Black American Babies

Cheyanne

English variation of Cheyenne, Sioux

"people of a different language"

This is a variation of Cheyenne that is slipping in the popularity list toward obscurity.

Mikaela

Swedish and Finnish variation of Michaela, Hebrew

"who is like God"

Variation of Michaela often used in Scandinavian countries. Oscar-winning actress Mikey Madison's formal name is Mkaela, spelled this way. Mikaela is a Top 20 name in Puerto Rico.

Theresa

English form of the Spanish Teresa

"to harvest"

The popular appeal of the strong, intelligent Saint Teresa of Avila, combined with the selfless compassion of the more recent Mother Teresa, have fused to give this second-tier classic a somewhat…

Patrice

French variation of PATRICIA

"noble"

Patrice is a more modern-sounding and polished unisex alternative to Patricia.

Lucretia

Latin, female form of Lucretius

"profit, wealth"

A pretty and plausible Latin name that's gotten a bad rap through the years via a link to Lucrezia Borgia, who, though long considered a demon poisoner, was actually a patron of learning and the…

Candace

Latin

"white, pure, sincere"

Candace, an ancient title of a dynasty of Ethiopian queens mentioned in the New Testament, is associated both with actress Candice Bergen and Sex and the City writer Candace Bushnell. Both spellings…

Shaniqua

Modern invented name

Unfortunate name that's become a caricature, like Muffy, say, or Bruce.

Kristal

See CRYSTAL.

Renee

French from Latin

"reborn"

Chic in the fifties, now kept in the public eye mainly by actress Zellweger. Variations include Rene, Renae, and Renny.

Kiki

French nickname and Japanese

"double happiness"

Kiki is one of the Coco-Gigi-Fifi-Lulu bohemian-type French nickname names from the turn of the last century, which have endless energy and sparkle. Artist Kiki Smith is its most well-known…

Kristina

Scandinavian variation of Christina

"annointed, a Christian"

This streamlined form of a pretty and feminine classic may not be as popular as it once was, but it's never out of style. A royal name best used now in its full glory rather than as nicknames Kris or…

Felicia

Latin

"lucky"

A lacy, lucky name very popular in the Hispanic community a decade ago, less so now.

Ayanna

Arabic, African

"large eyes; or time; beautiful flower"

Variant of Ayana with international roots.

Monique

French variation of Monica

"advisor"

The sort of oh-so-French name that's falling out of favor now.

Nya

Swahili, Basque, "tenacity, purpose, aim; sea fam, wave"

"tenacity, purpose, aim; sea fam, wave"

A relatively new name on the scene, increasing in popularity since 1999. It is likely a variation of Nia, a Swahili name based on the Arabic Niya meaning "tenacity, purpose, determination".…

Tia

Diminutive of names ending -tia

A short, bright name which originates as a short form of names including Tiana, and Tatiana. Not as popular as Mia – a plus if you're seeking a short and pretty but less common name. In Spanish and…

Tamara

Hebrew

"date palm tree"

Adding a final a to Tamar lends it a more sensual Slavic tone, making it a more popular choice than the original.

Kaydence

Variation of Cadence, word name

We'd prefer to stick with the more-familiar Cadence and avoid the overly trendy Kay- prefix.

Ayesha

Arabic

"alive"

Variant of Aisha. In the 19th century novel She , Ayesha is a beautiful 2000-year-old queen of a lost city, and is known as "she who must be obeyed."

Nakia

Arabic

"pure"

Technically a boy's name, but certainly one that would work in the Western culture for a girl, especially after the release of Black Panther , in which it was the name of Lupita Nyong'o's fiery…