African American Submitted Names

These names are a subset of American names used more often by African Americans. See also about African-American names.
gender
usage
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Achante f African American
Maybe a variant of Ashanti
Acquanetta f African American (Rare)
This name was brought to some public attention by the American actress Acquanetta (1921-2004), born Mildred Davenport. Though she claimed her stage name meant "laughing water" or "deep water" in Arapaho, it appears to be an invented name, possibly an elaboration of Italian acqua "water" using Netta 1.
Adaliyah f African American (Modern, Rare)
Possibly a combination of the element adal and the name Aaliyah.
Adante m African American (Modern)
Combination of the name prefix a and the name Dante. It might also be influenced by Adonis.
Adanya f African American (Modern, Rare)
Variant of Adanna used in the United States.
Adarius m African American (Modern)
Combination of the popular phonetic prefix a and Darius.
Adaryll m African American
An invented name, a combination of the name prefix A- and Daryl... [more]
Adashia f African American
Combination of the prefix a and an elaborated form of Dasha.
A'destin m African American (Modern)
Combination of the prefix a with Destin.
Adnis m African American (Rare)
Meaning unknown, perhaps a contracted form of Adonis. It was the name of American rapper Jay-Z's father, about whom he wrote a song.
Adnisa f African American
Feminine form of Adnis.
Adrianandious m African American
African american elaborated form of Adrian.
Aerion m African American
Probably derived from Greek aēr "air", though it may also be an elaboration of Aaron.
Ahmaar m African American, English
Alternate spelling of Amar 2
Aijalon m & f Biblical, English (American, Rare), African American (Rare)
From an Old Testament place name meaning "place of gazelles" in Hebrew (compare Ayala). Aijalon or Ajalon was the name of several biblical locations, including the valley in Dan where the Israelites defeated the Amorites while the sun and moon stood still in answer to their leader Joshua's prayer.
Airique m African American
Variant spelling of Eric.
Ajahni m & f African American
Variant of Ajani.
Ajaysia f African American (Modern, Rare)
Likely a combination of the phonetic elements a and jay and Asia 1, similarly to Anasia.
Ajee f & m African American (Rare)
From the brand of perfume called Ajee, which was introduced by Revlon in 1994. A known bearer is American runner Ajeé Wilson (1994-).
Akaiyah f African American (Modern, Rare)
Possibly a combination of the phonetic prefix a and Kaya 2. It shares a sound with names such as Makiyah.
Akashia f African American (Rare)
Perhaps a variant of Acacia.
Akaysha f African American (Rare)
Possibly a phonetic spelling of Acacia.
Akeelah f African American (Modern, Rare), South African (Modern, Rare)
Variant of Akilah popularized by the 2006 movie 'Akeelah and the Bee'.
Akeira f English (Modern, Rare), African American (Modern, Rare)
Variant of Akira. In some cases it can be a combination of the phonetic prefix a with the name Keira.
Akeisha f African American
Combination of the prefix a and Keisha.
Akeria f African American, Jamaican Patois
Unknown meaning. Possibly derived from Akira
Akia f African American
Truncated form of Nakia.
Akiana f English, African American
Elaboration of Kiana 2 with the prefix a-
Akil m African American
Alternate transcription of Aqil and masculine form of Akilah.
Akili m & f African American (Rare)
Variant of Akilah or a combination of Akil with the phonetic element ee.
Akisha f African American
Combination of the prefix a and Kisha.
Akon m African American, Western African
One of the given names of the musician known as Akon.
Akyra f African American
Combination of the prefix a- with Kyra.
Alaetra f African American
Perhaps an Anglicized variant of Elettra.
Alayla f African American (Modern, Rare)
Most likely a combination of the prefix a- and the prefix Layla.... [more]
Alaysia f African American (Modern)
Likely an invented name using the same sounds found in names such as Alicia (or Alysia, Alesia), Alayah, Asia and Malaysia.
A'lelia f African American (Rare)
Probably a variant of Lelia.
Alfredrick m African American (Rare)
Combination of Alfred and Frederick. Its usage was inspired in 1985 by American former basketball player Alfredrick Hughes (1962-), who took part in the NBA draft of the same year.
Algeria f African American (Modern)
From the name of the African country.
Allencia f African American
Rhyming variant of Valencia.
Alonda f African American (Rare)
An invented name which has been used consistently in America since the 1960s, possibly influenced by Yolanda, Alondra and Alejandra.
Altamese f American (South), African American
Meaning unknown, possibly an altered form of Arthémise.
Al'Tariq m African American (Rare)
Form of Tariq prefixed with the Arabic definite article.
Altonio m African American (Rare)
Possibly an altered form of Antonio influenced by Al, Alto or Alton.
Amarion m African American (Modern)
Combination of the popular phonetic prefix a and Marion 2 or an elaboration of Amari.
Amiracle f African American (Modern)
From the English phrase a miracle, which is a combination of the indefinite article a with Miracle. It might also be influenced by Amira.
