Choosing a name for a baby girl is an exciting journey. Some parents look for names that have special meanings, and names that mean “dark” can hold deep significance. These names often connect to traits like mystery, depth, and strength. They can also reflect a unique beauty that stands out. If you’re looking for something different yet meaningful, a name with a dark meaning could be perfect.
Today, we’ll share a list of beautiful girl names that mean dark. Each name has its own story and charm, making it a wonderful option for any little girl. Whether you want something traditional or modern, there’s a name here that might just resonate with you!
Girl Names That Mean Dark
1. Leila
Leila is a beautiful name that means ‘night’ or ‘dark beauty’. It has Persian origins and embodies the allure of nighttime.
2. Blake
Typically seen as a boy’s name, Blake means ‘dark’ or ‘fair-haired’. It can make for a unique and modern name for a girl.
3. Kiera
Kiera has Irish roots and translates to ‘dark-haired’. This elegant name has a graceful flair to it.
4. Phaedra
Phaedra is of Greek origin and means ‘bright’, but is often associated with a shroud of darkness due to its tragic mythological stories.
5. Nadia
Nadia means ‘hope’ in Arabic, but it’s often associated with the same depths as darkness, providing a dual interpretation.
6. Samara
Samara is a lovely name of Hebrew origin meaning ‘guardian’. Some interpretations link it to ‘dark’ through its connections with protective spirits in mythology.
7. Ciarra
Ciarra is an Irish name that translates to ‘dark’ or ‘black’. It is a feminine take on the name Ciaran.
8. Melaina
Melaina is a Greek name meaning ‘dark’ or ‘black’. It derives from the mythological goddess of the underworld.
9. Brangwen
Brangwen is of Welsh origin meaning ‘dark and sad’. It provides a unique and poetic touch for a girl’s name.
10. Morrigan
Morrigan comes from Irish mythology and is associated with war and fate, often represented as a dark goddess.
11. Shae
Shae is an Irish name meaning ‘admirable’, but it carries connotations of darkness and elegance.
12. Tanith
Tanith is a Phoenician name meaning ‘serpent lady’ or ‘dark’ and is symbolic in various ancient cultures.
13. Esmeralda
Esmeralda is a Spanish name meaning ’emerald’, but can also be associated with the color green’s depth, hinting at darkness.
14. Raven
Raven directly ties to the black bird, symbolizing mystery and darkness, making it a strong name choice.
15. Tansy
Tansy can mean ‘immortal’, but also hints at darker tones through its roots in ancient herbal lore.
16. Onyx
Onyx is a gemstone name that symbolizes power and protection, embodying a dark and glamorous quality.
17. Kali
Kali is a name from Hindu mythology meaning ‘black’ or ‘dark’, representing the goddess of destruction and creation.
18. Leocadia
Leocadia has Spanish origins meaning ‘bright’, but often has tied associations with darkness through literary references.
19. Ashling
Ashling translates to ‘dream’ but can be used in poetic contexts that link it to a darker aesthetic.
20. Velma
Velma is of German origin meaning ‘famous protector’ and can evoke strong images of dark and moral depth.
21. Sorcha
Sorcha means ‘bright’ in Irish, but often exists alongside tales of darkness, adding complexity to the name.
22. Adira
Adira means ‘strong’ in Hebrew but also carries an air of mystery, which relates to darkness.
23. Nox
Nox is Latin for ‘night’, straightforwardly aligning with dark meanings, perfect for a bold name choice.
24. Banshee
Banshee is rooted in Irish folklore and symbolizes a dark omen or spirit of the night, making it an intriguing name.
25. Chandra
Chandra means ‘moon’ in Sanskrit, often seen as a dark and mysterious celestial body guiding the night.
26. Selene
Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon, reflects light in darkness, giving depth to this beautiful name.
27. Ravenna
Ravenna, reminiscent of ravens, carries a deep, dark beauty that connects with nature.
28. Dara
Dara relates to the ‘oak tree’ and can also mean ‘star’ in certain contexts, linking to a dark yet elevated essence.
29. Velouria
Velouria invokes imagery of velvet, associated with deep darkness and luxury, making it a charming name.
30. Nyx
Nyx is the Greek goddess of the night, a strong name that embodies darkness and mystery.
31. Jetta
Jetta means ‘black gemstone’ and reflects a natural beauty tied to darkness.
