155 BEST African American Baby Girl Names (With Meaning)

William T Johnson Apr 08, 2023
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happy african american girl and successful

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(Free Bonus for you at the bottom of this post: Success Story of an African American Girl )


If you’re looking for the perfect name for your little one, look no further than this list of 155 African American baby girl names.


All of these beautiful and unique names have special meanings that are inspired by African culture and heritage.


From traditional monikers to modern options, there is something here to suit every style and preference.


Whether you want a classic name or something more unusual, you'll be sure to find it among these stunning picks!


So take a look through our list and get ready to choose the perfect moniker for your bundle of joy!


1. Abeni: Of Yoruba origin, the name Abeni means “we asked for her and behold, we got her.” It is a delicate name capturing the beauty of having a baby girl.


2. Aiyana: Derived from Native American roots, Aiyana is often translated to mean “eternal bloom” or “forever flower.”


3. Blythe: This name has roots in Old English and means “happy and carefree.”


4. Chanelle: Of French origin, Chanelle is a form of the name Channel which means “canal” or “channel.”


5. Darla: Of Germanic origin, Darla is an altered spelling of the name Daryl which means “dear one.”


6. Eshe: Derived from African roots, Eshe is a Swahili name that means “life.” It is often seen as a symbol of hope, optimism, and joy.


7. Fola: Of Yoruba origin, this name means “honor arrives.”


8. Giselle: This beautiful name has French roots and is thought to mean “pledge” or “hostage.” It is often seen as a symbol of strength and loyalty.


9. Halima: Derived from Arabic origins, Halima means “gentle” or “kind-hearted one.” This is the perfect name for a little girl who will always be kind and gentle towards others!


10. Imani: A Swahili unisex name meaning “faith,” Imani is a great choice for the little one in your life who will have a strong faith.


11. Jada: Derived from Hebrew origins, this name means “wise” or “God has heard.”


12. Kaela: This Irish name is often translated to mean “slender” or “fair-haired girl.”


13. Laila: Of Arabic origin, Laila is thought to mean “night beauty” and is often seen as a symbol of beauty and elegance.


14. Makena: A Swahili name meaning “happy one,” Makena is perfect for your cheerful little girl.


15. Nia: This Welsh name is often translated to mean “bright” or “radiant.” It is a great choice for your special little one who will always bring light into any situation!


16. Onyeka: Of Nigerian origin, this name means “who is greater than God?” It is the perfect name for your little miracle baby!


17. Rayah: This Hebrew name is thought to mean “friend” and can be seen as a symbol of loyalty, friendship, and love.


18. Sahara: Derived from Arabic origins, Sahara means “desert dweller” and often symbolizes strength and resilience.


19. Tiana: Of Latin origin, this name is often translated to mean “follower of Christ” and is a great pick for your little angel!


20. Uma: Derived from Sanskrit roots, Uma means “flawless” or “perfection.” It is the perfect choice for your sweet baby girl!


21. Violet: This English name is derived from the flower violet and symbolizes beauty and innocence.


22. Winnie: Of African-American origin, this adorable name means “joyful one” and captures the joy that comes with having a child in your life.


23. Xola: This African name often symbolizes strength and courage and is the perfect pick for your little warrior!


24. Yara: Of Arabic origin, this name is often translated to mean “small butterfly” and captures the beauty of having a baby girl in your life.


25. Zuri: Of Swahili origin, this name means “beautiful” and is often seen as a symbol of beauty, grace, and elegance.


26. Aaliyah: This Arabic name means "exalted" or "sublime". Singer Aaliyah brought attention to the name in the 90s, but its origins can be traced back centuries.


27. Althea: Of Greek origin, Althea means "healer". The name was popularized in the 70s by tennis player Althea Gibson, the first black athlete to win a Grand Slam title.


28. Asha: Of Swahili origin, Asha means "life" or "hope". It's a beautiful name with a powerful meaning that is perfect for a little girl.


29. Billie: A unisex name with Germanic roots, Billie means "resolute protection". The name is often associated with jazz singer Billie Holiday, who was a trailblazer for black women in music.


30. Kamala: This Hindi name means "lotus" or "pale red". It gained national attention when Kamala Harris became the first black and Asian woman to be elected Vice President of the United States.


