235+ Best African American Black Baby Boy Names (+meanings)

Are you looking for a list of strong black baby boy names to choose a name for your little black king?

If so, you’re in the right place! Keep reading for the best black boy names with rich culture and strong meanings!

Pregnancy can be a very overwhelming and exciting time, especially when it comes to choosing the perfect name for your little one.

As a mother-to-be, you want a name that not only sounds good but also has a significant meaning or history behind it.

If you’re looking for the best black boy names for your son, you’re in the right place.

Table of Contents

From unique to traditional, we have compiled a list of the best black baby names that will suit your little one perfectly.

***You can download the **FREE Printable Baby Names Tracker PDF** at the end of this blog post ;)***

How to Choose the Best Name for Your Son

Before we dive all into these cool black baby boy names, let’s discuss how to choose the perfect name for your son. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Consider the meaning and history behind the name. A name with a special significance can add depth and meaning to your child’s identity.

Think about the sound and flow of the name. You want a name that is easy to pronounce and doesn’t sound awkward when paired with your last name.

Consider the popularity of the name. While unique names can be appealing, you also want to consider if your child will constantly have to spell or explain their name.

Involve your partner or loved ones in the decision-making process, but ultimately choose a name that you both love and feel fits your child.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and consider names from different cultures or languages.

Just make sure you understand the meaning and significance of the name before choosing it for your child.

Remember, a name is an important part of a person’s identity, so take your time and choose wisely.

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(Top 10) Popular African American Names That Are Clearly a Popular Choice

If you are looking for the list of the top most popular names for black baby boys, then this is the list of popular black names you need to see:

***Keep in mind this list is based on NYC OpenData and SSA (Social Security Administration) (Top 500 Baby Names).***

1) Jayden:

Jayden– (Ranked #46 on SSA)- This awesome name is of Hebrew origin, meaning “thankful”, “God has heard” or “Jehovah has heard”.

2) Aiden:

Aiden– (Ranked #29) – The name Aiden is a popular choice amongst African American parents. The name has an Irish origin and means “little fire.”

3) Elijah:

Elijah– (Ranked #5) – If you want a popular and biblical name for your black prince, the name Elijah is the perfect choice! The meaning behind the name is “Yahweh is my God.“

4) Jeremiah

Jeremiah– (Ranked #93)- Jeremiah is a Hebrew name, which means “God will uplift” or “appointed by God.”

5) Joshua:

Joshua– (Ranked #60)- Joshua is a biblical name, that means “Jehovah saves” or “God is generous.”

6) Ethan:

Ethan– (#21 on SSA)- Ethan is a Hebrew name, that means “strong” or “firm”.

7) Josiah:

Josiah– (#51)- Josiah comes from the Hebrew name “Yoshiyah”, which means “God supports” or “whom Jehovah heals.”

8) Isaiah:

Isaiah– (#58) – Isaiah is a Hebrew name, which means “Yahweh is salvation.”

9) Tyler:

Tyler– (#164) – Tyler is a popular English name, that means “tile-maker” or “doorkeeper of an inn.”

10) Michael:

Michael– (#16)- Another biblical name on the list, Michael is Hebrew for “who is like God?” or “God-like.”

Commonly Heard Black Boy Names Heard in the Black Community

So this section is a bit more off the record, and more based on experience and observation throughout my life (27+ Years).

Below, you will find the more commonly known black names found in black communities to the point they are used as names to identify an unnamed black boy in a story being told:

1) Daquan

I’m pretty sure you have heard of the name Daquan before and even may have seen the Instagram account. If you know, then you know—nothing more to say here.

2) Raequan:

Similar to Daquan, you may have heard of the name Raequan in the black community. A popular variation of this name is Raekwon, which is also a rapper’s name.

3) Damarques:

A variation of the name Marcus, Damarques is a popular name in black communities. It combines the traditional name with a unique twist.

4) Mark:

You may be thinking, Mark? How is that a black name? But in my experience, Mark is actually quite common in the black community. It’s easy to pronounce and has biblical roots.

5) John :

(Nickname: John John, Lil John)

John is another popular biblical name that is commonly heard in the black community. It’s simple, yet classic and has a strong meaning behind it.

6) Dometrius :

A unique and strong boy name, Dometrius is a variation of the name Demetrius and has Greek origins.

It’s not as commonly heard in other communities, making it a great choice for parents looking for something different but still meaningful.

7) Jermaine:

The name Jermaine has a smooth flow to it and is often associated with talented musicians in the black community. It’s a combination of the names Jerome and Germaine, giving it a unique twist.

