Names can carry deep meanings and histories. Some names represent colors, and black is often associated with strength, mystery, and elegance. Exploring names that mean black can reveal different cultures and their unique ways of interpreting this powerful color. From popular names to those that are more unusual, the meanings can be rich and varied.
Today, we will look at several names that signify the color black. Whether you’re choosing a name for a character, a pet, or a baby, these names can pack a punch with their significance. Let’s find out what makes these names special!
Names That Mean The Color Black
1. Blackwood
The name Blackwood directly brings to mind the essence of black by referring to dark woods. It conveys strength and a connection to nature.
2. Blake
This name, of Anglo-Saxon origin, means ‘black’ or ‘dark.’ It has an elegant tone and is used in various cultures.
3. Darrow
Darrow means ‘oak tree’ and is often associated with dark-colored oak. It embodies durability and resilience.
4. Kieran
Kieran is an Irish name that means ‘little dark one,’ making it a charming and warm choice for someone looking to signify black.
5. Lela
This name means ‘black’ in Swahili. It’s short, sweet, and has a melodic quality.
6. Melantha
Melantha comes from a Greek origin meaning ‘dark flower.’ It combines beauty with the shade of black.
7. Neva
Neva translates to ‘dark’ or ‘black’ in several Slavic languages. Simple yet profound, it carries a rich meaning.
8. Noir
Noir is the French word for black. This name is stylish and sophisticated, perfect for a unique character.
9. Onyx
Named after the black gemstone, Onyx signifies strength and is often linked to protection.
10. Phelan
Phelan means ‘wolf’ in Irish, but it carries a connotation of blackness, representing mystery and wildness.
11. Raven
The name Raven is symbolic of a black bird known for its intelligence and mystery, fitting perfectly with the theme of black.
12. Sable
Sable refers to a rich black color associated with luxury. It’s also a name inspired by the beautiful sable animal.
13. Shaw
This name means ‘dweller by the wood’ and can imply a darker forest, linking back to the color black.
14. Keira
Keira is derived from an Irish word meaning ‘little dark one.’ It’s a lovely choice with a rich background.
15. Adira
This Hebrew name translates to ‘strong’ and can also mean ‘black,’ showcasing strength and elegance.
16. Laban
Though commonly associated with ‘white,’ Laban also holds meanings linked to darkness in certain interpretations.
17. Kali
Kali is a goddess in Hindu mythology and her name translates to ‘black,’ embodying strength and power.
18. Morrigan
An Irish name meaning ‘great queen,’ Morrigan is associated with war and darkness, linked to black in its interpretation.
19. Melantha
Melantha, meaning ‘dark flower’ in Greek, beautifully ties in the essence of black with natural beauty.
20. Ciaran
Similar to Kieran, Ciaran also means ‘little dark one’ and brings an air of charm to the name.
21. Finley
The name Finley means ‘fair-haired warrior,’ but also holds connotations connected to the color black.
22. Sullivan
Sullivan means ‘dark-eyed’ in Irish, making it a name rich with dark imagery.
23. Maha
Maha means ‘wild cow’ in Arabic, but in some cultures, it is also associated with the color black.
24. Ciarra
This name, another variation of Kieran, means ‘dark,’ offering a unique twist.
25. Jet
Jet refers to a deep black gemstone that signifies protection and elegance.
26. Dorian
The name Dorian translates to ‘of Dorus,’ but can evoke the idea of shadows due to its dark undertones.
27. Enid
In Welsh, Enid means ‘soul,’ yet it also evokes a sense of darkness and depth, aligning with the theme of black.
28. Darcia
Darcìa translates to ‘dark’ in Spanish, bringing a hint of mystery to the name.
29. Nyx
In Greek mythology, Nyx is the goddess of night, and her name symbolizes darkness and black.
30. Aisling
This Irish name means ‘dream’; its links to the night can subtly insinuate darkness and black.
31. Daria
With Slavic roots, Daria means ‘to possess’; in some interpretations, it can lean towards dark significance.
