109 African American Male Names and Their Meanings

Choosing a name is a special moment. It can tell a story about where you come from, celebrate your culture, and connect you to generations of family. In the African American community, names are especially meaningful. They can honor heroes, bring back a piece of African heritage, and show off creative twists.

This article dives into the interesting world of African American male names, exploring where they come from, what they mean, and the stories they tell.

Popular African American Male Names

Malik – An Arabic name meaning “king,” widely adopted in African American communities to symbolize strength and leadership.
Deshawn – A modern name combining the prefix “De” with the name “Shawn,” reflecting a blend of African and American naming traditions.
Tyrone – Of Gaelic origin, meaning “land of the noble,” popular among African Americans for its strong, distinctive sound.
Jalen – A modern name likely derived from the combination of Jay and Allen, showing the creativity in naming within the community.
Marquis – A title in French nobility, used as a first name to convey sophistication and nobility.
Darius – An ancient name of Persian origin meaning “kingly” or “wealthy,” popular for its powerful connotation.
Xavier – A Spanish name meaning “new house” or “bright,” chosen for its stylish X starting and spiritual undertones.
Jamal – An Arabic name meaning “beauty,” chosen for its strong cultural ties and positive meaning.
Jermaine – A name of French origin meaning “brother,” widely used in the African American community.
Khalil – Meaning “friend” in Arabic, popular due to its lyrical sound and deep meaning.
Lamar – A French surname meaning “the pool,” adopted as a first name and appreciated for its unique sound.
Terrence – A name of Latin origin meaning “soft” or “tender,” popular for its classical tone and strong character.
Andre – French version of Andrew, meaning “manly” and “brave.”
DeAndre – A hybrid name combining the prefix “De” with the name “Andre,” showcasing a modern naming trend.
Quentin – Latin origin meaning “fifth,” often chosen for a fifth child or born in the fifth month.
Kendrick – An English name meaning “bold power,” resonating with strength and resilience.
Tyree – Possibly derived from a Scottish surname, this name is favored for its modern and bold sound.
Darnell – Of Old English origin meaning “the hidden spot,” popular for its uniqueness.
Cedric – Introduced by Sir Walter Scott in literature, it has a noble connotation and uniqueness.
Raheem – Arabic in origin, meaning “merciful” or “compassionate,” reflecting deep spiritual values.
Isaiah – A biblical name meaning “Yahweh is salvation,” significant for its spiritual depth.
Elijah – Another profound biblical name meaning “My God is Yahweh,” noted for its strong biblical ties.
Dante – From Latin, meaning “enduring,” popularized in African American culture for its melodious sound.
Omari – Of Swahili origin meaning “God the highest,” reflecting both religious significance and cultural heritage.
Zaire – A name inspired by the African river or the former name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, symbolizing connection to African roots.
Tyson – An English surname meaning “firebrand,” adopted for its energetic and powerful vibe.
Cornelius – A traditional name meaning “horn,” often chosen for its historical and noble feel.
Damien – Derived from Greek, meaning “to tame,” known for its sophistication and strength.
Kareem – Arabic origin meaning “generous,” loved for its beautiful meaning and cultural depth.
Demetrius – A Greek name meaning “follower of Demeter,” chosen for its classical heritage and strong sound.

Cool African American Male Names

Zion – A name of Hebrew origin meaning “highest point,” often symbolizing utopia or a place of peace and perfection.
Nasir – Arabic for “helper,” this name has grown in popularity and is often chosen for its strong, protective connotations.
Kai – A multicultural name which in Swahili means “sea,” representing versatility and depth.
Jaxon – A modern, edgy variant of the traditional name “Jack,” meaning “son of Jack,” it offers a contemporary twist.
Dante – Meaning “enduring,” this name is favored for its strong literary connections and timeless appeal.
Tyreek – An inventive American name blending sounds and styles, often associated with speed and agility.
Zaire – Reflective of African heritage, this name was inspired by the river and country, symbolizing a deep connection to roots.
Malik – Arabic for “king,” it’s a powerful name that’s both assertive and regal.
DeShawn – A modern hybrid name combining the prefix “De” with the name “Shawn,” adding a unique twist.
Jaden – A contemporary name possibly derived from jade, denoting the precious green stone.
Taj – Meaning “crown” in Hindi, it’s a name that conveys royalty and distinction.
Kendrick – Possibly of Gaelic origin meaning “royal power,” it has gained popularity for its strong sound and heritage.
Ezra – A biblical name meaning “help,” known for its concise strength and uniqueness.
Shawn – An Anglicization of the Irish name Seán, it remains popular for its simplicity and elegance.
LeBron – Popularized by the famous basketball player LeBron James, it signifies excellence and prowess.
Tyrone – Of Gaelic origin meaning “land of the noble,” it carries a classic yet robust character.
Sterling – English in origin, meaning “high quality,” and metaphorically it represents excellence and value.
Chance – Symbolizing luck and opportunity, this name is trendy and optimistic.
Jermaine – French origin meaning “brother,” it’s a name that has remained popular over the years for its familial significance.
Darius – Of Persian origin meaning “kingly or rich,” it carries a sense of nobility and historical depth.
Cedric – Introduced by Sir Walter Scott, it’s often chosen for its noble connotations and unique sound.
Tristan – Meaning “tumult” or “uproar,” this name is notable for its chivalric and romantic associations.
Marquis – A title of nobility in French, used as a first name to signify nobleness and distinction.
Kobe – Made famous by the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant, this name symbolizes talent and determination.
Tyson – Meaning “firebrand,” it conveys energy and forcefulness.
Quincy – Of French origin meaning “estate of the fifth son,” it blends traditional roots with a modern flair.
Lamar – Of Old French origin meaning “the pool,” it’s noted for its lyrical quality and uniqueness.
Idris – Of Welsh and Arabic origin meaning “ardent lord,” popularized by actor Idris Elba, it resonates with charisma and strength.
Xavier – Meaning “new house” or “bright,” it’s a name that exudes a modern and bright outlook.