8) Tyrone:

With Irish origins, Tyrone is a popular name in the black community. It has a strong and masculine sound to it, making it a great choice for parents looking for a powerful name for their son.

I would consider this name to be more of a vintage black boy name due to its early references used in a song by Erykah Badu in 1997 and commonly found amongst the older black African American men in America.

9) Jackson:

Jackson has become a popular name in recent years, but it has long been a common name in the black community. It has English origins and means “son of Jack.” It’s a strong and timeless name that is perfect for any little boy.

10) Treyvon:

Treyvon is a modern yet meaningful name that has been gaining popularity in the black community. It’s a variation of the name Trevon, which means “prudent” or “wise” in Gaelic.

This name has a smooth and trendy sound to it, making it a great choice for parents looking for something unique but still culturally significant.

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33 African Baby Boy Names to Consider for Your New Son

If you are looking for a cute African name for your little man that has African history then check out these African Baby boy names below:

1) Omari

Meaning: speaker, chief

2) Deon

Meaning: of Zeus (greek mythology name).

3) Emmanuel

Meaning: God is with us

4) Amari

Meaning: eternal, or immortal.

5) Deshawn

Meaning: God is gracious

6) Jermaine

Meaning: Brother.

7) Odell

Meaning: Woad hill.

8) Kamari

Meaning: moon.

9) Tyrese

Meaning: person from Tyrie

10) Jabari

Meaning: the brave one

11) Kenyon

Meaning: Blond

12) Jamarion

Meaning: sparks and sea.

13) Akeem

Meaning: wise.

14) Rashawn

Meaning: Graced by God; protection.

15) Kingsley

Meaning: Graced by God; protection.

16) Deshaun

Meaning: God is merciful.

17) Blane

Meaning: Yellow

18) Niles

Meaning: Son of Neil.

19) Hermon

Meaning: soldier.

20) Tavon

Meaning: Twin.

21) Khari

Meaning: kingly.

22) Omarion

Meaning: flourishing

23) Kwame

Meaning: abundant of Fortune, Health, and spirituality.

24) Jakari

Meaning: supplanter.

25) Dakari

Meaning: rejoice.

26) Dwane

Meaning: swarthy

27) Osiris

Meaning: Mighty

28) Tavaris

Meaning: son of the hermit.

29) Neo

Meaning: New

30) Tyreese

Meaning: a person from Tyrie.

31) Khamari

Meaning: shining like a moon

32) Marquan

Meaning: unknown.

33) Obie

Meaning: Servant of God.

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235+ Best African American Black Baby Boy Names with Meanings (You’ll Love)

Looking for Black Baby Boy Names? Here are some amazing African American Black Baby Boy Names perfect for your little king:

Starting with A:

Below you will find Black Baby boy names that start with A:

Aaron

Meaning: High mountain; exalted, enlightened

Ahmad

Meaning: Much praised, commendable

Aiden

Meaning: Little fire

Alaric

Meaning: Ruler of all

Alonzo

Meaning: Eager for battle

Amani

Meaning: Peace

Amari

Meaning: Strength and builder

Amias

Meaning: Loved

Amir

Meaning: Prince; ruler

Andre

Meaning: Manly; brave

Antonio

Meaning: Worthy of praise

Apollo

Meaning: Manly beauty. Check out our space boy names for more names like Apollo.

Archer

Meaning: Bowman

Armani

Meaning: Wishes

Asa

Meaning: Physician; healer

Asante

Meaning: Thank you

Ashton

Meaning: Town of ash trees

August

Meaning: Great, magnificent

Avery

Meaning: Ruler of the elves

Axel

Meaning: Father of peace

Ayden

Meaning: Enduring and powerful

Azariah

Meaning: Helped by God

Starting with B:

Below you will find African american boy names that start with B:

Bakari

Meaning: Prince of Noble Promise

Bakary

Meaning: A Hero.

Barack

Meaning: Blessed; shining or lightning

Beau

Meaning: Handsome and charming; a term of endearment

Benjamin

Meaning: Son of my right hand; blessed by God

Bernell

Meaning: Unknown.

Blaine

Meaning: Thin, lean

Blane

Meaning: The eye pupil

Brayden

Meaning: Brave, wide valley

Braylen

Meaning: Gift from God

Breyon

Meaning: Forceful

Brook

Meaning: Blessed

Brown

Meaning: color name.

