Choosing a name for a child is an important decision that parents often spend a lot of time thinking about. When considering baby names, many parents look for names with special meanings that reflect values, hopes or qualities they would like their child to embody. For parents looking for baby name meanings related to the color black, there are several options worth considering.
Names Meaning Black or Dark
One of the most direct options is to choose a name that actually means the word “black” or “dark” in its origin language. Here are some examples of classic and contemporary baby names that fall into this category:
- Blake – Of Old English origin meaning “black, dark”.
- Ciaran – An Irish name meaning “little dark one”.
- Kieran – An Irish name meaning “little dark one”.
- Layla – An Arabic name meaning “night”.
- Maurice – From the Latin Mauritius, meaning “dark-skinned”.
- Melanie – From the Greek melani meaning “dark, black”.
- Raven – Referring to the bird with black plumage.
- Sable – French name meaning “black”.
Choosing one of these names would leave no question about the intended meaning relating to the dark color.
Names Relating to Black Objects
In addition to names that directly translate to “black,” there are baby names that reference dark or black objects while still having a nice name meaning. Here are some examples:
- Colm – Irish name meaning “dove”.
- Jaisal – Indian name meaning “black rock”.
- Jett – Referencing the black semi-precious stone.
- Onyx – Also referencing the black gemstone.
- Raven – Referring to the bird with black plumage.
- Sable – French name meaning “black”.
Choosing a name with a more subtle reference to a black object can be a nice alternative to a overt color meaning.
Names of Dark Mythological Figures
In legends and mythology, there are many names associated with darkness that could make for an interesting baby name meaning. For example:
- Damien – Referencing Damien Thorn, the Antichrist character from The Omen.
- Dracul – Romanian name meaning “devil” or “dragon”.
- Kali – Hindu goddess sometimes associated with darkness.
- Lilith – A goddess related to darkness in Jewish folklore.
- Mordred – Arthurian legend villain associated with darkness.
- Morrigan – Celtic goddess of war often linked with fate and doom.
Parents who want a baby name with some edge may gravitate towards these mythological names with dark associations.
Surnames Related to Darkness
Another approach is using a surname with black or dark meanings as a first name. For example:
- Blake
- Crowe
- Raven
- Schwartz
Surnames that reference black animals or objects can make distinctive and modern-sounding first names for babies.
Names from Dark Languages
Certain languages and cultures have names that evoke darkness and blackness in their sound and spelling:
- Gaelic – Examples: Ciaran, Liadan, Caolinn
- Hebrew – Examples: Zophar, Tzafrir, Yafeu
- Hindi – Examples: Krishna, Arjan, Tamir
- Japanese – Examples: Kuro, Miyamoto, Jubei
- Norse – Examples: Raven, Alvis, Sable
- Persian – Examples: Zanya, Rayan, Siavash
Parents don’t have to stick to literal “dark” meanings to get black baby name ideas from these languages.
Gender Neutral Black Baby Names
Many of the names already mentioned are used for both boys and girls. But here are some more suggestions for really gender neutral black names:
- Blake
- Dakota
- Ebony
- Grey
- Onyx
- Raven
- Reign
- Storm
Gender neutral names give parents flexibility and an option that isn’t confined to traditional gender norms.
Popularity of Black Baby Names
| Name | Popularity Ranking | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Blake | #258 (male) #344 (female) |
Unisex |
| Jett | #170 (male) | Mainly male |
| Kali | #913 (female) | Mainly female |
| Layla | #28 (female) | Mainly female |
| Onyx | #320 (male) #677 (female) |
Unisex |
| Raven | #557 (female) | Mainly female |
While some black-related names like Layla and Blake are fairly popular already, others like Onyx, Jett and Raven remain uncommon.
Conclusion
For parents seeking baby names that mean or evoke the concept of black or darkness, there are many interesting options to consider from various cultures and name types. A black-inspired baby name can be bold and distinctive, while still having depth of meaning that makes it a thoughtful choice to bestow on a child. Whether the attraction is to edgy mythological names, color-related names, dark imagery or just the sound of exotic languages, the common thread is finding a baby name with dark associations that feels like the perfect fit for a beloved new addition to the family.