200+ Funny & Creative Names That Mean Black

Are you hunting for a name that feels mysterious, strong, or just downright cool?

Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, naming a pet, or creating a character, names meaning “black” offer a unique blend of elegance and edge.

From ancient myths to modern slang, we’ve gathered over 200 incredible options.

Table of Contents

The Benefits of Choosing Names That Mean Black

Unique Identity: These names stand out from common trends.

Strong & Mysterious: They convey power, elegance, and depth.

Cultural Richness: Roots in diverse global traditions.

Funny & Creative Names That Mean Black

1. Inky

Meaning: Like ink; extremely dark
Pronunciation: ING-kee
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Often used as a nickname for dark-haired people.
Popularity: Rare as a formal name.
Lucky Number: 5

2. Midnight

Meaning: 12:00 AM; the middle of the night
Pronunciation: MID-nite
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Symbolizes the peak of darkness and mystery.
Popularity: Uncommon given name.
Lucky Number: 8

3. Shadow

Meaning: A dark shape produced by a body
Pronunciation: SHAD-oh
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Represents the unconscious mind or hidden self.
Popularity: Increasing in modern usage.
Lucky Number: 7

4. Noir

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: NWAR
Origin: French
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Associated with film noir cinema style.
Popularity: Trendy middle name choice.
Lucky Number: 3

5. Pitch

Meaning: A sticky, dark substance; absolute darkness
Pronunciation: PITCH
Origin: English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Used historically to waterproof ancient ships.
Popularity: Very rare.
Lucky Number: 1

6. Shade

Meaning: Comparative darkness; protection from light
Pronunciation: SHAYD
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Represents comfort or shelter from the sun.
Popularity: Rare but stylish.
Lucky Number: 4

7. Obsidian

Meaning: Volcanic glass
Pronunciation: ob-SID-ee-an
Origin: Latin
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Used for tools and weapons in antiquity.
Popularity: Rising nature name.
Lucky Number: 9

8. Vanta

Meaning: Inspired by Vantablack, the darkest substance
Pronunciation: VAN-tah
Origin: Modern English
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Represents scientific innovation in absorbing light.
Popularity: Extremely unique.
Lucky Number: 2

Cute Girl Names That Mean Black

1. Melanie

Meaning: Black; dark
Pronunciation: MEL-uh-nee
Origin: Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Borne by two saints in early Christianity.
Popularity: Consistently popular classic.
Lucky Number: 1

2. Ciara

Meaning: Little dark one
Pronunciation: KEE-ra or see-AHR-uh
Origin: Irish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: St. Cera was an Irish abbess.
Popularity: Very popular globally.
Lucky Number: 9

3. Kerry

Meaning: Dark-haired
Pronunciation: KEH-ree
Origin: Irish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Linked to the beautiful County Kerry, Ireland.
Popularity: Classic mid-century name.
Lucky Number: 6

4. Layla

Meaning: Night
Pronunciation: LAY-lah
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Featured in famous Arabian love poems.
Popularity: Top 50 name widely.
Lucky Number: 3

5. Ebony

Meaning: Deep black wood
Pronunciation: EH-buh-nee
Origin: English/Egyptian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Prized wood used in ancient carving.
Popularity: Peaked in the 1980s.
Lucky Number: 5

6. Darcy

Meaning: Dark one; from Arcy
Pronunciation: DAR-see
Origin: French/Irish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Famous surname from Pride and Prejudice.
Popularity: Steady classic choice.
Lucky Number: 8

7. Maura

Meaning: Dark-skinned; moor
Pronunciation: MOR-ah
Origin: Irish/Latin
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Anglicized form of Maire, related to Mary.
Popularity: Traditional and timeless.
Lucky Number: 4

Best Boy Names That Mean Black

1. Blake

Meaning: Black or pale (conflicting origins)
Pronunciation: BLAYK
Origin: Old English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Surname of famous poet William Blake.
Popularity: consistently in top 100.
Lucky Number: 6

2. Kieran

Meaning: Little dark one
Pronunciation: KEE-ren
Origin: Irish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Name of Ireland’s first-born saint.
Popularity: Popular in UK/Ireland.
Lucky Number: 1

3. Cole

Meaning: Swarthy; charcoal
Pronunciation: KOHL
Origin: English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Linked to King Cole of nursery rhymes.
Popularity: Popular short name.
Lucky Number: 7

4. Donovan

Meaning: Dark brown hair
Pronunciation: DON-uh-van
Origin: Irish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: An ancient Irish surname of nobility.
Popularity: Familiar and well-liked.
Lucky Number: 2

5. Sullivan

Meaning: Dark eyes
Pronunciation: SUL-ih-van
Origin: Irish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: One of Ireland’s most common surnames.
Popularity: Trending as a first name.
Lucky Number: 5

6. Corbin

Meaning: Raven; crow
Pronunciation: KOR-bin
Origin: French/Latin
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Originally a nickname for dark-haired men.
Popularity: Modern favorite.
Lucky Number: 9

7. Jett

Meaning: Black mineral
Pronunciation: JETT
Origin: English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: A gemstone used for mourning jewelry.
Popularity: Cool, edgy choice.
Lucky Number: 8