Bryson

Meaning: Son of Brice; descendant of the Welsh

Black Baby Boy Names, Starting with C:

Below you will find unique black boy names that start with C:

Caleb

Meaning: Devotion; whole-hearted

Camden

Meaning: From the winding valley

Cameron

Meaning: Crooked nose or river crossing

Carlton

Meaning: Place name

Carver

Meaning: Wood carver or sculptor

Casey

Meaning: Vigilant in war. Check out our Unisex baby Names for more names like Casey.

Cedric

Meaning: Chieftain, leader

Chadwick

Meaning: From the warrior’s town

Chandler

Meaning: Candle maker or seller

Charles

Meaning: Free man

Clifton

Meaning: Settlement near a cliff

Clyde

Meaning: From the river Clyde in Scotland

Cohen

Meaning: Priest or leader

Colby

Meaning: Coal town; dark haired

Coleman

Meaning: Dark warrior

Colton

Meaning: From the coal or charcoal town

Corey

Meaning: Chosen one

Courtney

Meaning: Courteous; gracious

Curtis

Meaning: Courteous, refined

Starting with D

Below you will find Black boy names that start with D:

Dakari

Meaning: Happiness; joy

Damon

Meaning: Constant, loyal, trusty

Dante

Meaning: Enduring; steadfast

Darrell

Meaning: Darling; beloved one

Darren

Meaning: Great

Darnell

Meaning: Hidden spot; secret spot

Darrian

Meaning: Wealthy; rich

Darryl

Meaning: Darling, beloved one

Davion

Meaning: Beloved by God

Dayton

Meaning: Sunny town or settlement

DeAndre

Meaning: God is gracious

Demarcus

Meaning: Son of Marcus

Demetrius

Meaning: Follower of Demeter; goddess of fertility and agriculture

Denzel

Meaning: Wild one or untamed

Deon

Meaning: Divine, heavenly

Deonte

Meaning: God of wine and revelry

Derek

Meaning: Ruler of the people

Deshawn

Meaning: God is gracious

Desmond

Meaning: Gracious defender or one from South Munster

Deven

Meaning: Divine; perfect

Devonte

Meaning: Devoted to; destiny

Diondre

Meaning: Divine man or god of wine and revelry

Donte

Meaning: Enduring, steadfast

Donovan

Meaning: Dark brown warrior or descendant of Donnabhain

Drake

Meaning: Dragon, serpent; leader

Dre

Meaning: Man or warrior

Duane

Meaning: Dark, swarthy

Duron

Meaning: Firm, steadfast

Dwayne

Meaning: Dark, black

Starting with E

Below you will find African american boy names that start with E:

Earl

Meaning: Nobleman or warrior; a title of nobility

Easton

Meaning: Eastern settlement or town

Eddie

Meaning: Wealthy protector or defender

Edric

Meaning: Wealthy ruler or power and good fortune

Edwin

Meaning: Rich friend or blessed friend

Elijah

Meaning: My God is Yahweh, the Lord is my God

Ellis

Meaning: The Lord is my God; form of Elijah

Emari

Meaning: Prince or ruler

Emery

Meaning: Brave, powerful leader or home strength

Emmett

Meaning: Powerful and universal; form of Emma

Enzo

Meaning: Ruler of the household or home ruler

Eric

Meaning: Eternal ruler, forever strong

Ernest

Meaning: Vigorous, earnest or serious

Eryk

Meaning: Eternal ruler; form of Eric

African American Boy Names, Starting with F

Below you will find African American boy names that start F:

Fabian

Meaning: Bean grower or bean farmer; derived from the Roman clan name Fabius

Farren

Meaning: Adventurous journey or wanderer

Felix

Meaning: Lucky, fortunate or happy

Fernando

Meaning: Brave traveler or adventurer; form of Ferdinand

Finn

Meaning: Fair or white; Irish name meaning “fair-headed”

Franklin

Meaning: Free landowner or free man

Starting with G

Below you will find African American Black boy names that start with G:

Gavin

Meaning: White hawk or little falcon

Geoffrey

Meaning: Divinely peaceful or peaceful traveler; a form of Jeffrey

George

Meaning: Farmer or earth worker

Gerald

Meaning: Rules by the spear or ruler with a spear

Giovanni

Meaning: God is gracious; Italian variant of John

Starting with H

Below you will find Black boy names that start with H:

Harper

Meaning: Harp player or minstrel

Hayden

Meaning: Fire or heat; derived from the Old English name Hæðen

Hector

Meaning: Holding fast, tenacious or steadfast

Henry

Meaning: Ruler of the household; derived from Germanic elements meaning “home” and “ruler”

