Are you searching for distinctive African American girl names inspired by notable black women in history? Consider the timeless elegance of Maya Angelou, the renowned American poet and civil rights activist, whose name carries both grace and significance.
Many parents choose names that pay homage to influential black stars, such as Aaliyah, Zendaya, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Gabrielle Union, and Queen Latifah.
African American naming traditions boast a diverse history, blending elements of Biblical influence, nature inspiration, and a celebration of African heritage. Another tradition involves naming daughters after historical figures, with examples like Harriet and Angela paying homage to Harriet Tubman and Angela Davis. Keep reading to explore the best options provided in this post.
If you are captivated by the cultural richness of African American girl names, where the essence of heritage and meaning takes center stage, you can also explore other options like Black Girl Names, Black Boy Names, Danish Names, and Samoan Girl Names.
Top 100 Black Girl Names
We have compiled a list of the top 100 black girl names for your little bundle of joy. These names capture the essence of African American naming traditions, featuring both timeless classics and modern favorites.
- Aaliyah (Arabic) – Exalted, sublime
- Adele (German) – Noble
- Alani (Hawaiian) – Orange tree
- Aliyah (Hebrew) – Ascender
- Alecia (Spanish) – Noble
- Amani (Swahili) – Peace
- Amara (Igbo) – Grace
- Amina (Arabic) – Trustworthy
- Anaya (Hindi) – Unique
- Aniyah (Arabic) – Caring
- Aria (Italian) – Air
- Asha (Swahili) – Life
- Athena (Greek) – Goddess of wisdom
- Aubrielle (French) – Noble, bright
- Aya (Japanese) – Color or design
- Ayanna (African) – Beautiful flower
- Brielle (French) – Strong, virtuous
- Benita (Latin) – blessed
- Charice (American) – Grace
- Elle (French) – She
- Imani (Swahili) – Faith
- Jada (Arabic) – Wise
- Jaliyah (African) – Noble
- Jamila (Arabic) – Beautiful
- Jazzlyn (American) – Modern name
- Journey (English) – Trip or expedition
- Kai (Hawaiian) – Sea
- Kaiya (Japanese) – Forgiveness
- Kalani (Hawaiian) – The heavens
- Kali (Hindu) – The dark one
- Kaliyah (Arabic) – Blossoming
- Kamaria (Swahili) – Moonlight
- Kamila (Arabic) – Perfect
- Kamryn (Scottish) – Bent nose
- Kaya (Japanese) – Yew tree
- Kehlani (Hawaiian) – Sea and sky
- Kendra (Anglo-Saxon) – Water baby
- Kenya (Kikuyu) – Animal horn
- Kiara (Irish) – Dark-haired
- Kyla (Gaelic) – Narrow land
- Kyra (Greek) – Lady
- Kyrie (Greek) – Lord
- Laila (Arabic) – Night
- Lani (Hawaiian) – Heavenly
- Leilani (Hawaiian) – Royal child
- Lyric (English) – Songlike
- Malia (Hawaiian) – Beloved
- Mara (Hebrew) – Bitter
- Mila (Slavic) – Gracious
- Michelle (French) – Who is like God
- Morgan (Welsh) – Seaborn
- Naima (Arabic) – Tranquil
- Nala (African) – Successful
- Naomi (Hebrew) – Pleasantness
- Nevaeh (American) – Heaven
- Nia (Swahili) – Purpose
- Nyla (Arabic) – Winner
- Oumou (African) – Mother
- Peyton (English) – Fighting estate of the man
- Raven (English) – Dark haired
- Rhianna (Welsh) – Great Queen
- Rosa (Spanish) – Flower
- Sanaa (Swahili) – Art
- Saniyah (African) – Radiant
- Sarai (Hebrew) – Princess
- Sasha (Russian) – Defender of humanity
- Shevonne (Hebrew) – God is gracious
- Sienna (Italian) – Reddish-brown
- Simone (French) – Hearkening
- Skyla (English) – Sheltering, protective
- Sophia (Greek) – Wisdom
- Suri (Persian) – Red rose
- Teyana (Greek) – Graceful
- Tiana (Slavic) – Fairy Queen
- Trinity (Latin) – about the Holy Trinity
- Tiara (Latin) – Crown
- Vanessa (English) – Butterfly
- Victoria (Latin) – victory
- Willow (English) – willow tree
- Yara (Arabic) – Small butterfly
- Zahara (Arabic) – Flower
- Zahra (Arabic) – Radiant
- Zaina (Arabic) – Beautiful
- Zaniyah (African) – Forever
- Zaria (African) – Princess
- Zariah (Hebrew) – Princess
- Zayda (Arabic) – Abundance
- Zaynab (Arabic) – Decorated tree
- Zelda (German) – Gray fighting maid
- Zena (Arabic) – Hospitable
- Zendaya To give thanks
- Ziva (Slavic) – Radiance, Brilliance
- Zoe (Greek) – Life
- Zoey (Greek) – Life
- Zola (African) – To love
- Zora (Slavic) – Dawn
- Zoya (Russian) – Life
- Zuri (Swahili) – Beautiful
- Zuriel (Hebrew) – God is my rock
- Zyaire (African) – Grateful
Unique African American Girl Names
Check out our collection, where uniqueness meets cultural pride, providing a canvas for parents to select names that truly stand out.