Cool Baby Names That Mean Black

1. Sable

Meaning: Black; a species of marten
Pronunciation: SAY-bul
Origin: Slavic/English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Associated with luxury furs and heraldry.
Popularity: Rare and sophisticated.
Lucky Number: 3

2. Raven

Meaning: Blackbird
Pronunciation: RAY-ven
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: A symbol of prophecy in mythology.
Popularity: Popular since the 90s.
Lucky Number: 1

3. Onyx

Meaning: Black gemstone
Pronunciation: ON-iks
Origin: Greek
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Believed to offer protection in antiquity.
Popularity: Rapidly rising trend.
Lucky Number: 7

4. Ash

Meaning: Ash tree; residue of fire
Pronunciation: ASH
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Sacred tree in Norse mythology.
Popularity: Simple and cool.
Lucky Number: 4

5. Phoenix

Meaning: Dark red; mythical bird
Pronunciation: FEE-niks
Origin: Greek
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Symbol of rebirth from ashes.
Popularity: Top 300 name.
Lucky Number: 5

6. Storm

Meaning: Tempest
Pronunciation: STORM
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Represents nature’s raw power and darkness.
Popularity: Bold word name.
Lucky Number: 2

7. Knight

Meaning: Servant; warrior
Pronunciation: NITE
Origin: English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Medieval warrior class; chess piece.
Popularity: Heroic modern choice.
Lucky Number: 9

Last Names That Mean Black

1. Black

Meaning: Dark-haired or dark-complexioned
Pronunciation: BLAK
Origin: English/Scottish
Gender: Unisex (Surname)
Historical Significance: Common occupational name for dyers.
Popularity: Very common surname.
Lucky Number: 8

2. Duff

Meaning: Dark; black
Pronunciation: DUFF
Origin: Scottish
Gender: Male (Surname)
Historical Significance: Royal surname of early Scottish kings.
Popularity: Familiar surname.
Lucky Number: 6

3. Schwartz

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: SHWARTS
Origin: German
Gender: Male (Surname)
Historical Significance: Nickname for someone with dark hair.
Popularity: Common German surname.
Lucky Number: 3

4. Negri

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: NEG-ree
Origin: Italian
Gender: Unisex (Surname)
Historical Significance: Derived from Latin ‘niger’.
Popularity: Common in Italy.
Lucky Number: 1

5. Lenoir

Meaning: The black one
Pronunciation: luh-NWAR
Origin: French
Gender: Unisex (Surname)
Historical Significance: Descriptive nickname for dark complexion.
Popularity: Classic French surname.
Lucky Number: 7

6. Karas

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: KAH-rahs
Origin: Greek/Turkish
Gender: Unisex (Surname)
Historical Significance: Descriptive name found in Eastern Europe.
Popularity: Moderate.
Lucky Number: 4

7. Dubh

Meaning: Black; dark
Pronunciation: DOOV
Origin: Irish/Gaelic
Gender: Male (Surname)
Historical Significance: Root word for many Irish names.
Popularity: Rare as standalone.
Lucky Number: 9

Mythical Names That Mean Black

1. Erebus

Meaning: Deep darkness; shadow
Pronunciation: AIR-uh-bus
Origin: Greek
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Primordial deity representing darkness.
Popularity: Very rare.
Lucky Number: 5

2. Kali

Meaning: The black one; time
Pronunciation: KAH-lee
Origin: Sanskrit
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Hindu goddess of destruction and rebirth.
Popularity: Familiar globally.
Lucky Number: 1

3. Hecate

Meaning: Worker from afar (associated with night)
Pronunciation: HEH-kah-tee
Origin: Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Goddess of magic, crossroads, and night.
Popularity: Rare mythological choice.
Lucky Number: 3

4. Nyx

Meaning: Night
Pronunciation: NIKS
Origin: Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Primordial goddess of the night.
Popularity: Rising short name.
Lucky Number: 8

5. Morpheus

Meaning: Shape; form (God of dreams/night)
Pronunciation: MOR-fee-us
Origin: Greek
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: God of dreams in Greek mythology.
Popularity: Rare.
Lucky Number: 2

6. Lilith

Meaning: Night monster; ghost
Pronunciation: LIL-ith
Origin: Hebrew/Akkadian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Mythological first wife of Adam.
Popularity: Increasingly popular.
Lucky Number: 6

7. Hod

Meaning: Darkness (Norse); Splendor (Hebrew)
Pronunciation: HOD
Origin: Norse
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Blind Norse god of darkness.
Popularity: Extremely rare.
Lucky Number: 4

Arabic Origin Names That Mean Black

1. Aswad

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: as-WAD
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Literally means the color black.
Popularity: Uncommon in English speakers.
Lucky Number: 9

2. Adham

Meaning: Dark; black horse
Pronunciation: AD-ham
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Suggests beauty and strength.
Popularity: Popular in Middle East.
Lucky Number: 5

3. Ghayth

Meaning: Rain (often from dark clouds)
Pronunciation: GAYTH
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Represents relief and abundance.
Popularity: Rare.
Lucky Number: 7

