Baby NamesGirl Names
Written By Alice
Many Black girl names are diverse and unique, often coming from Arabic, African, and even biblical influences. Our list is a mix of names from around the globe that aren’t just beautiful, but have rich meanings and heritage too.
We compiled our list by using data from websites like NYC OpenData where you can search each popular name by ethnicity. We also took a trip down memory lane and added a section with famous Black women from the 90s.
Not sure if you’re having a girl or boy? We also have a post with Black boy names for you to search through. We hope you find something you like!
African Girl Names
The names on this list were also researched by using websites like BabyCenter to find their origins and meanings. Keep in mind certain names can have different meanings in other languages.
Abena
Origin: Ghanaian
Meaning: “born on a Tuesday”
Ada
Origin: Nigerian
Meaning: “first daughter”
Dayo
Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
Meaning: “joy arrives”
Dubiwe
Origin: African
Meaning: “one who is left alone; deserted”
Recommended: Dubiwe is also on our list of girl names meaning alone
Eniola
Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
Meaning: “a person of wealth”
Jamila
Origin: Arabic, popular in North Africa
Meaning: “beautiful; graceful”
Kamaria
Origin: Swahili, African
Meaning: “moonlight”
Recommended: Kamaria is also on our list of girl names that mean moon.
Kiara
Origin: Swahili, Indian
Meaning: “princess; first ray of sun”
Recommended: Kiara not only sounds beautiful but also reflects the richness of African culture. You can also find it on our list of red color names.
Makena
Origin: Kenyan, used among the Kikuyu and Meru people
Meaning: “the happy one; the one who brings happiness”
Nailah
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: “successful”
Nala
Origin: African
Meaning: “successful; queen; lion”
Recommended: Nala is a unique name that also appears on our list of girl names with attitude.
Nia
Origin: Swahili
Meaning: “resolve; brilliance”
Oumou
Origin: African, Arabic
Meaning: “mother”
Saleema
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: “safe; secure”
Tabia
Origin: Swahili
Meaning: “talented”
Thandiwe
Origin: African
Meaning: “beloved”
Xolani
Origin: African, used among the Xhosa and Zulu people
Meaning: “peaceful”
Zahra
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: “flower”
Zariah
Origin: Arabic, Hebrew, Nigerian
Meaning: “flower; God has helped; dawn”
Zuri
Origin: Swahili
Meaning: “beautiful”
Recommended: Zuri is also on our girl list of aesthetic names
Popular Names
Ava
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “life; bird; water; island”
Recommended: Ava is listed as one of the most popular Black girl names in 2022 and is also on our list of 3 letter girl names.
Alexis
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “defender”
Recommended: Alexis is an ideal choice for your little princess and can also be found on our list of middle names for Ava.
Azha
Origin: Persian
Meaning: “the breeding place”
Destiny
Origin: French
Meaning: “fate”
Faith
Origin: English
Meaning: “trust; devotion”
Recommended: Many African Americans value religion as an essential part of Black culture. Faith is one of the best names for your little angel that will reflect that with its beautiful meaning.
You’ll also find it on our list of little girl names that sound southern.
Kayla
Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
Meaning: “laurel; crown”
Recommended: Kayla is a pretty name that is also on our list of twin girl names that rhyme.
London
Origin: English
Meaning: “from the great river”
Madison
Origin: English
Meaning: “son of Matthew”
Naomi
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “pleasantness”
Zoey
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “life”
Beautiful Names
Alana
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “precious; awakening”
Recommended: Alana is a popular name of Latin origin and is also on our list of 5 letter girl names.
Alexandra
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “defending men”
Amaya
Origin: Japanese, Basque
Meaning: “mother city; the end; night rain”
Arianna
Origin: Italian, Greek
Meaning: “most holy”
Brandy
Origin: Dutch
Meaning: “burnt wine”
Breanna
Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: “noble; prestigious”
Charice
Origin: American, Greek
Meaning: “grace”
Deja
Origin: French
Meaning: “already; again”
Dionne
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “divine”
Gabriella
Origin: Spanish, Italian
Meaning: “God is my strength”
Grace
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “blessing; favor; goodness”
Recommended: Grace is an African American baby girl name with beautiful meanings. Discover more girl names that mean blessing.
Iyana
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “God is gracious”
Jasmine
Origin: Persian
Meaning: “gift from God”
Recommended: Jasmine is also on our name list of plant names for babies.
