There are several factors many parents consider when deciding what to call their new bundle of joy. Some opt for finding a name with a strong message such as Jarel, which means brave and open-minded. Parents with strong religious ties may choose to go with something biblical like Malachi. Regardless of the reasoning, Black names are so diverse that there are virtually limitless options to fit each family’s desires.
Aaron
Origin: Hebrew, Arabic Meaning: Strong, exalted Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aron, Aaryn Famous Namesakes: Rapper and singer-songwriter Aaron Dontez Yates, known as Tech N9ne Peak Popularity: Aaron’s popularity has remained steady over the past 40 years with its lowest ranking peaking at 63 of the top 1000 baby names for boys in 2020.
Angelo
Origin: Latin, GreekMeaning: Angel, messengerFamous Namesakes: American composer Angelo BadalamentiPeak Popularity: The name Angelo has consistently remained in the top 1000 names, currently ranking at 314 as of 2020.
Anthony
Origin: Roman, LatinMeaning: Praiseworthy, pricelessAlternative Spellings & Variations: Antony, AnthonieFamous Namesakes: Actor and director Anthony Hopkins, American professional skateboarder Anthony ‘Tony’ HawkPeak Popularity: As of 2020, Anthony is ranked at 41, having consistently remained within the top 50 most popular names for the past 40 years.
Amari
Origin: Hebrew, AfricanMeaning: Eternal Alternative Spellings & Variations: AumariPeak Popularity: Amari is currently at its highest ranking of 217 as of 2020.
Asaad
Origin: ArabicMeaning: FortunateAlternative Spellings & Variations: AsadPeak Popularity: Asaad does not rank in the top 1,000 baby names.
Brandon
Origin: Irish, Old EnglishMeaning: Brave, princeAlternative Spellings & Variations: BrandenFamous Namesakes: American actor and martial artist Brandon LeePeak Popularity: Once reaching a peak of 6 in the early 1990s, Brandon has significantly fallen to a ranking of 166 as of 2020.
Cameron
Origin: English, ScottishMeaning: Crooked noseAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kameron, Camron, CamrynFamous Namesakes: Rapper and record executive Cameron ‘Cam’ron’ Giles, NFL player Cameron ‘Cam’ NewtonPeak Popularity: Cameron has steadily remained in the top 1000 names, with its most recent rank at 64 in 2020.
Carter
Origin: English, Irish, ScottishMeaning: One who transports goodsFamous Namesakes: Carter Beauford, American drummer and founding member of Dave Matthews BandPeak Popularity: Carter is a very popular name, remaining in the top 50 baby names for boys for the last decade and most recently ranking at 33 in 2020.
Christopher
Origin: GreekMeaning: Carrier of ChristAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cristofer, Cristopher Famous Namesakes: Actor and singer-songwriter Christopher Maurice Brown, Actor Christopher HemsworthPeak Popularity: Ranking in the top 50 names for baby boys for the last 40 years, Christopher has been consistently popular and most recently ranked at 47 in 2020.
Colby
Origin: Olde NorseMeaning: Coal townAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kolby, ColbiPeak Popularity: As of 2020, Colby ranks in the top 1000 names at 617.
David
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Beloved, friendAlternative Spellings & Variations: DavethFamous Namesakes: Award winning actor David Oyelowo, actor and comedian David Alan Grier, former English soccer player David BeckhamPeak Popularity: At its lowest rank of 28 in 2020, David has remained in the top 30 names for baby boys since the 1980s.
DeAndre
Origin: Greek, AmericanMeaning: Courageous, valiant, warriorAlternative Spellings & Variations: D’AndreFamous Namesakes: American rapper DeAndre Cortez Way, NBA player DeAndre Jordan, NFL player DeAndre HopkinsPeak Popularity: DeAndre most recently ranked at 766 in 2020.
Demetrius
Origin: LatinMeaning: Lover of earthAlternative Spellings & Variations: DemetriosFamous Namesakes: Actor Demetrius Shipp Jr., professional boxer Demetrius AndradePeak Popularity: As of 2020, Demetrius is ranked in the top 1000 names for baby boys at 856.
Dominique
Origin: FrenchMeaning: Of the LordAlternative Spellings & Variations: Domenique, DominicFamous Namesakes: Former NBA player Dominque WilkinsPeak Popularity: With a peak of 170 in the early 1990s, the popularity of this name has dropped to a ranking of 981.
Embry
Origin: EnglishMeaning: Work, ruleAlternative Spellings & Variations: Embrey, EmbreePeak Popularity: Embry does not rank in the top 1000 names for baby boys.
