Choosing a name for your baby boy is an exciting journey, and meanings can add a special touch. Names that mean “black” often carry rich cultural significance and unique histories. Whether you’re drawn to the color black for its symbolism of strength, mystery, or elegance, there are many beautiful options to consider.
Today, we’ll share a selection of boy names that mean black. From classic options to more modern choices, these names can help you find the perfect fit for your little one. Let’s take a closer look at some inspiring ideas!
Boy Names That Mean Black
1. Kieran
Kieran is an Irish name meaning ‘little dark one’. It’s a popular name symbolizing a deep, rich shade of black.
2. Darc
Darc is a variant of the word dark and directly relates to the color black, making it a unique name choice.
3. Blake
The name Blake originally meant ‘black’ or ‘dark’, giving your baby boy a name that denotes strength and sophistication.
4. Jet
Jet is a name inspired by the black gemstone, representing elegance and boldness.
5. Malcolm
Malcolm translates to ‘devotee of St. Columba’ but is often associated with ‘dark’ or ‘black’ due to its Gaelic roots.
6. Coleman
Coleman comes from the Gaelic name ‘O’ Comhghallain’ meaning ‘dark one’. It is both charming and meaningful.
7. Ciaran
A variant of Kieran, Ciaran also means ‘black’ or ‘dark-haired’, perfect for a little boy.
8. Donovan
Donovan means ‘dark warrior’ in Gaelic, making it a strong choice for a boy’s name.
9. Sable
Sable refers both to the color black and a luxurious fur, combining sophistication with rich meaning.
10. Auberon
Auberon has connections to blackness in some interpretations, representing nobility and strength.
11. Swain
This name means ‘dark’ or ‘swarthy’, giving it a brave and adventurous sound.
12. Devin
Devin is derived from the word ‘dark’ or ‘unlucky’, often associated with mystery and depth.
13. Kalil
Kalil means ‘friend’, but it’s also associated with darkness, reflecting trust and loyalty.
14. Zain
Zain translates to ‘beautifier’, yet can be connected to deep or black shades in various cultures.
15. Blaine
Blaine means ‘yellow’ but is often tied to dark and mysterious elements, offering a unique feel.
16. Hagan
This name reflects an ‘oath’ or ‘dark’, connecting the sacred with strength.
17. Nero
Nero is of Latin origin meaning ‘black’, making it a powerful name choice for your son.
18. Sweeney
Sweeney translates to ‘sword’ and is linked to darkness in its Irish roots, evoking strength.
19. Amarok
Amarok is a wolf in Inuit mythology and reflects the mysterious nature of the color black.
20. Jett
Jett is a straightforward name that explicitly means ‘black’, often associated with richness and depth.
21. Bane
Bane means ’cause of distress’, but its dark associations could appeal for a powerful name.
22. Aiken
Aiken carries the meaning of a ‘young warrior’ and connects to darkness in some interpretations.
23. Quinn
Quinn means ‘wise’ and ‘intelligent’, yet it has connections to the color black in various cultures.
24. Darian
Darian has roots in Persian meaning ‘wealthy’, but it can also symbolize ‘darkness’.
25. Ashwin
Ashwin means ‘light’, yet in some interpretations, it reflects a balance with dark or black elements.
26. Jarek
Jarek is a Slavic name meaning ‘fierce’, but it can also relate to ‘darkness’, adding an edge.
27. Zorro
Zorro means ‘fox’, but its classic black mask evokes a sense of mystery and darkness.
28. Vesper
Vesper means ‘evening star’, invoking the dark aspects of evening in a captivating way.
29. Cimmerian
Cimmerian relates to the mythical people known for living in darkness, making it a unique choice.
30. Murdock
Murdock means ‘sea warrior’, yet includes ‘dark’ in its Gaelic interpretation.
31. Onyx
Named after the black stone, Onyx reflects strength and stability with its deep black color.
32. Brooks
Brooks means ‘small stream’, but it can symbolize dark waters, adding depth to the name.