32. Blackbird
Blackbird can symbolize freedom and mystery, perfect for a unique name choice that means dark.
33. Zara
Zara means ‘princess’ but is often linked to deeper, darker connotations when considering its Arabic origins.
34. Sabira
Sabira is indicative of patience, but can be interpreted in contexts relating to deeper emotions and darkness.
35. Ebonie
Ebonie is a contemporary spelling of ebony bearing the meaning of ‘dark black wood’, symbolizing strength and durability.
36. Beryl
Beryl can mean ‘shining’, but its connection to dark-colored minerals offers contrasting implications.
37. Elara
Elara is associated with one of Jupiter’s moons, linking it to the mysteries of space and darkness.
38. Indigo
Indigo, a deep color, symbolizes mystery and depth, perfect for a name with darker connotations.
39. Gwyneth
Gwyneth means ‘blessed’, but in poetic literature, it can signify the beauty found in darkness.
40. Lilith
Lilith is a mythical figure associated with night and darkness, making it a powerful name choice.
41. Aisling
Aisling is an Irish name meaning ‘dream’ but often symbolizes darker themes in poetry and storytelling.
42. Naveah
Naveah means ‘heaven’ but can be associated with dark nuance, representing depths of emotional or spiritual themes.
43. Vesper
Vesper means ‘evening star’, directly tying it to the night and thus to darkness.
44. Astra
Astra is linked to ‘stars’, which shine brightly in the nighttime sky, marking the contrast of darkness.
45. Cassia
Cassia originates from the cassia tree with dark leaves, creating a nature-inspired name associated with beauty.
46. Odalys
Odalys evokes imagery of ancient treasures, representing richness and depth inspired by darker tones.
47. Tanwen
Tanwen is a Welsh name meaning ‘fair radiance’, but it carries a depth related to darkness in its roots.
48. Danika
Danika means ‘morning star’, relating to a gradual emergence from darkness into light.
49. Nebula
Nebula is a cosmic name, symbolizing the beauty found in dark spaces of the universe.
50. Desdemona
Desdemona is of Greek origin meaning ‘ill-fated’, connecting it gravely to darkness and depth.
51. Kalixta
Kalixta means ‘most beautiful’ and comes with associations of dark complexity in history.
52. Opal
Opal is associated with mystery and an unlimited color palette, often bringing dark hues into the spotlight.
53. Sinéad
Sinéad is an Irish name meaning ‘God’s gracious gift’, but with depth intertwined with darkness and history.
54. Ciara
Ciara translates to ‘dark’ in Irish, adding cultural richness to the dark meaning.
55. Astraea
Astraea means ‘star-maiden’ and ties with celestial beauty amidst dark nights.
56. Azura
Azura evokes the image of deep blue skies, showcasing the duality of light amidst dark hues.
57. Melantha
Melantha means ‘dark flower’, representing beauty formed from shadows or darkness.
58. Isolde
Isolde evokes narratives filled with passion and dark twists, perfect for a unique name.
59. Freya
Freya means ‘lady’ in Norse mythology, often surrounded by dark associations and powerful imagery.
60. Kallista
Kallista means ‘most beautiful’, exuding depth that can link to dark and challenging narratives.
61. Nyssa
Nyssa means ‘beginning’ but is often connected to dark tales of transformation and rebirth.
62. Aine
Aine, meaning ‘brightness’, contrasts with darkness, giving a beautiful duality to the name.
63. Calista
Calista means ‘most beautiful’ and carries romanticized stories with dark arcs in literature.
64. Tarika
Tarika means ‘star’ in Sanskrit, embracing beauty within the night sky.
65. Enid
Enid means ‘soul’ and provides a reflective depth that connects to darker themes in life.
66. Beryl
Beryl is a gem name often related to colors rich with dark hues, linking strength with beauty.
67. Kenna
Kenna means ‘born of fire,’ and symbolizes passion rising from dark depths.
68. Sable
Sable embodies a rich black color representing elegance and a sense of darkness.
69. Minerva
Minerva is often looked at as a goddess of wisdom, aligning her power with dark mysteries.
70. Tindra
Tindra means ‘to twinkle’ often connected to the stars, emphasizing contrast against a dark backdrop.
71. Zara
Zara means ‘blossom’, but it can represent a flourishing amidst adversity and darkness.