4. Layla

Meaning: Night
Pronunciation: LAY-lah
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Iconic name in Arab literature.
Popularity: Very high globally.
Lucky Number: 3

5. Sumra

Meaning: Fruit; brownish-black color
Pronunciation: SUM-rah
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Descriptive of skin tone or autumn.
Popularity: Rare.
Lucky Number: 1

6. Sawda

Meaning: Black; dark-complexioned
Pronunciation: SAW-dah
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: One of the wives of Muhammad.
Popularity: Historic choice.
Lucky Number: 8

7. Zill

Meaning: Shadow; shade
Pronunciation: ZILL
Origin: Arabic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Represents protection and comfort.
Popularity: Uncommon.
Lucky Number: 4

Scottish Origin Names That Mean Black

1. Douglas

Meaning: Dark stream
Pronunciation: DUG-las
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Powerful Scottish clan name.
Popularity: Classic, traditional name.
Lucky Number: 2

2. Duncan

Meaning: Dark warrior
Pronunciation: DUN-kin
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Name of two Kings of Scotland.
Popularity: Familiar classic.
Lucky Number: 6

3. Dougal

Meaning: Dark stranger
Pronunciation: DOO-gul
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Referred to Danish Vikings.
Popularity: Rare outside Scotland.
Lucky Number: 9

4. Duff

Meaning: Dark; black
Pronunciation: DUFF
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: An ancient royal name.
Popularity: Rare first name.
Lucky Number: 5

5. Fingal

Meaning: White stranger (contrast to Dougal)
Pronunciation: FING-gul
Origin: Scottish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Hero of Ossianic poems.
Popularity: Very rare.
Lucky Number: 3

6. Donnell

Meaning: World ruler; dark
Pronunciation: DON-el
Origin: Scottish/Irish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Variant of Donald.
Popularity: Moderate usage.
Lucky Number: 7

7. Mhairi

Meaning: Beloved (often dark-haired)
Pronunciation: VAR-ee
Origin: Scottish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Scottish form of Mary.
Popularity: Popular in Scotland.
Lucky Number: 1

Irish Origin Names That Mean Black

1. Doyle

Meaning: Dark stranger
Pronunciation: DOYL
Origin: Irish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Originally a descriptor for Danes.
Popularity: Classic surname-name.
Lucky Number: 8

2. Keir

Meaning: Dark; dusky
Pronunciation: KEER
Origin: Irish/Gaelic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Simple, strong ancient name.
Popularity: Uncommon.
Lucky Number: 4

3. Cronin

Meaning: Little dark-skinned one
Pronunciation: KROH-nin
Origin: Irish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Derived from saffron/yellow or dark.
Popularity: Rare first name.
Lucky Number: 2

4. Darcy

Meaning: Dark one
Pronunciation: DAR-see
Origin: Irish
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Ancient Norman-Irish lineage.
Popularity: Stylish and recognizable.
Lucky Number: 5

5. Duane

Meaning: Dark; swarthy
Pronunciation: DWAYN
Origin: Irish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Anglicized surname form.
Popularity: Peaked mid-20th century.
Lucky Number: 9

6. Oran

Meaning: Little pale green (or dark haired)
Pronunciation: OR-an
Origin: Irish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: A patron saint of Tipperary.
Popularity: Rising in Ireland.
Lucky Number: 6

7. Delaney

Meaning: Dark challenger
Pronunciation: deh-LAY-nee
Origin: Irish
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Descendant of the challenger.
Popularity: Popular girls’ name.
Lucky Number: 3

Hebrew Origin Names That Mean Black

1. Kedar

Meaning: Dark; swarthy
Pronunciation: KEE-dar
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Son of Ishmael in the Bible.
Popularity: Rare biblical choice.
Lucky Number: 7

2. Lilith

Meaning: Night monster
Pronunciation: LIL-ith
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Demonized figure of the night.
Popularity: Trendy and edgy.
Lucky Number: 1

3. Orpah

Meaning: Back of the neck; fawn; darkness
Pronunciation: OR-pah
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Biblical figure in Book of Ruth.
Popularity: Very rare.
Lucky Number: 8

4. Pinchas

Meaning: Dark-skinned (Egyptian roots)
Pronunciation: PIN-khas
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: A High Priest in the Bible.
Popularity: Common in Jewish communities.
Lucky Number: 4

5. Beth

Meaning: House (often confused with ‘black’)
Pronunciation: BETH
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Short for Elizabeth or Bethany.
Popularity: Timeless classic.
Lucky Number: 5

6. Layla

Meaning: Night
Pronunciation: LAY-lah
Origin: Hebrew/Arabic
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Signifies beauty of the night.
Popularity: Top ranking name.
Lucky Number: 9

7. Zilla

Meaning: Shadow
Pronunciation: ZIL-ah
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Wife of Lamech in Genesis.
Popularity: Rare vintage name.
Lucky Number: 2

Polish Origin Names That Mean Black

1. Czarny

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: CHAR-nee
Origin: Polish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Descriptive nickname for hair color.
Popularity: Rare as first name.
Lucky Number: 6

