It wasn’t that long ago that we published a list of baby names that mean ‘light’ or have light-like meanings – you can browse that list here – but we’re going to switch things up a little and go the opposite direction.
I mean, let’s be fair – baby names meaning dark deserve some love, too!
After all, dark-inspired names not only evoke a sense of depth and strength, but embody an intriguing – and often mysterious – aura, which helps represent the beauty found in the shadows and the night sky.
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Some of these names quite literally translate to ‘dark’ or ‘black’ in other languages, but they can also be influenced by your baby’s unique features – including their dark hair, dark-colored eyes, and dark skin.
They also make perfect names for those who identify with the ‘dark side’ when watching Star Wars.
Whether you’re inspired by the profound quiet of the night or the rich symbolism of dark hues, baby names meaning dark offer a unique and captivating choice for your little one – and we have some ideas!
Baby Girl Names Meaning Dark
Are you preparing for the arrival of a little girl? Or, for those who are waiting to learn the gender of their baby, do you feel like you’re carrying a baby girl in that growing belly of yours? Are you ‘Team Pink?’
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then we have some lovely names meaning dark for you!
The concept of darkness isn’t limited to its literal sense. In fact, it encompasses a wide range of ideas and emotions, from the tranquility and peace found in the night to the mysterious qualities of the unknown.
If that’s the type of name you want for your girl, then you’re going to love these names meaning dark!
20. Laila
Origin: Arabic
Derivation: The name Laila is derived from the Arabic word “laylah,” which means “night.”
Meaning: Night, Dark Beauty
19. Darcy
Origin: Irish, French
Derivation: The name Darcy is derived from the Norman French surname “d’Arcy,” which means “from Arcy” (a place in Northern France). It is also connected to the Irish Gaelic surname “Ó Dorchaidhe,” meaning “descendant of the dark one.”
Meaning: Dark, Descendant of the Dark One
18. Melanie
Origin: Greek
Derivation: The name Melanie is derived from the Greek name “Melania,” which comes from the word “melas,” meaning “black” or “dark.”
Meaning: Black, Dark
17. Nisha
Origin: Sanskrit
Derivation: The name Nisha is derived from the Sanskrit word “निशा” (niśā), which means “night.”
Meaning: Night
16. Ciara
Origin: Irish
Derivation: The name Ciara is derived from the Old Irish word “ciar,” which means “dark” or “black.” It is the feminine form of the name Ciaran.
Meaning: Dark-Haired, Black
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15. Kali
Origin: Sanskrit
Derivation: The name Kali is derived from the Sanskrit word “कालि” (Kāli), which is the feminine form of “kāla,” meaning “time” or “black.”
Meaning: Black, Time
14. Raven
Origin: English
Derivation: The name Raven is derived from the Old English word “hræfn,” which directly refers to the bird.
Meaning: Raven (the bird)
13. Ebony
Origin: English
Derivation: The name Ebony is derived from the English word “ebony,” which comes from the Greek word “ebenos” and the Egyptian word “hbny,” both referring to the ebony tree.
Meaning: Dark Wood, Black Wood
12. Kiera
Origin: Irish
Derivation: The name Kiera is derived from the Irish name “Ciara,” which comes from the Old Irish word “ciar,” meaning “dark” or “black.”
Meaning: Dark-Haired, Little Dark One
11. Lilith
Origin: Hebrew
Derivation: The name Lilith is derived from the Hebrew word “לִילִית” (Līlīt), which is thought to mean “night creature” or “night monster.” It is also linked to the Sumerian word “lilitu,” meaning “of the night.”
Meaning: Night Creature, Night Monster, Of the Night
10. Koko
Origin: Japanese, Native American
Derivation: In Japanese, Koko can be derived from the word “ここ” (koko), meaning “here.” In Native American origin, particularly among the Blackfoot and Chippewa tribes, Koko is a name meaning “night” or “dark.”
Meaning: Night, Dark, Here
9. Blakely
Origin: English
Derivation: The name Blakely is derived from an English surname, which comes from the Old English words “blæc,” meaning “black” or “dark,” and “lēah,” meaning “wood” or “clearing.”