31. Kiara: Of Irish origin, Kiara means "dark-haired" or "black". It's a beautiful name that has been given to many African American baby girls.


32. Lila: Of Arabic origin, Lila means "night". It's a stunning name that has become increasingly popular in recent years.


33. Nala: Of Swahili origin, Nala means "successful". It's a beautiful name that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to Disney's The Lion King.


34. Octavia: Of Latin origin, Octavia means "eighth". It has been used as a name for African American girls since the early 1900s.


35. Simone: Of French origin, Simone means "one who hears". Singer Nina Simone brought attention to the name in the 60s, and it has remained a popular choice for African American girls ever since.


36. Abena: This name of African origin means “born on Tuesday” and is a great pick for your little one who was born on that day.


37. Binta: Of Nigerian origin, this name means “daughter of greatness” and would be perfect for your special little one!


38. Chinenye: Of Igbo origin, this sweet name symbolizes “God has given me” and is a great choice for your miracle baby!


39. Danaya: Of Nigerian origin, Danaya means “judge me not” and reminds us to treat others with kindness and understanding.


40. Eloise: This French name often symbolizes health or well-being and is the perfect pick for your precious little girl!


41. Farrah: Of Arabic origin, Farrah means “joyful” or “happy one” which captures the joy you feel when you have a child in your life!


42. Gala: This Hebrew name is thought to mean “wave of God" which makes it a beautiful choice for any baby girl!


43. Gracie: Of Latin origin, this name means "grace" and is a great choice for your little girl who brings joy to your life!


44. Hadiya: Of African-American origin, this name means “gift” and is the perfect pick for your special little one!


45. Imani: Of Swahili origin, this name means “faith” which can be a reminder of the strength and courage you need as a parent.


46. Jada: This English name often symbolizes wisdom or knowledge and is a beautiful choice for any baby girl!


47. Karasi: Of African-American origin, Karasi means “lovely” or “beautiful one” which captures the beauty of having a baby in your life!


48. Lina: This Arabic name has many meanings such as "tenderness", "gentleness", and "graciousness". It's the perfect pick for your sweet baby girl!


37. Binta: This name from Nigeria means "daughter of greatness", perfect for your special little one!


38. Chinenye: From Igbo origin, this name stands for "God has given me" and is a great choice to celebrate your miracle baby!


39. Danaya: Nigerian in origin, Danaya means "judge me not" and reminds us to be kind when dealing with others.


40. Eloise: French in origin, this lovely name symbolizes health or well-being and would be perfect for your precious little girl!


41. Farrah: Arabic origins mean this name stands for “joyful” or “happy one” which captures the joy of having a baby!


42. Gala: Hebrew origins mean Gala stands for “wave of God", making it a beautiful choice for any baby girl!


43. Gracie: Latin origins mean Gracie is "grace", an excellent pick to celebrate your new addition to the family!


44. Hadiya: African-American roots mean Hadiya stands for “gift” and is the ideal pick to recognize such a special person in


45. Imani: This Swahili name means "faith", which can remind parents of the strength and courage they need.


46. Jada: English origins mean Jada stands for wisdom or knowledge, which makes it a good choice for your baby girl!


47. Karasi: African-American roots mean Karasi is "lovely" or "beautiful one", representing the beauty of having a baby in your life!


48. Lina: Arabic origins mean Lina stands for tenderness, gentleness, and graciousness - perfect for your sweet baby girl!


