African American male names are rich in history and culture. From traditional names passed down through generations to modern names inspired by pop culture and current events, these names hold a special significance to the African American community.
Each name tells a story and reflects the values and beliefs of the family who chose it. Some names are meant to honor ancestors, while others are chosen for their powerful meanings.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in African American names, with many parents opting for unique and meaningful names for their sons. If you are looking for African American male names inspirations, continue reading to the end.
1. Aaron (Hebrew, Arabic) – Strong, exalted
Name variations: Aharon, Harun, Aron, Aaronas
2. Angelo (Latin, Greek) – Angel, messenger
Name variations: Angelus Angelos Angelino Anghel Andjelo
3. Anthony (Roman, Latin) – Praiseworthy, priceless
Name variations: Antony Anton Antonio António Antoni
4. Amari (Hebrew, African) – Eternal
Name variations: Amar Amaris Amarion Amare Amaru
5. Asaad (Arabic) – Fortunate
Name variations: Asad Assad Asaadullah Asaadur Asat
6. Ahmod (Arabic) -Highly praised
Name variations: Ahmad Ahmed Hamid Akhmad Ahmet
7. Aiyden (Irish) – Little fire
Name variations: Aidan Aydan Aiden, Aydin Eidan
8. Amos (Jewish) – Carried by God
Name variations: Amós Amoss Amosse Amóska Amosz
9. Autry (French) – Noble strength
Name variations: Autrey Autri Autryi Autrius Autris
10. Booker (English) – Scribe
Name variations: Buker Bukare Bukur Bukers Bukir
11. Busta (American) – Friend
Name variation: Buster
12. Brandon (Irish, Old English) – Brave prince
Name variations: Brendan, Branden, Brenden, Branton, Brendon
14. Cameron (English, Scottish) – Crooked nose
Name variations: Camron, Kameron, Camryn, Cameryn, Camren
15. Carter (English, Irish, and Scottish) – One who transports goods
Name variations: Cartier, Kartar, Kartier, Karter, Cartar
16. Calvin (French) – bald
Name variations: Kalvin, Kelvin, Kalven, Calven, Calvyn
17. Caleb (Hebrew) – devotion to God
Name variations: Kaleb, Kaelob, Kaelub, Kailob, Kailub
18. Craig (Scottish, Irish, and Welsh) – From the rocks
Name variations: Crag, Craeg, Creg, Creag, Crayg
19. Clayton (Old English) – clay settlement
Name variations: Klayton, Claeton, Clayten, Claytan
20. Cassius (Latin) – narcissistic or vain
Name variations: Kassius, Kacius, Kassios, Kascius, Kassi
21. Chante (French) – Sung
Name variations: Chantae, Chantee, Shantae, Shantay, Shante
22. Chaquille (Arabic) – little
Name variations: Shaquille, Shakil, Shaqueel, Shaq, Keel, Keelan, Keilani
23. Cornell (English) – This is the name of a town.
Name variations: Kornel, Kornell, Kornall, Kornelia, Kornelius, Korniliya, Kornilija
24. Christopher (Greek) – Carrier of Christ
Name variations: Kristofer, Kristoffer, Kristopher, Cristóbal, Kristaps, Christophe
25. Colby (Olde Norse) – Coal town
Name variations: Colbey, Colbi, Colbie, Colbin, Colburn, Colborne, Coalby
26. Curtis (Spanish, Portuguese) – Humble or courteous one
Name variations: Curt, Curtiss, Curtice, Cortez, Kourtney, Kort, Cortney, Curty
27. David (Hebrew) – Beloved, friend
Name variations: Davin, Dave, Davey, Davie, Davidson, Dovid, Daoud, Dávid
28. DeAndre (Greek, American) – Courageous, Valliant warrior
Name variations: De’Andre, Dandre, Deondre, De’ondre, Deandrea, D’andre, Deandray, Dandrea
29. Demetrius (Latin) – Lover of earth
Name variations: Demetrio, Dimitrios, Dimitri, Dmitriy, Demetri, Demetrious, Demetrice, Demetrias
30. Dominique (French) – Of the lord
Name variations: Dominick, Dominik, Domingo, Domonique, Dominykas, Dominiquea, Dominiq
