Names hold deep meanings and connections, often reflecting culture, history, and identity. Some names specifically mean “black,” representing strength, beauty, and depth. These names come from various languages and traditions around the world. They can be a powerful choice for parents naming their children or for anyone looking to embrace their heritage.
Today, we will look at several names that mean black, their origins, and what they signify. Whether you’re interested in names for a baby, a character in a story, or just curious, these names offer rich meanings and interesting backgrounds that celebrate the color black in a meaningful way.
Names That Mean Black
1. Acheron
Acheron is derived from Greek mythology representing a river in the underworld, meaning ‘river of sorrow’. This name carries a deep and mysterious significance relating to the color black.
2. Ash
This English name symbolizes strength and resilience. The name Ash also relates to the ash tree, which can evoke images of dark and powerful qualities.
3. Blaise
Blaise comes from the Latin name Blasius, meaning ‘lisping’ or ‘stammering’. The name also relates to the color black, signifying intensity and uniqueness.
4. Brice
This name is of Celtic origin and translates to ‘speckled’ or ‘freckled,’ but it is often associated with dark colors, adding a richness to its meaning.
5. Chadwick
Chadwick is an English name meaning ‘dairy farm near a settlement’. It’s often associated with the color black due to its popularity in folklore and stories.
6. Ebony
This name comes directly from the dark, beautiful wood of the same name. Ebony represents beauty and elegance, firmly rooted in the imagery of black.
7. Kremlin
The name Kremlin often evokes images of dark and powerful historical structures, relating the meaning to strength and authority associated with the color black.
8. Laila
Of Arabic origin, Laila means ‘night’. The connection to darkness and the beautiful imagery of night ties this name strongly to the meaning of black.
9. Leila
Another variation of Laila, Leila holds the same meaning, representing beauty in darkness and the richness of the night sky.
10. Melantha
This Greek name translates to ‘dark flower’. Melantha beautifully symbolizes both beauty and the color black.
11. Melaine
Derived from the French word for black, Mélanie captures the essence of darkness in its softness and elegance.
12. Morin
The Gaelic name Morin conveys the meaning of ‘dark’. It represents depth and mystery, connecting directly to the color black.
13. Murphy
This common Irish surname can also be a given name, meaning ‘sea warrior’, but it’s also connected to the darkness of the sea.
14. Nero
Nero is a Latin name meaning ‘black’. It’s often associated with powerful historical figures, giving it a strong connotation.
15. Onyx
This name represents a black gemstone known for its strength and beauty. Also, it relates well to the black color’s symbolism of elegance.
16. Zephyra
Zephyra is a name of Greek origin that means ‘the west wind’. This name connects to the night and dark skies, aligning its meaning with black.
17. Kieran
This Irish name translates to ‘little dark one’. Kieran beautifully captures the essence of darkness and its elegance.
18. Darcelle
Of French origin, Darcelle means ‘dark’. It’s rich in elegance and sophistication, directly relating to the meaning of black.
19. Kaliyah
This name means ‘blackness’ and beautifully represents the color itself, making it a unique and powerful choice.
20. Ciaran
A popular Irish name meaning ‘little dark-haired one’, Ciaran connects closely to the themes of black and darkness.
21. Blake
The name Blake comes from Old English, meaning ‘black’ or ‘dark’. It’s a simple yet strong name with a direct connection to black.
22. Mallika
Of Indian origin, Mallika means ‘jasmine’ and is often associated with the dark hues of the flower, relating it to black.
23. Sable
This name directly refers to a black color or black fur, symbolizing luxury and richness associated with darkness.
24. Sombra
Of Spanish origin, Sombra means ‘shadow’. It embodies the allegorical representation of black through shadows and darkness.
25. Tynan
Meaning ‘dark’ or ‘black’, this Irish name is rich with strong connotations representing resilience in the darkness.
26. Melena
Of Spanish origin, Melena refers specifically to ‘dark hair’, connecting it with the beauty of black.
27. Kiana
This Hawaiian name means ‘divine’, but it can also invoke the image of dark waters and the beauty within blackness.
28. Nisha
A popular Indian name meaning ‘night’, it represents beauty and tranquility often associated with the color black.
29. Keir
This name is of Scottish origin meaning ‘dark-haired’. It directly links to black and the imagery it evokes.
30. Charcoal
This name represents the black substance created when something is burned, embodying strength and resilience.
31. Cinthia
A variation of Cynthia, this name can represent the dark moon, bringing forth the theme of blackness associated with night.