Meaning: Dark Wood, Dark Clearing
8. Nox
Origin: Latin
Derivation: The name Nox is derived from the Latin word “nox,” which means “night.”
Meaning: Night
7. Duvessa
Origin: Irish
Derivation: The name Duvessa is derived from the Irish Gaelic words “dubh,” meaning “black” or “dark,” and “easa,” meaning “waterfall.”
Meaning: Dark Waterfall
6. Preto
Origin: Portuguese
Derivation: The name Preto is derived from the Portuguese word “preto,” which means “black.”
Meaning: Black
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5. Yamini
Origin: Sanskrit
Derivation: The name Yamini is derived from the Sanskrit word “यामिनी” (yāminī), which means “night.”
Meaning: Night
4. Twyla
Origin: English
Derivation: The name Twyla is believed to be a modern invention, possibly derived from the English word “twilight,” which refers to the soft light at the end of the day or the beginning of night.
Meaning: Twilight
3. Nyx
Origin: Greek
Derivation: The name Nyx is derived from the Greek word “Νύξ” (Nýx), which means “night.” In Greek mythology, Nyx is the primordial goddess of the night, representing the embodiment of night itself and often depicted as a powerful and enigmatic figure.
Meaning: Night
2. Selena
Origin: Greek
Derivation: The name Selena is derived from the Greek word “Σελήνη” (Selēnē), which means “moon.”
Meaning: Moon
1. Luna
Origin: Latin
Derivation: The name Luna is derived from the Latin word “luna,” which means “moon.”
Meaning: Moon
Baby Boy Names Meaning Dark
Are you convinced that you’re going to be the mother or father of a handsome little boy? Have you already had this suspicion confirmed with an ultrasound? Or are you trying to speak it into existence?
Either way, there’s nothing wrong with having a few names meaning dark on your baby name list.
Whether you’re looking for a name that embodies the serene beauty of the night, the strength and mystery of the unknown, or the cultural significance of darkness, there’s a name out there for everyone!
With that said, here are 20 of our personal favorite baby names meaning dark for you to consider!
20. Darcel
Origin: French
Derivation: The name Darcel is derived from the French surname “Darcel,” which is a diminutive form of “d’Arcy,” meaning “from Arcy,” a place in France. It can also be linked to the French word “darc” or “dark,” indicating a dark complexion or hair.
Meaning: Dark One, From Arcy
19. Jett
Origin: English
Derivation: The name Jett is derived from the English word “jet,” which refers to a type of lignite, a precursor to coal, known for its deep black color. The word itself comes from the Latin word “gagates.”
Meaning: Black, Jet Black
18. Blake
Origin: Old English
Derivation: The name Blake is derived from the Old English words “blæc,” meaning “black” or “dark,” and “blac,” meaning “pale” or “fair.”
Meaning: Dark, Black, Pale
17. Donovan
Origin: Irish
Derivation: The name Donovan is derived from the Irish surname “Ó Donndubháin,” which comes from the Gaelic elements “donn,” meaning “brown” or “dark,” and “dubh,” meaning “black.”
Meaning: Dark, Black, Brown
16. Keiran
Origin: Irish
Derivation: The name Keiran is derived from the Irish name “Ciarán,” which comes from the Old Irish word “ciar,” meaning “dark” or “black.” Keiran is a modern variant of Ciarán.
Meaning: Little Dark One, Dark-Haired
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15. Cole
Origin: English
Derivation: The name Cole is derived from the Old English word “col,” meaning “charcoal” or “coal.” It was originally a surname used to denote someone who worked with coal or charcoal.
Meaning: Coal, Charcoal
14. Douglas
Origin: Scottish
Derivation: The name Douglas is derived from the Gaelic elements “dubh,” meaning “dark” or “black,” and “glas,” meaning “stream” or “water.”
