Baby Names Girl Names 50 Black Baby Names for Girls By Jazmin Towe Updated on August 13, 2024 Fact checked by Zerah Isaacs Close Black culture is comprised of varying elements such as shared beliefs, music, food, clothing, and countless other things that express what it is like to navigate life as a Black person. This growing list also includes names. Black names are distinctive and can be interpreted with several different meanings. With a history of names being taken away during slavery, Black people placed an emphasis on given names as a way to pass down culture and ensure descendants were treated with respect. From African and Arabic to Latin and Germanic origins, Black names are filled with deep meaning, and many also stem from historic roots. Names like Destiny and Imani come from a strong belief in fate and faith, while a name like Azha has a more astrological interpretation. Before settling on a name, take a look at the list below to gain some insight into a few options for your baby. Editor's Note Although many baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best. LWA/Dann Tardif / Getty Images Azha Origin: Indian, Arabic Meaning: Sunrise, star Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ahzha Peak Popularity: Azha is a rare name that has not been listed in the top 1,000 names. Alana Origin: Celtic, Irish Meaning: Awakening, precious Alternative Spellings & Variations: Alanna, Alaina Famous Namesakes: Professional surfer Alana Blanchard Peak Popularity: Alana has risen slightly in popularity, moving up from a rank of 232 in 2019 to 184 in 2023 Social Security data. Alexia Origin: Greek, Latin Meaning: Helper, defender of man Alternative Spellings & Variations: Alexya, Alexxia Peak Popularity: Alexia has consistently remained in the top 1,000 baby names over the last 20 years, and ranked at 814 in 2023 Social Security data. Aaliyah Origin: Arabic Meaning: Heavens, exalted Alternative Spellings & Variations: Alia, Aaliya Famous Namesakes: Singer Aaliyah Haughton Peak Popularity: Aaliyah joined the list of top baby girl names in 1994. In the Social Security data from 2023, it ranked at 86. Ava Origin: Latin, Germanic, Hebrew Meaning: Life, voice Alternative Spellings & Variations: Avah, Aiva Peak Popularity: Ava is an extremely popular name, ranking at 3 in the top 1,000 baby names from 2016 to 2020. In the Social Security data from 2023, it ranked at No. 8. Brooke Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Gentle streamAlternative Spellings & Variations: BrookFamous Namesakes: Brooke Alexander, actress, former Miss Hawaii World, and former Miss World AmericaPeak Popularity: The name Brooke has significantly declined in popularity. It reached its popularity peak in 1981 in the 52nd spot. In the Social Security data from 2023, it ranked 299. Charice Origin: American, GreekMeaning: GraceAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cherice, Cherese, SherisePeak Popularity: Charice is not in the most popular baby name rankings. Chelsea Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Port for chalkAlternative Spellings & Variations: ChelseyFamous Namesakes: American comedian and writer Chelsea Peretti, actress and singer Chelsea TavaresPeak Popularity: Chelsea was most popular in the early 1990s. This name ranked at 710 in 2023 Social Security data. Chloe Origin: Greek Meaning: Blooming Alternative Spellings & Variations: Khloe Famous Namesakes: Actress and Grammy-nominated singer Chloe Bailey Peak Popularity: While most popular in 2009 and 2010 at a ranking of 9, Chloe’s popularity ranked at No. 26 in 2023 Social Security data. Destiny Origin: Latin, AmericanMeaning: Fate, fortuneFamous Namesakes: American track and field athlete Destiny CarterPeak Popularity: Destiny’s popularity has swiftly fallen in the last 10 years, going from a rank of 71 in 2010 to 439 in 2023. Devyn Origin: English, IrishMeaning: PoetAlternative Spellings & Variations: Devin Peak Popularity: Devyn was last ranked in the top 1,000 baby names in 2013 at 973. Dionne Origin: EnglishMeaning: DivineAlternative Spellings & Variations: Dion, Deion, DioneFamous Namesakes: American singer and actress Dionne Warwick Peak Popularity: Dionne has not ranked in the top 1,000 baby names within the last 40 years. Eriss Origin: GreekMeaning: Goddess of discordAlternative Spellings & Variations: ErisPeak Popularity: This unique name is not found in the top 1,000 baby names. Essence Origin: EnglishMeaning: Aura, natureAlternative Spellings & Variations: EssensePeak Popularity: Essence dropped out of the top 1,000 baby names in 2008 at a ranking of 979. Felicity Origin: Latin, EnglishMeaning: