What are some traditional baby girl names that have stood the test of time?

There are many traditional and classic girl names that are popular all over the world. They include Alice (noble), Amelia (hardworking), Abigail (my father is joy), Gwyneth (happiness), Edith (wealth), and Sussanah (lily).

How do I make sure the baby girl name I choose is easy to pronounce and spell?

Names that are easy to spell are also easy to pronounce. These consist of a few syllables that are very short. You can choose from some common options like Mia (friendly), Ella (beautiful), Emily (eager or laborious), Grace (goodness), Jess (God exists), Lucy (light), Jen (fair one), and Molly (star of the sea).

What are some baby girl names that work well in multiple languages/cultures?

There are many international girl names that have been popular for many decades. These multilingual names usually have Hebrew, Latin, or English origins. Some good examples are Dana (the most beautiful pearl), Cassidy (clever or curly-haired), Chloe (young green shoot), Demi (earth mother), and Diana (divine).

Should I consider the popularity of a baby girl’s name when choosing one for my child?

It would be best to start your baby name search by looking at the popularity of different names. This will be helpful if you desire a trendy name for your child. However, avoid overly popular names as they lack individuality and impact. Your child may prefer an easy-to-pronounce yet unique name when they grow up.

What are some rare girl names?

Rare names allow your child to stand out as they cannot be mistaken for popular and overused names. Very few parents have taken such names over the decades. You can choose from Zendaya (to give thanks), Chantria (moonlight), Yamileth (beautiful), Saanvi (one who will be followed), and Monserrat (jagged mountain).

Home • Baby Names

171 Baby Girl Names That Mean Dark

A collection of names that is bold and mysterious, like the darkness of the night.

Written by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd

Edited by Aneesha Amonz, MSc

Fact-checked by Nida Shaikh, BSc, PG Dip.

Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Darkness, in its literal sense, refers to the absence of light. However, metaphorically, it symbolizes illumination, mystery, and introspection. Baby girl names that mean dark evoke intrigue, depth, and fortitude. If you are looking for an appealing name that captures the true essence of darkness, keep reading this post.

Throughout history, darkness has been linked with different concepts, including the night sky and shadows. Although darkness is often associated with negativity, many ancient cultures worshiped darkness and saw it as a source of strength and transformation. This historical significance mirrors the naming practices surrounding baby girls with names that signify darkness (1).

Different cultures interpret darkness and its symbolism in diverse ways. In Celtic cultures, darkness was associated with life's magical and otherworldly aspects. On the other hand, many indigenous cultures viewed darkness as an integral part of the natural cycle. It is also seen as the time for rest and renewal and is associated with celestial bodies and the spiritual realm. Certain cultures have deities or mythical characters linked with the darkness that inspire their traditional baby girl names.

This diversity in interpretation gives dark-inspired baby girl names a wide range of traits and meanings, including inner power, mystery, wisdom, resilience, and elegance. Moreover, these names often convey the fascination and intriguing aspects associated with darkness.

Parents frequently seek out unique and meaningful names for their babies. Baby names that mean dark hold significance as they stand out and represent individuality. The exhaustive list of baby girl names below includes names with diverse meanings that reflect the various interpretations of darkness in different cultures. Whether rooted in regional variants, or contemporary trends, these names harbor depth and strength. So, plunge and explore!

Name	Gender	Meaning
Layla	Girl	Night; Dark
Melanie	Girl	Black; Dark; Dark-skinned
Blakely	Girl	Black; Dark; Woodland clearing
Leila	Girl	Night time; Dark
Lila	Girl	Playful; Amusement; Dark beauty; Night
Laila	Girl	Night; Dark beauty; Dark-haired
Milani	Girl	Middle of the plain; Black; Dark
Kiara	Girl	Dark; Bright; Shining; Peaceful; A lady with dusk hair; First ray of the sun
Keira	Girl	Little dark-haired one
Melany	Girl	Black; Dark