Isaac
Origin: Hebrew, JewishMeaning: Laugher, rejoice Alternative Spellings & Variations: Issac, Isaak, IsaackFamous Namesakes: American singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes, writer and professor Isaac AsimovPeak Popularity: Isaac has slightly fallen from a peak of 30 in 2012 to a rank of 39 in 2020.
Jahmir
Origin: AmericanMeaning: Loyal, trustworthy, God’s lightAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jamir, JahmeirPeak Popularity: Jahmir is not in the 1000 most popular name rankings.
Jamar
Origin: Arabic, EnglishMeaning: Handsome, beautyFamous Namesakes: American soccer play Jamar Beasley, professional wrestler Jamar ‘Jay Lethal’ ShipmanPeak Popularity: Jamar has fallen out of popularity since 2016 when it ranked at 1000.
Jarel
Origin: German, EnglishMeaning: Strong, brave, open-mindedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jarrel, Jarell, JerrellPeak Popularity: This name has not made the top 1000 most popular names list.
Jayce
Origin: English, Greek, HebrewMeaning: Healer, Lord is salvationAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jace, JaseFamous Namesakes: Musician Jayce FincherPeak Popularity: This name peaked at a rank of 132 in 2015. It has since fallen slightly, ranking at 151 in 2020.
Jesiah
Origin: HebrewMeaning: The Lord existsAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jessiah, JeshaiahPeak Popularity: Reaching a peak in the most popular names for the first time in 2018 at 980, Jesiah has recently fallen out of popularity.
Jelani
Origin: AfricanMeaning: Mighty, strong, greatAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jelaney, JelanieFamous Namesakes: American writer, educator and author Jelani CobbPeak Popularity: The name does not rank on the most popular name list.
Joseph
Origin: HebrewMeaning: To increase, God will giveAlternative Spellings & Variations: Josef, JozefFamous Namesakes: Former professional boxer Joseph Frazier, former boxer Joseph ‘Joe Louis’ BarrowPeak Popularity: Peaking at number 6 in 2003, Joseph has remained a very common name, only falling to a ranking of 26 in 2020.
Justin
Origin: LatinMeaning: Righteous, JustAlternative Spellings & Variations: JustonFamous Namesakes: Hop hop record producer and DJ Justin ‘Just Blaze’ Smith, Justin Scott also known as rapper Big K.R.I.T.Peak Popularity: In 2020, Justin ranked in the top 1000 baby names for boys at 168.
Kai
Origin: Welsh, Greek, HawaiianMeaning: Guardian, keeper, seaAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cai, ChiFamous Namesakes: Singer-songwriter Kai Altair, historian and journalist Kai BirdPeak Popularity: The name Kai has steadily risen in popularity, peaking at 93 in 2020.
Kenan
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Acquire, to take possessionAlternative Spellings & Variations: KeenanFamous Namesakes: American actor and comedian Kenan ThompsonPeak Popularity: Kenan only reached the top 1000 most popular names in 1997 at a rank of 969.
Keyshawn
Origin: Hebrew, AmericanMeaning: God is graciousAlternative Spellings & Variations: Keishaun, KeishawnFamous Namesakes: Former NFL player and Rose Bowl Hall of Famer Keyshawn JohnsonPeak Popularity: Falling out of the top 1000 names after 2006, Keyshawn reached its highest popularity in 2000, ranking at 519.
Khalil
Origin: Arabic, MuslimMeaning: FriendAlternative Spellings & Variations: KhaleelFamous Namesakes: American actor and film produce Khalil Kain, NFL player Khalil MackPeak Popularity: Rising from 301 in 2019 to a ranking of 276 in 2020, Khalil has consistently ranked in the top 1000 names.
Levi
Origin: HebrewMeaning: United, joined in harmonyAlternative Spellings & Variations: LevyFamous Namesakes: Former singer Levi StubbsPeak Popularity: Levi has gained popularity over the last 10 years, rising from a rank of 70 in 2010 to number 18 in 2020.
Malachi
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Messenger, angelAlternative Spellings & Variations: Malachy, MalakiPeak Popularity: Malachi has consistently trended in the top 1000 names and was most recently ranked at 157 in 2020.
Malcolm
Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: Devotee of St. ColombaAlternative Spellings & Variations: Malkolm Famous Namesakes: Actor, producer, and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner, minister and human rights activist Malcolm XPeak Popularity: The name Malcolm is gaining more popularity and currently ranks at 290 as of 2020.
Marquise
Origin: FrenchMeaning: Nobleman, royaltyAlternative Spellings & Variations: MarquisPeak Popularity: This name consistently remained popular from the 1980s to the late 2000s with a peak ranking of 370. It has not reached popularity since 2009.