32. Charcoal
This unique name reflects the color black deeply associated with shades of gray and black hues.
33. Umbra
Umbra means ‘shadow’ in Latin, directly linking it to the concept of black.
34. Laila
This name means ‘night’ in Arabic, connoting a profound connection with darkness and the color black.
35. Schuyler
The name Schuyler means ‘scholar’ but also subtly hints at darker connotations and origins.
36. Koko
Of African descent, Koko means ‘black’ or ‘dark,’ making it a meaningful choice for parents.
37. Sidony
Sidony is derived from the ancient city of Sidon, but its sound can evoke a darker essence.
38. Brena
Brena means ‘dark-haired’ in some cultures, making it a gentle reminder of the color black.
39. bernice
This name carries the Greek meaning ‘bringer of victory,’ but it can evoke dark images in interpretations.
40. Blakeley
Blakeley means ‘dark meadow’ in Old English, fusing nature with the theme of black.
41. Darnell
Darnell translates to ‘from the valley of the fern,’ but contains links to dark imagery.
42. Béla
Béla is a Hungarian name meaning ‘dark,’ offering a unique cultural spin on black.
43. Calista
Calista means ‘most beautiful’ in Greek, but it can also evoke darker themes.
44. Kenda
Kenda serves as a lovely name meaning ‘the blacksmith’s son,’ touching on the black theme.
45. Talia
Talia translates to ‘dew from God’ but can have layers that relate to darker meanings.
46. Amaya
This name means ‘night rain,’ connecting beautifully with the essence of dark colors.
47. Hespera
Hespera means ‘evening star,’ linking it back to the night and in turn, the color black.
48. Keren
Of Hebrew origin, Keren can mean ‘ray of light,’ but still reflects a connection with darkness.
49. Jett
This name refers to the black stone and symbolizes power and protection.
50. Tamsin
Tamsin is derived from Thomasina, and while its primary meaning is ‘twin,’ it also carries a dark connotation through tradition.
51. Kaja
An elegant name of Slavic origin, Kaja can be associated with deep hues of black.
52. Rahu
In Hindu mythology, Rahu is a shadow planet associated with darkness, fitting perfectly with our theme.
53. Merrick
Merrick means ‘ruler of the sea’ but can carry darker implications within certain contexts.
54. Kato
The name Kato means ‘the second-born’ in Japanese but is popularly linked with darkness.
55. Brice
This name means ‘speckled’ but may also refer to darker shades, contributing to the color black through its associations.
56. Tindra
Tindra means ‘to sparkle’ but is often associated with the beauty of darkness.
57. Doriane
A unique twist on Dorian, this name signifies the elegance of darkness.
58. Shakara
This name connotes ‘black’ in certain cultures, bringing straightforward references to our theme.
59. Zorai
Zorai can mean ‘darkness’ in specific interpretations, rooted in different cultures.
60. Tenebrae
From Latin, Tenebrae means ‘shadows’ and deeply connects with the essence of black.
61. Lysander
Lysander means ‘liberator’ but can bring darker implications when connected to historical narratives.
62. Imara
This name means ‘strong’ in Swahili but also can evoke darkness.
63. Corbin
The name Corbin literally translates to ‘raven,’ a bird historically associated with darkness.
64. Acheron
Acheron means ‘river of sorrow’ in Greek mythology, which gives it dark associations with life and death.
65. Renata
This name means ‘reborn’ and can be tied to darker themes of change and transformation.
66. Zamira
Zamira means ‘song’ or ‘joy,’ but it can portray darker images within various interpretations.
67. Maelstrom
This name refers to a powerful whirlpool, often seen as dark and dangerous.
68. Lomin
Lomin translates to ‘dark’ or ‘black’ in some cultures, making it a fitting choice.
69. Selene
Selene means ‘moon’ in Greek and represents the dark shades of night.
70. Thorne
This name indicates the thorny plant and symbolizes a darker aspect of nature.