49. Imone: This name came to attention in the 60s and is still popular for African American girls. It means "listen".


50. Abena: This name from Africa means "born on Tuesday" and is a great pick for a baby born on that day.


51. Binta: From Nigeria, it stands for "daughter of greatness", perfect for your special little one!


52. Chinenye: Igbo origin stands for "God has given me" - celebrate your miracle baby with this choice!


53. Danaya: Nigerian origin means "judge me not" - remember to be kind when dealing with others!


54. Eloise: French origin symbolizes health or well-being, an excellent pick to honor your precious little girl!


55 Farrah: Arabic origins mean Farrah is “joyful” or “happy one” - capture the joy of having a baby with this choice!


56 Gala: Hebrew meaning is “wave of God", making it a beautiful option when picking out names for any baby girl!


57 Gracie: Latin meaning is "grace", fitting perfectly as you welcome a new grace to your life


59. Imone: This name was popular in the 1960s for African American girls and it means "listen".


60. Abena: From Africa, this name means "born on Tuesday" and is great for a baby born on that day.


61. Binta: From Nigeria, it stands for "daughter of greatness", perfect to honor your special little one!


62. Chinenye: Igbo origin stands for "God has given me" - celebrate your miracle baby with this pick!


63 Danaya: Nigerian origin means "judge me not" - remember to be kind when dealing with others!


64 Eloise: French origin symbolizes health or well-being, an excellent choice to honor your precious little girl!


65 Farrah: Arabic origins mean Farrah is “joyful” or “happy one” - capture the joy of having a baby with this option!


66 Gala: Hebrew meaning is “wave of God", making it a beautiful selection when picking out names for any baby girl!


67 Gracie Latin meaning is "grace", fitting perfectly as you welcome your new arrival into the family!


68 Hadiya: African-American roots mean Hadiya is a “gift”, perfect to recognize such a special person in your life!


69 Imani: This Swahili name stands for "faith", which can remind parents of the strength and courage they need.


70 Jada: English origins mean Jada is for wisdom or knowledge, making it a great pick for your baby girl!


71 Karasi: African-American roots mean Karasi stands for "lovely" or "beautiful one", representing the beauty of having a baby in your life!


72 Lina: Arabic origins mean Lina stands for tenderness, gentleness, and graciousness - perfect for your sweet baby girl!


73 Maisha: Swahili origin means “life” which makes this name perfect to celebrate the new life you have been blessed with.


74 Nadia: This Russian name stands for “hope” and can be used as an inspiration to never give up.


75 Oluchi: Nigerian origin stands for “God’s work”, perfect to celebrate the miracle of life!


76 Phyllis: Greek meaning is “foliage or leaves” - bring a little bit of nature into your home with this pick!


77 Roshanda: African-American roots mean Roshanda stands for “joyful song” - fill your home with joy and laughter through this choice!


78 Simba: Swahili origins mean Simba is a great name for any boy, as it stands for “lion”, representing strength and courage.


79 Toni: Greek meaning is “priceless one” - acknowledge your special little girl with this unique name!


80 Uchenna: Nigerian origin stands for “the will of God”, perfect to recognize the divine intervention in your life.


81 Vanessa: Greek origins mean Vanessa stands for “butterfly”, and is a perfect pick if you are looking for something delicate and beautiful!


82 Yemaya: From Africa, it means "mother of all creation" - an amazing pick to recognize the divine power within motherhood.


83 Zuri: Swahili meaning is "beautiful", representing the beauty of having a baby in your home.


84 Tavia: African-American origin stands for “beautiful”, perfect to commemorate the beauty of having a baby!


85 Uzoamaka: Nigerian origin stands for “God is good” - recognize the divine blessing in your life with this choice!


86 Vada: Latin meaning is "knowledge", perfect to remember your baby girl's intelligence!


87 Wanda: African-American roots mean Wanda is for “wanderer” or someone who loves to explore new places - celebrate your little one's curiosity through this pick!


88 Xariyah: From Africa, it means "one who has been chosen" and can remind parents of their special bond.


89 Yara: Arabic origins mean Yara stands for “small butterfly” - bring a bit of nature into your home with this unique name.


90 Zola: Zulu origins stand for peace or tranquility, making it an excellent option when picking out names.


91 Zainab: Arabic origin stands for “beauty”, perfect to acknowledge the beauty of having a baby in your home!


92 Adanna: Nigerian origin means “daughter of her father”, and is an amazing pick to recognize the bond between you and your daughter.


93 Bobbie: African-American meaning is "bright fame", perfect for any baby girl who will bring fame into your life!


94 Chika: Nigerian root stands for “God is supreme” - a great pick to celebrate the divine power in your life.


95 Ebony: African-American origins mean Ebony stands for “black wood” or something dark and beautiful - perfect if you are looking for something unique!


96 Fadumo: Somali origin means Fadumo is “one who should be honored or respected” - recognize the importance of having a baby with this option!


97 Giselle: French roots stand for "pledge" or something promised, perfect if you are looking to commemorate such a special moment in your life.


