Names carry meanings and stories, reflecting culture and tradition. Some names are inspired by colors, with black or dark shades often symbolizing strength, mystery, or elegance. These names can connect us to nature, history, or even our personal experiences. Choosing a name that means black or dark can add a layer of depth to your identity or your child’s.
Today, we will look at various names that embody this rich coloration. From unique choices to more common ones, you’ll find a blend of options that appeal to different tastes and styles. Whether you’re naming a baby or just curious, these names may inspire you.
Names That Mean Black Or Dark
1. Blake
The name Blake means ‘dark’ or ‘black’ in Old English. It’s a strong and modern name that can suit anyone from a baby to an adult.
2. Kali
Kali is a beautiful name from Hindu culture that translates to ‘the black one’ and is associated with the goddess of empowerment and transformation.
3. Charcoal
This unique name reflects the color black and has a grounded feel. It could be perfect for someone who enjoys art or nature.
4. Melantha
A Greek name meaning ‘dark flower… Melantha is both exotic and beautiful, fitting for a flower lover or someone with a unique flair.
5. Keira
Keira means ‘little dark one’ in Gaelic. This name is charming and has a lovely melodic sound to it.
6. Blakeley
A variation of Blake, this name means ‘woodland clearing… with a hint of darkness, making it quite unique.
7. Darby
Darby translates to ‘from the deer estate’ however, dar signifies ‘dark’ in Old English, giving the name a mysterious edge.
8. Lela
Originating from Arabic, Lela means ‘dark beauty’ and brings an exotic feel to this lovely name.
9. Morella
This name derives from the Latin word meaning ‘dark colored’, which makes it attractive and memorable.
10. Shadi
A name of Arabic origin, Shadi means ‘dark… it reflects strength and character, perfect for a bold individual.
11. Dusky
Dusky literally means ‘dark or shadowy’ and is an enchanting name that carries a hint of mystery.
12. Kenai
This Native American name means ‘to blacken’ and conjures images of strong, rooted connection to nature.
13. Laila
Of Arabic origin, Laila means ‘night’ or ‘dark beauty’, making it a romantic and graceful name option.
14. Achara
From Thai origin, Achara means ‘dark angel… a name that combines beauty with a touch of mystery.
15. Kalixta
A unique name derived from the Greek term for ‘dark one’. This unusual twist fits a creative personality perfectly.
16. Jett
Jett signifies ‘black’ in meaning. A contemporary name that sounds sharp and stylish, it’s great for any gender.
17. Hazel
While Hazel is more often associated with the brown eyes of the hazel tree, it’s worth noting that hazel nuts can appear very dark as well.
18. Ondine
This name means ‘little wave’ but is often connected with stories of dark water and magic in folklore.
19. Raven
A name associated with the black bird, Raven symbolizes mystery, intelligence, and is often linked to magic and omens.
20. Sable
Sable means ‘black’ and is also a luxurious fur, making it an elegant choice for a name.
21. Zane
In Hebrew, Zane can mean ‘gift from God’, yet it is often associated with the dark or black complexion as well.
22. Tana
Tana is a short, sweet name that means ‘dark’ and has roots in different cultures, adding to its charm.
23. Kiera
This variant of Keira also means ‘dark… an excellent option filled with beauty and grace.
24. Soraya
With Persian origins, Soraya is a name that embodies darkness in its night-sky reference, representing beauty.
25. Bruna
Bruna is an Italian name that translates to ‘dark-haired’ and is relatable for anyone with darker features.
26. Diego
This Spanish name is thought to mean ‘dark’ and can be a strong option for a boy.
27. Liora
A beautiful Hebrew name meaning ‘light’ but often associated with a darker essence, adding depth.
28. Inga
Of Scandinavian origin, Inga means ‘guarded by Ing’ and can represent the darkness of ancient protections.
29. Bette
A diminutive of Elizabeth, Bette means ‘God is my oath’ but can also reflect a dark charm.
30. Kairo
Meaning black, Kairo is a chic name for modern times and holds street-smart vibes while capturing elegance.
31. Pasha
This name has Russian roots meaning ‘dark’ and offers a regal sophistication.
