Names hold special meanings and can tell a lot about a person. Some names are linked to colors, like black or dark. These names often symbolize strength, mystery, or uniqueness. Many cultures have rich histories associated with dark colors in their naming traditions.
Today, we’ll look at various names that mean dark or black. From classic names to more modern choices, there’s a wide variety to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a name for a character, a pet, or even a baby, these names can add a deep, intriguing touch. Let’s uncover some interesting options!
Names That Mean Dark Or Black
1. Blake
The name Blake is of English origin and means “black” or “dark”. It’s a strong name that carries a sense of sophistication.
2. Chandra
Chandra is a Sanskrit name meaning “moon”, frequently associated with darkness, adding an air of mystery to this name.
3. Darcella
Darcella comes from the word dark, making it a direct reference to the color while sounding unique and elegant.
4. Kaelan
This Irish name means “slender” or “narrow” but also translates to “dark” in certain contexts, presenting a mystical vibe.
5. Lela
Lela means “dark beauty” in Arabic, a poetic name that embodies grace paired with depth.
6. Melantha
Melantha is of Greek origin meaning “black flower”, a beautiful juxtaposition of dark and delicate.
7. Moros
Moros means “darkness” in Greek mythology, providing a strong connection to the concept of dark.
8. Morrigan
Morrigan, from Irish mythology, translates to “great queen” but is often associated with the darkness of battle and fate.
9. Noir
Noir is a French word meaning “black”, offering a chic and modern-sounding option for anyone interested in a noir-style name.
10. Raven
Raven, which refers to the black bird, symbolically embodies mystery, intelligence, and dark beauty.
11. Kenzo
This Japanese name means “strong and healthy” but sometimes signals dark roots, adding cultural depth to it.
12. Balthazar
Balthazar is a name that means “Lord protects the king”, but the influence of its dark biblical origins adds a layer of intrigue.
13. Jet
Jet is a name that both refers to the resilient black stone and embodies the concept of darkness, making it a solid choice.
14. McKenzie
This Gaelic name can mean “son of the fair one”, but it’s also linked with the color black, offering an interesting duality.
15. Onyx
This name refers to a black gemstone, a striking choice for those drawn to elements of nature that are dark.
16. Bhramar
Bhramar in Sanskrit means “black bee”, carrying associations with darkness while being unique and melodic.
17. Sable
Sable is a name that literally means “black” or “dark” in French, encapsulating the essence of colors beautifully.
18. Kali
Kali, a goddess in Hindu mythology, embodies darkness as a force of protection and empowerment, often associated with strength.
19. Jettison
The name Jettison comes from the word jet, which means “black stone” in French, offering a contemporary twist.
20. Sidhe
Sidhe is derived from Gaelic, meaning “fairy” or “dark elf”, linking it directly to mystery and dark fantasy.
21. Salome
Salome is a name with biblical roots, often associated with dark beauty and mystique in various interpretations.
22. Taran
Taran means “thunder” in Gaelic, evoking a stormy vibe, often linked with darkness and intensity.
23. Lilith
Lilith is a name associated with nocturnal creatures and darkness, creating an enigmatic persona in literary contexts.
24. Kieran
This Irish name translates to “little dark one”, making it a charming and meaningful name with a rich history.
25. Zuberi
Zuberi means “strong” in Swahili but can be a good name to symbolize fortitude in darkness.
26. Ankh
Ankh is a symbol of life often depicted in dark colors, linking the name with strength and resilience.
27. Ebony
The name Ebony comes from the dark wood, representing elegance and deep richness, perfect for a chic name choice.
28. Bane
In British roots, the name Bane means “a source of harm or ruin”, often illustrated in folklore associated with darkness.
29. Blakeley
Adding a twist to Blake, Blakeley embodies the same essence of darkness with a charmingly welcoming touch.
30. Darya
Darya stems from Persian roots meaning “sea” but adds a dark undertone of water’s depth, making it intriguing.
31. Dushko
Dushko means “dark one” in Slavic languages, providing a unique eastern European flair to the meaning.