31. Deion (Greek) – God of wine and revelry
Name variations: Dion, Deione, Deionte, Deionta, Dayion, Deyon, Deon, Dayvon
32. Damien (Greek) – To overcome
Name variations: Damian, Damien, Damion, Daymien, Damyen, Damiene, Daimien
33. Denzel (Greek) – Fine wine lover
Name variations: Denzil, Denit, Dennett, Dennit, , Denny, Danzel, Denzal, Denzell
34. Darius (Persian language) – Rich or kingly
Name variations: Dario, Dariush, Dareios, Darek, Darian, Darion, Darry, Darien
35. Dewayne (Irish) – Dark
Name variation: Dwayne, Dewaine, Dewane, , Dewaun, Dewaune
36. Dontrell (Italian) – Lasting
Name variations: Dontae, Dontay, Donte, Dontell, Dontrelle, Donzell,
37. Dijon (French, Hebrew) – God is gracious
Name variations: Dijoné, Dijone, Dejon, Dejourn, Dijohn, Djion,
38. Ervan (Variation of French name Yves) – yew
Name variations: Ervin, Ervyn, Erve, Ervine, Erv, Erva, Erven
39. Emmett (Hebrew, German, and English) – Universal
Name variations: Emmit, Emeth, Emet, Emmot, Emme, Emmi,
40. Eli (Hebrew) – Ascended, uplifted, or high
Name variations: Elie, Elias, Elijah, Ilan
41. Efrem (Spanish) – Fruitful
Name variations: Ephraim, Efrain, Efram, Efrayim
42. Elijah (Hebrew) – Yahweh is my God
Name variations: Eli, Elias, Elyas, Elijah, Ilan
43. Ericson (Swedish) – Son of Eric
Name variations: Erickson, Erikson, Ericsson, Eriksen, Erixon
44. Embry (English) – Work, rule
Name variations: Emery, Embrey, Embree, Embrye, Embre
45. Godrell (Germany) – Related to God
Name variations: Gottfried, Godfrey, Godfry, Godfried, Goddard
46. Garlan (French) – Wreath or prize
Name variations: Garland, Garlen, Garlend, Garlant, Garlent
47. Ghalen (African) – Calm
Name variations: Ghalan, Galen, Galon, Galan, Ghallen
48. Grady (Irish) – Noble
Name variations: Graydon, Graden, Gradon, Gradey, Gradie
49. Hosea (Hebrew) – Salvation
Name variations: Hoshea, Hosheya, Hoshia, Hoshua, Osee
50. Hakeem (Arabic) – Wise
Name variations: Hakim, Hakiem, Hacim, Hacem, Hakym
51. Hassan (Arabic) – Handsome
Name variations: Hasan, Hassaan, Hassain, Hassam, Hassum
52. Isaac (Hebrew, Jewish) – Laugher, rejoice
Name variations: Isaak, Isac, Issac, Izaac, Izaak
53. Isiah (Hebrew) – God is my savior
Name variations: Isaiah, Isaias, Isaia, Isaya, Ysaias
54. Iker (Spanish) – Visit
Name variations: Ikerr, Ickar, Icker, Ikkar, Ikar
55. Ian (Scottish) – God is gracious
Name variations: Iain, Ean, Eian, Iantha, Ion
56. Izaak (Hebrew) – laughter
Name variations: Isaac, Isaak, Isac, Issac, Izaac
57. Jayden (Spanish, Hebrew) – God has heard
Name variations: Jaden, Jadon, Jaiden, Jaydan, Jaidyn
58. Joaquin (Hebrew) – Established by God
Name variations: Joachim, Joakim, Jochim, Jokim, Joaqim
59. Jaheem (Jamaican) – Raised or dignified
Name variations: Jahiem, Jahiemm, Jahiym, Jahiymm, Jahym
60. Jamal (Arabic) – Handsome
Name variations: Jemal, Jameel, Jamall, Jahmal, Jahmel
61. Joachim (Hebrew) – Established by God
Name variations: Joaquin, Joakim, Jochim, Jokim, Joaquim
62. Justus (Latin) – Justice
Name variations: Just, Justo, Justen, Justyn, Juste
63. Jahmir (American) – Loyal, trustworthy, God’s light
Name variations: Jahmier, Jahmyr, Jahmeer, Jahmiere, Jahmyre
64. Jamar (Arabic, English) – Handsome, beauty
Name variations: Jamaar Jamaari Jamair Jamaras Jamarrea Jamarri Jamaur Jaumar Jemar Jamal
65. Jevonte (American) – Son of Japheth
Name variations: Jevonta Jevontae Jevontaye
66. Jarel (German, English) – Strong, open-minded
Name variations: Jarell, Jerel, Jerell, Jarrell, Jarele
67. Jayce (English, Greek, Hebrew) – Healer, lord is salvation
Name variations: Jace, Jayse, Jaise, Jacey, Jaycee, Jayson
68. Jesiah (Hebrew) – The lord exists
Name variations: Jeshua, Jeshurun, Jeshaiah, Jesaiah, Jessey