Meaning: Dark Stream, Dark Water
13. Sullivan
Origin: Irish
Derivation: The name Sullivan is derived from the Irish surname “Ó Súilleabháin,” which comes from the elements “súil,” meaning “eye,” and “dubh,” meaning “black.”
Meaning: Little Dark-Eyed One, Hawk-Eyed
12. Nigel
Origin: Latin, Gaelic
Derivation: The name Nigel is derived from the Latin name “Nigellus,” which itself is a diminutive form of “niger,” meaning “black.” It is also related to the Gaelic name “Niall,” which means “champion.”
Meaning: Black, Dark, Champion
11. Maurice
Origin: Latin
Derivation: The name Maurice is derived from the Latin name “Mauricius,” which comes from “Maurus,” meaning “Moorish” or “dark-skinned.”
Meaning: Dark-Skinned, Moorish
10. Tynan
Origin: Irish
Derivation: The name Tynan is derived from the Irish surname “Ó Teimhneáin,” which comes from the Gaelic word “teimhean,” meaning “dark” or “dusky.”
Meaning: Dark, Dusky
9. Doyle
Origin: Irish
Derivation: The name Doyle is derived from the Irish surname “Ó Dubhghaill,” which comes from the Gaelic elements “dubh,” meaning “dark” or “black,” and “gall,” meaning “stranger” or “foreigner.”
Meaning: Dark Stranger, Black Foreigner
8. Sable
Origin: Old French, English
Derivation: The name Sable is derived from the Old French word “sable” and the English word “sable,” both of which refer to a black, dark brown, or very dark fur used for clothing. The term originally referred to the animal known for its luxurious fur.
Meaning: Black, Dark
7. Melan
Origin: Greek
Derivation: The name Melan is derived from the Greek word “melas” (μέλας), which means “black” or “dark.”
Meaning: Dark, Black
6. Duff
Origin: Scottish, Irish
Derivation: The name Duff is derived from the Gaelic name “Dubh,” which means “black” or “dark.” It was originally used as a surname.
Meaning: Black, Dark
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5. Colby
Origin: Old Norse, English
Derivation: The name Colby is derived from the Old Norse name “Kolbjǫrn,” which combines “kol,” meaning “coal” or “black,” and “bjǫrn,” meaning “bear.” It was brought to England by the Vikings and later evolved into the English surname Colby.
Meaning: Coal Town, Dark Town
4. Kage
Origin: Japanese
Derivation: The name Kage is derived from the Japanese word “影” (kage), which means “shadow.”
Meaning: Shadow
3. Ciaran
Origin: Irish
Derivation: The name Ciaran is derived from the Old Irish word “ciar,” which means “dark” or “black.” It is the masculine form of the name Ciara.
Meaning: Little Dark One, Dark-Haired
2. Onyx
Origin: Greek
Derivation: The name Onyx is derived from the Greek word “ὄνυξ” (onyx), which refers to a precious stone known for its deep black color and layers of bands.
Meaning: Black Gemstone
1. Zillah
Origin: Hebrew
Derivation: The name Zillah is derived from the Hebrew word “צִלָּה” (Tzillah), which means “shade” or “shadow.”
Meaning: Shade, Shadow
Stars Wars Names Inspired By the Dark Side
In the Star Wars universe, the Dark Side of the Force is one half of the mystical energy field known as the Force – which is the omnipresent energy that gives both Jedi and Sith their unique supernatural abilities.
The Light Side is associated with peace and harmony, while the Dark Side is fueled by anger and evil.
But don’t worry – giving your little boy or girl a name inspired by the Dark Side doesn’t mean they’ll be born with anger or evil intentions. These names do, however, have a mystique and dark sound to them.
If you want your son or daughter to have a name like no other, then we think you’ll love these name ideas!
10. Asajj
Asajj Ventress was originally a slave on the planet Rattatak. After being discovered by a Jedi named Ky Narec, she was trained in the ways of the Force. However, after Narec’s death, she was consumed by anger and hatred, which led her to the dark side.