Laylah	Girl	Night time; Dark
Zayla	Girl	Azalea flower; Dry; Night; Dark beauty
Kiera	Girl	Little dark one; Dark-headed; Dusky; Black
Meilani	Girl	Heavenly flower; Dark; Heavenly May
Melani	Girl	Dark; Black
Ciara	Girl	Dark-haired; Dark-complexioned; Black; Mountain range; Bright; Famous
Maleni	Unisex	Dark; Black; Sky; Heaven
Kaira	Girl	Alluring; Delightful; Beloved; Dark
Melania	Girl	Black; Dark-skinned
Nila	Girl	Dark blue; Sapphire

Milania-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Middle of the plain; Dark; Black
Mahogany	Girl	Dark Red Wood
Melinda	Girl	Beautiful honey; Sweet; Bee; Dark-skinned
Krisha	Girl	Black or dark
Mindy	Girl	Black; Dark; Bee; Sweet as honey; Honey
Laina	Girl	Little rock; Handsome; Dark; Wave; Of Magdala; Path
Naira	Girl	Bright; Luminous; Brilliant; Eye; Early; One having big eyes; Black or dark
Zaila	Girl	Dry; Night; Dark-haired; Beauty; Might; Power
Maelani	Girl	Heavenly; Dark; Black
Esmeray	Girl	Dark moon

Malinda	Girl	Bee; Black; Dark; Sweet; Honeybee; Gentle; Tender
Nilah-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Origin,-Popularity-&-Unique-Insights	Girl	Water hyacinth; Moon; Dark blue; Indigo
Kierra	Girl	Dark; Lord
Laela	Girl	Dark-haired; Of God; Born at night
Layal	Girl	Dark hours of the day; Night
Neela	Girl	Horn; Dark blue
Kiyara	Girl	Dark; Dark-haired; Bright; Shining
Lamya	Girl	One who has dark lips
Melonie	Girl	Dark; Black
Twila	Girl	Woven with a double thread; Morning star; Light in dark places; Wildflower; Twilight; Strength

Melony	Girl	Black; Dark
Kiarah-Baby-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Popularity-&-More	Girl	Bright; Clear; Dark
Lejla	Girl	A dark-haired beautiful woman who is born at night
Nayra	Unisex	Eye; Early; Black; Dark; To guide; Bright; Radiant
Keyara	Girl	The small one with dark hair; Clear; Bright; Famous
Darcelle	Girl	Dark; Determined
Ciera	Girl	Mountain range; Dark-haired one; Black
Kimimila	Girl	Dark-skinned
Darcey	Girl	Someone from Arcy; Dark
Malaina	Unisex	Black; Dark

Mellie	Girl	Black; Dark; Honey; Bee; Sweet
Melly-Name-Meaning:-Key-Insights-Into-Its-Origin-&-Popularity	Girl	Black, Dark
Liyla	Unisex	Night; Dark
Melanee	Girl	Dark or olive-skinned person
Melayna	Girl	Black; Dark
Milayna	Girl	Black; Dark
Shamala-Baby-Name:-Pronunciation,-Meaning-&-Popularity-Guide	Girl	Black; Dark; Blue
Minda	Girl	Knowledge; Wisdom; Lovable; Dark-skinned; Bee
Davanee	Girl	Merciful; Gentle; Dark-haired
Celaena	Girl	Black; Dark

Lama	Girl	Lips dark like the color of a sunset; Dark red lips
Mellany	Girl	Black; Dark
Ciarra	Girl	Dark-haired; Dark-complexioned; Black; Mountain range; Bright; Famous
Delaina	Girl	From the alder grove; Dark; Challenge
Mauri	Girl	Dark-skinned; Moorish
Melaney	Girl	Black or dark
Dorsey	Girl	Dark-haired; From Orsay
Gara	Girl	Black; Dark; Elegant; Light fabric
Kieara	Girl	Dark-haired; Clear; Bright; Famous
Divin-Name-Meaning:-Origin,-History-&-Pronunciation	Girl	Heavenly; Divine; Calf; Ox; Fawn; Deer; Descendant ff Damhán; Fortune teller; Little dark one; Dark; Black