Kehlani
Origin: Hawaiian
Meaning: “sea and sky”
Liana
Origin: French
Meaning: “to twine around”
Makayla
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “who is like God”
Nadia
Origin: Russian
Meaning: “hope”
Nevaeh
Origin: American
Meaning: “heaven (spelled backward)”
Rihanna
Origin: Irish, Welsh
Meaning: “great queen”
Savannah
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: “flat tropical grassland”
Serenity
Origin: French, Latin
Meaning: “peaceful; calm”
Shevonne
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “God is gracious”
Tiara
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “crown”
Trinity
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “pertaining to the Holy Trinity”
Unique Names
Alexia
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “defending men”
Aniyah
Origin: Hebrew, Arabic
Meaning: “helper; God was gracious”
Benita
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “blessed”
Fatima
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: “captivating; shining one”
Imani
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: “faith”
Jalisa
Origin: American
Meaning: “God is my oath”
Jayla
Origin: Hebrew, Israeli
Meaning: “to ascend”
Nori
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: “belief; doctrine”
Nova
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “new”
Nyla
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: “winner; one who achieves”
Sanai
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: “brilliance”
Sariyah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “princess”
Shani
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “scarlet, marvelous”
Talia
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “dew from heaven; by the water”
Wynter
Origin: English
Meaning: “born in winter”
RELATED: Names That Mean Ice Or Snow
Cute Names
Alecia
Origin: Spanish, English, German
Meaning: “noble”
Belinda
Origin: German, Spanish
Meaning:"pretty one; serpent”
Bernice
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “she who brings victory”
Brenda
Origin: Celtic
Meaning: “blade of a sword”
Chantel
Origin: French
Meaning: “stone; singer”
Chloe
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “blooming; fertility”
Gabrielle
Origin: French
Meaning: “God is my strength”
Gia
Origin: Italian
Meaning: “God’s greatest gift”
Recommended: Gia is one of our baby names with deep meanings. Discover our full list of baby names that mean gift of God.
Isabella
Origin: Hebrew, Spanish, Italian
Meaning: “pledged to God”
Recommended: Isabella is popular girl's name that is also on our list of beautiful girl names.
Jada
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: “jade”
Recommended: Jada is a great name for African Aamerican Girls that is also on our list of names that mean jade.
Janelle
Origin: Hebrew, Greek
Meaning: “God is merciful”
Kaylee
Origin: American
Meaning: “laurel; crown”
Keisha
Origin: Hebrew, American
Meaning: “her life”
Kendra
Origin: English
Meaning: “knowing”
Kenzie
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: “the fair one”
Khadija
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: “premature child”
Laila
Origin: Hebrew, Arabic
Meaning: “night; holy”
Latrice
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “noble”
Lauren
Origin: English, French
Meaning: “bay laurel; laurel tree”
Recommended: Lauren is a common name that is also on our list of green names.
Leah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “weary”
Recommended: Leah is Hebrew name from the old testament that is also on our list of biblical girl names.
Letitia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “joy; gladness”
Maya
Origin: Hebrew, Spanish, Greek
Meaning: “water”
Recommended: Maya is a cute name that is also on our list of names that mean water.
Mia
Origin: Italian, Scandinavian
Meaning: “mine; bitter”
Michelle
Origin: French
Meaning: “who is like God”
Monique
Origin: French
Meaning: “advisor”
Morgan
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: “sea-born; sea-song; sea-circle”
Recommended: Morgan is a sweet name that is also on our list of strong baby girl names.
Olivia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “olive”
Recommended: Olivia is a feminine name that is also on our list of baby name combinations.
Raven
Origin: English
Meaning: “dark-haired; wise”
Rosa
Origin: Spanish, Italian, Latin
Meaning: “rose; a flower”
Recommended: Rosa is a good name for girls that is also on our list of girl names with nicknames.
Shanice
Origin: English
Meaning: “God is merciful”
Shantae
Origin: French
Meaning: “stone”
Shay
Origin: Hebrew, Irish
Meaning: “stately; gift”
Simone
Origin: French
Meaning: “hearkening”
Sophia
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “wisdom”
Recommended: Sophia is also on our list of names that mean wisdom and is a pretty middle name for Braylin.
Teyana
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “graceful”
Tia
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “goddess”
Tiana
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: “fairy queen”
Vanessa
Origin: English, Greek
Meaning: “butterfly”
Victoria
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “victory”
Willow
Origin: English
Meaning: "willow tree”
Recommended: Willow is beautiful name that is also on our list of hippie girl names and names that mean orange.
Zaila
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: “might; power”
Popular Black Women From The 90s
According to the Social Security Administration, the following names of famous people in the ‘90s were also in the top 200 most popular names for female babies born during the 1990s:
Aaliyah
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: “heavens; highborn; exalted”
During The ‘90s: Aaliyah was a significant figure in the 1990s. She was an American singer, actress, and model who rose to fame in 1994 with her debut album “Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number.”
