476 Baby Names That Mean Dark

Consider taking the less-traveled path with these offbeat titles.

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• Aug 21, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Parents who are intrigued by the allure of enigmatic and mysterious qualities may choose baby names meaning dark for their children. At the same time, parents might also select such names because they symbolize something meaningful to their little ones, such as dark skin tone, dark hair, and black or brown eyes. Earlier, people may have associated the word ‘dark’ with something negative, or worse, they may have looked down upon it as something of an offense. But things have changed and in the present day, these names that carry the connotation of darkness are viewed as powerful names that are rich in meaning and phonetic beauty.

This compilation of names draws its inspiration from numerous dark elements that can be found in everyday life such as the dark wood of trees, the pitch blackness of the night, the dark brown color of a person’s eyes, and even the jet black feathers of a raven or a crow. The inspiration for these names can be taken from anywhere and that is where its beauty lies. These names may also be connected to different deities and mythologies of the world. Some names have also been derived from the history of different nations, pinning them with a sense of heritage, glory, and legacy.

Interestingly, some parents may choose a name that signifies darkness because of their emotional connection to it. They can be a symbol of the battles they fought and it marks a turning point in their lives and a testament to their courage and perseverance. In this post, we bring you a list of names from feminine, masculine, or unisex. Keep reading to find a perfect name for your child that truly makes your heart sing.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Neelu	Girl	Reflects dark navy blue color or gloomy blue color
Neesha	Girl	Dark night or dusky period
Neeshika	Unisex	Dark period; Period after sunset and before sunrise
Nier	Unisex	Darkness; Black
Nigel	Boy	Hero, Dark-haired
Night	Unisex	Darkness; Evening
Nila	Girl	Dark blue; Sapphire; God is my judge
Nimbus	Unisex	Halo; Dark cloud
Niratapa	Girl	The dark time; Period; Place; Nightfall
Nisang	Unisex	Dark period; Gloomy and dusky night

Nishant	Boy	The end of night or dark
Nishanth	Boy	One who ends the dark night
Nishay	Girl	The night; Dark time
Nishesh	Boy	the Lord of dark; Night
Nishitha	Girl	Night, darkness, diligent
Nisyaanthan	Boy	The end of darkness
Nox	Unisex	Dark period; Gloomy; Dusky night
Nyxie	Unisex	Sweet darkness; Charming night
Odhran	Boy	Little dark one
Orpheus	Boy	The darkness of night

Ovishkar	Boy	One who removes darkness; Enlightens
Peran	Boy	Little dark one
Phoenix	Boy	A bird that gets reborn from ashes; Dark red
Pinye	Boy	He who is dark-complexioned
Raeven	Unisex	Dark-haired; Wise bird
Rajani	Girl	Night; Dark and Beautiful Night
Rajini	Girl	Night; Dark and Beautiful Night
Ratri	Girl	One as dark as the night
Raven	Unisex	Dark-haired; Wise
Renfri	Unisex	Warrior of darkness

Revon	Unisex	A person who is dark as a raven
Rinoa	Girl	One who is a tourch of light in the darkness
Risna	Girl	A wise and blackhaired, dark woman
Samra	Girl	One who is dark or dark-skinned
Sauda	Girl	Dark and beautiful
Shamayla	Girl	A dark beauty
Shayal	Girl	A dark-skinned woman
Shehla	Girl	Dark brown; Almost black; Goat's eye
Shirina	Girl	A woman dark as a night
Shyam	Boy	Dark blue; Black

Shyamal	Boy	Dark blue; Black
Shyamala	Girl	Dark complexioned
Shyamangi	Girl	Dark complexioned
Siavash	Boy	One who is a keeper of dark horses
Sierra	Unisex	Mountain range; Darkness
Sitra	Unisex	Darkness; Shadow; Hidden
Siyah	Unisex	Darkness; Black color
Sullivan	Unisex	One-eyed; Having dark eyes
Sunako	Girl	The sand child or the dark side
Suneel	Boy	Dark blue or sapphire

Sunil	Boy	Very dark blue
Sunila	Girl	Dark blue
Suwayd	Boy	One who is dark; Who is black
Syah	Unisex	Shadow; Darkness
Tamal	Boy	A tree with a very dark bark
Tamali	Girl	A tree with a very dark bark
Tamas	Boy	Darkness
Tamasa	Girl	A river; Darkness
Tamasvi	Girl	One who has darkness inside
Tamela	Girl	One who is dark in a sweet way

Tamesis	Unisex	One who is dark
Tamish	Boy	God of darkness; Moon
Tamisra	Girl	She who is full of darkness
Teal	Unisex	A medium to dark greenish-blue color; A small freshwater duck with such colored markings
Thames	Girl	The dark one; A river in England
Timeer	Boy	Darkness; Wealthy person
Tirich	Boy	A shadow or darkness; A valley from Mulkow
Trory	Boy	A red skinned person, dark skinned
Twilight	Unisex	The time between daylight and darkness
Tynan	Unisex	Dark; Dark-haired

Umbra	Unisex	Shadow; Darkness
Umbriel	Unisex	Shadowy; Dark
Vader	Boy	Dark, powerful, iconic
Wamuiru	Girl	A dark-skinned beauty
Yin	Girl	The dark, calm, and cool side of things, often associated with the moon or night.
Zeref	Unisex	Darkness; Power; Mysterious

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For parents who are interested in baby names meaning dark or darkness, do not worry about them being viewed as negative. They go beyond mere labels and carry rich meanings inspired by many dark elements. You can select a name meaning dark from different cultures and languages for your child from a wide range of names. Ultimately, bestow a name on your adorable little one that resonates with you and watch them use it as a beacon of self-identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any positive associations of baby names meaning dark?

Baby names meaning dark can convey various positive meanings. Black is associated with qualities like strength, comfort, and sophistication. Names that mean dark are enigmatic and embody a special kind of allure. They can mean ‘a noble person,’ ‘a dark-haired beauty,’ and ‘night.’ Also, dark colors are linked to security, shelter, wealth, and power, all positive associations.

2. What are some tips for selecting baby names meaning dark?

The first step to choosing names meaning dark would be to consider their symbolism. Such names can signify a variety of traits, such as wealth, strength, mysteriousness, and shadow. So, it would help to consider the qualities you want your child’s name to embody and accordingly search. Also, look for names from various ancient cultures like Hindu and Irish. You will find many exciting names, such as Kali, the black goddess, and Ciaran, or the little dark one. Ensure that the name is easy to pronounce and has an uncomplicated spelling.

3. What naming traditions are associated with baby names meaning dark?

Naming traditions vary widely across cultures. For example, English-speaking people choose names based on aesthetic appeal. They can also select names meaning dark that sound nice. In contrast, Hindu families rely on Vedic astrology to select names. Italian, Spanish, and Mexican people often use a saint’s name for their child. These naming traditions can be used to select any name that feels appropriate.

Infographic: Intriguing Baby Names That Mean Dark

Darkness is associated with strong spiritual aspects. The shade also has an aura of magic and mystery that is hard to ignore. Names representing it perfectly capture its essence. Parents expecting babies with dark skin, hair, and eyes can also explore names representing dark. This infographic features the top ones that suggest darkness in different ways.

enigmatic names that signify darkness (infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.