33. Tobias
Tobias means ‘God is good’, but its darker interpretations can add a rich layer of meaning.
34. Melaine
Melaine literally means ‘dark’ in French, straightforwardly embracing the theme of black.
35. Gautam
Gautam means ‘darkness’ in Sanskrit, connecting your boy’s identity to mystique.
36. Sterling
Sterling means ‘little star’ but can relate to the concept of contrast with dark elements.
37. Avalon
Avalon, often associated with magic, also connects to the darker aspects of earth and nature.
38. Basil
Basil means ‘kingly’ but often has connections to dark foliage and luxurious colors.
39. Mordecai
This biblical name means ‘warrior’, but it also can mean ‘dark’ in certain interpretations.
40. Tane
Tane is a name rooted in Maori lore associated with the supernatural, adding a layer of mystery.
41. Clovis
Clovis means ‘famous warrior’ and can imply spiritually dark aspects, making it powerful.
42. Calder
Calder means ‘rocky water’, resonating with darker tones representing strength.
43. Melvin
Melvin means ‘magpies’, often associated with darker birds linked to lots of mythologies.
44. Jiro
Jiro means ‘second son’ in Japanese, but holds various interpretations as ‘dark’ as well.
45. Kamo
Kamo means ‘darkness’ in some dialects, reflecting a direct connection to black.
46. Shae
Shae signifies ‘admirable’ while having those deep undertones that connect with black themes.
47. Zilan
Zilan means ‘dark’ in Turkish, straightforwardly capturing the essence of black.
48. Devlin
Devlin means ‘unlucky’ or ‘dark hero’, combining characteristics of mystery and strength.
49. Grayson
Grayson hints at the color gray, which is often seen as a mix of black and white, signifying balance.
50. Enzo
Enzo means ‘ruler of the home’; it also carries a weighty feel as one associated with dark elegance.
51. Ziven
Ziven means ‘radiance’, but its roots have connections to deeper and darker colors.
52. Kirin
Kirin is a mystical creature representing power and is connected to dark themes in some cultures.
53. Oberon
Oberon is a king of the fairies in literature, linked with deep enchantment and shadows.
54. Jaxon
Jaxon means ‘God has been gracious’, yet relates to a modern take on darker and tougher elements.
55. Royce
Royce means ‘rose’ but has darker implications in various cultures, adding complexity to its charm.
56. Sylvester
Sylvester means ‘wooded’, often relating to dark forests and their mystery.
57. Soren
Soren means ‘stern’ in Danish, complementing the idea of dark and serious qualities.
58. Ruiz
Ruiz means ‘brave’ and has connotations with dark warrior themes in history.
59. Arsalan
Arsalan means ‘lion’ but often has associations with dark, powerful animals.
60. Ulric
Ulric translates to ‘wolf power’, evoking the darkness of the night and wild strength.
61. Sudo
Sudo means ‘profound’ in Japanese, delivering a rich essence that can relate to the color black.
62. Chernobog
Chernobog means ‘black god’ in Slavic mythology, giving it a direct connection to blackness.
63. Balthazar
Balthazar means ‘Baal protects the king’, tied to deep themes often seen in folklore involving darkness.
64. Zephyr
Zephyr refers to the west wind but can symbolize the darker aspects of nature.
65. Tarek
Tarek means ‘morning star’ yet contains deeper meanings linking to dark beginnings.
66. Virgil
Virgil means ‘flourishing’, which can relate to darker elements found within nature.
67. Malcolm
Malcolm means ‘follower of St. Columba’ and often links to themes of darkness in Gaelic.
68. Quinlan
Quinlan translates to ‘fit’ or ‘descendant of Cean’ but often resonates with darker ties too.
69. Jetson
Jetson connects to the name Jet, directly relating to the black gemstone possessing elegance.
70. Clyde
Clyde means ‘river’, but rivers have strong connections to deeper, darker elements.
71. Dorian
Dorian is a sophisticated name often linked to darker themes in literature.
72. Corbin
Corbin translates to ‘raven’, which is a bird associated with dark colors and mystery.
