Baby names, what's in it? Erm a lot, actually… Naming your baby may feel like one of the toughest parts of being pregnant (apart from labour and the contractions, of course). Ask yourself what’s important to you when naming your baby: Do you want a cute baby name, one that's unique or a name that’s rare or cultural? While no one else can decide on what name you decide to give your baby, it’s crucial that you pick a name your little one can take with them into toddlerhood.
With Black History Month here with its many activities, you might be interested in black names for babies, or be inspired to use a name that you have never heard of, that's meaningful, unique and has historical roots. We've had a look for both black girl names and black boy names, including African names and Nigerian names.
Here are some names of phenomenal Black people who have made their mark in history and who could influence the path of your child. There are plenty of black baby names here to choose from, and we've listed them in alphabetical order for your convenience!
1. Aaliyah
Of Arabic origins, Aaliyah means “rising, ascending” and “highborn, exalted, and sublime.” No wonder the American singer and actress, Aaliyah, who helped redefine contemporary R&B, pop, and hip hop, was also known as the "Princess of R&B" and "Queen of Urban Pop"! This is a powerful name for a baby girl destined to rise to the top and achieve her dreams.
2. Audra
Audra is a classic name that is truly making a real comeback. Named after Audra Ann McDonald, a Broadway actress and singer who has won multiple Tony Awards, Audra can inspire your little one's amazing voice to shine - who knows maybe we might see your little one on TV!
3. Barack
For a baby name inspired by a great African-American leader, Barack, of Arabic origin and meaning "blessing" is a strong contender. Barack Obama went down in history when he was elected as the first African-American president of the United States in 2008. If that's not enough incentive to name your little future president Barack, Obama is also a bestselling author and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
4. Benjamin
This old-fashioned and nostalgic name is of English origin, and apparently means "son of South". It's also a name inspired by Benjamin Banneker, who in the late 1700s made a name for himself (despite it being frowned upon at the time) as an astronomer, inventor, and mathmetician. He's also known for inventing for himself a working clock that struck at the hour, making Benjamin the perfect name for a budding little genius!
5. Beyonce
Can you see yourself dancing on stage with your daughter one day? A bit like multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning singer Beyonce Knowles and her gorgeous daughter Blue Ivy. This name means “one who surpasses others”, and Virgo Beyonce certainly strives to be the best at what she does.
6. Billie
A variation of William, the name Billie means “determination” or “strength.” It's also the name of American jazz and swing singer Billie Holiday, and we think it makes a cute unisex baby name for a girl who is destined to work hard to achieve her dreams and stand up for what she believes in.
7. Booker
If you're looking for a bookish name for your little one you'll like this unique name that's of English origin and means “scribe” - also inspired by Booker T. Washington who was born into slavery, but paid for his own education, became a teacher, and founded the historic Tuskegee University. If Washington can rise to the top against all odds, so can your little one!
8. Caleb
Caleb can also be spelled Kaleb, and it means "faithful" or "brave". Inspired by Caleb, who in the bible is loyal to Moses, and is an important Biblical figure in the Old Testament. The name is thought to come from a Hebrew word meaning "dog", and while you might not want to name your child after a dog, this is meant as a genuine compliment, as all dog lovers will know, dogs are man's most loyal and best friend.
9. Carter
Credited as the founder of Black History Month, and the first person to introduce the study of African-American history, we couldn't leave out a name inspired by Scholar and historian Carter G. Woodson. Originally an Irish last name meaning "someone who transports goods by cart", Carter caught on as a first name for boys.
10. Cassius
On the 6th of March 1964 Cassius Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali - that's right, Cassius is the original name belonging to one of history's most famous boxers, who was only 18 years old when he won a gold medal in the 1960 Summer Olympics. What medals will your little Cassius win in his lifetime?
11. Calloway
Cab Calloway, born Cabell Calloway III, was an entertainer who led one of the most famous big bands during the swing era. For parents of a possible future performer, know that this award winner has a great name and so will your little one.
12. Cora
A woman with confidence, Cora Mae Brown made her mark on history by being the first African-American woman to be elected to a state senate seat in Michigan, in 1952. Cora is also a girl's name of Greek origin with several meanings, including "core," "heart," and "maiden." Cora has ties to Greek mythology too, and is an alternative name for Persephone, the daughter of Zeus, King of the Gods.
13. Della
Can you see your baby in the media world? Well, Della Reese is a famous actress and singer who shortened her name from Delloreese Early to Della. It would be a great and unique name for a little girl.
14. Denzel
When you think of Denzel, what do you see? Movies? Awards? Fame? Peace? And award-winning American actor, director, and producer Denzel Washington of course! Denzel is an English name meaning “from the high stronghold” or “fertile land.”
15. Duke
Known for being one of the greatest jazz musicians in American history, Duke was the nickname of musician Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington. We also think it's a grand and sophisticated name that you don't hear very often, but is perfect for big personalities.
16. Elijah
Elijah is a popular trendy name for a boy, and is inspired by the biblical name in the Old Testament, referring to a Hebrew prophet. The original, biblical Elijah was a prophet known for defending the worship of God and performing miracles in God's name. We like that the prophet Elijah is revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.
17. Eliza
A stunning girl's name, Eliza is a nod to Eliza Bryant, the daughter of a free woman of colour who established the Cleveland Home for elderly coloured people, after helping former slaves get their lives together in Cleveland, Ohio.
