Names often carry special meanings, and some evoke the color black or dark themes. These names can be striking and memorable. Certain cultures have rich traditions of using names that symbolize mystery, strength, or depth. Whether you’re looking for a unique name for a character, a pet, or even a baby, names with this meaning can offer a strong and beautiful choice.
Today, we’ll look at various names that mean black or dark. From classic names to modern ones, there are plenty of options to consider. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of the perfect name that embodies these intriguing characteristics.
Names That Mean Black Or Dark
1. Blake
The name Blake means ‘black’ or ‘dark’. It is a strong and classic option that works well for both boys and girls.
2. Kiera
Kiera is an Irish name meaning ‘little dark one’. This name adds a touch of whimsy while still connecting to the theme of darkness.
3. Dara
Dara is a name that means ‘oak tree’ in Irish and ‘star’ in Hebrew, but it also holds meanings associated with ‘dark’ in some cultures, reflecting strength and stability.
4. Leila
The name Leila means ‘night’ in Arabic. It is a lovely name that brings forth the beauty of darkness and the night’s allure.
5. Kali
Kali is a Hindu goddess associated with destruction and darkness. The name embodies power and protection, making it a strong choice.
6. Ayda
The Persian name Ayda means ‘moonlight’, which is a beautiful juxtaposition of light in darkness. It signifies hope amidst the night.
7. Jet
Jet is a name that literally means ‘black gemstone’. It’s a cool and contemporary name suggesting both elegance and depth.
8. Amaya
Amaya means ‘night rain’ in Japanese. This name symbolizes the calmness and beauty that comes with dark nights.
9. Ciaran
Ciaran is an Irish name that translates to ‘little dark one’. It has a gentle sound while still capturing the essence of darkness.
10. Melaina
Melaina is a name of Greek origin that means ‘dark’. It’s an exotic name that carries a sense of mystery.
11. Braden
This name means ‘broad valley’ but is also associated with darkness, suggesting someone who is resilient.
12. Samira
Samira means ‘entertaining companion’ but is also linked to the darkness of the night, representing enchantment.
13. Nisha
Nisha is a name that means ‘night’ in Sanskrit, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to connect with themes of darkness.
14. Raven
Raven represents the black bird associated with mystery and intrigue. It symbolizes magic and the unknown.
15. Onyx
The name Onyx refers to a black gemstone, symbolizing strength and protection. It’s a unique name that stands out.
16. Lynx
The Lynx is a wild cat known for its dark fur and keen eyesight, embodying both mystery and instinct.
17. Sable
Sable is a name that refers to the dark fur of the sable animal. This name carries elegance and a rich connection to nature.
18. Jett
Jett is a modern spelling of Jet and carries the same meaning of ‘black’. It is a sleek and contemporary name.
19. Morrigan
This name is of Irish origin and refers to a goddess associated with war and fate, often depicted as a raven, tying it back to darkness.
20. Ebon
Ebon derives from the term ebony, known for its deep black color. This name reflects richness and grace.
21. Crowthorne
Crowthorne means ‘crow thorn’. It symbolizes strength while connecting to the theme of black through the crow.
22. Laila
Laila is of Arabic origin and means ‘night’ reflecting beauty and elegance found in darkness.
23. Kallista
Kallista means ‘most beautiful’ in Greek but connects to darker themes through its sound and origin.
24. Nox
Nox is a Latin name meaning ‘night’, making it a strong short option that resonates with darkness.
25. Tamsin
This name means ‘twin’ but also connects to darker meaning through its historic roots relating to themes of night.
26. Morrissey
Morrissey refers to the dark sea; its meaning emphasizes connections to the vast, mysterious ocean.
27. Dusk
This name directly refers to the period of twilight, embodying the serene beauty of darkening skies.
28. Kiera
Another spelling of Kiera, this version still retains its meaning of ‘dark’ and often has endearing nicknames.
29. Soraya
Soraya has links to the night sky representing constellations that shine brightly yet belong to darkness.
30. Sidra
Sidra means ‘like a star’, reflecting brightness in the dark. This Arabic name suggests mystery and beauty.
31. Zuri
Zuri means ‘beautiful’ in Swahili, and its connection to dark-skinned beauty symbolizes depth and richness.
32. Jetty
Jetty means ‘black’ or ‘dark’, spelling a unique twist on the name Jet that brings intimacy.