Shya	Unisex	Dark; Black; Blue
Karigan	Girl	Descendant of Ciaragán; Dark; Black
Liala	Girl	Night; Dark beauty
Ceira	Girl	Dark-haired
Laylana	Unisex	Night; Dark beauty; Shining
Mella	Unisex	Dark; Vigorous; Brave; Bee; Mild; Pleasant
Darcia	Girl	The dark one
Nigella	Girl	Hero; Dark-haired; Black; Cloud; Fury; Passion
Pelin-Name-Origin,-Meaning,-And-History:-What-You-Need-To-Know	Girl	Horse; Dark skinned; Wormwood; Absinthe
Karrigan	Girl	She who is pure; Black; Dark

Griselle	Girl	Grey-haired; Dark battle; Gray battle
Meleni	Girl	Blackness; Dark
Lunamaria	Girl	Moon-loving; Sea moon; Dark areas of the moon
Morena	Girl	Brown-haired; Brown; Dark-skinned; King; Chief
Malania	Girl	Black; Dark
Leilyn	Girl	A dark beauty that is born in the nighttime
Radhya	Girl	Adored; Worshipped; Dark-colored; Black; Charming; Beautiful
Grissel	Girl	Dark battle; Grey battle-maid
Humairah	Girl	Dark red color
Esmira	Girl	Dark-skinned; Brunette

Devanie	Girl	Dark-haired
Kiira	Girl	Young; Humiliator of the enemy; Lord; Black; Dark
Merriam	Unisex	Beloved; Sea of bitterness; Dark; Moorish
Kalicia	Girl	Black; Dark; Noble; Noble birth
Melana	Girl	Black; Dark
Deanndra	Girl	Black; Dark; Strong; Courageous; Divine
Grizel	Girl	Grey battle; Dark Battle
Criselda	Girl	Grey battle; Dark battle; Bearing Christ
Tamaris	Girl	Date palm; Dark; To cut
Kerin-Name-Meaning-&-History:-Irish-Origin,-Popularity-Guide	Girl	Dark-haired; Pure; Each of the two

In a world that often celebrates light, girl names meaning dark comes= as an intriguing and captivating choice. These names defy conventional norms and acknowledge mysterious aspects of life. They embrace the beauty of shadows and secrets. Parents find these names alluring as they stand for strength and resilience. These names are a reminder that even darkness has its beauty and charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the origin of the name Dark?

The name Dark originated from the English word 'dark,' which originated from the Germanic term 'derk,' meaning 'dark' or 'absence of light.' Generally, the name is associated with mystery, sophistication, and unique abilities. However, it is vital to note that name interpretations can vary across cultures and religions, influencing parents' naming choices.

2. What are some famous people or characters with names that mean ‘Dark’?

Melanie, derived from the Greek name melaina, means 'black' or 'dark.' Melanie Griffith is a famous American actress known for her roles in movies such as 'Working Girl' and 'Something Wild.' Nyx means 'night' in Greek and is the name of the Greek Goddess and personification of the night. Darkstar from Marvel Comics is another notable character with a name that means 'night.'

3. What girl's name means 'dark rose' or 'dark flower'?

Melantha is a rare and unique name of Greek and English origin that means 'dark flower.' It is derived from a combination of the English name Melanie meaning 'dark' or 'black,' and the Greek word ethos, meaning 'flower.'

Infographic: Beautiful Girl Names That Mean Dark

Parents do a lot of research looking for a meaningful and uncommon name for their child. At times they even opt for names that have unconventional meanings. Baby names that mean ‘dark’ are often considered a rare yet interesting choice for a baby girl's name. This infographic will help you discover some beautiful girl names that mean ‘dark’ for your precious one.

elegant girl names that mean dark (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Boutsikas, Efrosyni et al.; (2017); The Role of Darkness in Ancient Greek Religion and Religious Practice; Research Gate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322508265_The_role_of_Darkness_in_ancient_Greek_religion_and_religious_practice

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Author Editor Fact Checker

Praggya JoshiMA, BEd

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

Read full bio of Praggya Joshi

Aneesha AmonzMSc

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz

Nida ShaikhBSc, PG Dip.

Nida holds a bachelor's degree in Zoology and a postgraduate diploma in Clinical Genetics and Medical Laboratory Techniques from Goa University. Before joining MomJunction, she worked as a laboratory technician. She began content writing during her college years and has been featured as a co-author in a children's short story compilation book.

Read full bio of Nida Shaikh