32. Ciaran
A traditional Irish name meaning ‘little dark one’ that makes it sound poetic and beautiful.
33. Sablee
This modern spin-off of Sable carries the meaning of being dark and gives it a trendy twist.
34. Amaya
Of Japanese origin, Amaya means ‘night rain’ and can also symbolize darkness and beauty.
35. Bryn
In Welsh, Bryn stands for a hill or high ground, but can also signify a dark and mysterious elevation.
36. Pettigrew
This surname means dark hair, used to describe those with darker shades creating a unique first name option.
37. Kamala
This Sanskrit name means ‘dark, beautiful’ and evokes richness in character and meaning.
38. Morticia
Popularized by the Addams family, Morticia means ‘dark… this name has a daring flair for those who dare to be different.
39. Olwen
A beautiful Welsh name meaning ‘white footprint’ but often associated with dark imagery of nature.
40. Basile
This Greek name means ‘royal… can often get paired with dark hair or features completing its charm.
41. Astrid
A name of Scandinavian origin meaning ‘divinely beautiful’ but may evoke darker nights or spirits.
42. Sienna
More commonly known for warm earthy tones, Sienna can also represent darkness found in rich soils.
43. Tamsin
This name means ‘twin’ and has links to darker themes as well, a name full of personality.
44. Gilda
A name that carries the meaning of ‘golden… while also often associated with dark opulence.
45. Kohana
Meaning ‘little one’ in Japanese, it can also allude to darkness in tone without losing love.
46. Amara
This strong name means ‘immortal’ but has darker connections to timeless, shadowy beauty.
47. Chandni
A name meaning ‘moonlight’ in Hindi, it often refers to nights that connect deeply to darkness.
48. Zola
This name means ‘calm’ in African languages but can also be viewed as having a dark, tranquil energy.
49. Jet
A name derived from the black gemstone, Jet signifies a connection to strength, elegance, and darkness.
50. Shyam
Of Sanskrit origin, Shyam means ‘dark’ and is often used in reference to Krishna in Hindu mythology.
51. Kallie
A unique twist on Kali, Kallie signifies ‘dark beauty’ and is both modern and timeless.
52. Noir
The French word for ‘black’ brings a chic and stylish edge as a name option.
53. Umber
This name, usually associated with an earthy brown, can evoke dark shades, making it intriguing.
54. Ombra
This Italian term means ‘shadow’ or ‘darkness’ and presents an element of mystery.
55. Tela
A name meaning ‘dark’ in connection to a fabric that has richness in its shadowy charm.
56. Amaya
Of Spanish origin, it can mean ‘night rain’ reflecting a dreamy, dark image.
57. Schuyler
This name means ‘scholar’ but can also allude to the hidden, darker aspects of knowledge.
58. Lila
This charming name means ‘night’ in Arabic and represents beauty connected to darkness.
59. Nyx
In Greek mythology, Nyx is the goddess of night, representing the beauty and mystery of darkness.
60. Hecate
This ancient Greek name is associated with magic and the dark underworld, perfect for a mystical persona.
61. Danika
Of Slavic origin, this name translates to ‘morning star’ but can evoke deeper tones of dark skies.
62. Ravenna
An Italian name that refers to the dark color of ravens while evoking elegance and style.
63. Keren
Meaning ‘dark’ in Hebrew, Keren carries a weighty and powerful presence for a name.
64. Melany
Derived from melanio, which means ‘dark’ in Greek, Melany has a contemporary hue.
65. Azura
This name stands for ‘sky blue’ but can symbolize darker depths of the night sky.
66. Noira
A unique twist on Noir, Noira can represent a person’s dark attributes and strong character.
67. Mariko
Meaning ‘child of the night’ in Japanese, Mariko reflects beauty in darkness.
68. Sidra
This name of Arabic origin means ‘star’ but also has ties to night and dark skies.
69. Tamas
Of Sanskrit origin, Tamas means ‘darkness’ and is often associated with depth and character.
70. Zendaya
This popular name from the African language of Shona translates to ‘to give thanks’ but carries a regal connection to deeper hues.