32. Othello
This name has a strong association with the Shakespearean character and carries the meaning ‘black’, linking directly to the theme.
33. Alani
In Hawaiian, Alani can mean ‘orange tree’, but it also invokes the idea of dark fruits and their blackened skins.
34. Kadeem
A name of Arabic origin meaning ‘generous and kind’, Kadeem can also evoke the beauty found in blackness.
35. Abaddon
In Hebrew, Abaddon means ‘destruction’, often depicting darkness and depth, which relates to the color black beautifully.
36. Carys
This Welsh name means ‘love’, but it can also evoke deep emotions associated with dark romantic themes.
37. Zara
This Arabic name means ‘princess’, and its association with the color black can come from the beauty of dark nights.
38. Raven
The name Raven is derived from the black bird, symbolizing intelligence and mystery, directly connecting to the color black.
39. Wynter
This modern name evokes images of the cold, dark season of winter, connecting it beautifully to the color black.
40. Kallista
Of Greek origin, Kallista means ‘most beautiful’. The connection to night adds a layer of blackness to its meaning.
41. Ciara
This Irish name means ‘dark’ or ‘black’, making it a lovely choice for those looking for names that reflect that heritage.
42. Kaali
Inspired by the Hindu goddess Kali, a symbol of empowerment and darkness, this name directly relates to black.
43. Morretta
This name translates to ‘dark-skinned’. It beautifully connects with the theme of black through its literal meaning.
44. Noir
A French word that directly means ‘black’, it’s an elegant name that encompasses everything tied to the color black.
45. Kyria
This name means ‘lady’ but can also evoke images of dark and mysterious beauty found in nature.
46. Zuri
This Swahili name means ‘beautiful’, which can indirectly connect to the beauty found in the richness of black.
47. Mael
This name has roots in French, meaning ‘chief’. It can also denote dark characteristics, tied to black as power.
48. Kali
Of Hindu origin, Kali represents the goddess of time and darkness, directly relating to the meaning of black.
49. Daemyn
This unique twist on Damon means ‘to tame’. It conveys a sense of dark strength associated with black.
50. Usher
This name means ‘gatekeeper’ and can relate to the concept of dark doors or thresholds, connecting to black.
51. Tarek
This Arabic name means ‘morning star’, symbolizing hope but also the darkness before dawn, connecting to black.
52. Jet
Named after the black gemstone, Jet represents darkness and elegance, embodying the qualities associated with black.
53. Shadi
This name means ‘song’ or ‘poem’ in Arabic, but can also imply the rhythmic beauty found in dark themes.
54. Darion
This name means ‘gift’, evoking a sense of depth and meaning linked to the richness of black.
55. Amaya
A name of Japanese origin meaning ‘night rain’, it symbolizes something deep and dark yet beautifully serene.
56. Ombra
This Italian word means ‘shadow’, directly connecting with the dark nuances of black.
57. Nyx
In Greek mythology, Nyx is the goddess of night, well-related to the beauty of darkness and specifically black.
58. Shyam
This Indian name means ‘dark’ or ‘black’, showing a strong cultural significance directly linked to the topic.
59. Phaedra
This name means ‘bright’ but is often associated with darker themes, connecting to black in literature.
60. Aisling
This Irish name meaning ‘dream’ can also represent the depth and beauty associated with dark dreams.
61. Samara
This name means ‘protected by God’ but often connects with beauty in darkness, aligning with black.
62. Minerva
The Roman goddess of wisdom is known for her strength, often depicted with dark symbols, tying her name to black.
63. Rodney
This name means ‘island near the clearing’, but can evoke images of dark waters and serenity found therein.
64. Zafira
Of Arabic origin, meaning ‘victorious’, the name can also carry dark undertones through its historical context.
65. Aurora
This name means ‘dawn’, signifying the beauty around light emerging from darkness, linking to black’s significance.
66. Tarik
This Arabic name means ‘morning star’, suggesting new beginnings yet tied to black’s midnight backdrop.
67. Cantara
This name means ‘bridge’, often used metaphorically, can evoke the imagery of dark nights.
68. Jettison
This name means ‘to throw away’, relating to weight and darkness, symbolizing black’s heavy reflections.
69. Vesper
This name means ‘evening star’, adding romantic elements of the evening’s transition into darkness, linking to black.
70. Thorne
This name refers to a sharp, thorny shrub, often shrouded in dark imagery connecting strongly to black.
71. Nightingale
This name evokes the enchanting night creature, beautifully relating to themes of night and black.
