African American First Names: Cultural Heritage & Modern Identity
Explore our comprehensive collection of 100 authentic African American first names, each representing a unique blend of cultural heritage, personal identity, and historical significance. These names showcase the rich tapestry of Black American naming traditions that have evolved over generations.
The Evolution of African American Naming Traditions
African American naming practices experienced a significant transformation during the mid-20th century. The 1950s and 1960s marked a pivotal period when Black families began embracing names that reflected their cultural pride and heritage, moving away from the previous era of assimilation-focused naming conventions.
Prior to this cultural renaissance, many African American families adopted European-influenced names as a means of integration into mainstream American society. This practice gradually shifted as the Civil Rights Movement empowered communities to celebrate their distinct cultural identity through meaningful name choices.
Today's African American names draw inspiration from diverse global traditions, incorporating elements from French linguistics, Arabic heritage, Islamic culture, Biblical references, and innovative modern creations. This beautiful fusion represents both historical connection and contemporary creativity.
🌍 Cultural Diversity
Names spanning from ancient African kingdoms to modern American innovations, reflecting the vast cultural landscape of Black communities.
📚 Meaningful Origins
Each name carries deep significance, often honoring ancestral traditions while embracing contemporary American identity.
Whether you're seeking a name that honors African heritage, celebrates American innovation, or bridges traditional and modern elements, our curated list offers authentic choices with detailed meanings and cultural context to help you make an informed decision.
Want to discover more names or create custom combinations? Use our interactive name generator to find the perfect African American name for your child.
African American Name GeneratorAugust
Meaning: Form of Augustine or Augustus: Exalted one, imperial, revered (Latin).
Quamell
Meaning: Unique African American name
DeMarcus
Meaning: “Of Marcus” (modern American origin)
Sammy
Meaning: Form of Sam: To hear (Hebrew).
Eugene
Meaning: “Well-born” (Greek origin, widely used)
Alleuious
Meaning: Form of Aloysius, a form of Louis: Famous warrior (al-oh-WIH-shus—French; Late Latin).
Za'Darius
Meaning: Created name from African-American culture, a form of Darius: King, kingly; one who is wealthy (dah-RI-us—Hebrew).
Benji
Meaning: Form of Benjamin: Son of the right hand (Hebrew; Old Testament).
Deqavious
Valentine
Meaning: Strong, valorous, healthy (Latin).
Daran
Meaning: Variation of “Darren,” meaning “great”
Scottie
Meaning: Form of Scott: Dwells in Scotland (English).
Romain
Meaning: Form of Romanus: Man from Rome (French; Latin).
Hayne
Meaning: Place name—from Haynes, Bedfordshire, England; surname or family name given for a first or middle name.
Postell
Meaning: Created name from African-American culture.
O'shea
Meaning: Fine, fortunate (English, from the Irish Gaelic); surname or family name given for a first or middle name.
Burke
Meaning: Dweller at the fortress or stronghold (Old English; Old French); surname or family name given for a first or middle name.
Andres
Damon
Meaning: Form of Damian, a form of Damianos: Tamer; one who makes men gentle (Greek).
Woldeyohannes
Meaning: Meaning unknown (Amharic, Ethiopia); surname or family name given for a first or middle name.
deGrasse
Meaning: Form of the French surname Degrasse, a name first found in Provence.
Bayden
Crockett
Meaning: One wearing a curly hairstyle (English;Â Scottish); surname or family name given for a first or middle name.
Theodore
Meaning: Gift of God (Greek).
St. George
Meaning: Name that honors Saint George, Roman military tribune, who was martyred in C.E. 303. He is the patron saint of Boy Scouts, England, Germany, Portugal, and soldiers.
Molineaux
Meaning: Dweller by the mill (French); surname or family name given for a first or middle name.
Garret
Meaning: A good spear thrower (Old English).
Vida
Meaning: Form of Vidal: Full of life (bee-DAHL—Spanish).
Chavez
Meaning: Form of Chaves: From the place near the waters of Flavius (Portuguese); surname or family name given for a first or middle name.
JaKhel
Jamyron
Terrance
Meaning: “Tender” (variation of Terrence)
Leon
Meaning: Form of Leo: Lion (Latin).
Keitiaunna
Meaning: Form of Keita: Place name—town in Niger, a country in West Africa.
Innocent
Meaning: Word name: Free from sin or wrong (Latin).
Ajigunwa
Meaning: Meaning unknown (Yoruba, Nigeria).