71. Keegan
This Irish name means ‘son of the fiery one’ but can also reference darker shades in sentiment.
72. Lorrin
A name derived from the laurel tree, Lorrin brings associations of earthy darkness.
73. Payton
This name means ‘fighting man’ but often is connected to those with darker features.
74. Opal
This gemstone name can remind us of the dark stones that carry beauty and shine.
75. Cleo
While Cleo means ‘glory’ in Greek, it conjures images of shadow and beauty together.
76. Thorne
A sharp name that carries the meaning of thorns and can reflect dark beauty found in nature.
77. Sybil
This ancient name reflects the wise and mysterious presence found in the dark prophetic figures.
78. Klein
This name means ‘small’ but is often associated with darker tones in artworks and fabric.
79. Arwen
A name from literature, Arwen signifies ‘noble maiden’ and has connections to night themes.
80. Indigo
A rich shade of dark blue, Indigo embodies elements of strength and beauty in its deeper hues.
81. Umberto
This Italian name means ‘bright warrior’ but often reflects deeper, dark shades.
82. Corvin
This name means ‘raven’ and overlaps with connections to darkness and intelligence.
83. Caden
Meaning ‘fighter’ in Gaelic, Caden often connects to the darker aspects of strength.
84. Zenith
This term for the highest point carries mystical qualities often associated with the dark sky.
85. Maris
This name means ‘of the sea’ but can also reflect the darker depths of ocean waters.
86. Vesper
Vesper means ‘evening star’ and embodies the allure of darkness and nighttime enchantment.
87. Sinead
This Irish name means ‘God’s gracious gift’ and has a shadowy resonance for personal connections.
88. Ravenetta
This name is a feminine variation of Raven, maintaining the dark symbolism associated with it.
89. Tansy
Though Tansy is a flowering plant, it also ties into darker earth tones and contrasts.
90. Jetty
A related name to jet, Jetty evokes connections to the dark seas and nature alike.
91. Darya
A Persian name meaning ‘sea’ while suggesting darker undertones often related to the deep waters.
92. Sigrid
This name means ‘beautiful victory’ but can reflect dark aspects of chosen battle.
93. Asher
Sourced from Hebrew, Asher means ‘happy’ but can also interpret deep, dark sentiments.
94. Keziah
A biblical name meaning ‘cassia’ which refers to dark fruit and beauty.
95. Kairo
Another spin-off on the dark-themed name, Kairo is a fresh new choice with a strong sound.
96. Minerva
Associated with wisdom yet also connected to night, this name carries a weight of depth.
97. Gloom
A literal term reflecting darkness, Gloom can be a bold, unconventional name choice.
98. Vega
This star name means ‘falling’ in Arabic and often connects to the darkness of the night sky.
99. Tenebris
This Latin term for ‘darkness’ encapsulates the sensation of shadows and beauty combined.
100. Mordechai
Of Hebrew origin, this name means ‘warrior’, but has darker connections reflected culturally.
101. Kissy
This name is charming and playful and can be thought of as a sweet dark twist on Kiss.
102. Sienna
This well-known color name can also reflect its darker qualities, portraying richness and warmth.
103. Olwen
While meaning ‘white footprint’ in Welsh, it carries darker implications in folklore.
104. Brigitte
A classic German name that means ‘strength’, it has a light and dark duality in its facets.
105. Cleo
With a historical connection to powerful female figures, Cleo symbolizes both light and shadow in heritage.
106. Tatum
A name of English origin that means ‘cheerful’ but also connects to dark earth tones.
107. Myra
Myra might mean ‘myrrh… a dark resin known for its rich and mysterious scent.
108. Indigo
A rich, deep tone associated with royalty and beauty, highlighting its darker aspects.
109. Leila
This beautiful name means ‘night’ in Arabic and emphasizes a graceful representation of darkness.
110. Thorne
Relating to plant thorns, Thorne embodies both sharpness and dark attributes in nature.
111. Faustino
In Latin, this name means ‘fortunate’ but can resonate with darker themes too.
112. Shadow
A name that literally means darkness, Shadow represents the hidden and concealed aspects of life.