Amorae f African American (Modern, Rare), English (American, Modern, Rare)
Variant of Amore, or an elaboration of Latin amor "love" using the phonetic element ray.
Anasia f English (American, Modern, Rare), African American (Modern)
Likely a combination of the phonetic elements a and nay and Asia 1, also possibly influenced by Anaya.
Anazia f African American (Modern), Nigerian
Transferred use of the surname Anazia.
Andetria f African American (Rare)
Possibly an invented name, using the same sounds found in names such as Andrea, Deitra and Demetria.
Andray m African American, Antillean Creole
Variant of Andre. Known bearers of the name include Andray Baptiste (1977-), a Grenadian soccer player, and Andray Blatche (1986-), a retired American-born basketball player who has become a naturalized Filipino citizen.
Anfernee m African American (Modern)
Possibly a variant of Anthony. This name was popularized by American basketball player Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway (1971-), thus peaking in 1996.
Angeliqua f African American (Rare)
Elaboration of Angelique and a variant of Angelica.
Aniray f African American
Combination of Raymond and Aniko.
Anjanique f African American (Rare)
Blend of Anjanette and the suffix que.
Annazette f African American
Actress Annazette Chase, born Annecetta (Aniceta or Anicette?)
Anniqua f African American (Modern, Rare)
Elaboration of Anna, formed from the popular name suffix qua- (see also Annika, Anika 1, Shaniqua and Janiqua).
Antjuan m African American (Rare)
Variant of Antoine influenced by Juan 1.
Antoiniece f African American (Modern, Rare)
Feminine form of Antoine using the fashionable suffix -iece.
Antoinique f African American (Rare)
Feminization of Antoine by using the fashionable suffix -ique
Antrel m African American (Modern, Rare)
A modern invented name of unknown meaning.
Antwanetta f African American (Modern, Rare)
Latinization of Antwanette. This is borne by a young female basketball player Antwanetta Boswell. Also, see Antoinetta.
A'Nyah f African American (Modern, Rare)
Variant of Aniyah, or a combination of Nyah with a phonetic prefix.
Aquaniesha f African American (Rare)
Combination of the phonetic elements a, qua, nee and sha... [more]
Aquintis m African American
Meaning unknown.
Archia f English (American, Rare), African American (Rare)
Transferred use of the surname Archia, which is by far the most prevalent in the United States and as such might possibly be a relatively new surname... [more]
Arkinya f African American (Rare)
Combination of the prefix ar with Kinya.
Arlandria f African American (Rare), English (British, Modern, Rare)
Either from the place name Arlandria or a combination of names beginning with Arl- and Andrea 2.... [more]
Arlandus m African American
Possibly a quasi-Latinization of Roland via variants like Orlando.
Arlicia f African American
Combination of Arletha and Alicia.
Armaria f African American (Rare, ?)
Perhaps an invented name based on similar-sounding names such as Armani and Amari.
Arnell m & f African American, English (Rare)
Transferred use of the surname Arnell.
Arnelle f African American (Modern, Rare)
Variant of Arnell. This name recieved a boost in 1995, coinciding with the trial of Arnell Simpson's father, OJ Simpson.
Arshawn m African American (Modern, Rare)
Combination of the phonetic element ar and Shawn.
Arthenia f African American
Possibly a variant of Parthenia.
Artia f African American (Modern, Rare)
Invented name, possibly intended as a variant of Artie following the stress pattern of Mikia and Takia.
Artizia f African American
Artesia "Nice and Artistic"
Artrice f African American (Rare)
Perhaps intended to be a feminine form of Arthur, using the suffix trice from names such as Patrice 2 and Latrice.
Arvaeyah f African American (Modern, Rare)
Invented name using the popular elements ar (present in Arshawn), vay (like in Vayda and Vayla) and ya... [more]
Asante m & f African American
Possibly derived from Swahili asante "thank you".
Ashanae f African American (Modern)
Combination of the prefix a with Shanae.
Ashari f African American (Modern)
Possibly a combination of the sounds found in names such as Ashanti and Amari.
Ashawn m African American (Modern, Rare)
Combination of the prefix A- and the given name Shawn.
Ashawnte f African American (Rare)
Variant of Ashante, or a combination of the phonetic element a with the name Shantae (or with the name Shawn and the phonetic element tay).
Asianique f African American (Modern, Rare)
Combination of Asia 1 and the suffix -nique (from Dominique, Monique or Unique)... [more]
Atasha f African American (Rare), Filipino (Rare)
Combination of the popular phonetic element a with the name Tasha.
Ataveon m African American (Rare)
Possibly an altered form of Octavian.
Atavia f African American (Modern, Rare)
Altered form of Octavia, using the popular phonetic prefix a.
Athelaston m African American (Modern, Rare)
Either a combination of Athel and Aston or a variant of Athelston.... [more]
Atiana f African American (Modern, Rare), English (American, Modern, Rare)
Short form of Tatiana or a combination of the phonetic prefix a and Tiana. This is borne by Atiana De La Hoya (1999-), daughter of American boxer Oscar De La Hoya and beauty pageant winner Shanna Moakler... [more]
Atoia f African American (Rare)
Variant of Atoya, a combination of the popular phonetic element a with the name Toya. Also compare LaToya.