98 Hadassah Hebrew meaning is “myrtle tree”, making it an excellent choice when


99 Gbemileke: African-American origin stands for "honor brings joy" - pick this name to celebrate the joy of your new baby!


100 India: African-American meaning is "indigo dye", perfect if you are looking for something unique and special.


101 Jamila: Arabic origin means Jamila stands for “beautiful”, perfect to acknowledge the beauty of having a baby in your home!


102 Keiko: Japanese meaning is “blessed child” - recognize the divine blessing with this unique choice.


103 Lakia: African-American roots mean Lakia stands for “lovely one” - commemorate the beauty of having a baby with this pick!


104 Marley: English origins mean Marley stands for “meadow near the lake”, bringing a bit of nature into your home.


105 Nanae: Japanese origin stands for “seven seas” - perfect if you are looking to bring some adventure into your life with this special name!


106 Onyinye: Nigerian root means Onyinye is an amazing choice as it means "a mother's love", recognizing how much she will mean to you.


107 Pilar: Spanish origin stands for “pillar”, ideal if you are looking to recognize the importance of your baby in your life.


108 Quiana: African-American root means Quiana is for “God's gracious gift” - an amazing pick to celebrate the divine blessing in your life!


109 Rahma: Arabic origin stands for “mercy”, perfect to remember how merciful having a baby can be!


110 Shani: Hebrew roots stand for "gift of God" - pick this name as a reminder that your little one is indeed a divine blessing.


111 Tia: African-American meaning of Tia is "one who will be loved" - celebrate the bond you share with your baby through this pick!


112 Uma: Sanskrit origins stand for “grace”, perfect to recognize how gracefulness can come from having a baby in your home.


113 Vanya: Russian origin means Vanya stands for “gift of God” and is an amazing pick to celebrate the divine blessing in your life with this choice!


114 Wren: English meaning is "small songbird", ideal if you are looking for something unique and special.


115 Ximena: Spanish root means Ximena stands for “listener” - commemorate the value of listening by picking out this name.


116 Yara: Arabic origin means Yara stands for “small butterfly” - perfect if you are looking to bring some nature into your life!


117 Zuri: African-American root means Zuri is a beautiful choice as it stands for "beautiful" - recognize the beauty of having a baby with this pick!


118 Zola: African-American root means Zola is a great pick as it stands for "peaceful" - recognize the peace that your baby will bring into your life!


119 Amaya: African-American meaning of Amaya is "night rain", ideal if you are looking for something unique and special.


120 Onyeka: Nigerian origin stands for “who is like God”, perfect to celebrate the divine power in your life.


121 Aziza: African-American roots mean Aziza is an amazing choice as it stands for "precious" - recognize the value of having a baby with this option!


122 Bintou: West African origin means Bintou stands for “daughter of Allah”, making it a great pick to recognize how blessed you are to have such an amazing daughter.


123. Amaya: This African-American name means "night rain" and is special and unique.


124. Onyeka: Nigerian origin stands for “who is like God”, a great pick to celebrate the divine power in your life.


125. Aziza: African-American roots mean Aziza is an amazing choice as it stands for "precious". This option recognizes the value of having a baby!


126. Bintou: West African origin means Bintou stands for “daughter of Allah”, making it a perfect way to recognize how blessed you are with your new daughter!


127. Miracle: African-American root means Miracle stands for "wonderful thing" - pick this name to celebrate the amazing gift of having a baby!


128. Oluwa: Nigerian origin stands for “God is Lord” - pick this name to celebrate the divine power in your life!


129. Bemah: West African root means Bemah is a wonderful choice as it stands for "grace"- recognize the gracefulness that comes with having a baby with this option!


130. Yvette: French origin means Yvette is an amazing choice as it stands for "youthful" - recognize the energy and joy that your little one will bring into your home with this pick!


131. Miracle: This African-American name stands for "wonderful thing", a perfect pick to show your appreciation for the special gift of having a baby!


132. Oluwa: Nigerian origin stands for “God is Lord” - pick this name to recognize how blessed you are with the divine power in your life.


133. Bemah: West African root means Bemah is a wonderful choice as it stands for "grace" - celebrate the gracefulness that comes with having a baby by picking this option!


134. Yvette: French origin means Yvette is an amazing choice as it stands for "youthful" - remember all of the energy and joy that your little one will bring into your home with this pick!