She was taken under the wing of Count Dooku, who trained her as his Sith apprentice. She carried out numerous missions for the Separatists and became a significant adversary to the Jedi, particularly Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.
Over time, Ventress’s success and power made her a threat to Dooku, leading him to betray her under orders from Darth Sidious. This betrayal led her to seek revenge against Dooku and ultimately align herself with the Nightsisters of Dathomir.
9. Maul
Maul is a Dathomirian Zabrak, born on the planet Dathomir. He was taken as an apprentice by Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine) at a young age and trained in the ways of the Sith.
He is known for his distinctive red and black facial tattoos, horns, and his double-bladed red lightsaber. In this film, he battles Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Maul kills Qui-Gon but is ultimately defeated by Obi-Wan, who cuts him in half.
Maul survives and returns in the animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” He is discovered alive, with his lower body replaced by mechanical spider-like legs. His brother, Savage Opress, helps him recover, and Maul seeks revenge against Obi-Wan Kenobi and aims to build his power base.
8. Anakin
Anakin was born on the desert planet Tatooine to Shmi Skywalker. He grew up as a slave, showing early signs of exceptional talent, especially in piloting and mechanics. He was discovered by Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, who believed him to be the Chosen One prophesied to bring balance to the Force due to his unusually high midi-chlorian count.
As a Padawan, Anakin struggles with his emotions and attachments, particularly his secret love for Senator Padmé Amidala, whom he eventually marries.
Anakin’s fear of losing Padmé, his visions of her dying in childbirth, and his growing disillusionment with the Jedi Council make him susceptible to Chancellor Palpatine’s (Darth Sidious) manipulations. Seduced by the promise of power to save Padmé, Anakin turns to the dark side and becomes Darth Vader. He plays a crucial role in the execution of Order 66, leading to the near-extermination of the Jedi Order.
7. Kylo
Ben Solo, later known as Kylo Ren, is the son of Princess Leia Organa and Han Solo, making him the grandson of Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker) and Padmé Amidala. Initially trained as a Jedi by his uncle, Luke Skywalker, Ben is seduced to the dark side by Supreme Leader Snoke.
Under Snoke’s influence, Ben adopts the name Kylo Ren and becomes a leading figure in the First Order, an organization that rises from the remnants of the Galactic Empire. He idolizes his grandfather, Darth Vader, and seeks to emulate his power and darkness.
After defeating Snoke and becoming the Supreme Leader of the First Order, Kylo starts to turn back to the light side. After a final confrontation with Rey, and a vision of his father, Han Solo, Kylo Ren abandons his dark persona and reclaims his identity as Ben Solo. He aids Rey in the final battle against Palpatine.
6. Palpatine
Born Sheev Palpatine on the planet Naboo, he was a nobleman who became deeply interested in the dark side of the Force. He was trained as a Sith Lord by Darth Plagueis, eventually killing his master to become the Dark Lord of the Sith.
Palpatine’s dual identity as both the Chancellor and Darth Sidious allowed him to manipulate events from both the political and Sith sides. He orchestrated the Naboo Crisis, which led to his election as Chancellor.
Palpatine engineered the Clone Wars, using the conflict to gain emergency powers and consolidate his control over the Republic. He played both sides, controlling the Galactic Republic and the Separatists. He later revealed his identity to Anakin Skywalker, turning him to the dark side as Darth Vader.
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5. Plagueis
Darth Plagueis is a Dark Lord of the Sith, who played a crucial role in the Sith’s grand plan to overthrow the Jedi and dominate the galaxy. He’s the Sith Master of Sheev Palpatine, who would later become Emperor Palpatine (Darth Sidious). He trained Palpatine in the ways of the dark side.
Plagueis is mentioned by Palpatine in “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” during a conversation with Anakin Skywalker. Palpatine tells the “Tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise” to seduce Anakin to the dark side.
According to the legend, Plagueis possessed the ability to influence the midi-chlorians to create life and prevent death. This power was a key element in Palpatine’s seduction of Anakin, who feared losing his loved ones.