Attallah m & f Arabic, African American (Rare)
Variant of Atallah, a masculine Arabic name, which is borne by Attallah Shabazz (1958-), the eldest daughter of American activist Malcolm X.
Aundra f & m English (Modern), African American
Possibly a combination of the sounds found in names such as Andrea, Saundra and Audra... [more]
Aunjanue f African American (Rare)
Possibly from a corruption of French ingénue meaning "an innocent, wholesome girl", perhaps influenced by names such as Anjanette. This is borne by American actress Aunjanue Ellis (1969-).
Autherine f African American
Feminine form of Auther. Autherine Lucy was the first African-American student admitted to a white school in Alabama when she entered the University of Alabama in 1956.
Avandre m African American (Rare)
Combination of the phonetic elements a and von with the name Andre.
Avant m African American (Rare)
From the French word avant meaning "front" or "before". Its usage as a first name may be associated with the word "avant-garde".
Avashante m African American
Combination of the prefix av and Ashante.
Aviance f African American (Modern, Rare)
Adoption of the name of the Aviance perfume introduced by Prince Matchabelli in 1975.... [more]
Avonia f English (Rare), African American
The meaning of this name is uncertain at this time. Its best known bearer was American actress Avonia Jones (1839-1867), whose parents may possibly have named her after the village of Avonia (in Pennsylvania, USA), or after the genus of plants of the same name... [more]
Avonte m & f African American (Modern, Rare)
Combination of the phonetic elements a, von and tay.
Ayaba f African American (Rare), Yoruba (Rare), Nigerian (Rare), African (Rare)
From the Yoruba ayaba meaning "queen".
Ayisha f Arabic, Indian (Muslim), Malayalam, Urdu, African American
Alternate transcription of Arabic عائشة (see Aisha), as well as the form used in South India and Pakistan.
Ayita f English (Modern, Rare, ?), African American (Rare), Western African (Rare)
The origins of this name are uncertain. Though it is popularly claimed to mean "first to dance" in Cherokee, this appears to be untrue.... [more]
Aynjel m & f African, African American, Jamaican Patois, Caribbean
A strongly phonetic spelling of the world "angel", especially used by those who speak Jamaican Patois and other English-based dialects of Caribbean Creole.
Azari f & m African American (Rare)
Possibly a variant of Azariah.
Azariyah f & m African American (Modern, Rare)
Variant of Azariah perhaps influenced by Aaliyah.
Azayla f African American (Modern, Rare)
Either a combination of the popular elements a, zay and la or a variant of Azalea.
Azizi f & m African American (Rare), Swahili
Means "treasure, rarity, something valuable; lover" in Swahili, derived from Arabic عَزِيز‎ (ʕazīz); compare Aziz. A known (female) bearer is American model Azizi Johari (1948-), in whose case it is a pseudonym.
Azuray f African American (Modern, Rare)
Apparently a misspelling of Azuree, the name of a perfume by the designer Estée Lauder.
Barkevious m African American (Rare)
A modern invented name of unknown meaning.... [more]
Beejay m African American (Modern, Rare)
Phonetic spelling of the initials BJ.
Bernnadette f African American (Rare)
Variant of Bernadette. Actress Bernadette Stanislaus, profesionally known as Bern Nadette Stanis, bears this name.
Billion m African American
From French billion, from bi- (“two”) +‎ -illion.
Bokeem m African American
Meaning uncertain. It might possibly be derived from the biblical place name Bochim, which is also found spelled as Bokim.... [more]
Bonquisha f African American (Rare)
Combination of the phonetic elements bon (from Bonnie or Bonita), quee and sha... [more]
Briara f African American (Modern, Rare)
An invented name, using the same sounds found in names such as Briana, Kiara and Tiara.
Brilliant m English (African, Rare), African American (Modern, Rare)
Possibly from the English word brilliant meaning "(of light or color) very bright and radiant".
Britannica f African American (Rare)
Possibly from Latin britannica meaning "of Britannia, British", as in the title of the Encyclopædia Britannica, the oldest English-language general encyclopedia.
Brixx m & f African American
Potential diminutive of Brixton. In the case of Pusha T’s daughter, it’s in reference to cocaine.
Brysha f African American (Rare)
Combination of the phonetic elements bry and sha.
Cab m African American (Rare)
Short form of Cabell. A notable bearer is jazz musician and band leader Cabell "Cab" Calloway III (1907-1994).
Camaria f African American (Rare), Filipino (Rare)
Variant of Kamaria or simply a combination of the prefix Ca- and the name Maria.
Camarion m African American (Modern)
Variant of Kamarion. This name can also be a modern elaboration of Cameron in some instances.
Camisha f African American
A West African tribe name.
Caresha f African American
Meaning unknown, possibly a combination of the phonetic elements ka, ree and sha or an elaborated form of Cara... [more]