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

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.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I will get a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking the link, you will not pay a penny more than usual. 

(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 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 considered this name to be more of a vintage black boy name due to its early references used in 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.

---

***Have You taken a birth course yet? Here’s an online course that is taught by a Labor and Delivery Nurse and is jammed packed with everything you need to know about giving birth, post-delivery, and even newborn care! The greatest part of it all is you can complete the whole course In the comfort of your home! Not to even mention there’s a special section just for partner support! 

---

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.

---

***Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $690 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many amazing companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.

---

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

Related: 83+ Baby Boy Names Starting with A

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

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