Holden

Meaning: Hollow valley; derived from the Old English name Holdan

Hudson

Meaning: Son of Hugh or son of fire; derived from the English surname Huddesone

Cute Black Boy Names, Starting with I

Below you will find African American boy names that start with I:

Isaiah

Meaning: God is salvation; biblical name of the Prophet Isaiah

Issac

Meaning: He will laugh or laughter; the biblical name of Abraham’s son in the Old Testament

Best African American Black Baby Boy Names

Starting with J

Below you will find African American boy names that start with J:

Jaden

Meaning: God has heard; modern name with Hebrew roots

Jamal

Meaning: Handsome or beauty; Arabic (Arabic origin) name that became popular in the 1970s through Black Muslim leader Malcolm X.

James

Meaning: Supplanter; derived from the Latin name Iacomus, which is also derived from Jacob in the Bible

Jamarkius

Meaning: Combination of the names James and Marcus, giving a unique (unique name) twist to traditional names

Javon

Meaning: Son of Japheth; modern name with Hebrew roots

Jayden

Meaning: God has heard; variation of the name Jaden

Jeremiah

Meaning: Exalted by God; biblical name of a prophet in the Old Testament

John

Meaning: God is gracious; timeless biblical name

Jordan

Meaning: To flow down or descend; derived from the name of a river in Palestine and became popular as a boy’s name in the 1970s through basketball legend Michael Jordan.

Starting with K

Below you will find African American boy names that start with K:

Khalil

Meaning: Friend or companion; Arabic name that became popular through the poet and philosopher Kahlil Gibran.

Kaiden

Meaning: Companion or friend; variation of the name Kayden with a twist on spelling.

Kamari

Meaning: Moonlight; modern invented name inspired by Arabic and Swahili roots.

Keith

Meaning: Wood or forest; a Celtic name that became popular in the 1950s through jazz musician Keith Jarrett.

Kobe

Meaning: Supplanter; African American invented name inspired by basketball legend Kobe Bryant.

Black Boy Names, Starting with L

Below you will find African American boy names that start with L:

Lamar

Meaning: The sea; variation of the biblical name LaMar, which is also a combination of Lamar and Mark

Leroy

Meaning: The King; a French name that became popular in the 19th century through African American activist Leroy Jones.

Lincoln

Meaning: From the lake settlement; surname turned first name after President Abraham Lincoln became a symbol of freedom for African Americans

Landon

Meaning: From the long hill; variation of the name Langdon, which has English roots

Starting with M

Below you will find Black Baby Boy Names that start with M:

Malik

Meaning: King or leader; Arabic name that was popularized in the 1990s through rapper and actor Malik Yoba

Marcus

Meaning: Warlike; Latin (Latin origins) name that became popular in the African American community through civil rights activist Marcus Garvey

Micah

Meaning: Who is like God?; Biblical name that has been used by African Americans since the 19th century

Miles

Meaning: Soldier; variation of the name Milo, which has Germanic roots

Starting with N

Below you will find African American boy names that start with N:

Nathan

Meaning: Gift from God; a biblical name that African Americans have used since the 19th century

Nathaniel

Meaning: Gift from God; variation of Nathan, which has Hebrew roots and is also the name of one of the 12 apostles in the Bible

Neo

Meaning: New; Greek origins, a name that has gained popularity in the 21st century after being featured in The Matrix films

Nick

Meaning: Victory of the people; short form of Nicholas, which has Greek roots and was popularized by singer and actor Nick Cannon.

Nickolas

Meaning: Victorious people; variation of the name Nicholas, which has Greek roots and is commonly associated with Christmas due to Saint Nicholas.

Noah

Meaning: Rest or comfort; biblical name that has been used by African Americans since the 19th century.

African American Black Baby Boy Names, Starting with O

Below you will find black baby boy names that start with O:

Oliver

Meaning: Elf army; variation of the name Olivier, which is French in origin but became popular as a surname among African Americans.

Omar

Meaning: Speaker or flourishing; Arabic name that has gained popularity in the African American community through athlete and activist O.J. Simpson.

Owen

Meaning: Young warrior or well-born; Welsh name that became popular among African Americans in the 20th century.

Starting with P

Below you will find African American boy names that start with P:

Parker

Meaning: Keeper of the park; English occupational surname that has become a popular first name among African American boys.

Patrick

Meaning: Nobleman; an Irish name that gained popularity in the African American community through civil rights activist and comedian Richard Pryor.

Paul

Meaning: Small or humble; a biblical name that African Americans have used since the 19th century.