2. Mela

Meaning: Darkness (Root Mel)
Pronunciation: MEH-lah
Origin: Polish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Short form of Melania.
Popularity: Cute diminutive.
Lucky Number: 3

3. Brunon

Meaning: Brown; dark
Pronunciation: BROO-non
Origin: Polish/German
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Polish form of Bruno.
Popularity: Traditional Polish name.
Lucky Number: 8

4. Karina

Meaning: Dear (often dark-haired implication)
Pronunciation: kah-REE-nah
Origin: Polish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Popular Slavic variation.
Popularity: Widely used.
Lucky Number: 5

5. Adrianna

Meaning: Dark one (from Hadria)
Pronunciation: ah-dree-AHN-ah
Origin: Polish/Latin
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Feminine form of Adrian.
Popularity: Popular classic.
Lucky Number: 1

6. Dobra

Meaning: Good (sometimes dark association)
Pronunciation: DOH-brah
Origin: Polish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Historic Slavic name root.
Popularity: Rare.
Lucky Number: 7

7. Kornel

Meaning: Horn (associated with dark hair)
Pronunciation: KOR-nel
Origin: Polish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Polish form of Cornelius.
Popularity: Traditional usage.
Lucky Number: 4

Italian Origin Names That Mean Black

1. Nerio

Meaning: Water; wet one (dark roots)
Pronunciation: NEH-ree-oh
Origin: Italian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Ancient Umbrian origin.
Popularity: Rare.
Lucky Number: 9

2. Bruna

Meaning: Brown; dark-haired
Pronunciation: BROO-nah
Origin: Italian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Feminine form of Bruno.
Popularity: Common in Italy.
Lucky Number: 2

3. Mauro

Meaning: Dark-skinned
Pronunciation: MOW-roh
Origin: Italian
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Italian form of Maurus.
Popularity: Classic Italian name.
Lucky Number: 6

4. Nerina

Meaning: Black; dark
Pronunciation: neh-REE-nah
Origin: Italian/Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Created by Italian poet Leopardi.
Popularity: Artistic and rare.
Lucky Number: 3

5. Adriana

Meaning: From Hadria (dark sea)
Pronunciation: ah-dree-AH-nah
Origin: Italian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Related to the Adriatic Sea.
Popularity: Very popular globally.
Lucky Number: 5

6. Bruno

Meaning: Brown
Pronunciation: BROO-noh
Origin: Italian/German
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Name of an 11th-century saint.
Popularity: Stylish revival.
Lucky Number: 8

7. Morena

Meaning: Brown; dark-haired
Pronunciation: moh-REH-nah
Origin: Italian
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Describes a brunette woman.
Popularity: Common descriptive name.
Lucky Number: 1

Native American Origin That Mean Black

1. Chogan

Meaning: Blackbird
Pronunciation: SHOH-gan
Origin: Algonquin
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Represents communication and nature.
Popularity: Rare cultural name.
Lucky Number: 7

2. Koko

Meaning: Night
Pronunciation: KOH-koh
Origin: Blackfoot
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Simple word for the night.
Popularity: Cute nickname style.
Lucky Number: 4

3. Taima

Meaning: Thunder
Pronunciation: TAY-mah
Origin: Native American
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Crash of thunder implies dark storms.
Popularity: Unique nature name.
Lucky Number: 9

4. Aponi

Meaning: Butterfly (often colorful/dark)
Pronunciation: ah-POH-nee
Origin: Native American
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Symbol of transformation.
Popularity: Rare.
Lucky Number: 2

5. Lomasi

Meaning: Pretty flower
Pronunciation: loh-MAH-see
Origin: Hopi
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Beauty in nature.
Popularity: Rare.
Lucky Number: 6

6. Nita

Meaning: Bear (often black bear)
Pronunciation: NEE-tah
Origin: Choctaw
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Symbol of strength.
Popularity: Uncommon.
Lucky Number: 3

7. Sani

Meaning: The old one
Pronunciation: SAH-nee
Origin: Navajo
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Wisdom and age.
Popularity: Rare.
Lucky Number: 8

Greek Origin That Mean Black

1. Melanie

Meaning: Black; dark
Pronunciation: MEL-ah-nee
Origin: Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Derived from ‘melas’ (black).
Popularity: Perennial favorite.
Lucky Number: 5

2. Melanthios

Meaning: Dark flower
Pronunciation: mel-AN-thee-os
Origin: Greek
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Character in Homer’s Odyssey.
Popularity: Very rare.
Lucky Number: 1

3. Phoenix

Meaning: Dark red
Pronunciation: FEE-niks
Origin: Greek
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Immortal bird of mythology.
Popularity: Trendy.
Lucky Number: 9

4. Melina

Meaning: Honey; dark skin (roots vary)
Pronunciation: meh-LEE-nah
Origin: Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Sweet and gentle name.
Popularity: Moderate popularity.
Lucky Number: 4

5. Andrius

Meaning: Manly; dark warrior
Pronunciation: AN-dree-us
Origin: Greek
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Variation of Andrew.
Popularity: Rare in US.
Lucky Number: 7

6. Kyra

Meaning: Lady (often confused with Ciara)
Pronunciation: KEER-ah
Origin: Greek
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Feminine form of Kyros.
Popularity: Common modern name.
Lucky Number: 2