Mateo
Origin: Spanish, ItalianMeaning: Gift of GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: MatteoPeak Popularity: Mateo has recently become extremely popular, ranking at its highest position of 20 in 2020.
Michael
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Gift from GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Micheal, Mikael, MihkaelFamous Namesakes: Singer-songwriter and dancer Michael Jackson, former NBA player and businessman Michael JordanPeak Popularity: Michael is an extremely popular name, ranking in the top 10 most popular names for over 20 years. The name was most recently ranked at 12 in 2020.
Montrell
Origin: Spanish, ItalianMeaning: MountainAlternative Spellings & Variations: MontrelFamous Namesakes: Gospel singer Montrell DarrettPeak Popularity: Montrell has not been in the top 1000 names since 1993 where it ranked low at 955.
Omari
Origin: African, HebrewMeaning: Flourishing, populousAlternative Spellings & Variations: OmareeFamous Namesakes: Actor Omari HardwickPeak Popularity: With a peak ranking of 471 in 2018, its popularity in the top 1000 names has dropped to 500.
Robert
Origin: Germanic Meaning: Bright, fame Alternative Spellings & Variations: Roberte, Robart, Robertes, Roberrt Famous Namesakes: Actor Robert Pattinson, Peak Popularity: Robert ranked at 80 in the top 1000 names for baby boys in 2020.
Rome
Origin: LatinMeaning: Strength, powerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Romanus, RomanFamous Namesakes: Actor Rome FlynnPeak Popularity: First breaking the top 1000 baby names in 2019 at 999, Rome currently ranked at 970 as of 2020.
Santana
Origin: SpanishMeaning: HolyPeak Popularity: Santana has risen in popularity over the last few years, going from 983 in 2013 to 542 in 2020.
Sharod
Origin: Arabic, MuslimMeaning: AutumnAlternative Spellings & Variations: SherrodPeak Popularity: Sharod has not been in the top 1000 names.
Shaun
Origin: Irish, EnglishMeaning: Gift from GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Shawn, Sean Famous Namesakes: American writer Shaun KingPeak Popularity: As of 2017, Shaun has fallen out of popularity, where it ranked at 894.
Tahj
Origin: Arabic, Hindi, SanskritMeaning: CrownAlternative Spellings & Variations: TajFamous Namesakes: Tahj Mowry, actor and brother to Tia and Tamera MowryPeak Popularity: Tahj is a rare name, only having reached the top 1000 names in 1998 and 1999 and peaking at 772.
Tevin
Origin: American, CelticMeaning: Beautiful, HandsomeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Tevon, TevynFamous Namesakes: American singer-songwriter Tevin Campbell, NFL player Tevin ReesePeak Popularity: Tevin has not ranked in the top 1000 names since its last rank of 804 in 2000.
Tony
Origin: English, French, Latin, GreekMeaning: Priceless oneAlternative Spellings & Variations: ToniFamous Namesakes: Pastor and author Anthony “Tony” Evans, professional skateboarder Tony HawkPeak Popularity: Tony’s popularity has declined over the years, but it still ranks in the top 1000 baby names for boys at 633.
Tyrell
Origin: Scandinavian, EnglishMeaning: Stubborn, pullerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Tyrel, TyrrellFamous Namesakes: Former professional boxer Tyrell BiggsPeak Popularity: Tyrell fell out of popularity in 2013, where it ranked at 984.
Von
Origin: Old Norse, GermanMeaning: HopeAlternative Spellings & Variations: VaughnFamous Namesakes: NFL player Von Miller, singer-songwriter Von “Wayne Wonder” CharlesPeak Popularity: Von does not rank in the most popular baby names list.
Xavier
Origin: ArabicMeaning: Bright, enlightenedAlternative Spellings & Variations: XayvierPeak Popularity: Xavier has been a steadily popular name for the last 40 years with a current rank of 92.
Zahir
Origin: ArabicMeaning: Helper, supporter, manifestAlternative Spellings & Variations: Zaahir, Zyhir, ZyeirPeak Popularity: Zahir only recently ranked in the top 1000 names in 2017 but has risen to 889 as of 2020.
Zaire
Origin: AfricanMeaning: RiverAlternative Spellings & Variations: ZyaireFamous Namesakes: Zaire Wade, professional basketball player and son of former NBA player Dwyane WadePeak Popularity: The name Zaire has recently become more popular, with a current rank of 522.
Zion
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Highest pointFamous Namesakes: NBA player Zion WilliamsonPeak Popularity: Zion’s popularity has risen over the past few years. Ranking at 144 in 2020, it previously ranked at 227 in 2015.