Starting with Q

Below you will find African American boy names that start with Q:

Quincy

Meaning: Estate of the fifth son; English name that gained popularity in the African American community through musician and producer Quincy Jones.

Cute Black Baby Boy Names, Starting with R

Below you will find African American boy names that start with R:

Ray

Meaning: Wise protector; short form of Raymond which has been used by African Americans since the 19th century.

Rayshawn

Meaning: Combination of Ray and Shawn; created in the late 20th century and has gained popularity in the African American community.

Reggie

Meaning: Ruler’s advisor or mighty counsel; short form of Reginald which became popular among African Americans in the mid-20th century.

Richard

Meaning: Brave power; English name that gained popularity in the African American community through abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass.

Russell

Meaning: Redhead; English name that has been used by African Americans since the 19th century.

Starting with S

Below you will find African American boy names that start with S:

Samuel

Meaning: God has heard; a biblical name that gained popularity in the African American community through civil rights activist and minister Martin Luther King Jr.

Sebastian

Meaning: Venerable or revered; English name that gained popularity in the African American community through singer and actor Sebastian Bach.

Shawn

Meaning: God is gracious; variation of John and has been used by African Americans since the 19th century.

Solomon

Meaning: Peaceful or peaceful one; biblical name that has been used by African Americans since the 19th century.

Starting with T

Below you will find African American boy names that start with T:

Thaddeus

Meaning: Brave heart; biblical name that has been used by African Americans since the 19th century.

Terrence

Meaning: Smooth, polished or gentle; English name that gained popularity in the African American community through actor Terrence Howard.

Theodore

Meaning: Gift of God; Greek name that became popular among African Americans in the 19th century.

Trevor

Meaning: Great settlement or wise counselor; Welsh name that has been used by African Americans since the 20th century.

Black Baby Boy Names, Starting with V

Below you will find Black Baby Boy Names that start with V:

Vance

Meaning: Marshland or from the lowlands; English name that has been used by African Americans since the 19th century.

Vaughn

Meaning: Small, little or junior; English name that has been used by African Americans since the 20th century.

Vernon

Meaning: Place of alder trees or village; English name that has been used by African Americans since the 19th century.

Victor

Meaning: Conqueror or winner; Latin name that gained popularity in the African American community through civil rights activist and athlete Jackie Robinson.

Starting with W

Below you will find African American boy names that start with W:

Warren

Meaning: Park keeper or guard; English name that became popular among African Americans in the 19th century.

Wesley

Meaning: Western meadow or from the west field; English name that has been used by African Americans since the 19th century.

William

Meaning: Strong-willed warrior or protector; German name that has been used by African Americans since the 18th century.

Wilson

Meaning: Son of Will or son of William; English name that has been used by African Americans since the 20th century.

Winston

Meaning: Joy stone; English name that gained popularity in the African American community through former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Starting with X

Unfortunately, there are not many Black Baby Boy Names that start with X, but here is one that has been used:

Xavier

Meaning: New house or bright; Spanish name that has gained popularity in the African American community since the 19th century.

Cute Black Boy Names, Starting with Y

Below you will find African American boy names that start with Y:

Yosef

Meaning: God shall add or He will increase; Hebrew name that has been used by African Americans since the 19th century.

Yusuf

Meaning: God increases or God gives; Arabic name that has been used by African Americans since the 20th century.

Starting with Z

Below you will find African American black boy names that start with Z:

Zachary

Meaning: God remembers; Hebrew name that has been used by African Americans since the 20th century.

Zebedee

Meaning: Gift of God; Hebrew name that has been used by African Americans since the 19th century.

Zion

Meaning: Land of Israel or heaven; Hebrew name that has gained popularity in the African American community as a symbol of strength and hope. Super popular because of Lauren Hill not only naming her son Zion but her hit song named “to Zion.”

Zaire

Meaning: The river; an African name that has been used by African Americans since the 20th century, influenced by the former country Zaire (now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo).

FREE Printable Baby Names Tracker PDF

Grab our FREE Printable Baby Names Tracker PDF to keep up with all of your wonderful baby name choices and their meanings, plus document the name you and your significant other chose and why (as a keepsake).

Download the FREE Printable Baby Names Tracker PDF

Last Thing You Need to Know about the Best African American Black Baby Boy Names

Naming your little one is an important decision as the name will become a part of their identity for life. Finding the perfect name for your little one is a matter of personal taste and connection to the name.

The best black boy names for your son have been compiled above to help ease the process of selecting the right name. Remember to give yourself enough time to choose the name that you and your partner love and that your little one will be proud to carry.