69. Jalen (Greek) – Healer
Name variations: Jaylen, Jaylin, Jaylon, Jalon, Jalin, Jaelen
70. Jelani (African) – Mighty, strong, great
Name variations: Jelanie, Jelany, Jelanyi, Jelanii, Jelanni
71. Joseph (Hebrew) – To increase, God will give
Name variations: Josef, Josep, Josif, Yosef, Yoseph, Jozef
72. Justin (Latin) – Righteous, Just
Name variations: Justyn, Justen, Juston, Justan, Juste, Justo
73. Kai (Welsh, Greek, Hawaiian) – Guardian, keeper, sea
Name variations: Kye, Ky, Kaj, Cai, Kay, Kyei
74. Keenan (Hebrew) – Acquire, to take possession
Name variations: Kian, Kienan, Keenen, Keinan, Kenan, Kynan
75. Keyshawn (Hebrew, American) – God is gracious
Name variations: Keshawn, Keishawn, Keyshaun, Kishawn, Keyshon, Keishon
76. Khalil (Arabic, Muslim) – Friend
Name variations: Kahlil, Kalil, Kaleel, Kahlile, Khaleel
77. Kimbel (Welsh) – Warrior chief
Name variations: Kymbel, Kimble, Kymble, Kymball, Kimmel
78. Kendis (Latin) – Pure
Name variations: Kendice, Kendiss, Kendece, Kenda, Kendyl
79. Khalan (Arabic) – A strong warrior
Name variations: Khaalan, Kallan, Kellan, Kalan, Kaelan
80. Keon (Irish, Hebrew) – God is gracious
Name variations: Keyon, Keion, Kion, Keoni, Kyon
81. Kelvin (Scottish) – From the river
Name variations: Kelvyn, Kelfin, Kelven, Kelvan, Kelvine
82. Kordell (English) – Cord maker
Name variations: Kordel, Kordall, Cordell, Cordelle, Cordelio
83. Laikin (British) – From the lake
Name variations: Laiken, Laken, Lakin, Lakein, Lakyn
84. Lavaughn (Welsh, American) – wood
Name variations: Lavonn Lavonne Lavaughan Lavon Lavone Lavonna Lavonnah
85. Lamonte (Gaelic) – Man of law
Name variations: Lamont (Scottish), Lamount (French)
86. LeBron (French) – King
Name variations: Lebrun (French)
87. Lamech (Greek) – powerful
Name variations: Lemech (Hebrew)
89. Lemarcus (Latin, American) – Warlike
Name variations: Lamar (French), Marcus (Roman)
90. Lucius (Latin) – light
Name variations: Lucio (Italian), Lucien (French)
91. Levi (Hebrew) – United, joined in harmony
Name variations: Lev (Russian), Levon (Armenian)
92. Malcolm (Gaelic, Scottish) – Devotee of St. Colomba
Name variations: Malcom (Irish), Malkolm (Swedish)
93. Marquise (French) – Nobleman, royalty
Name variations: Marquis (English), Marquez (Spanish)
94. Mateo (Spanish, Italian) – Gift of God
Name variations: Matteo (Italian), Matheus (Portuguese)
95. Michael (Hebrew) – Gift from God
Name variations: Miguel (Spanish), Mihai (Romanian)
96. Montrell (Spanish, Italian) – Mountain
Name variations: Montel (French), Montrelli (Italian)
97. Martell (German) – warrior of Mars
Name variations: Martel (French), Martello (Italian)
98. Malachiah (Hebrew) – God’s messenger
Name variations: Malakai (Hawaiian), Malakhi (Russian)
99. Marcel (Latin) – Belonging to Mars
Name variations: Marcellus (Latin), Marcello (Italian)
100. Murphy (Gaelic) – Sea warrior
Name variations: Murphey (Irish), Murfi (Finnish)
101. Malik (Arabic) – King
Name variations: Maleek (African), Malek (Egyptian)
102. Neville (French) – New town
Name variations: Nevil, Nevill, Nevile, Nevelson, Nevell
103. Nimbus (Latin) – Rainstorm or dark cloud
Name variations: None
104. Nolan (Irish) – Champion
Name variations: Nolen, Noland, Nollan, Noll, Nowlan, Nowland
105. Niles (Gaelic) – Son of Neil
Name variations: Nile, Niall, Neal, Neale, Neilson, Nelson
106. Naeem (Arabic) – Benevolent
Name variations: Na’im, Naim, Na’iem, Naeim, Na’eem
107. Napoleon (Italian, Africa) – Lion in a new city, a fierce one from Naples
Name variations: Nappie Nappy Nap Leon Leo
108. Omari (African, Hebrew) – Flourishing, populous
New variations: Omarion Omer Omario Omarr Omarius