7. Maurus

Meaning: Dark-skinned
Pronunciation: MOR-us
Origin: Greek/Latin
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Saint’s name.
Popularity: Historic only.
Lucky Number: 6

European Names That Mean Black

1. Swart

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: SWART
Origin: Dutch/German
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Descriptive surname for dark features.
Popularity: Rare as first name.
Lucky Number: 3

2. Noire

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: NWAR
Origin: French
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: The color black in French.
Popularity: Chic middle name.
Lucky Number: 8

3. Kolb

Meaning: Dark hair; coal
Pronunciation: KOLB
Origin: German
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Occupational surname.
Popularity: Rare.
Lucky Number: 5

4. Blag

Meaning: Gentle (sometimes dark context)
Pronunciation: BLAG
Origin: Slavic
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Root word in many names.
Popularity: Very rare.
Lucky Number: 1

5. Duana

Meaning: Little dark one
Pronunciation: DWAY-nah
Origin: Irish/Euro
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Feminine of Duane.
Popularity: Rare vintage.
Lucky Number: 7

6. Maurice

Meaning: Dark-skinned
Pronunciation: mor-EES
Origin: French/Latin
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Saint Maurice, patron of soldiers.
Popularity: Classic revival.
Lucky Number: 9

7. Perran

Meaning: Little dark one
Pronunciation: PEH-ran
Origin: Cornish
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Patron saint of Cornwall.
Popularity: Rare regional name.
Lucky Number: 2

English Origin That Mean Black

1. Blake

Meaning: Black or Pale
Pronunciation: BLAYK
Origin: Old English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Originates from ‘blæc’ or ‘blac’.
Popularity: Very popular.
Lucky Number: 4

2. Colby

Meaning: Coal town; dark settlement
Pronunciation: KOL-bee
Origin: Old English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Place-name turned first name.
Popularity: Familiar 90s favorite.
Lucky Number: 8

3. Black

Meaning: The color black
Pronunciation: BLAK
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Direct color name.
Popularity: Edgy middle name.
Lucky Number: 6

4. Coal

Meaning: Charcoal
Pronunciation: KOHL
Origin: English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Nature word name.
Popularity: Rare variant of Cole.
Lucky Number: 1

5. Dunstan

Meaning: Dark stone
Pronunciation: DUN-stun
Origin: Old English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: 10th-century Archbishop of Canterbury.
Popularity: Rare antique.
Lucky Number: 5

6. Grim

Meaning: Fierce; mask (associated with Odin)
Pronunciation: GRIM
Origin: Old English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Mythological nickname.
Popularity: Very rare.
Lucky Number: 3

7. Colton

Meaning: Coal town
Pronunciation: KOL-tun
Origin: English
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Place name origin.
Popularity: Popular modern choice.
Lucky Number: 9

Spiritual Names That Mean Black

1. Krishna

Meaning: Dark; black; all-attractive
Pronunciation: KRISH-nah
Origin: Sanskrit
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Major deity in Hinduism.
Popularity: Widely known.
Lucky Number: 7

2. Shyama

Meaning: Dark; black; blue
Pronunciation: SHYA-mah
Origin: Sanskrit
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Another name for the Goddess.
Popularity: Common in India.
Lucky Number: 2

3. Kaala

Meaning: Black; time
Pronunciation: KAH-lah
Origin: Sanskrit
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Represents destiny and time.
Popularity: Rare.
Lucky Number: 6

4. Umbra

Meaning: Shadow; shade
Pronunciation: UM-brah
Origin: Latin
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Spiritual concept of the shadow self.
Popularity: Very rare.
Lucky Number: 8

5. Nisha

Meaning: Night
Pronunciation: NEE-shah
Origin: Sanskrit
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Represents the peace of night.
Popularity: Familiar usage.
Lucky Number: 3

6. Rajani

Meaning: The dark one; night
Pronunciation: rah-JAH-nee
Origin: Sanskrit
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Personification of the night.
Popularity: Traditional.
Lucky Number: 5

7. Kiera

Meaning: Little dark one
Pronunciation: KEE-rah
Origin: Irish
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: Saintly name with spiritual ties.
Popularity: Very popular.
Lucky Number: 1

Japanese Origin Names That Mean Black

1. Kuro

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: KOO-roh
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Specifically refers to the color black.
Popularity: Common in anime.
Lucky Number: 9

2. Susu

Meaning: Soot
Pronunciation: SOO-soo
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: References Ghibli “soot sprites.”
Popularity: Cute nickname.
Lucky Number: 4

3. Yami

Meaning: Darkness
Pronunciation: YAH-mee
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Unisex
Historical Significance: Represents the dark.
Popularity: Rare real name.
Lucky Number: 8

4. Kuron

Meaning: Thanks (sound-alike) or dark
Pronunciation: KOO-ron
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: Modern invented style.
Popularity: Rare.
Lucky Number: 2

5. Amaya

Meaning: Night rain
Pronunciation: ah-MAH-yah
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Female
Historical Significance: poetic imagery of rain at night.
Popularity: Trending in the West.
Lucky Number: 6