- Amani (Swahili) – Peace
- Amiyah (Hebrew) – Night rain
- Azalea (Greek) – Flower
- Chinue (Igbo) – God’s blessing
- Jovia (Latin) – Joyful
- Kwesi (Akan) – Born on Sunday
- Lumina (Latin) – Illumination
- Marjani (Swahili) – Coral
- Mirembe (Luganda) – Peace
- Niriah (Hebrew) – Plowed field
- Onika (Hausa) – Warlike
- Quiana (American) – Silky
- Tanika (African American) – Delicate flower
- Tendai (Shona) – Thankful
- Zalene (African) – Princess
- Zephyrine (Greek) – West wind
Beautiful Black Baby Girl Names
Here are some beautiful black baby girl names with a touch of elegance:
- Adeola (Yoruba) – Crown of wealth
- Amara (Igbo) – Grace
- Anaya (Hindi) – Unique
- Ayla (Hebrew) – Oak tree
- Jasmine (Persian) – Flower
- Kahina (North African) – Queen
- Kamila (Arabic) – Perfect
- Kiana (Hawaiian) – Divine
- Layla (Arabic) – Night
- Nala (African) – Successful
- Nya (African) – Purpose
- Saniyah (African) – Radiant
- Zoya (Russian) – Life
Prettiest Black Woman Names
- Adeola
- Jovia
- Kahina
- Kai
- Kamara
- Kwesi
- Lumina
- Marjani
- Mirembe
- Nia
- Niriah
- Onika
- Quiana
- Sanaa
- Tanika
- Tendai
- Thandiwe
- Zalene
- Zalika
Creative Black Female Names
- Althea
- Amaris
- Asha
- Azura
- Cressida
- Ebonique
- Elara
- Ifeoma
- Jelissa
- Kahlo
- Kalila
- Keturah
- Kismet
- Makeda
- Naima
- Sarabi
- Seraphina
- Seraphine
- Soraya
- Taliah
- Taniesha
- Tanith
- Tayari
- Zaina
- Zalene
- Zalika
- Zephyra
- Zephyrine
- Zora
Common Black Girl Names
- Alexis
- Amara
- Aria
- Ariel
- Brianna
- Brooklyn
- Chelsea
- Gabrielle
- Imani
- Jada
- Jasmine
- Jordan
- Kennedy
- Kiara
- Kylie
- London
- Makayla
- Malia
- Maya
- Morgan
- Nia
- Sanaa
- Sierra
- Sydney
- Taylor
- Tiana
- Zaria
- Zoe
- Zuri
Cute Black Girl Names
- Amiyah
- Aria
- Aubrey
- Avery
- Bella
- Cali
- Chloe
- Eden
- Harmony
- Jordyn
- Kaiya
- Kyla
- Kyra
- Leila
- Lola
- Luna
- Lyric
- Mia
- Mila
- Nova
- Savannah
- Skylar
Famous Black Female Names
- Alicia Keys – American Singer and Songwriter
- Angela Davis – American Political Activist and Scholar
- Ava DuVernay – American Filmmaker
- Beyoncé Knowles – American Singer and Actress
- Cicely Tyson – American Actress
- Condoleezza Rice – Former US Secretary of State
- Gabrielle Union – American Actress
- Halle Berry – American Actress
- Issa Rae – American Actress and Producer
- Janelle Monáe – American Singer and Actress
- Kamala Harris – Vice President of the United States
- Maya Angelou – American Poet and Author
- Michelle Obama – American Former First Lady of the United States
- Nina Simone – American Singer and Activist
- Oprah Winfrey – American Media Mogul and Philanthropist
- Rosa Parks – American Civil Rights Activist
- Serena Williams – American Tennis Player
- Shonda Rhimes – American Television Producer and Writer
- Taraji P. Henson – American Actress
- Viola Davis – American Actress
Wrapping Up
Each name is like a special story in the world of African American girl names, mixing history, culture, and personal charm. Some names are just like wise tales passed down through time, while others are fresh and unique, capturing today’s spirit.
From old favorites to new, creative picks, we hope these names will be a beautiful reflection of strength, identity, and the unique stories each person brings.