Darren
Meaning: “Great” (English origin, adapted in African American culture)
Heggie
Meaning: Form of Mackeggie or Mackaggie: Son of Adam (Scottish Gaelic). Surname or family name given for a first or middle name.
Kelly
Meaning: Lively, aggressive; strife (Irish Gaelic);Â surname or family name given for a first or middle name.
Noah
Meaning: Rest; comfort (Hebrew;Â Old Testament).
Levar
Meaning: Form of Levardis, a form of the word veritas: Truth (Latin).
Turry
Meaning: Created name from African-American culture.
Cato
Meaning: All-knowing; wise one (Latin).
Rashard
Meaning: Blend of “Ra” and “Shawn”
Akbar
Meaning: Greater, greatest (Arabic; Muslim).
Kadir
Meaning: Capable; one of the ninety-nine attributes of Allah (kay-dir—Arabic, North Africa).
Bankston
Daryl
Meaning: Form of Darrell: Little dear or beloved one (French).
Jaivon
Jovaun
Meaning: Modern African American name
Lester
Meaning: “From Leicester” (English origin)
D'Quan
Gregory
Meaning: “Watchful” (Greek origin)
Fernando
Meaning: Spanish form of Ferdinand: World daring; life adventuring (Gothic).
Tavon
Meaning: Created name from African-American culture.
Kelford
Frederick
Meaning: Peaceful ruler (Old German).
St. Elmo
Meaning: Name that honors Saint Elmo, an early bishop and martyr of the Christian faith. He is the patron saint of sailors.
Pheonté
Dupree
Meaning: Form of Dupré: Dweller of the meadow (French); surname or family name given for a first or middle name.
Turan
Meaning: Created name from African-American culture.
Evan
Meaning: Well-born one; young warrior (EV-an—Irish Gaelic; Old Welsh).
Gerard
Meaning: Brave spearman (German).
Jacoby
Meaning: “Supplanter” (modern African American origin)
Devajee
Javontez
Meaning: Variation of “Javonte” with “-ez” suffix
Jasper
Meaning: Jasper stone (Old French).
Jashaun
Meaning: Blend of “Ja” and “Shaun”
Simon
Meaning: “He has heard” (Hebrew origin)
Walli
Meaning: Form of Wallace: Man from Wales (Old English).
Yale
Meaning: “Fertile upland” (Welsh origin)
Tecumseh
Meaning: Goes through one place to another, referring to a shooting star (Shawnee, Native North American).
Irvin
Meaning: “Green or freshwater” (Scottish origin)
Judah
Meaning: “Praised” (Hebrew origin)
Renardo
Meaning: Mighty, brave (Old German).
Jahmiah
Knox
Meaning: “Round hill” (Scottish origin)
Chislom
Meaning: Form of Chuslum: Bull (chuh-sluhm—Nez Percé, Native North American).
Dace
Chandler
Meaning: Candlemaker; he provides light (Middle English; Old French); surname or family name given for a first or middle name.
Cesar
Meaning: Form of César, Spanish form of Caesar: Long-haired or hairy; through use, emperor (Latin).
Alexandre
Meaning: Helper and defender of humankind (French).
Garth
Meaning: From the garden (Old Norse).
Jaquel
Meaning: Blend of “Ja” and “Quell”
Clifton
Meaning: From the cliff estate or town (English); surname or family name given for a first or middle name.
Antwon
Meaning: “Priceless” (variation of Antoine)
Lema
Meaning: Form of Lamar: Famous for land (Old German).
Kennin
Jawaad
Meaning: Generous (Swahili, East Africa).
Dan
Meaning: Judge (Hebrew; Old Testament—fifth son of Jacob by Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant).
Alain
Meaning: Handsome, cheerful, harmonious one (French;Â Irish Gaelic).
Elroy
Meaning: English form of Leroy: King; person given the title of king for his royal bearing or for the part played in a religious pageant (French).
Finley
Meaning: Little fair-haired valorous one; fair soldier (Irish Gaelic).
Gentry
Meaning: “Noble, courteous” (English origin)
VaShon
Meaning: Unique African American name
Stephen
Meaning: Form of Stephanos: Crowned one (Greek).
Sephaniah
Meaning: Created name from African-American culture.
Trevin
Meaning: Form of Trevor:Â Prudent, discreet, wise (Irish Gaelic).
Willie
Meaning: Form of William: Resolute protector (Old German).
Channing
Meaning: Knowing (English).