6. Kage

Meaning: Shadow
Pronunciation: KAH-geh
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Male
Historical Significance: The concept of shade or shadow.
Popularity: Rare.
Lucky Number: 3

Japanese Origin Names That Mean Black

1. Kuro

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: Koo-roh
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Unisex
Significance: A direct and classic word for the color black
Popularity: Common in anime
Lucky Number: 9
Vibe: Simple, traditional, and very strong

2. Susu

Meaning: Soot
Pronunciation: Soo-soo
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Female
Significance: Represents the dark dust from fire
Popularity: Unique and rare
Lucky Number: 3
Vibe: Cute, playful, and slightly whimsical

3. Kurai

Meaning: Dark or Gloomy
Pronunciation: Koo-rye
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Unisex
Significance: Often used to describe dark atmospheres
Popularity: Moderate in fiction
Lucky Number: 7
Vibe: Mysterious, edgy, and very cool

4. Yami

Meaning: Darkness
Pronunciation: Yah-me
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Female
Significance: Represents total darkness or the dark
Popularity: Popular in pop culture
Lucky Number: 4
Vibe: Mystical and slightly supernatural

5. Kokushoku

Meaning: Black Color
Pronunciation: Koh-koo-sho-koo
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Male
Significance: The formal term for black
Popularity: Extremely rare as a name
Lucky Number: 1
Vibe: Formal, serious, and distinct

6. Kuroki

Meaning: Black Tree
Pronunciation: Koo-roh-kee
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Surname/Male
Significance: Nature-inspired dark imagery
Popularity: Common surname
Lucky Number: 8
Vibe: Grounded, natural, and sturdy

7. Karasu

Meaning: Crow
Pronunciation: Kah-rah-soo
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Male
Significance: The black bird of mystery
Popularity: Rare given name
Lucky Number: 5
Vibe: Wild, free, and intelligent

8. Sumi

Meaning: Black Ink
Pronunciation: Soo-mee
Origin: Japanese
Gender: Female
Significance: Used in traditional calligraphy
Popularity: Vintage charm
Lucky Number: 2
Vibe: Artistic, delicate, and refined

Unisex Names That Mean Black

1. Blake

Meaning: Dark or Pale
Pronunciation: Bl-ake
Origin: Old English
Gender: Unisex
Significance: Originally a nickname for hair color
Popularity: Very Popular
Lucky Number: 6
Vibe: Modern, chic, and timeless

2. Onyx

Meaning: Black Gemstone
Pronunciation: On-iks
Origin: Greek
Gender: Unisex
Significance: A stone of protection and strength
Popularity: Rising trend
Lucky Number: 8
Vibe: Strong, luxurious, and earthy

3. Raven

Meaning: Black Bird
Pronunciation: Ray-ven
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Significance: Symbol of mind, thought, and wisdom
Popularity: Steady favorite
Lucky Number: 7
Vibe: Gothic, smart, and mysterious

4. Sable

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: Say-bul
Origin: English/Slavic
Gender: Unisex
Significance: A sleek, black fur-bearing animal
Popularity: Rare gem
Lucky Number: 5
Vibe: Soft, sleek, and wealthy

5. Jett

Meaning: Jet Black
Pronunciation: Jet
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Significance: Black mineral used in jewelry
Popularity: Trendy and cool
Lucky Number: 1
Vibe: Fast, energetic, and rocky

6. Midnight

Meaning: Middle of Night
Pronunciation: Mid-nite
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Significance: The darkest hour of the day
Popularity: Unique choice
Lucky Number: 12
Vibe: Quiet, dark, and calm

7. Coal

Meaning: Black Charcoal
Pronunciation: Kohl
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Significance: Fuel that burns hot and dark
Popularity: Uncommon
Lucky Number: 4
Vibe: Industrial, raw, and fiery

8. Shadow

Meaning: Shade
Pronunciation: Sha-doh
Origin: English
Gender: Unisex
Significance: The dark shape cast by light
Popularity: Popular for pets
Lucky Number: 9
Vibe: Stealthy, quiet, and attached

Biblical Names That Mean Black

1. Kedar

Meaning: Dark or Swarthy
Pronunciation: Kee-dar
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Male
Significance: Son of Ishmael in the Bible
Popularity: Rare Biblical find
Lucky Number: 3
Vibe: Ancient, strong, and desert-like

2. Cush

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: Kush
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Male
Significance: Son of Ham, biblical figure
Popularity: Very rare
Lucky Number: 8
Vibe: Historical and deeply rooted

3. Phinehas

Meaning: Nubian/Dark Skinned
Pronunciation: Fin-ee-us
Origin: Hebrew/Egyptian
Gender: Male
Significance: High priest in the Bible
Popularity: Vintage revival
Lucky Number: 2
Vibe: Religious and dutiful

4. Dumah

Meaning: Silence/Darkness
Pronunciation: Doo-mah
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Male
Significance: A son of Ishmael
Popularity: Extremely unique
Lucky Number: 6
Vibe: Quiet and mysterious