18. Ella
Ella Fitzgerald was the first Black woman to win a Grammy in 1959. Ella also means "Goddess" in Hebrew and we love how the name seems to roll off the tongue - it's the perfect baby name for your little girl!
19. Frederick
Meaning “peace ruler”, why not name your son after the famous African-American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman - Frederick Douglass?
20. Forest
if you love trees and spending time in woodland, this beautiful name speaks to nature and peace. Forest Steven Whitaker is an American actor, producer, director, and activist who won many awards and accolades.
21. Halle
Wish your daughter to be a woman with many talents? A fashion model? Or beauty queen? Halle Balle was the first African-American woman to win Best Actress at the Academy Awards. The name Halle is Norse for “heroine” or “army ruler.”
22. Isaiah
Whether you're Jewish, Christian or Muslim, Isaiah is a strong and distinctive boy's name that comes from the Hebrew phrase "Yahweh is salvation" or "God saves." An African and biblical name, Isaiah is the name of an Old Testament prophet known for his truth-telling, strength, and persistence.
23. Jesse
Jesse Owens, short for James Cleveland Owens, gives your mini-athlete the perfect nickname. Jesse Owens was an American track and field athlete who won four Olympic gold medals.
24. Josephine
A name with essense, Josephine Baker was a popular dancer, singer, and actress because of her role as the first African-American actress to star in a major motion picture, Siren in the Tropics in 1927, later she was a central figure in the civil rights movement.
25. Langston
Born in 1902, Poet Langston Hughes, was an author and a pillar of the Harlem Renaissance movement in the 1920s. In addition to poetry, he wrote novels, short stories, and plays.
26. Lauryn
Meaning "laurel" - In Ancient Rome and Greece, the laurel crown was worn to symbolize victory or achievement after competitions. Of course we all recognise this name as being inspired by Lauryn Hill, the American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. She is often credited for breaking barriers for female rappers, popularizing melodic rap, and pioneering neo soul for mainstream audiences.
27. Lionel
Lionel Hampton, born in Kentucky in 1908, was an award-winning jazz musician, performing with some of the biggest singers during the early to mid-1900s.
28. Malcolm
Malcolm X was a Black Muslim minister and human rights activist and leader of The Black Panthers. Malcolm is a Scottish Gaelic name meaning “devotee of Saint Columba.”
29. Martin
We all know about Martin Luther King Jr, a Baptist minister and leader of the civil rights movement. The Latin name means “of Mars” or “war/warlike.”
30. Maya
Best known for her unique and pioneering autobiographical writing style, Maya Angelou was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. Aside from being a beautiful girl's name, and ranking in the top 100 baby girls names in the UK, it has many meanings, from "dream" in Sanskrit, "courage" in Maori, and "mother" in Greek, just to name a few.
31. Michelle
If you want your little one to be bold always, remember this quote from Michelle Obama: "Whether you come from a council estate or a country estate, your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude". Michelle is the first black woman to serve as the First Lady of the United States. In French, this name means “who resembles God.”
32. Nelson
A great man known and loved around the world for his commitment to peace, negotiation and reconciliation. Nelson Mandela, a South African anti-apartheid activist was the first president of South Africa.
33. Oprah
A popular name around the world is television producer, actress, and entrepreneur Oprah Winfrey. Hebrew for "gazelle". Oprah took risks and pursued her dreams, and that is why she achieved such success today.
34. Rosa
This is a name to honour the well-known civil rights activist Rosa Parks, who is considered “the mother of the civil rights movement, and helped to break the norms. The name Rosa is Italian and Catalan for “rose” or “flower.”
35. Ruby
After Ruby Bridges, who led the fight against segregation as the first Black child to attend William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana. A Latin name meaning “deep red precious stone.”
36. Serena
Record-holding tennis player Serena Williams is known for having most Grand Slam singles titles across men’s and women’s tennis. Serena is Latin for “clear, tranquil, serene.”
37. Sidney
Sidney Poitier, born in Miami in 1927, was the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for the 1963 film Lilies of the Field. He was also given the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.
38. Simone
Olympic athlete Simone Biles set multiple Olympic records in gymnastics and fought for mental health and athlete safety. Biles was the recipient of the 2022 Presidential Medal of Freedom.
39. Sojouner
Sojourner Truth is an abolitionist and women’s rights activist. In French, this name means “to stay a while.” Maybe your little one will one day follow this dream?
40. Zora
If you want your child to walk with confidence wherever she goes, how about Zora Neale Hurston? born in Alabama in 1891, has always been a powerful representation of Black female writers. Hurston’s work highlighted the rural South’s African-American culture. Her most popular novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, was published in 1937.
Choosing a baby name
Some names are super adorable for babies, but can you picture it in adulthood? What would the name look like on a job application? Or maybe when your child must walk on stage and collect an award from their headteacher? And don’t forget their passport! To see where your preferred name stands, practising saying it out loud, as well as getting advice from the grandparents is another great way too (you’ll need them to babysit, don’t forget!).
And don’t worry, when it comes down to names, in the beginning, it might sound really mature for baby, but like most parents do, you can always give little bubba a beautiful nickname down the line.
Mummy to a little girl, Adejumoke Ilori is Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. With a BA hon in Creative Writing, she has worked for digital platforms, where she has empowered women from the inside and out, by sharing real life stories based on relationships, loving yourself and mummyhood.