71. Aglaya
Aglaya is a beautiful name that can hint toward dark elegance.
72. Zina
The name Zina means ‘shining,’ but its cultural roots sometimes link it to darkness.
73. Zora
Zora means ‘dawn’ in some languages, but it evokes images of darkness transitioning to light.
74. Kemia
Kemia can mean ‘dark’ or ‘black’ in various interpretations, fitting the theme seamlessly.
75. Vesper
This name means ‘evening star’ and relates directly to the darker hours of the day.
76. Belinda
While commonly known, Belinda can also relate to darker themes, depending on its context.
77. Kaison
Kaison signifies ‘darkness,’ making it an apt choice.
78. Zane
This name means ‘God is gracious’ but carries various shades of interpretation linking it to darkness.
79. Ariadne
Ariadne can mean ‘most holy,’ but also brings connections to easily accessible darkness.
80. Mina
Mina signifies ‘love’ but can mirror the deeper side of black in certain contexts.
81. Orpheus
Orpheus symbolizes deep emotions linked heavily to the darker realms of storytelling.
82. Kafana
Kafana signifies both beauty and shadows, creating a fantastical blend.
83. Tenebris
This Latin-derived name means ‘darkness,’ perfectly aligning with our theme.
84. Bruna
Bruna means ‘brown,’ but it often evokes dark connotations in cultural narratives.
85. Melanism
While not a traditional name, Melanism refers to the dark pigmentation of organisms, tying into black beautifully.
86. Moros
Underworld symbolism links this name to shadows and darkness traditionally.
87. Lenore
Lenore is often associated with mourning and shadows, giving a connection to darkness and black.
88. Ravenna
Ravenna combines the beauty of ravens with a lyrical quality, bridging two themes of black.
89. Shiloh
This name means ‘peace’ but is often associated with darker times in biblical folklore.
90. Dominik
Dominik translates to ‘belonging to the Lord,’ with darker undertones in its history.
91. Samira
Samira translates to ‘companion in evening talk,’ linking to night and black.
92. Kisai
Of Japanese origin, Kisai means ‘to blacken,’ directly tying into our theme.
93. Amina
This name means ‘faithful’ but can also relate to darker interpretations in some cultures.
94. Adira
Derived from Hebrew, Adira embodies might but can suggest darkness as its counterpart.
95. Kyla
Kyla means ‘narrow’ and hints at the shadows and depth associated with black.
96. Xena
This name can mean ‘guest,’ but its connections often weave through darkness.
97. Durell
Durell can give associations of strength that tie back to blackness in nature.
98. Embla
This name refers to the first woman in Norse mythology and often embodies the darkness of creation.
99. Selim
Adds an aspect of mystery through overshadowing meanings that align with the color.
100. Kian
Kian means ‘ancient,’ but has associations reaching back into the shadows.
101. Jettir
This name closely resembles Jett but offers uniqueness while still meaning ‘black’.
102. Tamsen
This name nods to the theme of black through its variations and lore associated with darkness.
103. Armel
Armel combines noble roots but brings elements of mystery through its meanings.
104. Fane
This name connects with darkness and the fearsome side of nature in folklore.
105. Ines
A name that means “pure,” but its elegance can evoke the beauty of darkness as well.
106. Melania
The name Melania means ‘dark’ in Greek, keeping with our black-centric theme.
107. Mukasa
This name can mean ‘dark’ or ‘black’ in certain cultures, resulting in depth.
108. Sorin
Sorin means ‘sun’ but often connects with the idea of twilight, leading toward darkness.
109. Zole
Zole translates to ‘dark’ and serves as a succinct reference.
110. Vespera
This name means ‘evening’ in Latin, drawing ties to darker moments of the day.
111. Gabor
Gabor means ‘God is my strength,’ often interpreted through darker contexts.
112. harmony
This name signifies peace but links beautifully with the balance of light and dark.
113. Caspian
This name conjures images of deep waters which can often appear black.