5. Hali

Meaning: Ornament/Dark Jewel
Pronunciation: Ha-lee
Origin: Hebrew/Greek
Gender: Unisex
Significance: Sometimes associated with black stones
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 5
Vibe: Precious and hidden

6. Tzel

Meaning: Shadow
Pronunciation: Zel
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Male
Significance: Root word for shadow in scripture
Popularity: Unheard of
Lucky Number: 7
Vibe: Short and enigmatic

7. Adarkon

Meaning: Dark One
Pronunciation: Ah-dar-kon
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Male
Significance: Ancient obscure biblical reference
Popularity: Virtually zero
Lucky Number: 9
Vibe: Complex and weighty

8. Shichor

Meaning: Dark/Black
Pronunciation: Shy-kor
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Male
Significance: Name for the Nile river
Popularity: Ancient text only
Lucky Number: 1
Vibe: Flowing and historical

African Names That Mean Black

1. Dudu

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: Doo-doo
Origin: Yoruba
Gender: Female
Significance: Simple descriptor of dark beauty
Popularity: Common in Nigeria
Lucky Number: 4
Vibe: Sweet and direct

2. Giza

Meaning: Darkness
Pronunciation: Gee-zah
Origin: Swahili
Gender: Male
Significance: Refers to the dark of night
Popularity: Uncommon in West
Lucky Number: 8
Vibe: Strong and mysterious

3. Mausi

Meaning: Black Smoke
Pronunciation: Mau-see
Origin: Swahili
Gender: Female
Significance: Gentle darkness like smoke plumes
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 2
Vibe: Ethereal and soft

4. Abnus

Meaning: Ebony
Pronunciation: Ab-noos
Origin: African/Persian
Gender: Female
Significance: Dark, valuable wood
Popularity: Unique
Lucky Number: 6
Vibe: Hard, precious, and valuable

5. Kito

Meaning: Precious Jewel
Pronunciation: Kee-toh
Origin: Swahili
Gender: Male
Significance: Often implies dark obsidian gems
Popularity: Moderate
Lucky Number: 1
Vibe: Treasured and strong

6. Usi

Meaning: Smoke
Pronunciation: Oo-see
Origin: Swahili
Gender: Male
Significance: As dark as smoke
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 5
Vibe: Fleeting and dark

7. Mvula

Meaning: Rain
Pronunciation: M-voo-lah
Origin: Nguni
Gender: Male
Significance: Dark rain clouds bringing life
Popularity: Traditional
Lucky Number: 3
Vibe: Powerful and stormy

8. Zola

Meaning: Quiet/Tranquil
Pronunciation: Zoh-lah
Origin: Zulu
Gender: Female
Significance: Calmness of the dark night
Popularity: Rising
Lucky Number: 9
Vibe: Peaceful and starry

Chinese Names That Mean Black

1. Hei

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: Hay
Origin: Chinese
Gender: Unisex
Significance: The color black itself
Popularity: Common character
Lucky Number: 8
Vibe: Short and punchy

2. Wu

Meaning: Black/Crow
Pronunciation: Woo
Origin: Chinese
Gender: Male
Significance: A black bird or dark color
Popularity: Common surname
Lucky Number: 6
Vibe: Mystical and smart

3. An

Meaning: Dark/Peace
Pronunciation: Ahn
Origin: Chinese
Gender: Unisex
Significance: Hidden or peaceful darkness
Popularity: Popular
Lucky Number: 2
Vibe: Calm and shadowed

4. Mo

Meaning: Ink
Pronunciation: Moh
Origin: Chinese
Gender: Male
Significance: Black ink for writing
Popularity: Artistic usage
Lucky Number: 4
Vibe: Scholarly and dark

5. Xuan

Meaning: Black/Mysterious
Pronunciation: Sh-wen
Origin: Chinese
Gender: Unisex
Significance: Deep, profound darkness
Popularity: Very popular
Lucky Number: 9
Vibe: Deep and thoughtful

6. Dai

Meaning: Black Dye
Pronunciation: Dye
Origin: Chinese
Gender: Female
Significance: Paint specifically for eyebrows
Popularity: Historical beauty
Lucky Number: 3
Vibe: Cosmetic and lovely

7. Li

Meaning: Black/Dawn
Pronunciation: Lee
Origin: Chinese
Gender: Unisex
Significance: Many meanings, including black-haired
Popularity: Extremely popular
Lucky Number: 1
Vibe: Versatile and strong

8. Qian

Meaning: Dark/Black
Pronunciation: Chee-en
Origin: Chinese
Gender: Male
Significance: A deep, rich black color
Popularity: Traditional
Lucky Number: 7
Vibe: Rich and historic

Egyptian Names That Mean Black

1. Kem

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: Kem
Origin: Ancient Egyptian
Gender: Male
Significance: Root for Kemet (Egypt)
Popularity: Historic only
Lucky Number: 5
Vibe: Ancient and dusty

2. Kek

Meaning: God of Darkness
Pronunciation: Kek
Origin: Ancient Egyptian
Gender: Male
Significance: Primordial concept of darkness
Popularity: Mythology niche
Lucky Number: 8
Vibe: Godly and primordial

