105+ Enchanting Names Meaning "Dark" or "Black" (Female, Male, Unisex & Surnames)

choosin’ a name with a deep, mysterious meaning can be an exquisite journey. If ya’re drawn to the allure of the night or the enigmatic beauty of darkness, names that mean dark or black offer a unique charm. These names, ranging from French elegance to ancient Greek mythology, carry with them a sense of strength, mystery, & a touch of the unknown.

Whether ya’re naming a character in yar next novel, searching for a baby name that st&s out, or just curious about the darker side of nomenclature, these names associated with darkness are sure to draw ya in.

names that mean dark

Diving into names that mean dark opens up a world of rich, enigmatic choices. Such names carry an aura of mystery & depth, making them st&out options for anyone looking to bestow a unique moniker.

Dark Male Names

For those searching for a male name that resonates with strength, mystery, & the allure of the unknown, look no further. Dark male names derive from various languages & cultures, each carrying its own story & association with darkness or the mysterious.

Ciaran: Derived from the Irish word “ciar,” meaning “dark” or “black-haired.”
Colburn: An English name meaning “cold brook” or “dark brook,” suggesting a shadowy, cool stream.
Damon: A Greek-origin name encapsulating the idea of taming darkness.
Dante: Italian in origin, suggesting endurance & the shadowy domaines.
Dargan: An Irish name meaning “dark-haired.”
Donovan: Gaelic, meaning “dark” or “brown-haired chieftain,” emphasizing a darker attribute.
Douglas: Scottish, from a Gaelic name meaning “dark stream,” symbolizing depth & flow.
Draco: Greek for ‘dragon’, conjuring images of fire & night.
Duncan: Scottish & Gaelic, meaning “dark warrior” or “brown warrior,” emphasizing strength & darkness.
Edgar: Fortunate & powerful, with ties to English mystery.
Erebus: From Greek mythology, the name of the deity representing darkness, the deep shadow between Earth & Hades.
Gethin: Welsh, meaning “dark” or “swarthy,” directly tied to a darker visage.
Keith: Scottish roots point to the forest, a place of shadows & depth.
Kerwin: An Irish name meaning “little dark one” or “dark-haired.”
Kieran: ‘Little dark one’ from Irel&, epitomizing darkness in a charming way.
Lorcan: An Irish name meaning “little fierce one,” often associated with the fierceness of darkness or the night.
Murdoch: A Scottish name meaning “protector of the sea,” where the sea can symbolize the vast, dark depths.
Orion: A Greek name meaning ‘son of fire,’ evoking the dark expanses of the universe.
Raven: An English name directly connected to the dark messenger of lore.
Tynan: Irish, meaning “dark” or “dusty,” associated with shadowy imagery.
Zephyr: Although meaning ‘west wind,’ its Greek origins tie it to dusky hues & shadows.

Exploring these dark mysterious names for males opens up narratives of power, intrigue, & the enchanting veil of night.

Dark Female Names

Feminine names with meanings tied to darkness or night offer a blend of beauty, mystery, & strength. These names span cultures & time, providing a wide range of options.

Aisha: An Arabic name meaning life, yet associated with the enigmatic night.
Amaya: Japanese for ‘night rain,’ capturing the essence of transient beauty & darkness.
Brangwen: Welsh name meaning “dark & pure,” associated with goodness.
Cass&ra: A beacon in Greek mythology, shining a light on all that is hidden.
Ciara: An Irish name meaning “dark-haired.”
Demetria: Tied to the Greek ‘earth mother,’ hinting at the fertile, dark soil of creation.
Kali: In Hindu mythology, Kali is the goddess of death, time, & doomsday, often associated with darkness.
Kalma: In Finnish mythology, Kalma is the goddess of death & decay, directly associated with the darker aspects of life.
Kiera: Meaning “dark-haired” or “dark,” a variant of Ciara with a soft, mysterious edge.
Lilith: A Hebrew name that s into the night, ghost stories, & untold tales.
Maura: Irish, signifying “dark” or “dark-skinned”
Melanie: Greek, meaning “black” or “dark,” directly tied to darkness through color.
Morana: A Slavic homage to darkness & the enigmatic end that is death.
Morrigan: From Irish mythology, associated with war & fate, often linked to the darker aspects of sovereignty & protection.
Nyx: Directly named after the Greek goddess of night, embodying darkness itself.
Ophelia: Though it means “help” in Greek, it’s often associated with darkness due to its literary association with tragedy & depth in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
Quintessa: A name that implies essence or being, often used to denote something mysterious or the essence of darkness in a poetic sense.
Sable: English, referring to a black fur, symbolizing darkness & luxury.
Sauda: Arabic for “dark” & “melancholy,” embodying a deep, enriching darkness.
Selena: Greek, related to the moon, suggesting the soft, reflective darkness of night.
Sloan: Irish, meaning “raider,” can imply the stealth & shadow required in the dark of night for raiding.
Sybil: Meaning “prophetess” in Greek, often associated with those who can see into the dark depths of the future.
Tamsin: A variant of Thomasina, meaning “twin,” but often associated with twilight due to its soft & shadowy phonetics.
Tempest: English name meaning “violent storm,” evoking the chaotic beauty of dark skies & tumultuous weather.
Vespera: Latin for “evening,” suggesting the onset of darkness & the beauty found in the twilight hours.

choosin’ a female name imbued with darkness invites an exploration of depth, resilience, & allure.