114. Zara
Zara means ‘princess’ but can also imply a darker aspect of royalty.
115. Kinley
The name Kinley hints at a ‘fair-haired’ relation, often tying to shadows and dark colors.
116. Dusty
This name refers to dirt or dust; when imagined, it hints at dark earth tones.
117. Esme
Esme means ‘esteemed’ and carries different meanings around blackness.
118. Sion
Sion can serve as an indirect reference to darkness by linking back to ancient narratives.
119. Vraja
Vraja means ‘to envelop,’ symbolizing the enveloping darkness of night.
120. Akira
Akira can mean ‘bright’ in some contexts, but it can also reflect shadows in darker interpretations.
121. Nyssa
This name means ‘beginning’ and can connect to the dark roots of nature.
122. Azar
Azar means ‘fire,’ but in nuanced cultural interpretations, it hints at dark flames.
123. Gable
This name means ‘triangular roof,’ but its sound has a darker, mysterious quality.
124. Layla
Layla means ‘night,’ providing that beautiful connection with darkness.
125. Onyxia
A spin on Onyx, Onyxia still denotes black, continuing the gemstone theme.
126. Tarquin
While a name from history meaning ‘the finder,’ often it evokes darker tales.
127. Calypso
Originating from Greek mythology, Calypso’s associated imagery includes shadows and the dark depths of the sea.
128. Erebus
Erebus is a Greek name meaning ‘deep darkness’ or ‘shadow,’ perfect for our theme.
129. Astraea
Astraea means ‘star,’ but can connect to the night sky, which is cloaked in black.
130. Mori
This name translates to ‘now’ in Japanese but can evoke darkness through context.
131. Blaine
Blaine means ‘yellow’ but can carry darker interpretations in some narratives.
132. Sinesia
A variation of sinister, Sinesia connects directly to darkness.
133. Kael
Although its meanings can vary, some interpretations lead to dark connections.
134. Dusk
Dusk signifies the time of day just before darkness, charmingly associating with black.
135. Althea
Althea means ‘healer,’ yet in specific settings hints at ominous overtones.
136. Thalia
Thalia means ‘to blossom’ but can also connect to darker themes through interpretations.
137. Azarak
Azarak is rich in culture and resonates with darkness.
138. Kinara
Meaning ‘the edge of a river’, this name brings to mind reflections in dark waters.
139. Kiran
Kiran means ‘ray of light,’ contrasting beautifully against the backdrop of black.
140. Anka
This name means ‘grace,’ but can contain darker meanings in its essence.
141. Thora
Meaning ‘thunder,’ Thora often invokes images of stormy skies and dark weather.
142. Alaric
Alaric means ‘ruler of all’ but can be tied to dark historical events.
143. Zinnia
As a flower name, Zinnia represents vibrancy, whilst also having a rich dark soil connotation.
144. Cimmerian
Cimmerian means ‘dark’ and is often used to describe shadows in literature.
145. Samara
This name means ‘guardian’ but carries darker shadows in its narratives.
146. Beshan
Beshan means ‘river’ but also hints toward the mysterious depths in dark waters.
147. Zale
The name Zale refers to ‘sea strength’ but ties back to dark ocean imagery.
148. Olive
Olive is commonly linked with peace but can signify the darker shades of olives as well.
149. Colton
This name means ‘from the coal town,’ associating directly with coal’s blackness.
150. Neri
Neri means ‘light’ in Hebrew, but its origin can evoke darkness as contextually layered.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name can be both exciting and meaningful, especially when considering names that represent the color black. Each name carries its history and context, illustrating how cultures perceive darkness and its elegance. From Kieran to Raven, these names are timeless and powerful, adding depth and character. Whether for a baby or a fictional character, the journey through these names can lead to something truly special.
If you’re inspired to explore more meaningful names or learn about other colors, feel free to check out our pages on Names That Mean Black or delve into Names That Mean Darkness. Each name holds a story waiting to be discovered!
Explore the world of names for all your creative endeavors!