32. Kalixta
Meaning “most beautiful”, Kalixta is often associated with darkness in mythology, creating a dual meaning.
33. Artair
This Scottish name means “bear”, often tied to a dark, strong figure in folklore, giving it strength in dark imagery.
34. Ciaran
Ciaran translates to “little dark one” in Irish, making it a heartfelt option for a strong name.
35. Mori
The name Mori means “dark” in Japanese, presenting a short yet impactful option with cultural significance.
36. Larkin
Larkin signifies a “fierce” person, embodying strength often matched with darkness in literature.
37. Quinn
This Irish name means “wisdom” and has associations with dark or smart characters in history.
38. Zuri
Zuri means “beautiful” in Swahili, often embodying the beauty found in darker shades of life.
39. Donel
In essence, Donel suggests “dark” while offering a twist in its uncommon sounding notes.
40. Kairos
A Greek term that means “the right moment,” which carries a profound meaning often associated with shadows.
41. Chione
Chione derives from a Greek goddess associated with snow and winter, often linked to the dark and cold.
42. Velvet
Velvet refers to soft fabric but also suggests deep dark shades giving it a luxurious feel and meaning.
43. Sombra
Sombra means “shadow” in Spanish, perfectly relating to the idea of darkness and mystery.
44. Cyndi
Cyndi is derived from Cynthia and means “moon”, often associated with night and darkness.
45. Ravi
Ravi, meaning “sun” in Sanskrit, can ironically present depth in cultural contexts regarding night and day.
46. Kuro
The Japanese word for “black”, Kuro is straightforward but culturally rich and impactful.
47. Kya
Kya means “the black” in numerous African languages, providing a short and meaningful name.
48. Nocturna
Nocturna is a unique name derived from the word “nocturnal”, capturing the essence of dark creatures.
49. Sable
Sable refers to the dark fur coat of an animal, becoming a classic choice for a name that means dark.
50. Jett
Another form of Jet, Jett reinforces the concept of black through its simple yet strong association.
51. Kaliyah
Kaliyah, derived from Kali, links back to dark mythology, imbibing a sense of history in its significance.
52. Amarok
In Inuit culture, Amarok represents a wolf that walks alone at night, symbolizing darkness and solitude.
53. Morrow
Morrow means “of the next day”, but often in literature represents the dark before dawn.
54. Shaira
Shaira is linked to poetry and darkness, creating depth rich in artistic imagery.
55. Kira
Kira means “dark” or “sun” in several cultures, encouraging variety in how darkness can be represented.
56. Cressida
This name has dark romantic connections and historical weight, offering a rich narrative of mystery.
57. Ciarra
Ciarra, similar to Kieran, evokes darkness while sounding beautiful and melodic.
58. Rhiannon
Rhiannon embodies night and darkness as the moon goddess, granting the name a mythical appeal.
59. Fallon
Fallon means “leader”, yet its connection to autumn and darkness adds a layer of depth.
60. Lela
Lela means “dark beauty” in various languages, a poetic choice that gracefully embodies charm.
61. Thorne
Thorne evokes imagery of dark plants, symbolizing protection and strength associated with darkness.
62. Jewell
Jewell refers to valuable dark stones, linking worth with color and contrasting beauty.
63. Nyx
Nyx is the Greek goddess of night, offering a profound link to darkness while being short and striking.
64. Marquise
Marquise suggests elegance and nobility while having the potential for dark, royal connotations.
65. Asha
Asha, when interpreted within different contexts, can reference darkness, embodying hope amid shadows.
66. Gwendolyn
Means “blessed ring”, yet tied to the Welsh tales often linked with dark forests and mystery.
67. Seren
Means “star” in Welsh, but often symbolizes night skies filled with intrigue and darkness.
68. Farren
Farren refers to a traveler through the wild, often picturizing deep woods that can be interpreted as dark.
69. Jovani
This name suggests “God is gracious”, yet its unique sound can point towards deeper meanings associated with dark narratives.
70. Rhea
Rhea in mythology shines light, but many tales associate her with darker themes of strength and defiance.