33. Callan
Callan is an Irish name meaning ‘battle’ but evokes themes of darkness and strength.
34. Nyx
Nyx is a Greek personification of the night. This name captures allure and enigma associated with darkness.
35. Asha
Asha means ‘hope’ but also carries darker meanings connecting to shadows and light against them.
36. Gable
Gable means ‘the roof of a house’, but its sound invokes a contrast with the night’s shade.
37. Selene
Selene represents the moon and its light in darkness, a powerful name that connects to night themes.
38. Lorelei
This name means ‘murmuring rock by the sea’, tying it to melancholy and mystery often found at night.
39. Genesis
Genesis means ‘origin’, suggesting that within darkness lies the potential for new beginnings.
40. Darlene
Darlene means ‘dear one’, but it relates to darker themes, creating a caring image amidst night.
41. Kalm
This serene name hints at calmness in darkness, inducing feelings of comfort associated with night.
42. Basil
Basil refers to the herb but also relates to dark themes through its rich, deep colors.
43. Rhiannon
Rhiannon is a Welsh name of a goddess associated with the moon, bringing forth beauty tied to darkness.
44. Kynan
Kynan is of Welsh origin meaning ‘handsome’, also inferring elegance found within dark themes.
45. Shade
The name Shade is directly associated with darkness and shadows, perfect for someone with a mysterious vibe.
46. Zaria
Zaria is of Arabic and Hebrew origin, meaning ‘rose’, but evokes the imagery of beauty amidst the dark.
47. Sepia
Sepia refers to a dark brown color, connecting traditional art themes with darkness and depth.
48. Gwendolyn
Originating from Welsh meaning ‘blessed ring’, it also bears hidden connections to deeper, darker themes.
49. Halcyon
Halcyon means ‘calm’ but relates to stillness found in darkness, evoking serene feelings.
50. Zeke
Zeke, short for Ezekiel, means ‘God strengthens’, but echoes deeper, darker stories of resilience.
51. Celine
Celine means ‘heavenly’, but it carries night connections through its poetic tones.
52. Amara
Amara means ‘eternal’ but ties beautifully to themes of resilience found in darker moments.
53. Ravenna
Ravenna is an Italian name meaning ‘dark-haired’, reflecting beauty wrapped in depth and mystery.
54. Ashwin
Ashwin means ‘light’ but ties to darker themes through its cultural roots and spiritual meanings.
55. Juna
Juna refers to the dark goddess in mythology, embodying strength and depth through its allure.
56. Baird
Baird is a surname meaning ‘minstrel’ but bears connections to darker, enchanting tales of folklore.
57. Ravenna
Another mention of Ravenna, this highlights beautiful contrasts found in poetic depictions of darkness.
58. Nashira
Nashira is an Arabic name meaning ‘bringer of good news’, emphasizing hope within dark realms.
59. Dusk
Just like previous mentions, Dusk reflects the beauty in transitioning to night, symbolizing calm.
60. Conall
Conall means ‘strong wolf’ but highlights the deep whispers of the night, evoking strength and mystery.
61. Ciarra
Ciarra is yet another form of Kiera that conveys ‘dark’ while holding powerful connections.
62. Tenebris
Tenebris is a Latin term meaning ‘darkness’, making it a bold and striking choice for anyone.
63. Soren
Soren translates to ‘severe’, hinting at the gravity that could also relate to dark themes.
64. Zafar
Zafar means ‘victory’ yet can echo stories emerging from the shadows, foreshadowing great success.
65. Khari
Khari means ‘kingly’ but resonates with heavier tones and deep history linked with dark tales.
66. Armand
Armand originates from ‘soldier’ and carries rugged strength often related to deeper themes.
67. Aurora
Aurora means ‘dawn’, leading to a beautiful transition from night to day, portraying a balance between light and dark.
68. Zora
Zora translates to ‘dawn’, hinting at the beauty emerging out of darkness.
69. Damaris
Damaris connects with dark characters, as it means ‘gentle’ while still invoking deeper meanings of strength.
70. Kenna
Kenna translates to ‘born of fire’ but connects beautifully with gentle dark themes that reflect resilience.
71. Blythe
Blythe has a happy connotation but its soft sound creates an engaging relationship with darkness around.
72. Samara
Samara means ‘guardian’, tying into strong protective themes within darker contexts.