72. Kira
Of Japanese and Russian origin, Kira can mean ‘black’, connecting directly to the essence of black itself.
73. Abrielle
This name means ‘God is my strength’, often linked with deep imagery and dark undertones associated with faith.
74. Alaric
This German name means ‘ruler of all’, often depicting powerful and dark themes connected with rulers.
75. Elara
This name means ‘bright’, yet can imply the depth and beauty of darkness through its historical references.
76. Dara
This name has meanings of ‘star’ and ‘wisdom’, but it can also connect with notions of the dark sky.
77. Ember
A name that symbolizes the glowing remnants of fire, often colored dark, closely ties to black through imagery.
78. Jetty
This name refers to a structure that protects against dark waters, symbolizing strength against darkness while embodying black.
79. Ianthe
This name means ‘purple flower’, but can also evoke imagery linking it to darker shades and depth, including black.
80. Sundra
This name means ‘beautiful’, linking to the beauty of night and darkness associated with the color black.
81. Hecate
This name of the Greek goddess associated with magic and the night embodies black through her many dark associations.
82. Ramiro
This name means ‘wise protector’, often linked with dark, noble imagery associated with black.
83. Clyde
Of Scottish origin, this name evokes ‘clear’ or ‘warmed’, but can also symbolize dark waters, especially rivers.
84. Kimo
A Hawaiian name meaning ‘young’ can evoke the colors of deep blue to black in images of the ocean.
85. Isidore
This name means ‘gift of Isis’ but often has associations with dark themes in mythology, linking to black.
86. Omari
This Swahili name meaning ‘God the highest’ gives a strong and powerful image often associated with black.
87. Shiva
This name is of Hindu origin, representing ‘the auspicious one’, and is often connected to deep spirituality and darkness.
88. Vasco
This name means ‘crow’, often tied to dark animals, adding a layer of mystery and connection to black.
89. Shadow
A direct representation of darkness, Shadow effortlessly connects to the theme of black through its very meaning.
90. Dale
This English name signifies ‘valley’, which can invoke imagery of dark and hidden spaces within nature.
91. Margo
Of French origin, Margo can mean ‘pearl’, representing something beautiful found in the depths of the sea, relating to black.
92. Vespera
This name means ‘evening’, connecting directly to darkness and the transition into night.
93. Shadrach
This Hebrew name means ‘royal’, but it can also evoke the notion of darkness and royal imagery linked to black.
94. Lennox
This Scottish name means ‘with many elm trees’, but often relates to dark imagery associated with nature.
95. Morgan
This Welsh name means ‘sea-born’, connecting to the depth and dark colors often associated with the sea.
96. Tempest
This name means ‘storm’, evoking images of dark skies and powerful elements associated with black.
97. Kale
This name is often connected with dark green hues, but also brings to mind freshness that evokes deeper colors including black.
98. Astra
A name meaning ‘star’, bringing to life ideas of twinkling sparks against a dark canvas, aligning well with black.
99. Harlan
This name means ‘army land’, often depicting dark tones of strength and beauty through nature.
100. Oriel
This name means ‘golden’, yet can evoke images of darkness in contrast, tying deeply to black’s elegance.
101. Kitt
This name means ‘pure’, connecting softness and innocence alongside the intrigue of black.
102. Davina
This name means ‘beloved’, yet its charm can tie into depths associated with black in intimate contexts.
103. Raina
Meaning ‘queen’, this name embodies the beauty associated with royalty found in the dark themes of black.
104. Jynx
This name refers to charms or spells, often depicted with dark imagery, linking it to the mystical aspects of black.
105. Lorelei
This name is often used in folklore, invoking beautiful but dark representations linked to the color black.
106. Astraea
The goddess of justice in Greek mythology, often associated with the dark night sky, adding depth to the meaning of black.
107. Zara
This name means ‘radiance’ but can evoke images of beauty found in the night sky, directly connecting to black.
108. Caspian
Inspired by the dark waters of the Caspian Sea, this name resonates strongly with imagery linking to black.
109. Roan
This name means ‘red-haired’ but can also connect to the richness of dark colors, especially black.
110. Jaron
This Hebrew name translates to ‘to sing’, often conveying emotions tied to dark themes, linking it to black.
111. Jeriah
This Hebrew name meaning ‘Yahweh will uplift’ can connote dark strength and resilience associated with black.
112. Katerina
This name means ‘pure’ from Greek origins, often providing soft contrasts against black’s strong images.