71. Valen
Valen suggests “strong” or “healthy”, yet often possesses subtle undertones of darkness intertwined.
72. Sorrel
Sorrel is a type of plant with dark leaves, symbolizing nature while embracing elements of shadow.
73. Zara
Zara means “princess” but can relate to the beauty found in dark space, creating depth in identity.
74. Mairead
Mairead means “pearl”, and pearls can symbolize deep, dark oceans, connecting to broader themes.
75. Cadogan
Cadogan relates to the idea of battle, commonly depicted in stories that dance around darkness.
76. Salix
Salix refers to willow trees, which often symbolize twilight and darkness, offering a beautifully graceful touch.
77. Kaela
Kaela means “slender” or “dark”, providing a simple yet profound connection to themes of shadow.
78. Halley
Halley refers to the comet often seen at night, richer in its connections to dark skies.
79. Yara
Yara means “small butterfly”, but can represent dark spaces of nature where these creatures thrive.
80. Lume
Lume signifies light, but in contrast, it brings reflections of darkness that are essential.
81. Desdemona
This name translates to “ill-fated”, presenting strong connections with darkness and tragic stories.
82. Seamus
Seamus means “supplanter”, linking it back to dark themes of overthrow and conflict in storytelling.
83. Nyrah
Nyrah hints at night and darkness, a modern twist to ancient meanings around the concept.
84. Oona
This name means “lamb”, but often illustrates darker elements in pastoral stories and folklore.
85. Misha
Misha means “who is like God”, while its connections to dark narratives enrich its significance.
86. Ronan
Ronan means “little seal”, yet many associate it with darker, oceanic themes intertwined throughout lore.
87. Tanya
Tanya suggests “fairy queen”, merging beauty and darkness in various stories throughout cultures.
88. Tansy
Tansy, while a flower, symbolizes shadows and darker places in gardens, pulling the name into intrigue.
89. Una
Una means “one”, but often is associated with darkly mythical tales and its beauty.
90. Thalia
Thalia suggests “to blossom”, yet many stories invite darkness through her connections in Greek myths.
91. Cleo
Cleo means “glory”, but her dark historical connections make this name rich with narrative.
92. Faye
Faye indicates fairy-like qualities, but many tales present them from a dark perspective.
93. Briony
Briony, often symbolizing darker aspects of nature through its relation to wild, beautiful plants.
94. Kienan
Kienan exudes dark allure through its meaning of “ancient” and connections to foreboding tales.
95. Saoirse
Saoirse means “freedom”, hinting at darker struggles for liberty in narrative forms.
96. Morty
Morty references “death but loosely connects to darker representations of life.
97. Cerys
This Welsh name means “love”, yet can reflect deeply in darkly romantic tales.
98. Hespera
Hespera refers to evening or night, perfectly representing themes of darkness in storytelling.
99. Talon
Talon evokes the image of a bird of prey, often associated with darkness and stealthy nature.
100. Suki
Suki means “loved one”, though the beauty of its depth often dips into dark charm.
101. Corvin
Corvin means “raven”, connecting it directly to themes of darkness and mystery in culture.
102. Talia
Talia means “dew from God” but often paints a darker metaphor in deep meanings.
103. Garnet
This name represents a dark gemstone, rich with passion and associated beauty.
104. Samira
Samira means “entertaining companion” but carries tales that venture within darker realms.
105. Luna
Luna means “moon”, often associated with nocturnal themes of beauty and darkness.
106. Kadalyn
Kadalyn draws on the function of darkness, representing places where shadows creatively blend.
107. Zaltana
Zaltana means “high place”, symbolizing the heights of darkness shared through stories.
108. Aendant
This unique name hints at the depth of darkness in its core meaning, perfect for a poetic twist.
109. Jarey
Jarey relates to strength in darkness, offering a contemporary twist on classic narratives.
110. Elara
Elara, in mythology, often resonates themes of love entwined within dark narratives.
111. Sabeen
Sabeen is a name meaning “eye of the night”, directly associating with darkness.
112. Darian
Darian translates to “great” or “present”, but often is echoed through darkly beautiful tales.
