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Kendrick - This name is of Welsh and Scottish origins and is inspired by Kendrick Lamar, considered the #1 male rapper in the U.S. Brown - not only is he a three-time Emmy and Gold Globe award winner, he was on Time's list of 100 most influential people in 2018. Sterling - If you're looking for a name that's a little more unique, look to a name inspired by Sterling K. Malcom has Scottish origins and means 'devotee of Saint Columbia.' Malcolm - This popular Black name for boys is one that makes many people think of Malcom X, the infamous Nation of Islam leader of the 50s and 60s. Jesse is a Hebrew name that means 'the Lord exists.' Jesse - A favorite name that has tremendous strength, think of four-time gold medalist Olympian Jesse Owen and you'll having a winning name. The name Louis stems from Spanish roots and means 'famous warrior.' Louis - This name, inspired by king of Jazz Louis Armstrong, just might be music to your ears. Booker, of English origin, fittingly means 'someone concerned with books.' Booker - If you're looking for a male name synonymous with strength and accomplishment, this one inspired by educator, speaker, and leader Booker T. James is a Hebrew or Biblical name that means 'substitute' or 'supplanter.' The work of this American novelist, playwright, and activist continues to impact the world. James - James might be a pretty common name, but if you think of James Baldwin, there's power there. The name Frederick is of German origin and means 'peaceful ruler.' Frederick - Think of this name and you'll think of the bravery and strength of reformer and writer Frederick Douglass, whose life and work continue to inspire. The name Denzel is thought to be of Cornish origin and means 'from the high stronghold,' 'fort,' or 'fertile land.' Denzel - Chances are one of your favorite movies includes the man who inspires this name - actor Denzel Washington. The name Martin is of Latin origins and means 'God of war.' Martin - The list wouldn't be complete without the name inspired by civil rights legend Martin Luther King, Jr. Whether you find cute and trendy pop culture names that resonate with you or discover a unique name based on one of the powerful Black change-makers throughout history, these are a few popular names that will inspire. Treyvon - Combination of Trey (three) and Devin (divine)įinding inspiration from well-known or notable people is a great way to hone in the right name. Demetrius - Follower of Demeter, Lover of Earth. Choosing a name that has a connection to something that feels important to you could be the key to finding the perfect name for your baby boy. Names can connect us to family, community, and our past. Research shows there are lots of factors impacting the way African American names developed, but one of the keys is connection. Jamar - This name, meaning 'sparks' or 'beautiful,' is thought to have Middle Eastern or French origins and is found throughout East, West, and South Africa, among other places.įind a Black Baby Name You Can Connect With. Meanings include 'God of battle,' 'thunder,' 'thunder ruler,' and 'to pull/stubborn.'
Some feel it is also inspired by early African American civil rights activist Mary Church Terrell. Tyrell - This Black name has Scandinavian, Old English, and French origins.
Its Hebrew meaning is 'God is gracious' or 'Gift of God.' In the Bible, Javon is the name of one of Noah's grandsons. Javon - This name has several variations and possible roots, including Greek, Hebrew, and Persian.Kameron - Thought to have Scottish origins, the Celtic or Gaelic name Kameron, meaning 'crooked nose,' was historically male but is now considered a gender-neutral name as well.The name Reginald has Old English, Old German, and Latin origins and means 'mighty counselor,' 'ruler," or 'to counsel and rule. Reginald - This tops the list of Black male names.These five names are based on known names as early as 1880, and they're at the top of the list based on the trends over the past five years: , a user-generated database, however, does outline some of the most common. Getting a hard and fast determination of the most statistically popular Black names for boys is a bit of a challenge, as most data sources don't break down names according to ethnicity and popularity. What's Most Popular Is Hard to Pin Down, But Here's a Start