113. Winter
This name brings forth images of cold and dark seasons, directly connecting to the beauty associated with black.
114. Thalia
This Greek name means ‘plenty’, yet can evoke imagery tied to dark stories associated with black themes.
115. Isolde
This name means ‘ice ruler’, tying in with the darker imagery present in harsh winter climates associated with black.
116. Khris
This name derived from Christ can embody themes of light but its context can also bring forth darker elements.
117. Echo
This name refers to sound reflection but can evoke a sense of darkness through its associations, connecting it to black.
118. Kenji
This Japanese name meaning ‘intelligent second son’ can also imply dark themes through its sound and historical ties.
119. Noor
This Arabic name means ‘light’, yet it beautifully complements darkness and black through contrast.
120. Titania
This name is linked to Shakespeare and evokes images of light against dark motifs, connecting to black.
121. Shade
A direct representation of shadows, this name encapsulates themes tied to black and the nuances of darkness.
122. Calista
Meaning ‘most beautiful’, this name can represent beauty found within the depths of darkness, linking to black.
123. Zephyr
This name means ‘west wind’, but its soft sound can imply the calm before dark storms associated with black.
124. Cerise
This name means ‘cherry’, often evoking imagery of dark fruits tied to the complexity of black.
125. Jorvik
This name means ‘river’ from Norse origins, evoking dark waters and the depth often tied to black.
126. Nyja
This name means ‘night’, connecting directly to themes of darkness and beautifully embodying black.
127. Rurik
This name means ‘famous ruler’ in Norse and evokes power associated with dark imagery, linking to black.
128. Morwenna
This name means ‘maiden of the sea’, tying in beautifully with dark ocean themes directly related to black.
129. Kuro
This Japanese name means ‘black’, beautifully connecting to the essence of the black color.
130. Orpheus
This name comes from the mythological character whose themes of music often relate to dark beauty, ties to black.
131. Luka
This name means ‘bringer of light’ but can evoke the transition into darkness, linking to black.
132. Lorelei
This name is associated with dark folklore, tying it beautifully to the themes of black and its mystery.
133. Baldr
This Old Norse name often symbolizes light, yet can represent dark themes through mythology’s complexity, relating to black.
134. Melchior
Often associated with gold, this Hebrew name has deep historical references tied to darker imagery, linking to black.
135. Xena
This name means ‘guest’ but evokes strong warrior imagery from dark tales in history, connecting to black.
136. Siofra
This Irish name translates to ‘elf’, often depicted with dark, enchanting qualities linked to black.
137. Morgan
A name meaning ‘sea defender’, it connects intimately to dark, beautiful imagery within nature tied to black.
138. Asher
This name means ‘happy’, yet it can be related to the contrast of dark themes against happiness, connecting to black.
139. Azura
Meaning ‘sky blue’, yet can also evoke the imagery of dark elements within nature, linking to black.
140. Selene
This name means ‘moon’, which often shines against the dark night sky, representing beauty related to black.
141. Elowen
This Cornish name means ‘elm tree’, but often symbolizes dark forests, connecting beautifully with themes of black.
142. Sphynx
This name refers to the mythical creature often shrouded in mystery and darkness, deeply connecting to black.
143. Raine
This name evokes the feeling of rain falling on dark nights, linking beautifully with the essence of black.
144. Adira
This Hebrew name means ‘noble’, connecting strength often found in dark circumstances, linking to black.
145. Cilka
This name represents symbols of light against dark tales, beautifully linking the meaning to black.
146. Thora
This Scandinavian name means ‘thunder goddess’, often depicted within dark stormy imagery connected to black.
147. Vesperina
This name connects to the evening and night, beautifully weaving its ties to darkness and black.
148. Zisa
This name means ‘darkness’ in Yiddish, bringing its significance directly to the beauty of the color black.
149. Xanthe
This name means ‘golden’, but often evokes themes of dark environments connected with beauty, tying to black.
150. Imara
This Swahili name represents ‘strong’, evoking images of resilient strength often tied with dark, black themes.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that means black can carry significant weight in conveying beauty, strength, and depth. The names we’ve explored represent various cultures and angles, highlighting the versatility and elegance of the color black in our lives and stories.
Whether you’re looking for a name for a child or character, the connections found in these names allow for powerful choices reflecting dark beauty and complexity.
Explore more to discover names with themes like darkness or even dive into unique canine names with shades of shadow, such as dog names that mean darkness. Embrace the exploration of names that honor black and its compelling significance.