English)
Colby – Dark settlement (Old English)
Constance – Steadfast, enduring (Latin)
Cora – Girl, Virgin (Greek)
Cordell – rope maker (English)
Cornell – Cuckold, corner (Latin)
Courtney – From the Curia (French)
Crystal – Clear, transparent (English)
Curtis – Polite, courteous (Latin)
Caden – Combative (Welsh)
Cameron – Crooked Nose (Scottish)
Candace – Glowing hot (African)
Carla – Free, strong (Old German)
Carmen – Song, poem (Spanish)
Cedric – Warlord (Old English)
Celeste – Heavenly, sublime (Latin)
Chadwick – warrior village (English)
Chanel – channel, gutter (French)
Charlene – Free, strong (Old German)
Charles – Free man, warrior (Old German)
Charlotte – Small, petite (French)
Chasity – Chaste, pure (Latin)
Chauncey – Happiness (Latin)
Chelsea – limestone harbor (English)

D

Dalia – Branch, tender (Swahili).
Damita – Little noble woman (Spanish)
Darnell – Hidden place (Old English)
Davina – Beloved, friend (Hebrew)
Dayo – Joy comes (Yoruba)
Deion – God of wine (American)
Delia – From the island of Delos (Greek)
Demarcus – Warrior (American)
Denzel – From the high fortress (Cornish)
Deshaun – God’s Grace (American)
Destiny – Fate, Destiny (English)
Devonte – Swan Song (American)
Dominique – Beloved of the Lord (French)
Donnell – World Leader (Irish)
Dontae – Lasting, enduring (Italian)
Dwayne – Dark, black (Irish)
Dabir – Teacher (Arabic)
Dalmar – Versatile (Somali)
Daudi – Beloved (Swahili)
Deja – Already seen (French)
Delani – Green Branch (Zulu)
Dembe – Peace (African)
Deon – God of wine (Greek)
Deron – Bird (American)
Diallo – Courageous (Fulani)
Dikeledi – Tears (Tswana)
Dimitri – Devotee of Demeter (Greek)
Dumi – Inspiring (Zulu)
Dunia – life, existence (Swahili)
Dyson – son of Dennis (English)

E

Ebony – Deep Black (English)
Essence – Basic Nature (English)
Estelle – Star (French)
Emani – Faith, Trust (Swahili)
Ezekiel – God’s Strength (Hebrew)
Elisha – God is my Savior (Hebrew)
Eliana – God has answered (Hebrew)
Emeka – God has acted well (Igbo)
Eniola – wealth (Yoruba)
Eshe – Life (Swahili)
Ekon – Strong (African)
Elom – God loves me (Ewe)
Efia – Born on Friday (Akan)
Efe – Love (Yoruba)
Elewa – Intelligent (Swahili)
Emem – Peace (Ibibio)
Enitan – Person of history (Yoruba)
Esi – Born on Sunday (Akan)
Etana – Strong, determined (Amharic)
Ezra – Help, support (Hebrew)
Edem – God saved me (Ewe)
Ekene – Thanks (Igbo)
Elikem – God loves me (Ewe)
Enam – God’s gift (Ewe)
Ebele – mercy, kindness (Igbo)
Esosa – God’s gift (Edo)
Ejike – power (Igbo)
Elohor – God is good (Urhobo)
Ememabasi – Peace is with God (Ibibio)
Eghosa – God’s time (Edo)

F

Fabian – Successful farmer
Fadilah – Noble, generous, meritorious
Fahari – splendor, pride
Fakhir – Proud, distinguished
Faiola – Good news, good message
Faith – Faith, trust
Fakira – Intellectual, wise
Falon – leader, leader
Famara – The king
Fanaka – prosperity, wealth

Fana – light, glow
Faraji – Comfort, relief
Fareed – Unique, valuable
Fariji – comfort, relief
Farrah – Joy, Happiness
Fatima – Influential, daughter of the Prophet Mohammed
Fatou – Virgin, pure
Fayola – Good luck, good fate
Felicia – Happy, successful
Femi – God loves me

Fenna – God is merciful
Fidelia – Faithful, loyal
Fiorella – Little flower
Flora – Flower, nature
Floria – Blooming, flowery
Fola – Honor, glory
Folami – Respect and honor me
Foluke – In God’s care
Fonya – Strength, power
Fumbe – Wise, reasonable person

This list will be extended. Check back later!

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