Unique African American Male Names

Amari – A beautiful name of African origins meaning “strength,” and is widely admired for its powerful connotation.
Kwasi – A name used among Akan people of Ghana, meaning “born on Sunday,” reflecting traditional naming practices tied to days of the week.
Jabari – Of Swahili origin meaning “brave one,” this name is both strong and resonant.
Zuriel – A unique name meaning “God is my rock” in Hebrew, providing a spiritual depth.
Demarco – An inventive American name that combines “De” with the common name Marco, giving it a fresh twist.
Kenyon – Meaning “blond” in Gaelic, but widely used in African American communities for its stylish sound.
Omri – A biblical name that is uncommon yet resonant, meaning “my sheaf” in Hebrew.
Shakir – Of Arabic origin meaning “thankful,” it is often chosen for its beautiful sound and positive meaning.
Tremaine – A name that exudes a modern vibe, often associated with sophistication and charm.
Davonte – A modern American name that blends popular elements with a unique finish.
Eldrick – Rare and distinctive, possibly an alternative to Elric, meaning “wise ruler.”
Femi – Of African origin meaning “love me” or “marry me,” this name is both unique and lyrical.
Giovanne – An Italian form of John, meaning “God is gracious,” adopted for its romantic and international flair.
Horace – Though an old Roman name meaning “timekeeper,” it has been uniquely reclaimed in African American contexts.
Imani – A Swahili name meaning “faith,” popular among those celebrating African heritage.
Jamir – A modern creation with a smooth sound and high appeal.
Khalon – A rare and modern name, possibly based on other popular names like Kaleb or Alan but with a unique twist.
Levar – Meaning “to rise” or “ascend,” this name has a motivational quality.
Myron – An ancient Greek name meaning “myrrh, fragrance,” adopted for its vintage charm.
Nashawn – A contemporary name blending the appeal of Sean with a distinctive prefix.
Orlando – Meaning “famous throughout the land,” widely recognized yet uniquely resonant in African American culture.
Quintez – A modern name with a numeric element, reflecting a unique and edgy persona.
Rashaun – Combining elements of Rashad and Shaun, this name offers a modern, rhythmic sound.
Sirius – Named after the brightest star in the night sky, symbolizing brightness and ambition.
Tyreese – A modern American name that blends Ty with the pleasing sound of Reese.
Vaughn – Meaning “small” in Welsh, adopted for its succinct elegance and rarity.
Waylon – An English name meaning “land beside the road,” adopted for its strong, masculine sound.
Xander – A short form of Alexander, meaning “defender of the people,” known for its punchy ‘X’ start.
Yahya – An Arabic name meaning “John” in English, popular for its spiritual significance.
Zayd – Of Arabic origin meaning “abundance” or “growth,” chosen for its succinct appeal and deep meaning.

Names Inspired by African American Leaders and Icons

Martin: Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., a seminal figure in the American civil rights movement known for his advocacy of nonviolent protest.
Malcolm: Reflects the influence of Malcolm X, a prominent civil rights leader known for his powerful speeches and advocacy for African American empowerment.
Rosa: Honors Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her bus seat became a pivotal act in the civil rights movement.
Langston: Celebrates Langston Hughes, a leader of the Harlem Renaissance and a great poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist.
Maya: Inspired by Maya Angelou, an acclaimed author and poet known for her poignant works discussing race, identity, and womanhood.
Frederick: Named after Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave who became a powerful abolitionist, orator, and writer.
Harriet: Reflects the bravery of Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist and former slave who led many slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad.
Booker: Named after Booker T. Washington, an influential African American educator, author, orator, and advisor to several U.S. Presidents.
Thurgood: Inspired by Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, known for his significant contributions to civil rights.
Shirley: Celebrates Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress and the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Barack: Named after Barack Obama, the first African American President of the United States, symbolizing hope and progress.
Jesse: Reflects the impact of Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader and two-time Democratic presidential candidate.
Lewis: Honors John Lewis, an iconic figure in the civil rights movement known for his role in the Selma to Montgomery marches.
Alvin: Inspired by Alvin Ailey, an influential choreographer and activist who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Marian: Named after Marian Anderson, a celebrated singer and a key figure in the struggle for black artists to overcome racial prejudice in the United States during the mid-twentieth century.
Neil: Celebrates Cornel West, often called Cornel Neil West, a philosopher, political activist, social critic, author, and public intellectual.
Colin: Named after Colin Powell, a military leader and the first African American Secretary of State.
Ella: Inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, one of the most influential jazz singers of all time, known for her purity of tone and impeccable diction.
W.E.B.: Reflects the intellectual legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois, a founder of the NAACP and a scholar whose works helped shape African American literature.
Toni: Named after Toni Morrison, a Nobel laureate and author known for her richly detailed portraits of African American life.