African American Girl Names

African American girl names are rich in history, culture, and significance. These names often reflect the diverse heritage and traditions of African Americans, blending elements from African, European, and American influences. Naming practices among African Americans have evolved over time, with many families choosing names that celebrate their roots, honor ancestors, or convey a sense of pride and identity.

Traditional African American girl names often have deep meanings and symbolism behind them. Many names are inspired by African languages and traditions, carrying with them the stories and values of different tribes and regions. These names can also reflect the struggles and triumphs of the African American community throughout history, serving as a reminder of resilience and strength.

Today, African American girl names continue to evolve, with parents drawing inspiration from a variety of sources including pop culture, literature, and personal experiences. Modern names may blend traditional African elements with contemporary styles, creating unique and meaningful choices for families. Whether rooted in tradition or embracing innovation, African American girl names are a reflection of the diversity and creativity within the community.






NameOriginsGenderCelebrity Name?Celebrity Baby Name?
NekeayshahAfrican AmericangirlNNShortlist
NekeeshaIgbo, Arabic, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
NekeeshiaAfrican AmericangirlNNShortlist
NekeyshiaSwahili, Arabic, African AmericanunisexNNShortlist
NieshaAfrican American, IndiangirlNNShortlist
OrnetteFrench, African AmericanunisexYNShortlist
PeninahHebrew, Jewish, African, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
PhilisGreek, African American, American, LiteraturegirlNNShortlist
PryncessahEnglish, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
QueenaEnglish, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
QueenationAfrican AmericangirlNNShortlist
RashaudAmerican, African AmericanunisexNNShortlist
RonishaAfrican American, Hebrew, SanskritgirlNNShortlist
RysheleHebrew, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
SchauntahIrish, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
SephaniHebrew, African American, Swahili, ArabicunisexNNShortlist
ShadaeAfrican American, YorubaunisexNNShortlist
ShadrickaHebrew, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShadrickahHebrew, Babylonian, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShadriquahAfrican AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShakeeyaArabic, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShalondinaAmerican, African American, HebrewgirlNNShortlist
ShalondynaAmerican, African American, GreekgirlNNShortlist
ShamekiahAfrican American, SwahiligirlNNShortlist
ShamicahAfrican American, HebrewgirlNNShortlist
ShaneceFrench, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShaneequaAfrican American, Hebrew, EnglishgirlNNShortlist
ShaneequahHebrew, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShaneikaAfrican AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShaneikahSwahili, Irish, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShaneiquaIrish, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShaneishaIrish, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShanekiaIrish, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShaneshiaIrish, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShanieceFrench, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShanikahAfrican American, Hebrew, AfricangirlNNShortlist
ShaniquaAfrican AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShanittaHebrew, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShantaeAmerican, African AmericanunisexNNShortlist
ShantayAmerican, African AmericanunisexNNShortlist
ShantelaAfrican American, ArabicgirlNNShortlist
ShanyckaAfrican AmericanunisexNNShortlist
ShaquanaArabic, Spanish, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShardricaAfrican American, ScandinaviangirlNNShortlist
ShardrickaAfrican AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShardriquahAfrican, Hebrew, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
SharrinaeHebrew, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShavondahFrench, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShavoneAfrican American, Hebrew, FrenchgirlNNShortlist
ShawntaAmerican, Irish, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShondaeAfrican American, Irish, WelshgirlNNShortlist
ShontelFrench, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ShontellaFrench, African American, GermangirlNNShortlist
TahishaAfrican American, SwahiligirlNNShortlist
TajuanahSpanish, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
TakyaAfrican AmericanunisexNNShortlist
TamecaAfrican American, Hebrew, SwahiligirlNNShortlist
TamryquaHebrew, African AmericanunisexNNShortlist
TamryquahAfrican American, HebrewgirlNNShortlist
TamyshiahAfrican American, Hebrew, SanskritgirlNNShortlist
TangelahAfrican American, GreekgirlNNShortlist
TaquerahAfrican American, Spanish, ArabicunisexNNShortlist
TarykArabic, Turkish, African AmericanunisexNNShortlist
TavonAmerican, Portuguese, English, African AmericanunisexNNShortlist
TawannaAfrican American, Swahili, Native American, HebrewgirlNNShortlist
TeishaAmerican, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
TekeriaAfrican AmericangirlNNShortlist
TeroneGreek, African AmericanunisexNNShortlist
TiaSpanish, English, African AmericangirlYNShortlist
TionnaAmerican, Latin, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ToyaNative American, African AmericanunisexYNShortlist
TraycyahIrish, African American, HebrewgirlNNShortlist
TykirahAfrican AmericangirlNNShortlist
WakeshiaEnglish, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
YamareeAfrican American, Hausa, YorubagirlNNShortlist
YieshaAfrican American, ArabicgirlNNShortlist
ZeldaGermanic, Jewish, African AmericanunisexYNShortlist
ZenyahAfrican American, Greek, Japanese, HebrewgirlNNShortlist
ZerleanItalian, African AmericangirlNNShortlist
ZionHebrew, Judaism, African AmericanunisexYNShortlist
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African-american girls names FAQs

What are common themes in African American girl names?

Common themes include African heritage, empowerment, and unique creations. Many names reflect the diversity of African cultures and languages, often with meanings that signify strength, beauty, and wisdom. Parents may also invent names that are unique to their family or combine elements from different names they admire.

How do African American girl names often pay tribute to African culture?

African American girl names often incorporate elements from African languages and regions. Names may be directly borrowed from African ethnic groups or inspired by African words and proverbs that carry significant meanings. This practice honors the rich cultural heritage and connects the child to their ancestral roots.

Are African American girl names influenced by historical events?

Yes, historical events have influenced African American girl names. The Civil Rights Movement and the push for equality have inspired names that symbolize freedom, justice, and resilience. Names such as Kizzy, from the novel and TV series "Roots," gained popularity as a way to reclaim and celebrate African heritage.

Do African American girl names have unique spellings?

African American girl names often feature unique spellings. These creative spellings can give traditional names a modern twist or create entirely new names. This practice allows for a distinct identity and can reflect the individuality of the child.

What role does religion play in African American girl names?

Religion plays a significant role in many African American girl names. Biblical names are quite popular, as are names that have spiritual meanings or are derived from religious concepts. This reflects the importance of faith in many African American communities.

Can African American girl names be traced back to specific African countries?

Some African American girl names can be traced back to specific African countries. Names may be chosen to reflect the heritage of a particular country or ethnic group within Africa. However, due to the historical displacement of African peoples, many names are pan-African in nature, representing a broader African identity.

How do naming trends among African American girls change over time?

Naming trends among African American girls change as society evolves. Influences include social movements, popular culture, and the reclaiming of African heritage. Names that were popular in one generation may give way to new trends that reflect the current cultural climate.

Is there a significance to the number of syllables in African American girl names?

The number of syllables in African American girl names can vary and is not necessarily significant. Some parents may choose shorter names for simplicity, while others prefer longer names that may carry deeper meanings or connections to African languages. The choice often depends on personal preference and the desired sound of the name.

How do African American girl names differ from those of other cultural backgrounds?

African American girl names often differ in their cultural significance, origins, and meanings. They may blend African linguistic elements with modern American naming trends, creating a unique cultural expression. This distinctiveness reflects the diverse and rich heritage of the African American community.

Are there any common suffixes or prefixes found in African American girl names?

Common suffixes in African American girl names include -isha, -onda, and -elle, while prefixes like Sha-, La-, and De- are also prevalent. These elements can be combined with various stems to create a wide range of unique names. They often provide a rhythmic and melodic quality to the names.