Dark Unisex Names

Amongst names that mean dark, unisex options st& out for their versatility & universal charm. These names cross cultural boundaries, embodying the essence of night & mystery without being tethered to any specific gender identity.

Adrian: Latin for ‘dark one,’ offering a broad appeal.
Blake: An English name that hints at dark tones or even ‘blackness.’
Cameron: Scottish origins convey the meaning ‘crooked nose,’ but its modern interpretation leans towards shadowy nuances.
Corbin: Meaning “raven,” directly associated with the dark color of the bird & its mystical connotations.
Darcy: While traditionally Irish, it’s increasingly popular as a unisex option signifying the “dark one.”
Devon: An English name referring to a “deep valley dweller,” indirectly suggesting darkness through the depth & shadow of valleys.
Jordan: Deriving from Hebrew, meaning ‘descend,’ it indirectly encapsulates the descent into darkness.
Kendall: English for ‘valley of the River Kent,’ it signifies depth & shadowed valleys.
Kerry: Irish, meaning “dark-haired” or “dark,” directly ties to the theme of darkness.
Marlowe: English, meaning “driftwood,” often associated with the shadowy, mysterious aspects of water & darkness.
Sullivan: Gaelic, meaning “dark-eyed,” indicating a feature often associated with depth & mystery.

Opting for a dark unisex name offers a modern take on an age-old fascination with all that is mysterious & profound.

Dark Last Names

Last names that mean dark not only carry heritage & history, but offer a distinctive identity linked to the enigmatic allure of darkness. Here’s a selection that echoes with the echoes of dusk & shadow.

Blackwood: Directly invoking the dense, dark woods.
Cavanaugh: Gaelic in origin, hinting at a ‘companion of darkness.’
Duff: Gaelic for ‘dark’ or ‘black,’ succinct & powerful.
Moriarty: Irish for ‘navigator of the sea,’ steering through the dark waters.
Nightingale: English for the bird that sings in the night, a symbol of beauty in darkness.
Sullivan: Meaning ‘dark-eyed,’ it’s Irish in roots & rich in mysterious allure.
Thorn: While primarily suggesting a prickly plant, it evokes images of shadowed, moonlit gardens.

names that mean black

Black, embodying both elegance & mystery, has inspired a wealth of monikers. Here are some names with direction translations of (or ties to) the color black.

Male Names That Mean Black

For those seeking a name that resonates with strength, depth, & an element of the enigmatic, these names synonymous with “black” should appeal.

Ciar: Irish, translating to “black” or “dark-haired.”
Krishna: In Sanskrit, it means “black” or “dark,” famously borne by the Hindu deity.
Kuro: Japanese for “black.”
Melan: Derived from the Greek “melas,” meaning “black.”
Nero: Italian, famously borne by the Roman Emperor, means “black.”

Female Names That Mean Black

Black-themed names for girls bridge the gap between beauty & the enigmatic aura of the night. These names are perfect for those with a fascination for all things beautifully dark.

Charna: Of Slavic origin, meaning “black” or “dark.”
Melania/Melanie: Greek, translating to “black” or “dark.”
Kali: Sanskrit for “black,” also the name of the Hindu goddess.
Lela: A Kishwahili name meaning “black beauty.”
Nera: Italian, means “black.”
Sable: English, associated with a sleek, black fur.

Unisex Names That Mean Black

Many names with meanings tied to the color black carry universal appeal. Below are names that fit perfectly for anyone, encapsulating the essence of darkness & depth in a unique blend.

Blake: An English name meaning “black” or “dark-haired.”
Raven: English, a symbol of both the bird known for its black plumage & the depth of night.
Kerry: Irish, derivative of “Ciar,” suggesting “dark-haired” or “black.”

Last Names That Mean Black

Last names carrying the essence of black have histories & stories woven into their very syllables. These surnames

Black: A straightforward English surname, directly denoting the color black.
Blackburn: An English surname meaning “black stream.”
Blackwood: English, indicative of dark, dense forests.
Chernov: Derived from “cherny,” whiich means “black” in Russian.
Ciarraighe – Irish, originating from “ciar,” signifying “dark” & used to denote tribes known for their dark features.
Duff – Gaelic, meaning “black” or “dark.”
Fekete: Hungarian for “black.”
Kara: In Turkish, “kara” means “black,” commonly used both as a given name & a surname.
Nero: While more famous as the name of a Roman Emperor, “Nero” as a surname in Italian also means “black.”
Niger – Latin, directly translating to “black,” often used in historical texts.
Prieto: A Spanish surname meaning “dark” or “black,” especially referring to hair color.
Schwarz: German for “black,” a common surname in German-speaking countries.