Happiness, good fortuneAlternative Spellings & Variations: Felicitey, FeliciteePeak Popularity: Felicity entered the top 1,000 girl name in 1998. In the Social Security data from 2023, it ranked at 454. Gemma Origin: Italian, Latin Meaning: Precious stone Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jemma, Gema Famous Namesakes: Actress Gemma Chan Peak Popularity: Breaking the top 1,000 baby names in 2008 at 887, Gemma’s popularity ranked 176 in 2023 Social Security data. Imani Origin: Arabic, Swahili Meaning: Belief, faith Alternative Spellings & Variations: Emoniey Famous Namesakes: Imani Coppola, American singer-songwriter and violinist Peak Popularity: The name Imani has ranked consistently in the top 1,000 baby names. Iyana Origin: Hebrew, African Meaning: God is gracious Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ayanna Famous Namesakes: Actress Iyana Halley Peak Popularity: Iyana was last ranked in the top 1,000 baby names at 1,000 in 2008. Jada Origin: HebrewMeaning: Wise, goodnessAlternative Spellings & Variations: JaydaFamous Namesakes: Actress and musician Jada Pinkett-SmithPeak Popularity: Peaking in the early 2000s, Jada’s popularity has since fallen. Jalisa Origin: Arabic, EnglishMeaning: God’s promiseAlternative Spellings & Variations: JalissaPeak Popularity: Jalisa has not been in the top 1,000 baby names in the last 25 years. Jaya Origin: Indian, HindiMeaning: Victorious, victoryAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jaai, JaiaFamous Namesakes: Actress Jaya PradaPeak Popularity: Jaya is a rare name and does not rank in the top 1,000 baby names. Kayla Origin: Hebrew, ArabicMeaning: Crown of laurelsAlternative Spellings & Variations: KalahFamous Namesakes: Actress Kayla MaisonetPeak Popularity: Kayla has slightly fallen in popularity, sliding from 101 in 2014 to 324 in 2023, but still consistently remains in the top 1,000 baby names. It reached its peak of popularity in 1995-1996 at the No. 11 spot. Kendra Origin: English, Welsh Meaning: Knowledge Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kendrah, Kendrea Famous Namesakes: Model and social media personality Kendra Bailey Peak Popularity: Kendra has been a popular name for over 30 years and ranked at 741 in the 2023 Social Security data. Kennedy Origin: Irish, Gaelic Meaning: Pride, fierce Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kenedi, Kenedy Peak Popularity: Currently ranking at 72, Kennedy is an increasingly popular name. It broke into the top 100 in 2011. Kenya Origin: AfricanMeaning: Animal hornAlternative Spellings & Variations: Keneya, Keneia KennyaFamous Namesakes: American actress, model, and producer Kenya MoorePeak Popularity: Kenya last saw popularity in 2017 at a rank of 964. Kiara Origin: Italian, Irish Meaning: Kind, bright Alternative Spellings & Variations: Chiara Famous Namesakes: WNBA player Kiara Leslie, CoverGirl model Kiara Kabukuru Peak Popularity: Kiara’s popularity currently ranks 308 out of the top 1,000 baby names. Liana Origin: French Meaning: To climb Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lyana, Lianna Famous Namesakes: Actress Liana Liberato Peak Popularity: The name Liana currently ranks at No. 479. It first hit the charts in 1977. Luna Origin: Latin, Roman Meaning: Moon Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lunna, Lunah Peak Popularity: Luna is quickly becoming an extremely popular name, and according to 2023 Social Security data, broke into the top 10 most popular names for girls in the US. Makenna Origin: AmericanMeaning: Happy oneAlternative Spellings & Variations: Makena, MckennaPeak Popularity: Makenna has remained common over the last 20 years but has declined in popularity, ranking at 475 in 2023 Social Security data. Megan Origin: Welsh, GreekMeaning: PearlAlternative Spellings & Variations: Meghan, MeaganFamous Namesakes: Rapper Megan ‘Megan Thee Stallion’ Jovon Ruth PetePeak Popularity: Most popular in the 1990s and early 2000s, Megan has fallen to a ranking of 694. Mia Origin: Hebrew, Egyptian Meaning: Beloved, queen Famous Namesakes: Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Former professional soccer player and Olympic gold medalist Mia Hamm Peak Popularity: Mia has been in the top 10 most popular baby names for the last decade. In the Social Security data from 2023, it ranked 6. Nadia Origin: Russian, Slavic Meaning: Hope, delicate Alternative Spellings & Variations: Nadya, Nadja Famous Namesakes: Singer-songwriter and actress Nadia Turner Peak Popularity: The name Nadia ranked at 489 in the Social Security data from 2023. Nala Origin: AfricanMeaning: Successful, queen, giftAlternative Spellings & Variations: NahlaFamous Namesakes: Nala Wayans, fashion model and daughter of actor Keenen Ivory WayansPeak Popularity: Nala made its first appearance on the Social Security top 1,000 baby names list in 2014 and in 2023, rose to a rank of 846. Nashea Origin: EnglishMeaning: Defiant, strong Alternative Spellings & Variations: Nashe, NasheyaPeak Popularity: Nashea is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 baby names for girls. Nia Origin: Gaelic, Swahilian Meaning: Lustrous, bright, brilliant Alternative Spellings & Variations: Neya, Niea Famous Namesakes: Actress Nia Long, Olympia athlete Nia Ali Peak Popularity: The popularity of the name Nia has remained around the same for the past 10 years. In the 2023 Social Security data it ranked 642. Nicole Origin: Greek, French Meaning: Victory of the people Alternative Spellings & Variations: Nichole Famous Namesakes: Comedian Nicole Byer, Nicole Scherzinger Peak Popularity: Peaking at a rank of 7 in the early 1980s, the name Nicole has ranked at 327 in the 2023 Social Security data. Nori Origin: Japanese Meaning: Belief Alternative Spellings & Variations: Nore Peak Popularity: Nori is a distinctive name that in 2023 broke into the 1,000 top names for baby girls in the US. Shakira Origin: ArabicMeaning: Grateful, thankfulAlternative Spellings & Variations: Shakera, ShakuraFamous Namesakes: Colombian singer ShakiraPeak Popularity: Shakira has not made the top 1,000 baby names since 2006 when it had a rank of 780. Shani Origin: Swahili, SanskritMeaning: Wondrous, marvelAlternative Spellings & Variations: Shanee, Shaney, ShaniePeak Popularity: Shani is a rare name that hasn't been in the top 1,000 names since 1977. Shannon Origin: IrishMeaning: WiseAlternative Spellings & Variations: Shanon, ShannenFamous Namesakes: Actress and model Shannon Elizabeth Peak Popularity: Shannon last appeared in the top 1,000 baby girl names in 2013 at 917. Shantae Origin: Old French, HindiMeaning: Peaceful, stoneAlternative Spellings & Variations: ShantePeak Popularity: This name has not ranked in the top 1,000 baby names for girls. Shay Origin: Gaelic, Hebrew, IrishMeaning: Admirable, giftFamous Namesakes: Actress Shay MitchellPeak Popularity: Shay was on the top 1,000 list in 1970-1971, and then came back on in 2020. Simone Origin: French, ItalianMeaning: Hearkening, to be heardAlternative Spellings & Variations: SeymoneFamous Namesakes: Gymnast and gold medalist Simone BilesPeak Popularity: After a slight increase in popularity in 2019 at 713, the name Simone slid back down to a ranking of 927 in the 2023 Social Security data. Talia Origin: Italian, HebrewMeaning: Morning dewAlternative Spellings & Variations: Thalia, TaliyahFamous Namesakes: Actress Talia BalsamPeak Popularity: In the 2023 Social Security data, Talia ranked at 264. Taylor Origin: Anglo-French Meaning: Tailer Alternative Spellings & Variations: Tayler, Taylour Famous Namesakes: Singer Taylor Swift, Actress Taylor Cole Peak Popularity: Taylor has remained a consistently popular name over time, with a peak in the 1990s. However, its popularity has declined, and in the 2023 Social Security data, it ranked at 261. Teyana Origin: GreekMeaning: Graceful, uniqueAlternative Spellings & Variations: TeyonaFamous Namesakes: Singer-songwriter Teyana TaylorPeak Popularity: Teyana is not on the top 1,000 baby names list. Tia Origin: Greek, Spanish Meaning: Goddess, joy Famous Namesakes: American actress Tia Mowry, Voice actress Tia Ballard Peak Popularity: Tia was last ranked in the top 1,000 baby names in 2012 at 964. Tiana Origin: Russian, SlavicMeaning: PrincessAlternative Spellings & Variations: TeonaFamous Namesakes: American dancer Tiana BrownPeak Popularity: Tiana has been a consistently popular name, and in the 2023 Social Security data, ranked at 609. Tyler Origin: Old English Meaning: Tiler Alternative Spellings & Variations: Tailer Famous Namesakes: Rapper Tyler, The Creator, Actor Tyler James Williams Peak Popularity: Tyler last ranked in the top 1,000 names for baby girls in 2007 at 874. Zuri Origin: SwahiliMeaning: BeautifulAlternative Spellings & Variations: ZhuriFamous Namesakes: Actress, reporter, and producer Zuri HallPeak Popularity: Zuri is a name to watch. Its popularity has soared over the past 10 years, flying from 982 in 2010, to 203 in the 2023 Social Security data. More Baby Name Ideas For more baby name inspiration, take a look at the following lists: Top 1,000 Baby Girl Names in the US Top 1,000 Baby Boy Names in the US Unique Baby Girl Names 36 Fantasy Baby Names Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Popular Baby Names. Social Security Administration. 2024.