3. Nephthys

Meaning: Lady of the House
Pronunciation: Nef-this
Origin: Ancient Egyptian
Gender: Female
Significance: Goddess associated with night/death
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 4
Vibe: Royal and shadowy

4. Osiris

Meaning: Powerful
Pronunciation: Oh-sigh-ris
Origin: Ancient Egyptian
Gender: Male
Significance: The Black One (rebirth)
Popularity: Known myth
Lucky Number: 1
Vibe: Kingly and eternal

5. Sutekh

Meaning: Black/Storm
Pronunciation: Soo-tek
Origin: Ancient Egyptian
Gender: Male
Significance: God of chaos and storms
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 9
Vibe: Chaotic and fierce

6. Kemet

Meaning: Black Land
Pronunciation: Kem-et
Origin: Ancient Egyptian
Gender: Unisex
Significance: Ancient name for Egypt
Popularity: Afrocentric choice
Lucky Number: 6
Vibe: Fertile and rich

7. Amun

Meaning: The Hidden One
Pronunciation: Ah-moon
Origin: Ancient Egyptian
Gender: Male
Significance: God of wind/mystery
Popularity: Mythological
Lucky Number: 3
Vibe: Mysterious and airy

8. Nebet

Meaning: Lady
Pronunciation: Neh-bet
Origin: Ancient Egyptian
Gender: Female
Significance: Associated with night goddesses
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 7
Vibe: Regal and antique

Roman Names That Mean Black

1. Maurus

Meaning: Dark Skinned
Pronunciation: Mow-rus
Origin: Latin
Gender: Male
Significance: Ancient Roman surname
Popularity: Historic
Lucky Number: 4
Vibe: Classic and sturdy

2. Ater

Meaning: Dull Black
Pronunciation: Ah-ter
Origin: Latin
Gender: Male
Significance: Word for matte black
Popularity: Unused today
Lucky Number: 2
Vibe: Flat and serious

3. Adrian

Meaning: Dark One
Pronunciation: Ay-dree-an
Origin: Latin
Gender: Male
Significance: From the dark sea
Popularity: Very popular
Lucky Number: 1
Vibe: Handsome and watery

4. Aquila

Meaning: Eagle
Pronunciation: Ah-kwil-ah
Origin: Latin
Gender: Male
Significance: Often implies a dark bird
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 5
Vibe: Soaring and strong

5. Umbra

Meaning: Shadow
Pronunciation: Um-brah
Origin: Latin
Gender: Female
Significance: The darkest part of a shadow
Popularity: Unique/Modern
Lucky Number: 8
Vibe: Gothic and astronomical

6. Niger

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: Nigh-jer
Origin: Latin
Gender: Male
Significance: Literal word for black
Popularity: Archaic
Lucky Number: 6
Vibe: Historical descriptor

7. Fuscus

Meaning: Dark/Swarthy
Pronunciation: Fus-kus
Origin: Latin
Gender: Male
Significance: Ancient cognomen
Popularity: Zero
Lucky Number: 9
Vibe: Ancient and forgotten

8. Noctis

Meaning: Of the Night
Pronunciation: Nok-tis
Origin: Latin
Gender: Male
Significance: Genitive form of night
Popularity: Gaming fame
Lucky Number: 3
Vibe: Cool and edgy

Spanish Origin Names That Mean Black

1. Morena

Meaning: Dark Haired/Skinned
Pronunciation: Moh-reh-nah
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Female
Significance: Classic beauty descriptor
Popularity: Common
Lucky Number: 5
Vibe: Sultry and classic

2. Negro

Meaning: Black
Pronunciation: Neh-gro
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Male
Significance: The color black itself
Popularity: Not a name
Lucky Number: 4
Vibe: Literal and bold

3. Azabache

Meaning: Jet Black
Pronunciation: Ah-zah-bah-che
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Male
Significance: Black protective stone
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 7
Vibe: Protective and shiny

4. Sombra

Meaning: Shadow
Pronunciation: Som-brah
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Female
Significance: Shade or ghost
Popularity: Overwatch character
Lucky Number: 2
Vibe: Stealthy and cool

5. Prieto

Meaning: Dark/Blackish
Pronunciation: Pree-eh-toh
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Male
Significance: Descriptive surname
Popularity: Surname use
Lucky Number: 8
Vibe: Dark and descriptive

6. Noche

Meaning: Night
Pronunciation: No-che
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Female
Significance: The time of darkness
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 9
Vibe: Romantic and dark

7. Oscuro

Meaning: Dark
Pronunciation: Os-koo-roh
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Male
Significance: Obscure or dim
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 1
Vibe: Moody and deep

8. Ebano

Meaning: Ebony
Pronunciation: Eh-bah-no
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Male
Significance: Dark black wood
Popularity: Rare
Lucky Number: 6
Vibe: Strong and natural

Conclusion

Names meaning “black” deliver mystery, strength, and timeless elegance—perfect for a baby, pet, or character. From edgy picks like Raven, Blake, and Shadow to mythical gems like Kali, Nyx, and Erebus, these names offer depth and standout appeal across cultures. Give your little one a bold, unforgettable name. For verified origins and more inspiration, explore Behind the Name and Nameberry.