73. Seamus
Seamus means ‘supplanter’, yet often carries with it a robust dark flavor in stories.
74. Lennox
Lennox means ‘with many elm trees’, carrying depth and connections to darker woodlands.
75. Nyx
Nyx signifies ‘night’, an overtly dark representation perfect for a boy’s name.
76. Harris
Harris means ‘son of Harry’ but has interpretations associating with darker themes as well.
77. Montague
Montague means ‘sharp mountain’, yet its tones can connect to the darkness of shadows.
78. Murphy
Murphy means ‘sea warrior’, echoing the strength often associated with darker waters.
79. Apollo
Apollo connects to light yet has deep darker elements in mythology.
80. Ciar
Ciar is a short form of Ciaran, meaning ‘black’, a lovely direct approach to the color.
81. Rainer
Rainer means ‘wise army’, but has associations with dark themes in medieval history.
82. Thorne
Thorne means ‘ thorn bush’ adding a natural dark twist, symbolizing protection.
83. Ace
Ace can mean ‘one’, but its strong impact gives it a mysterious edge.
84. Dalton
Dalton means ‘valley town’, often associated with deep and shadowed landscapes.
85. Hal
Hal means ‘ruler’, linking it to strength often associated with darker themes in storytelling.
86. Rockwell
Rockwell means ‘from the rock spring’, linking to the strength found in deep dark caves.
87. Spot
While typically a nickname, Spot can reflect darker regions in playful contexts.
88. Magnus
Magnus means ‘great’ but can also have overlaps to dark themes found in various tales.
89. Keane
Keane means ‘sharp’ or ‘sensitive’, yet has connections to darkness in its roots.
90. Blane
Blane means ‘yellow’ but can also bring dark interpretations reminiscent of mystery.
91. Elwyn
Elwyn means ‘noble friend’, which can hint at stronger, darker bonds.
92. Stetson
Stetson means ‘from the estate of Stedman’, with connotations to the dark rustic charm.
93. Tarquin
Tarquin has an illustrious history connecting to rulers and dark powers.
94. Quinn
Quinn can reflect ‘wisdom’, but also holds deep dark character ties.
95. Jericho
Jericho means ‘fragrant’, yet it evokes dense mystique connected to deep history.
96. Axel
Axel means ‘father of peace’, which can connect to struggle and dark challenges.
97. Horace
Horace means ‘timekeeper’, often associated with elements that intertwine night and day.
98. Delaney
Delaney means ‘dark’ or ‘descendant of the dark’, a delightful straightforward choice.
99. Cato
Cato means ‘wise’, while it has historical connections to dark and serious themes.
100. Knox
Knox means ’round hill’, but reflects the solid structures that can harbor darkness.
101. Cillian
Cillian means ‘warrior’, and is associated with themes of strength and dark courage.
102. Zane
Zane is a modern name meaning ‘God’s gracious gift’; however, its darker undertones add depth.
103. Dominic
Dominic means ‘belonging to God’, but its ties to the dark and light themes complement its depth.
104. Jowan
Jowan is a Welsh name meaning ‘God is gracious’, but possesses connections to shadowy themes.
105. Carlito
Carlito means ‘little one’, which can connect to dark innocence in certain interpretations.
106. Inigo
Inigo means ‘fiery’, often connecting to emotions linked with dark passions.
107. Orson
Orson means ‘bear cub’; bears can have dark connotations making this a powerful name.
108. Zander
Zander means ‘defender of men’, carrying strong, dark undertones of protection.
109. Draven
Draven means ‘hunter’, connecting to primal instincts and dark survival themes.
110. Grayson
Grayson combines both gray and black, reflecting that balance between darkness and light.
111. Thorne
Thorne means ‘thorn bush’, signifying both beauty and danger that darkness can present.
112. Jarek
Jarek, meaning ‘fierce’, ties strongly with dark and bold instincts present in nature.
113. Drago
Drago, meaning ‘dragon’, embodies powerful imagery associated with darkness and mystique.
114. Garrick
Garrick means ‘spear’ and can embody dark and protective qualities often needed in battle.