Each of these names, be it first or last, carries the beauty, strength, & depth associated with the color black.

names that mean night

When the sun sets, the world is cloaked in a mysterious darkness that has inspired countless stories, poems, & names. If ya’re drawn to the quiet beauty & mystery of the night, why not consider a name that embodies this time of enchantment? Names that mean “night” capture the essence of the dark sky, lit only by the moon & stars, offering a sense of wonder & serenity.

Male Names That Mean Night

Indivar: Sanskrit, meaning “blue lotus,” whiich blooms at night, symbolizing beauty emerging from darkness.
Nishant: Sanskrit for “end of the night,” indicating the approach of dawn but deeply rooted in the concept of night.
Nox: Latin for “night,” straightforward & encompassing the essence of nighttime.
Orion: Based on the constellation, linked with the night sky.
Rajnish: Sanskrit for “lord of the night.”
Samir: Arabic for “companion in evening talk,” reflecting the intimate moments of night.

Female Names That Mean Night

Hecate: Greek goddess associated with magic, witchcraft, & the night.
Hesper: From “Hesperus,” the evening star in Greek mythology.
Laila/Leila: With Arabic roots, this name translates directly to “night beauty,” embodying the allure of the evening.
Layla: Variant spelling of Laila/Leila, maintaining the meaning of “night.”
Nisha: A sweet name from Hindi meaning “night,” perfect for someone who is calm & reflective.
Rajani: Meaning “night” in Sanskrit, this name has an enigmatic appeal.
Samar: An Arabic name that translates to “evening conversations,” capturing the intimate moments shared under the night sky.
Selene/Selena: Another nod to Greek mythology, Selene is the goddess of the moon, ideal for someone who holds the mysterious charm of the night.
Yvaine: A unique choice, taken from modern literature, meaning “evening star.”
Zorya: In Slavic mythology, the Zorya are two guardian goddesses related to the morning & evening stars, guarding over the night.

Unisex Names That Mean Night

Nyx: Hailing from Greek mythology, Nyx st&s for the night personified, offering a powerful & mystical option.

choosin’ a name associated with the night opens up a domaine of beauty, mystery, & uniqueness. It’s a perfect fit for someone who is introspective, mysterious, & profoundly connected to the world when it’s bathed in moonlight & stars.

Cultural Dark Names

Rich in history & meaning, names tied to the darkness, the color black, & the night span a diverse range of languages & traditions, from the poetic & profound to the mythological & mystical. Here we celebrate the global tapestry of names that connect us to the darker, yet equally beautiful, aspects of nature & human imagination.

Latin-Influenced Names

Embracing the romance languages’ depth, these names are imbued with the mystique of the night & the profound hue of black.

Dante (Italian): Derived from Italian, with ties to the famed poet.
Nero (Italian): A name that directly translates to “black,” rich in history & power.
Nox (Latin): Symbolizing the enveloping gr&eur of night in ancient Roman mythology.
Prieto: Spanish for “dark” or “black,” used as a surname.

English Names

From the natural world to the color spectrum, English names capture the essence of darkness & the nocturnal.

Black: A common last name & direct reference to the color.
Blake: A name that dances between “black” & “light,” offering a nuanced take on darkness.
Raven: Conjuring the dark plumage & mystical presence of the raven, a bird of lore & legend.
Sable: Reflecting the luxurious depth of black fur, synonymous with elegance & mystery.

Arabic & Hebrew Names

These names, poetic & profound, capture the tranquil beauty & reflective qualities of the night.

Kali: Sanskrit for “black,” nods to the power & the profound mystery of darkness.
Layla/Leila: From the Arabic for “night,” it evokes the serene & mysterious aspects of the evening.
Samir: Arabic for “companion in evening talk,” it highlights the intimacy of night.

Greek & Mythological Names

Rooted in mythology, these names are a testament to the enduring fascination with celestial bodies & the enveloping cloak of night.

Nyx: Personifying the night in Greek mythology, Nyx st&s as a figure of awe & mystery.
Orion: A hunter set amongst the stars, Orion’s name is forever linked to the gr&eur of the night sky.
Selene/Selena: Goddess of the moon, Selene illuminates the beauty & complexity of the night.

Whatever their origin, each of these names is imbued with its own story & cultural background, offering a glimpse into the universal human fascination with these themes, reflecting the diverse ways in whiich societies have sought to articulate the profound & poetic aspects of darkness.

105+ Enchanting Names Meaning “Dark” or “Black” (Female, Male, Unisex & Surnames)