72. Vale
Vale meaning ‘valley’, often connotes locations shrouded in mystery and depth.
73. Tamsin
Tamsin is a diminutive of Thomasina meaning ‘twin’, evoking the duality of light and dark.
74. Eira
Eira meaning ‘snow’, connects to the contrast of beauty against a dark world.
75. Kalysta
Kalysta means ‘most beautiful’, weaving in stories that embrace complex notions of beauty within darkness.
76. Mabel
Mabel means ‘lovable’ but can creatively evoke feelings of warmth amid dark themes.
77. Isidra
Isidra means ‘gift of Isis’, embodying intrigue and darkness drawn from ancient history.
78. Selene
Selene is linked to the moon, reinforcing a beauty found in darkness.
79. Zuri
Zuri, meaning ‘beautiful’ in Swahili, invokes strength and depth often found in darker contexts.
80. Caelum
Caelum is Latin for ‘sky’, which can represent the vast unknown of darkness.
81. Talia
Talia means ‘dew from God’ and can inspire the refreshing feelings one can sense even in dark surroundings.
82. Elowen
Elowen means ‘elm tree’; dark branches symbolize strength in harsh conditions.
83. Zinnia
Zinnia ties to vibrant flowers amid darkness, symbolizing resilience and beauty in shadows.
84. Ffion
Ffion translates to ‘foxglove’, a flower that can symbolize the dance between beauty and darkness.
85. Ianthe
Ianthe means ‘purple flower’ but represents deep colors evocative of darker shades.
86. Valea
Valea represents ‘valley’, calling forth images of depths and darkness.
87. Vespera
Vespera means ‘evening star’ and beautifully captures the essence of light emerging from the dark.
88. Laiha
Laiha means ‘darkness’ in Hebrew, bringing a straightforward dark etymology.
89. Zephyra
Zephyra means ‘the west wind’; it connotes mystery, often closely tied to the dark skies of evening.
90. Nirvana
Nirvana means ‘to attain’ and shifts in connotation towards dark philosophical themes.
91. Zephyr
Zephyr connects to the soft winds of dusk, blending beauty and darkness together.
92. Cressida
Cressida means ‘golden’ but can reflect the idea of preciousness enveloped within shadows.
93. Althea
Althea means ‘healer’, providing contrast to dark experiences through healing wisdom.
94. Tamsin
Tamsin ties to the idea of a twin, reflecting shadows and light and the blend of opposition.
95. Elara
Elara evokes celestial connections with dark spaces in the universe, making it a beautiful name.
96. Zephyra
Zephyra is related to ‘west wind’, conjuring images of cool breezes that can comfort in the dark.
97. Mireille
Mireille means ‘to admire’, often associated with admiration amidst challenging themes of darkness.
98. Juna
Juna connects to ‘young’ but can represent innocence born from deep shadows.
99. Jocelyn
Jocelyn means ‘joyful’, standing strong against the darker moments of life, embodying resilience.
100. Poppy
Poppy means ‘flower’ and often can symbolize beauty inspired by contrast against darker elements.
101. Cambria
Cambria means ‘the land of Wales’, where darker tales often intertwine with reality.
102. Nocturne
Nocturne is directly connected to night music, and it brings forward the beautiful essence found in darkness.
103. Orion
Orion conjures celestial sights and has dark associations through the night sky and mythology.
104. Hesperia
Hesperia means ‘evening star’ and embodies enchantment drawn from twilight and darkness.
105. Cadenza
Cadenza carries musical meaning, often found in poetic darkness amid stories of struggle.
106. Respira
Respira means ‘to breathe’, suggesting life within darkness; embracing challenges endured.
107. Meriel
Meriel means ‘bright sea’, weaving the contrast of light in dark waters through lyrical tales.
108. Clio
Clio means ‘glory’, often captured against a backdrop of darker histories.
109. Nathalina
Nathalina colorfully reflects resilience found amid darker complexities in life.
110. Lavinia
Lavinia is linked to ancient narratives, often portraying beauty amidst challenging depths.
111. Rhiannon
Rhiannon is a name from Welsh mythology, symbolizing mystery and elegance often tied to darkness.
112. Farrah
Farrah means ‘joyful’ yet creates a beautiful paradox when connected to dark experiences.