115. Soren
Soren means ‘stern’, which aligns well with darker undertones found in character narratives.
116. Solon
Solon means ‘wise’, blending light wisdom with dark curiosities found in legends.
117. Orpheus
Orpheus evokes imagery of descent into the underworld, linking deeply with darkness.
118. Whitaker
Whitaker means ‘white field’, which can contrast beautifully against darker elements.
119. Darwyn
Darwyn means ‘dear friend’ but carries associations with dark qualities in storytelling.
120. Aurelius
Aurelius means ‘golden’, yet can include deeper elements synonymous with black.
121. Orion
Orion means ‘rising in brightness’, yet is a constellation rich with dark night interpretations.
122. Iron
Iron connects with strength and can symbolize elements associated with darker forces.
123. Denali
Denali means ‘the high one’; it subtly hints at the dark powers inherent in nature.
124. Onyx
Onyx relates to the jet-black gemstone, showcasing beauty and strength in darkness.
125. Morrick
Morrick can link to the dark and mysterious, making it a meaningful name choice.
126. Sampson
Sampson means ‘like the sun’, offering a contrasting view of light and dark dynamics.
127. Ruan
Ruan means ‘little red’ but has deeper meanings associated with dark themes.
128. Matias
Matias means ‘gift of God’, adding a rich sense of divine with dark connotations.
129. Severo
Severo means ‘strict’; its heavy sound can evoke darker themes.
130. Tyne
Tyne means ‘river’ implying life with connections to darker waters.
131. Knox
Knox means ‘from the hills’ but can silently embrace darkness and shadows.
132. Eldrick
Eldrick means ‘old ruler’, adding a strong, dark sense to any little boy’s life.
133. Silas
Silas means ‘wood’ which can suggest mystery in dark forests.
134. Lochlan
Lochlan means ‘from the land of lakes’, which often brings thoughts of depth and darkness.
135. Darius
Darius means ‘protector’, hinting at elements that are dark and fierce.
136. Darien
Darien originates from Persian meaning ‘rich’, with layered dark implications.
137. Lucan
Lucan means ‘light’, often creating a juxtaposition with dark elements.
138. Teagan
Teagan means ‘attractive’ but can also resonate with deep, dark themes.
139. Kato
Kato means ‘second-born son’; its finality can possess darker undertones.
140. Aldric
Aldric means ‘old ruler’; it provides strength with possible connections to dark themes.
141. Ganesh
Ganesh means ‘with obstacles’, connecting to darker elements in overcoming life’s challenges.
142. Zarek
Zarek means ‘God protects’, offering a name associated with strength often synonymous with darkness.
143. Calder
Calder means ‘rocky water’, which symbolizes the powerful dark elements of nature.
144. Jerome
Jerome means ‘sacred name’ and is associated with darker narrations in storytelling.
145. Faust
Faust implies ‘fortunate one’ while embodying deeper darker stories in cultural contexts.
146. Ashby
Ashby means ‘ash tree farm’, which connects to the dark elements of nature’s cycles.
147. Bohdan
Bohdan means ‘given by God’, but it connects with dark challenges embedded in history.
148. Rafe
Rafe means ‘counsel’, bringing a subtle dark nuance of protection.
149. Thatcher
Thatcher means ‘roof maker’, giving strong imagery often connected to dark shelter.
150. Ambrose
Ambrose means ‘immortal’, evoking a timeless connection to darker mythologies.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that means black can offer a powerful and unique identity for your baby boy. From Kieran to Ambrose, the names on this list carry deep meanings that reflect strength, mystery, and elegance. Remember that the significance of a name can add a layer of beauty to your child’s identity, connecting them with rich cultural histories.
As you embark on this journey of naming, don’t hesitate to explore more options that resonate with your values and aspirations for your child. Names like those are not just words; they’re stories waiting to be told and lives waiting to be lived.
If you’re interested in learning more about names with rich meanings, check out names that mean black for more inspiration. Also, you might find our list of boy names that mean darkness intriguing.