113. Xara
Xara, suggesting “shining” or “bright”, often ironically evokes ideas of mystery and darkness.
114. Kael
Kael refers to “mighty warrior”, which often connects to darker themes of conflict through history.
115. Melo
Melo means “song”, but often includes themes of darkness and depth in musical storytelling.
116. Astra
Astra translates to “star”, making connections to night while adding a mysterious touch through darkness.
117. Liora
Liora means “my light” but speaks to how light contrasts deep dark realms.
118. Isidore
Isidore means “gift of Isis”, where darkness becomes an essential backdrop in ancient tales.
119. Kamari
This name means “moonlight”, illustrating beautifully how light breaks through dark themes.
120. Silvana
Silvana translates to “forest”, often linked to the darkness found within wilderness.
121. Clyra
Clyra presents a unique twist on dark names, suggesting beauty and mystery entwined.
122. Odele
The name Odele means “song”, echoing dark themes often found in melodies throughout history.
123. Circe
Circe brings together magic, beauty, and dark enchantments in mythology, enriching its mystique.
124. Vespera
Vespera means “evening”, where dark themes come to life in various cultural reflections.
125. Paxton
This name means “peace town”, yet relates to tales of darkness in exploring conflict resolution.
126. Inari
Inari stems from Japan, where fox spirits embody themes of mystery in darkness.
127. Draven
Draven links to the idea of shadow, often tied intricately to narratives of dark figures.
128. Remy
This name hints at dark and mysterious stories, offering depth throughout musical compositions.
129. Andromeda
Andromeda connects to the night sky, embodying darkness in beauty and extending to far-reaching tales.
130. Griselle
Griselle means “grey-haired” while exploring the depth of shadow through its various themes.
131. Fallon
Fallon means “leader”, yet often brightly dances around darker themes of storytelling.
132. Lyris
This unique name hints at harmony while enfolding itself within darker ballads in history.
133. Thistle
This plant symbolizes strength in darkness and beauty amid sharp edges, providing a unique name choice.
134. Drusilla
Drusilla has historical ties often associated with dark and beautiful tales through time.
135. Kalliope
Kalliope means “beautiful voice”, expressing how darkness can resonate through storytelling.
136. Thera
Thera conveys concepts of destruction that often surround dark myths and narratives.
137. Lyra
Lyra translates to “lyre”, offering stories often rooted in dark themes, creating harmony through darkness.
138. Calypso
Calypso often associates itself with dark ocean myths, linking deep shadows with aquatic tales.
139. Ebon
Ebon relates to black wood and fits effortlessly in symbolic narratives of darkness.
140. Berenice
This name translates to “bringer of victory”, while its connections often intermingle with dark themes.
141. Verso
Verso suggests “to turn”, embodying the duality often found in darkness throughout storytelling.
142. Amon
Amon means “hidden”, symbolizing the mysteries of darkness that reveal strength when uncovered.
143. Izar
Izar means “star”, directly linking to the shadows that surround night and darkness.
144. Selene
Selene refers to the moon, which beautifully embodies elements of darkness while shining through.
145. Hela
Hela is drawn from Norse mythology, often associated with the underworld, embodying darkness and mystery.
146. Catori
Catori means “spirit”, enriching itself within the darker energies shared through ancient narratives.
147. Cosette
Cosette is linked with dark literary themes, making it a rich name steeped in storytelling.
148. Kamari
Kamari means “moonlight”, a dark beauty that can easily evoke mystical imagery.
149. Calantha
This unique name means “beautiful flower”, often hinting at the shadows where these blooms thrive.
150. Sabra
Sabra means “thorny cactus”, relating to darkness while enriching the narrative with strength.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that means dark or black can add depth, strength, and mystery to your character, pet, or baby. These names have rich histories and meanings tied to various cultures, making them intriguing options.
Whether you’re drawn to the strength of names like Blake and Morrigan or the poetic beauty of names like Melantha and Raven, there’s a diverse array from which to choose.
Would you like to explore more related topics? You can dive into names that mean black or learn about names that mean darkness.