Aaliyah was known for her smooth voice and unique style, and played a key role in popularizing R&B music during that era. Aaliyah tragically passed away in 2001, but her legacy in music in fashion live on.
Recommended: Aaliyah is a perfect name for a beautiful Black baby girl and is also on our list of names meaning Heaven.
Brandi (alternate spelling: Brandy)
Origin: Dutch
Meaning: “burnt wine”
During The ‘90s: Brandy Norwood, known as Brandy, was a top R&B/pop singer in the '90s with hits like “I Wanna Be Down” and “The Boy Is Mine.” She also starred in the popular TV show “Moesha,” further cementing her influence during the decade.
Briana
Origin: Irish
Meaning: “high; noble; exalted”
During The ‘90s: Briana Scurry served as the primary goalkeeper for the U.S. women's national team, leading them to victory in the 1999 Women's World Cup.
She also secured gold medals at the 1996 and 2004 Summer Olympics. Scurry's remarkable save during the 1999 World Cup penalty shootout remains iconic.
Her accomplishments were later recognized with her induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, becoming the only African-American woman to achieve this honor.
Dominique
Origin: French
Meaning: “of the Lord”
During The ‘90s: Known as “Awesome Dawesome,” Dominique Dawes was a member of the U.S. national gymnastics team for a decade and took part in three Olympics.
Her most notable achievement is being part of the gold-winning “Magnificent Seven” team in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Dawes stands out as one of the few American gymnasts to compete in three Olympics and secure medals in each.
Gina
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Queen
During The ‘90s: The sitcom “Martin” was a massive hit in the 1990s, and Tisha Campbell's character, Gina, was a central character in the show.
Jasmine
Origin: Persian
Meaning: “gift from God”
During The ‘90s: Jasmine Guy made a mark in the '90s with her role as Whitley Gilbert on “A Different World.” Her character's distinct Southern flair resonated with many. Beyond her role on the show, Jasmine also explored music and dance during her career.
Kiara
Origin: Italian, Irish
Meaning: “bright; clear; dark”
During The ‘90s: Kiara Kabukuru was a rising star in the '90s fashion world. Known as a CoverGirl model, she also graced campaigns for top brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Calvin Klein. She notably walked for Victoria's Secret in 1999 and was in the Pirelli Calendar of 1998.
Lauren (alternate spelling: Lauryn)
Origin: French
Meaning: “laurel plant; wisdom”
During The ‘90s: Lauryn Hill rose to fame in the '90s, first as a member of the Fugees and later as a solo artist. Her album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” is considered a landmark in the music industry, earning her multiple Grammy Awards. With her unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and soul, Hill became a defining voice of the decade.
She also had a starring role as an actress in the 1993 film “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit,” alongside Whoopi Goldberg.
Mariah
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “the Lord is my teacher”
During The ‘90s: Mariah Carey became a musical sensation in the 1990s due to her unique vocal range and hit songs. Starting with her debut in 1990, she set records with consecutive #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
By blending R&B with hip-hop, she created iconic songs like “Fantasy” and “One Sweet Day.” Mariah Carey is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers of all time.
Monica
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “advisor”
During The ‘90s: R&B singer Monica Denise Brown, known as Monica, rose to fame in the 1990s as a leading R&B vocalist. With hits like “Don't Take It Personal” and the iconic duet “The Boy Is Mine” with Brandy, her soulful voice and impactful songs have made her a respected figure in the music industry.
Morgan
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: “circling sea; white sea dweller”
During The ‘90s: Debbi Morgan was a recognizable face in television in the '90s, especially for her role as Dr. Angie Hubbard on “All My Children.” This role set her apart, showcasing her ability to deliver compelling performances consistently.
Raven
Origin: English
Meaning: “dark-haired; wise”
During The ‘90s: Raven-Symoné was a child actress in the ‘90s who played Olivia on “The Cosby Show” and Nicole Lee on “Hangin' with Mr. Cooper.” Her dynamic energy made her a standout, paving the way for future roles and ventures in music and TV.
Whitney
Origin: English
Meaning: “from the white island”
During The ‘90s: Whitney Houston, one of the greatest singers of all time, was at the peak of her career in the 1990s. With chart-topping hits like “I Will Always Love You’ and acting roles in movies like “The Bodyguard,” Whitney Houston was an iconic figure in the music and film industries.
Not settled on a name yet? Here are more baby name lists to consider:
BABY GIRL NAMES LISTS
Old Fashioned Girl Names
Girls Names With 4 Letters
NAME LISTS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
Names That Mean Guardian
Names That Mean Heaven
We’d love to hear if you have any favorite baby names from our list. Or maybe you’ve got a name suggestion that you’d like added?
Either way, leave a comment and let us know!
Alice