113. Sila
This name means ‘darkness’ from Arabic roots, leading to powerful and captivating connections.
114. Fereshta
Meaning ‘angel’ in Persian but related to dark, celestial aspects of beauty.
115. Zara
A beautiful name with roots in Arabic meaning ‘princess’ but carries a sophistication of mystery.
116. Dusk
The beautiful time between day and night, Dusk perfectly encapsulates elemental shadows.
117. Selene
This name which means ‘moon’ in Greek represents a gorgeous figure of night.
118. Caligo
A name of Latin origin representing ‘darkness’ in its pure form.
119. Comet
This celestial name signifies something bright but associated with dark skies.
120. Zara
A name that stands for ‘princess’ also reflects connections to dark heritage through grace.
121. Elara
This name means ‘bright’ but can represent connections to the night sky and hidden darkness.
122. Arlen
With meanings of both ‘pledge’ and ‘dark’, Arlen combines strength with shadows.
123. Ebon
This name literally means ‘black’ and beautifully represents elegance and strength.
124. Kalani
A Hawaiian name meaning ‘the heavens’ can also reference the beauty of darker skies.
125. Lux
While Lux means ‘light’ in Latin, it juxtaposes the idea of darkness beautifully.
126. Nox
Meaning ‘night’ in Latin, Nox captures the essence of darkness directly.
127. Sablee
This modern twist on Sable holds similar meanings of elegance and darkness.
128. Jorah
This name ties to the darker qualities of the mountains and nature through its meaning.
129. Zara
Another appearance of Zara, emphasizing royal dark connections.
130. Vespera
This Latin name translates to ‘evening’, linking it beautifully to the darkness of night.
131. Zephyr
Meaning ‘gentle breeze’, it symbolizes the darker imagery often associated with wind.
132. Onyx
The name of the black stone symbolizes strength and protective qualities linked to darkness.
133. Hades
From Greek mythology signifying the god of the underworld, this name is inherently dark in nature.
134. Thrain
This name means ‘storm’ and incorporates powerful elements of darkness in weather.
135. Nyssa
This name derived from Greek signifies ‘goal’ while often reflecting dark beauty.
136. Corbin
Meaning ‘raven’ in Latin, it elegantly ties back to darker symbolism in nature.
137. Astraea
A name from ancient mythology meaning ‘star’ often associated with the beauty of night.
138. Vinyasa
This name means ‘to move smoothly… and can also conjure the idea of dark, flowing movements.
139.lya
This short name reflects darkness in Arabic cultures and has a melodic quality.
140. Pizarro
Spanish in origin, it carries a meaning tied to darkness in the name.
141. Morwenna
This name means ‘sea wave’ and can evoke imagery of dark waters.
142. Zafira
This name means ‘brilliant… but also reflects deeper shades of darkness.
143. Vesna
This Slavic name means ‘spring’ but can also evoke late winter with dark tones.
144. Anwen
In Welsh, this name means ‘very fair’ but carries deeper contrasts to dark.
145. Brighid
This name means ‘exalted one’ often connected to shadows of ancient cultures.
146. Astrid
This name means ‘divinely beautiful’ and can intermingle with dark descriptions.
147. T_IMexists
Though not strictly a name, this placeholder reference can symbolize journeys through darkness.
148. Ember
A name born from the remains of darkened fire, representing strength and surviving through shadows.
149. Jacek
A Polish name meaning ‘the moon’ highlighting the connection between night and dark.
150. Ebonie
A contemporary take on Ebony, this name captures the essence of dark beauty.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that means black or dark can reflect strength, mystery, and elegance. Each of these names carries a unique story and cultural significance, inviting deeper exploration into their meanings. From ancient names to more contemporary twists, options abound that can fit a variety of personalities.
Whether you’re considering a name for a child or just enjoying the exploration of language, you’ll find connections that resonate. Remember, a name can be more than just a label; it can embody values, heritage, and a sense of identity that makes each choice significant.
If you want to delve into more related subjects, check out names that mean black and darkness as they offer fascinating glimpses into the power of darkness in names.