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Connecting to roots while adapting to a new culture.
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African-American baby names have a unique place in American culture. They are a blend of two diverse histories and legacies as the names have witnessed the struggles and triumphs of African people on American soil. Historically, African names have diverse roots exhibiting African, Arabic, and European influences. But when Africans were brought to the US, their employers changed their African names to the latter’s preference and convenience.
Following the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, Africans in the US started to regain their identity as they proudly adopted their African culture (1). Initially, Africans chose biblical names such as Moses, Elijah, and Abraham. However, after the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans preferred adopting newly invented or creative variants of existing names. They started creating new, unique names by adding prefixes such as La- or De- or suffixes such as -ique or -isha to known names. For instance, the popular name Latashais the African-American variant of Natashameaning ‘Christmas day.’ Similarly, Deshawnand Deshaunare the African-American version of the English name Shawn meaning ‘Yahweh is gracious.’
The masculine name Tyriqueis a variant of the African-American version name Tyrone, which is derived from the Irish Gaelic name of a kingdom, Tir Eoghain meaning ‘land of Eoghan.’ The feminine name Tanishais believed to be a blend of the names Tamikaand Natasha. Even though made-up and modern, the names are a symbol of pride for African Americans. We have curated a list of authentic African-American names; from cool to creative, these names might suit your preference.
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| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| |  Boy | Strong-willed warrior | |
| | Girl | Peace; Olive tree | |
| | Girl | Whole; Universal | |
| | Girl | Free person; Petite | |
| | Boy | Olive tree planter | |
| | Girl | Hardworking and industrious | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is my God | |
| | Girl | Guarantee | |
| | Boy | Supplanter | |
| | Girl | She who possesses great knowledge and wisdom | |
| | Boy | Will; Protector | |
| | Boy | Son of the right hand; Son of the south | |
| | Girl | God is my oath | |
| | Boy | Bringer of light | |
| | Girl | Mine; Dear; Darling | |
| | Girl | Life | |
| | Boy | Home ruler | |
| | Boy | God is gracious | |
| | Girl | Religious attendant; Priest's helper | |
| | Boy | Joined; Attached; United | |
| | Boy | Defender of mankind | |
| | Girl | Grace of God | |
| | Girl | My God is an oath; My God is abundance | |
| | Boy | Son of Jack; God is gracious | |
| | Boy | Gift of God | |
| | Boy | God is my judge | |
| | Girl | Beautiful light; Goddess | |
| | Boy | Who is like God | |
| | Boy | Stone worker | |
| | Girl | Wisdom; Learned | |
| | Boy | From Sebaste; Venerable | |
| | Boy | Strong | |
| | Girl | The color scarlet; Bright red | |
| | Girl | Hardworking; Dilligent; Industrious person | |
| | Boy | Little hollow | |
| | Girl | Weaver | |
| | Boy | Name of God | |
| | Boy | May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter | |
| | Boy | Happy; Blessing | |
| | Girl | Night; Dark | |
| | Girl | Gracious; Dear | |
| | Boy | God is merciful and gracious | |
| | Girl | Light; Bright; Honorable | |
| | Boy | He will add; Praise | |
| | Girl | The hazel tree | |
| | Boy | Brave at war | |
| | Boy | Beloved | |
| | Girl | God is my light | |
| | Boy | Lion | |
| | Girl | Lily; Purity; Innocence | |
| | Boy | Bringer of light | |
| | Girl | New star | |
| | Boy | Youthful; Bright; Juvenile; Downy-bearded | |
| | Girl | Island | |
| | Girl | Goodness; Generosity | |
| | Boy | Son of a gray-haired person | |
| | Girl | Purple; Purple flower | |
| | Boy | Gift of God | |
| | Boy | Helper | |
| | Girl | Life; To breathe | |
| | Girl | Willow tree; Freedom | |
| | Girl | Rival; To emulate; Excel | |
| | Boy | He will laugh | |
| | Boy | Bringer of light | |
| | Girl | Life | |
| | Boy | Priceless one; Invaluable | |
| | Girl | Victory | |
| | Boy | One born near the sea; Son of the sea | |
| | Girl | Grace; Favor; Lucky life | |
| | Boy | Lake; Pool | |
| | Girl | Weary; Tired | |
| | Boy | Twin | |
| | Boy | Independent person who avoids conformity | |
| | Girl | God has given the answer | |
| | Boy | Jehovah supports | |
| | Girl | Climber plant | |
| | Boy | Free man | |
| | Girl | From the wild boar meadow | |
| | Boy | Faithful as a dog; Brave; Devoted to God; Whole-hearted | |
| | Girl | Lily; Purity | |
| | Boy | Bearer of Jesus Christ | |
| | Girl | Bright one | |
| | Boy | Strength of God | |
| | Boy | Gracious; Merciful | |
| | Girl | Pleasantness; Beautiful | |
| | Girl | Illusion; Magic | |
| | Boy | God is gracious | |
| | Girl | Born on Christmas | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is salvation | |
| | Boy | Man; Manly; Brave; Strength; Warrior | |
| | Girl | Delicate | |
| | Boy | God is salvation | |
| | Girl | Bright; Clear | |
| | Boy | Gift of God; God has given | |
| | Girl | Noble strength | |
| | Boy | One who shouts or howls | |
| | Girl | Ascending; Highborn; Exalted | |
| | Boy | Water; Sea | |
| | Boy | One with the crooked nose | |
| | Girl | A precious red jewel | |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How have African American baby naming trends changed over time?
Many African Americans adopted Biblical and European names like John, Mary, and David. But, with the rise of African American movements, like the Civil Rights Movement, the naming trends started shifting towards names inspired by leaders like Rosaand Martin. They also started giving names that celebrated African heritage, such as Quiannaand Cleavon.
2. Can African American baby names be influenced by popular culture?
Yes. Many African American names are influenced by popular culture, including those from music, movies, television, and sports. Some examples include Zendaya, Keisha, LeBron, and Serena.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How have African American baby naming trends changed over time?
Many African Americans adopted Biblical and European names like John, Mary, and David. But, with the rise of African American movements, like the Civil Rights Movement, the naming trends started shifting towards names inspired by leaders like Rosaand Martin. They also started giving names that celebrated African heritage, such as Quiannaand Cleavon.
2. Can African American baby names be influenced by popular culture?
Yes. Many African American names are influenced by popular culture, including those from music, movies, television, and sports. Some examples include Zendaya, Keisha, LeBron, and Serena.
African-American baby names honor African history of struggle and courage. For parents, these names are a way to instill a sense of pride in African heritage and history in their children. The names uphold the unique identity of African Americans in the US. When choosing a traditional baby name, ensure it connects your child to their roots and holds meaningful significance. The name should be like an ornament that your child will be proud to flaunt.
References
MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
- A brief history of black names
from Perlie to Latasha. https://news.osu.edu/a-brief-history-of-black-names-from-perlie-to-latasha/
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
Shikha ThakurMBA
Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.
Read full bio of Shikha Thakur