4. Tyranus
Darth Tyranus, more commonly known as Count Dooku, was born into the noble House of Serenno on the planet Serenno. His aristocratic background instilled in him a sense of superiority and entitlement.
He was taken to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant as a child and trained in the ways of the Force. Dooku was a powerful and respected Jedi Master and trained several Jedi, including Qui-Gon Jinn.
Dooku became increasingly disillusioned with the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic, believing them to be corrupt and ineffective. He eventually left the Jedi Order and returned to Serenno, reclaiming his title as Count.
After leaving the Jedi Order, Dooku was seduced to the dark side by Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine). He became Sidious’s Sith apprentice, taking on the Sith name Darth Tyranus.
3. Snoke
Snoke is introduced as the Supreme Leader of the First Order, a military dictatorship that arose from the remnants of the Galactic Empire. He is a powerful dark side user who mentors Kylo Ren and commands the loyalty of General Hux and other First Order leaders.
Snoke’s origins are initially shrouded in mystery. He appears as a tall, gaunt figure with severe facial disfigurements, giving him a menacing presence. His rise to power and connection to the dark side are left unexplained in the earlier parts of the trilogy.
Snoke continues to manipulate Kylo Ren, pushing him to eliminate any remnants of his light side inclinations. Snoke demonstrates considerable power, using the Force to control and intimidate both Kylo Ren and Rey.
In a surprising turn of events, Kylo Ren kills Snoke. During a confrontation in Snoke’s throne room, Kylo uses the Force to ignite Rey’s lightsaber and cut Snoke in half, seizing power for himself and positioning himself as the new Supreme Leader of the First Order.
2. Thrawn
Grand Admiral Thrawn, whose full name is Mitth’raw’nuruodo, is a member of the Chiss species, a blue-skinned, red-eyed race from the Unknown Regions of the galaxy. He originally served as an officer in the Chiss Ascendancy before making contact with the Galactic Empire.
Thrawn was discovered by the Empire and impressed Emperor Palpatine with his tactical genius and strategic mind. He quickly rose through the ranks to become a Grand Admiral.
He’s renowned for his unparalleled strategic and tactical abilities, and known for his methodical and analytical approach to warfare, often studying the art, culture, and philosophy of his enemies to predict their actions and weaknesses.
1. Bane
Darth Bane was born Dessel on the planet Apatros, where he worked as a miner. His harsh upbringing and inherent strength with the dark side of the Force set him on a path toward the Sith. Dessel joined the Brotherhood of Darkness, the prevailing Sith order of the time, and was trained in the ways of the dark side.
Bane grew disillusioned with the Brotherhood of Darkness, believing that their practice of allowing many Sith to exist simultaneously weakened the order. He saw the infighting and power struggles as detrimental to the Sith’s ultimate goal of galactic domination.
Bane orchestrated the downfall of the Brotherhood of Darkness during the Battle of Ruusan. He manipulated events leading to the detonation of a thought bomb, which annihilated both the Sith and Jedi present, effectively purging the existing Sith order.
Are You Intrigued By Any of These Names Meaning Dark?
A name is more than just a label. It’s a cornerstone of that individual’s identity, and it carries a profound personal and cultural significance that follows them from the moment they’re born until the day they pass.
That’s why choosing your baby’s name is so important – and also why it’s no easy task for a parent!
In fact, choosing a baby name involves a wide range of factors, such as the name’s meaning, its sound, how it blends with the family surname, and its uniqueness or popularity among other kids their age.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Find More Inspiration With Our Comprehensive Baby Name Generator!
If you found the perfect baby name in the list of names meaning dark from above, then we’re glad we could help you make this difficult decision. But if you need more inspiration or ideas, then don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Feel free to browse thousands of more ideas at our Mamas Uncut blog daily!
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.
Baby Name Generator
No baby name sounding good? Want a quick way to generate unique baby name ideas? Try our baby name generator below!
Set your terms (sex of the baby, number of letters, popularity, etc.) and then get a list of names that meet your criteria. Maybe the perfect name is just waiting to be generated for you.