73. Sorin
Sorin means ‘sun’ in Latin, representing light amidst darkness through powerful contrasting imagery.
74. Ombra
Ombra means ‘shadow’ in Italian, directly connecting to the ideas of black and dark themes.
75. Tarek
Tarek means ‘morning star’ which brings a beautiful light into darkness, showcasing duality.
76. Elowen
Elowen means ‘elm tree’ but carries whispers of darkness found in nature’s shadows.
77. Jenaro
Jenaro relates to a time in winter, connecting to darkened seasons in a lovely way.
78. Bronn
Bronn means ‘sword’, suggesting strength while connecting deeply to themes of dark legends.
79. Noxon
Noxon is a variant of Nox, incorporating the potency of darkness into a unique package.
80. Rhea
Rhea refers to an earth goddess deeply associated with nature and hints at shadows among growth.
81. Kade
Kade means ‘sturdy’ but can relate to themes found in resilience amidst darkness.
82. Nyima
Nyima conveys warmth even in dark spaces, connecting beautifully to themes of night.
83. Vesper
Vesper is a Latin name meaning ‘evening’, directly aligning with nightly themes tied to dark beauty.
84. Celeste
Celeste means ‘heavenly’, yet its ties to the night sky embrace themes of dark allure.
85. Ender
Ender means ‘ruler’ but connects well with stories often told within shadowy realms.
86. Lugh
Lugh is a mythological sun god whose connections suggest vibrant life amidst the darkness.
87. Sable
Connecting once more to sable fur, this name insinuates elegance while embracing darkness.
88. Kalani
Kalani is Hawaiian for ‘the heavens’ but ties to themes of night beauty aligned deeply with emotion.
89. Cassian
Cassian means ‘hollow’, relating directly to deep, dark places that intrigue and invite exploration.
90. Veda
Veda means ‘knowledge’, but also relates to themes often explored in shadows and twilight stories.
91. Soraya
Previously mentioned but still holds weight, this name links beauty directly with dark space.
92. Aenigma
Aenigma means ‘mystery’, underlining the potential depth within dark and shadowy realms.
93. Cove
Cove refers to a sheltered area which can also symbolize darkness, offering peace amidst storms.
94. Vaida
Vaida means ‘in harmony’, tying beautifully with resolutions found in dark places.
95. Kaden
Kaden conveys ‘fighter’, linking to themes of survival and strength in challenging dark environments.
96. Ambrose
Ambrose means ‘immortal’, linking to stories that transcend dark times and continue forward.
97. Kasai
Kasai means ‘fire’, but emphasizes contrasts found within navigating darker journeys.
98. Davina
Davina means ‘beloved’, connecting beautifully to warmth found in darkness yet representing love.
99. Jorell
Jorell means ‘to ascend’, hinting at climbing above darkness into beauty and light.
100. Seraphine
Seraphine connects to angels, often depicting fiery images intertwined with themes of night.
101. Elara
Elara means ‘bright’, juxtaposed with the allure and mystery found during nighttime.
102. Kenzo
Kenzo means ‘strong and healthy’, but can often resonate with elements woven into darker stories.
103. Tharesh
Tharesh conveys ‘fury’, hinting at passion that can invoke richness in dark portrayals.
104. Yara
Though Yara means ‘small butterfly’, it evokes the beauty entwined with darkness through its image.
105. Kael
Kael translates to ‘slender’, yet contains elements that invite thoughts related to shadow and depth.
106. Thorne
Thorne evokes images of thorns intertwined within beauty, hinting at the darker contrasts of life.
107. Mira
Mira means ‘wonder’, yet its softness illustrates beauty within darker realms of fantasies.
108. Quinlan
Quinlan means ‘descendant of Caoinlean’, but touches dark themes found within names relating to history.
109. Rocco
Rocco means ‘rest’, but it resonates with deeper themes explored in storytelling against night scenarios.
110. Shala
Shala means ‘peaceful’, often sought amidst dark seasons throughout life’s journey.
111. Noctis
Noctis literally translates to ‘night’, directly indicating themes found in darkness.
112. Rio
Rio means ‘river’, but lines drawn through the flowing water showcase darker, hidden depths.
113. Zephyr
Zephyr means ‘west wind’, yet aligned to winds carrying tales from the depths of darkness as well.