113. Sinead
Sinead comes with rich traditional ties and reflects complexities through its heritage.
114. Perdita
Perdita translates to ‘lost’ which can convey deep feelings associated with darkness.
115. Faye
Faye means ‘fairy’, often depicting whimsical personas that are influenced by dark stories.
116. Lael
Lael means ‘belonging to God’, making it encompass spirituality, often linking to ideas of light amidst dark.
117. Xanthe
Xanthe means ‘yellow’ but can allude to narratives that tie together bright elements with dark contrasts.
118. Freesia
Freesia evokes floral imagery, with layers of complexity and emotional depth aligned with dark stories.
119. Zaira
Zaira means ‘flower’, thriving beautifully in darkness and light, exploring various themes.
120. Aveline
Aveline translates to ‘hazelnut’, a natural name with dark, rich origins in lore.
121. Azura
Azura represents ‘sky blue’ yet bridges connections with darker aspects of nature.
122. Leire
Leire signifies strength amidst challenges and dark journeys through life.
123. Rhea
Rhea means ‘flowing’, representing movement through dark waters towards light.
124. Nadine
Nadine means ‘hope’, interplaying between light and dark through its dual potential.
125. Thalassa
Thalassa means ‘the sea’ and reflects dark waters filled with depth and mystery.
126. Sorrel
Sorrel embodies nature’s beautiful shades, mirroring dark greens and earthy tones.
127. Kyra
Kyra is of Greek origin meaning ‘lady’, often represented in intimate correlations with darkness.
128. Soren
Soren means ‘stern’ yet speaks to reflecting emotional depths found within dark realms.
129. Turquoise
Turquoise resonates with shades connecting light and dark, creating an enduring name.
130. Lavina
Lavina embodies characteristics connected to earthiness and darkness within nature.
131. Leith
Leith means ‘river’ and hints at currents flowing through deep, dark environments.
132. Brigid
Brigid is a goddess name embodying warmth amidst icy darkness, rich in culture.
133. Athea
Athea, meaning ‘noble’, implies deeper narratives tied to moral complexities amidst dark times.
134. Ruha
Ruha means ‘soul’, often delving into transformative journeys through the dark night.
135. Zella
Zella means ‘blessed’ and it often brings forth beauty amid darker stories.
136. Ophelia
Ophelia conveys enchanting beauty, often leading to darker tales in classic literature.
137. Lysandra
Lysandra combines beauty with deeper meanings drawn from narratives built in darkness.
138. Nessa
Nessa implies ‘not fortunate’, often associated with struggles faced in dark passages.
139. Alayna
Alayna links with illuminative warmth that portraits beauty against a myriad of darker backgrounds.
140. Thorn
Thorn carries a message of resilience prevailing against the wind and amidst darkness.
141. Helena
Helena symbolizes light and beauty, often emerging from tales shrouded in ominous backgrounds.
142. Marisol
Marisol means ‘sea and sun’, beautifully highlighting contrasts between brightness emerged from dark waters.
143. Vespera
Vespera links to evening, drawing listeners to hidden mysteries aligning beautifully with night’s embrace.
144. Zophia
Zophia means ‘wisdom,’ a name steeped in narratives reflecting strength amidst darkness.
145. Arwen
Arwen means ‘noble maiden’ but evokes dark stories tied to nature and fantasy.
146. Ffion
Ffion translates to ‘foxglove’, indicating a floral connection steeped in darkness and fairy tales.
147. Gala
Gala means ‘festive’, reflecting celebration amidst moments found in dark contrasts.
148. Amaya
Amaya means ‘night rain’, a gentle nod to beautiful rain falling through the dark night.
149. Selma
Selma means ‘divine protection’, signifying safety found even in dark journeys.
150. Wilona
Wilona translates to ‘peace maker’, embodying tranquility even when faced with shadows.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that means dark can reflect strength, beauty, and mystery, as you can see from the variety of names listed. Each name has its unique charm and significance, connecting lovely meanings with deep narratives and cultural histories. Whether inspired by nature, mythology, or personal values, a dark meaning name can beautifully resonate with the essence of a girl’s identity.
If you’re interested in exploring more meaningful names, consider checking out names that convey deeper connections with darkness, such as names that mean darkness or names related to death, including girl names that mean darkness or death. Each journey into the world of names is special, and you can find one that fits your vision for your child’s future.