109. Orion (Greek) – The rising star
New variations: Orian Oran, Orien Oryon Orin
110. Orpheus (Greek) – Darkness of the night
New variations: Orfey, Orfeo, Orphaeus, Orphie Orphic
111. Oscar (English) – God’s spear
New variations: Oskar Ozzie Ozzy Osker
112. Otis (German, Old English, Greek roots) – Prosperity, wealth
New variations: Otys Odis Otas
113. Owen (Welsh) – Well-born
New variations: Owain Owyn Ewan
114. Payne (English) – Country-dweller
New variations: Paine Payn Payton Paen
115. Peter (Greek) – Rock
New variations: Pete Petey Pietro Piero
116. Quinn (Irish) – Counsel
New variations: Quin Quincy Quinlan Quince Quenton
117. Roscoe (Old Norse) – Deer forest
New variations: Rosco Ross, Rosse Rusk Ruskoe
118. Raimy (Native American) – Compassionate
Name variation: Raimee
119. Rashon (Arabic) – God is gracious
Name variations: Rachan Rashaan Rasham Rashan Rashawn Reshaun Reshawn
120. Rufus (Latin) – Red-headed
Name variations: Rufous Ruff Ruffe Rufinus Ruffin
121. Robert (Germanic) – Bright, fame
Name variations: Roberto Rob Robby Robbie Robb
122. Rome (Latin) – Strength, power
Name variations: Roma Romulus Romie
123. Sabah (Arabic, Turkish) – Morning
Name variations: Sabahat Sabih Sabahudin Sabahiya
124. Santana (Spanish) – Holy
Name variations: Sante Santino Santander Santonio Santanu
125. Sharod (Arabic, Muslim) – Autumn
Name variations: Sharad Sharood Sharode Sharodin
126. Shaun (Irish, English) – Gift from God
Name variations: Shawn Sean, Shane Shaune Shaunie
127. Tahj (Arabic, Hindi, Sanskrit) – Crown
Name variations: Taj Taha Tahir Taje Tahji
128. Tevin (American, Celtic) – Beautiful, Handsome
Name variations: Tevyn Tevino Teviner Tevindra
129. Tyrell (Scandinavian, English) – Stubborn puller
Name variations: Tyrelle Tyrel Terrell Tyrellin
130. Tony (English, French, Latin, Greek) – Priceless one
Name variations: Toni Antoine Antonius Antoni Antonio
131. Tyrone (Irish) – Land of Owen
Name variations: Tyron Tyrone Tiron Tyrion Tyren
132. Tyrus (American) – Strength, rock, or sharp
Name variations: Tyrese Tyrusi Tyru
133. Von (Old Norse, German) – Hope
Name variations: Vonn Vontae Vondell Vontell
134. Wyclef (English) – Dweller at the white cliff
Name variations: Wycliffe Wyclif Wicleff
135. Warren (English, Irish) – To protect
Name variations: Warron Warrin, Warryn Warrenton
136. Xavier (Arabic, Spanish, Basque) – New House
Name variations: Javier Xaver Xavius Xavien
137. Xenon (Greek) – Guest or foreigner
Name variations: Zenon Xenos Xen Xenion Xenor
138. Zephan (Hebrew) – Prized possession of God
Name variations: Zephaniah Zephon Zephanias Zephanijah Zephen
139. Zahir (Arabic) – Helper, supporter, manifest
Name variations: Zaheer Zohair Zaher Zahiruddin Zahirullah
140. Zaire (African) – River
Name variations: Zayre Zair Zayr Zayra Zairon
141. Zion (Hebrew) – The highest point.
Name variations: Sion Zyion Zayon Zyoni Zyonna
142. Zuma (Arabic) – Peace
Name variations: Zuman Zumah Zumar Zumair Zumat
Conclusion
With our comprehensive list of African American male names, we hope you’ve gotten some inspiration in naming your baby boy.
These names often reflect the struggles and triumphs of the African American community throughout history and serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of this community.
It is important to recognize and celebrate these names’ significance and understand their stories and histories.
By doing so, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the African American community and its contributions to our society.
Additionally, we can ensure that these names are properly respected and valued and continue to be passed down through generations.