135. Jadyn: African-American root means Jadyn stands for “thankful” - recognize how grateful you are to have a little girl in your life with this option!


136. Zemira: West African origin means Zemira is an amazing choice as it stands for "song" - pick this name to celebrate the beauty and joy of having a baby!


137. Nala: Nigerian origin stands for “queen”, perfect if you are looking to honor the special nature of your daughter.


138. Amaia: Spanish root means Amaia is a beautiful choice as it stands for "beloved" - recognize the love that your daughter will bring into your life with this pick!


139. Jadyn: African-American root means Jadyn stands for “thankful” - honor your appreciation for having a little girl in your life with this pick!


140. Zemira: West African origin means Zemira is an amazing choice as it stands for "song" - recognize the wonderful melodies that your baby will bring into your home with this option!


141. Nala: Nigerian origin stands for “queen”, ideal if you are looking to show how special and unique your daughter is.


142. Amaia: Spanish root means Amaia is a beautiful choice as it stands for "beloved" - celebrate the love that your daughter will bring into your life with this pick!


143. Ikram: Arabic origin stands for “honor” - pick this name to recognize the honor and respect that comes with having a child!


144. Zuri: African-American root means Zuri is an amazing choice as it stands for "beautiful" - celebrate the beauty of having a baby by picking this option!


145. Ikram: Arabic origin stands for “honor” - remember to recognize the honor and respect that comes with having a child with this pick!


146. Zuri: African-American root means Zuri is an amazing choice as it stands for "beautiful" - appreciate all of the beauty that your little one will bring into your life with this option!


147. Nia: West African origin means Nia stands for “purpose”, pick this name to recognize the importance of having a baby in your life!


148. Layla: Arabic origin means Layla is a perfect choice as it stands for “night” - celebrate all that the night has to offer by picking this name!


149. Nia: West African origin means Nia stands for “purpose”, great if you are looking to recognize the significance of having a baby in your life with a name!


150. Layla: Arabic origin means Layla is a perfect choice as it stands for “night” - remember all of the beautiful things that come with nighttime by picking this pick!


151. Mikayla: African-American root means Mikayla is a beautiful choice as it stands for "who is like God" - pick this name to recognize the divine power of having a baby!


152. Ifeoma: Nigerian origin stands for “goodness” - remember all of the goodness that comes with having a baby by picking this option!


153. Keisha: African-American root means Keisha is an amazing choice as it stands for "favorite" - celebrate your favorite little girl in your life with this pick!


154. Chidinma: Nigerian origin means Chidinma is a wonderful choice as it stands for "God is good" - show your appreciation for the divine power in your life with this pick!


155. Kaira: West African root means Kaira is an amazing choice as it stands for "lovely one" - recognize how special and unique your daughter will be with this option!


These names make up just a sample of the many lovely, unique options available when it comes to picking out names for baby girls.


From classic and traditional to modern and creative, there are plenty of options that can suit any family's preference and style.


Try researching more names from various origins around the world to find something truly special for your little bundle of joy.


Good luck!


Success Story of an African American Girl


When Michelle started her baby boutique, she knew she wanted to offer unique and special names for African American baby girls. She researched extensively, even consulting with experts in African culture and language, to curate a list of names that would carry significant meaning and beauty for her customers.


One day, a mother-to-be walked into Michelle's shop, looking for the perfect name for her daughter. She shared with Michelle her desire to choose a name that was both traditional and meaningful. Michelle showed her the list of names she had carefully compiled, explaining the origins and meanings behind each one.


The mother-to-be was immediately drawn to the name Jadyn, which means "thankful" in African American culture. She felt it perfectly captured the gratitude and joy she felt about finally becoming a mother. When her daughter was born a few weeks later, she proudly named her Jadyn.


Word of mouth quickly spread about Michelle's boutique and the unique names she offered. Many African American mothers found solace and connection in the cultural roots of the names on Michelle's list, feeling empowered to honor their heritage through their children's names.


Soon, Michelle's boutique became a go-to destination for mothers and families seeking meaningful and beautiful names for their babies. As her business grew, she continued to research and add new names to her list, always striving to provide the best options for her customers.


Michelle's passion and dedication to celebrating African American culture through baby names had not only created a successful business, but also empowered and connected countless families in her community.


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