114. Zarin
Zarin means ‘golden’, suggesting something precious emerging against shadowy backdrops.
115. Sidonie
Sidonie translates to ‘from Sidon’, maintaining a connection to the darker histories associated with its namesake.
116. Kato
Kato translates to ‘second born’, yet has the potential of exploring deeper meanings related to nighttime.
117. Flint
Flint resembles strength through sharpness, hinting at darker themes where survival reigns.
118. Zephyra
Zephyra focuses on air but brings forth images of whispers carried through the dark night.
119. Persephone
Persephone reflects the duality of light and dark, encased within a tale of rebirth amidst shadow.
120. Siv
Siv means ‘bride’, intertwining fairy tale pursuits explored within darker story elements.
121. Kaia
Kaia means ‘pure’, yet holding ties to darkness allows for depth and exploration through its story.
122. Tiah
Tiah means ‘the evening’ which draws strong connections to themes surrounding nightfall.
123. Tarina
Tarina means ‘story’, hinting at narratives oftentimes dominated by dark encounters.
124. Uriyah
Uriyah means ‘my light’, contrasting beautifully against shadows found in darkness.
125. Junaid
Junaid means ‘soldier’, often evoking histories tied into darker elements of struggle and perseverance.
126. Moreau
Moreau is French for ‘dark-skinned’, directly relating to themes inferred from black and dark imagery.
127. Kairo
Kairo means ‘victorious’, emphasizing triumph often associated with dark battles fought throughout life.
128. Aroura
Aroura signifies ‘the dawn’, familiarizing itself with beauty breaking through dark moments.
129. Farren
Farren means ‘adventurous’, echoing exploration often found within darkness as one seeks truth.
130. Neren
Neren refers to ‘moonlight’, beautifully linking light and dark together in poetic form.
131. Orva
While Orva means ‘new’, shadows present invite in reflections of growing amid darkness.
132. Torben
Torben means ‘Thor’s bear’, hinting at stories intertwining bravery against darker realms.
133. Vega
Vega refers to a bright star but contrasts against nighttime, inviting duality of exploration.
134. Lindy
Lindy means ‘lime tree’ but creates depth with a tinged association to mystery and nostalgia.
135. Azima
Azima means ‘strong’ but operates within realms of severe struggle found in darkness.
136. Quin
Quin means ‘wise’, often depicted with stories entwined deeply within the night surrounded by narratives.
137. Gale
Gale means ‘storm’, evoking gravity often related to darker stories yet amazing vitality.
138. Sienna
Sienna means ‘reddish brown’, placing focus on darker hues that create beauty through contrast.
139. Morrigan
Another mention of Morrigan emphasizes the connection drawn through flourishing landscapes in darkened tales.
140. Magnus
Magnus means ‘great’, yet often reflects journeys undertaken amidst heavy shadows and battles.
141. Shea
Shea means ‘admirable’, closely tied with deeper strengths found within darkened narratives.
142. Sable
Once again connecting to sable, a rich, dark fur showcasing elegance and grace amongst nature.
143. Kalel
Kalel links ‘the voice of God’, creating ties to power and strength against darker backgrounds.
144. Thalia
Thalia means ‘to flourish’, connecting nature amidst the depths of dark realms.
145. Vanya
Vanya means ‘peaceful’, often creating connections woven through darkness behind tranquility.
146. Nyla
Nyla expands to mean ‘champion’, while holding stories found against challenging shadows.
147. Llyn
Llyn means ‘lake’ but draws deeper thoughts upon the water at night, reflecting darker skies above.
148. Nitara
Nitara connects to truth drawn through shadows offering depth throughout dark places.
149. Kamali
Kamali means ‘spiritual’, intertwining elements often explored within darker nuances.
150. Zara
Zara means ‘flower’ in Arabic but brings forth images blossoming amidst dark terrains.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that means black or dark can add an intriguing layer to its character. These names not only evoke feelings of mystery but also possess strength, elegance, and history. Whether you opt for traditional names like Blake or more unique choices like Nyx, each name connects to the depth and beauty of darkness. Explore these options and consider how they might resonate with a character, pet, or even a child.
If you’re interested in further exploring names with specific meanings, you might want to check out names that mean black or look into names connected to darkness for more inspiration.
Remember, a name not only carries a pleasant sound but also encapsulates a story and a heritage that can resonate through time.