Names in America show the country’s diverse heritage. People often choose names based on family traditions, popular culture, or special meanings.
Some names come from different parts of the world, while others are created by combining sounds or changing spellings. Many parents pick names from their cultural background, like Italian, Irish, African, or Asian roots.
Famous people and characters from movies or books can also inspire naming choices. Today, there’s a mix of classic names that have been used for many years and newer, unique names that parents create.
Some families pass down names from grandparents or other relatives to honor them. The way Americans name their children has changed over time, showing how the country grows and changes, too.
American-Inspired Names: Classic And Modern Choices
1. Aaliyah
- Meaning: Exalted, noble
- Origin: Arabic
2. Aaron
- Meaning: High mountain, exalted
- Origin: Hebrew
3. Abena
- Meaning: Born on Tuesday
- Origin: African (Akan)
4. Adeola
- Meaning: Crown of wealth
- Origin: African (Yoruba)
5. Adisa
- Meaning: One who is clear
- Origin: African (Yoruba)
6. Akilah
- Meaning: Intelligent
- Origin: Arabic
7. Alisha
- Meaning: Noble, kind
- Origin: Old German
8. Amari
- Meaning: Strength
- Origin: African (Igbo)
9. Amaya
- Meaning: Night rain
- Origin: Japanese
10. Amirah
- Meaning: Princess, leader
- Origin: Arabic
11. Andre
- Meaning: Manly, brave
- Origin: Greek
12. Angela
- Meaning: Messenger, angel
- Origin: Greek
13. Anika
- Meaning: Grace, brilliance
- Origin: Sanskrit
14. Anthony
- Meaning: Priceless, of inestimable worth
- Origin: Latin
15. Armani
- Meaning: Soldier, warrior
- Origin: Italian
16. Asha
- Meaning: Hope, life
- Origin: Sanskrit
17. Ashanti
- Meaning: Peaceful, tranquil
- Origin: African (Ghanaian)
18. Ayana
- Meaning: Beautiful flower, good luck
- Origin: African
19. Ayo
- Meaning: Joy
- Origin: African (Yoruba)
20. Aziz
- Meaning: Powerful, beloved
- Origin: Arabic
21. Baraka
- Meaning: Blessing
- Origin: African
22. Bekah
- Meaning: To bind, tie
- Origin: Hebrew
23. Bianca
- Meaning: White, fair
- Origin: Italian
24. Branson
- Meaning: Son of Brand, son of a brave man
- Origin: English
25. Braxton
- Meaning: Brock’s town
- Origin: English
26. Brianna
- Meaning: Strong, noble
- Origin: Irish
27. Broderick
- Meaning: Brother
- Origin: Welsh
28. Channing
- Meaning: Young wolf
- Origin: English
29. Chante
- Meaning: Sing, song
- Origin: French
30. Chantel
- Meaning: Stone, singing
- Origin: French
31. Chantelle
- Meaning: Stone, song
- Origin: French
32. Cheyenne
- Meaning: People of a different language
- Origin: Native American
33. China
- Meaning: From China
- Origin: English
34. Chisa
- Meaning: Peace
- Origin: Japanese
35. Ciara
- Meaning: Dark, black
- Origin: Irish
36. Clarence
- Meaning: Bright, clear
- Origin: Latin
37. Clarice
- Meaning: Bright, clear
- Origin: Latin
38. D’Angelo
- Meaning: Of the angels
- Origin: Italian
39. DaQuan
- Meaning: Of noble and bright
- Origin: African-American
40. Darius
- Meaning: Possessor of good
- Origin: Persian
41. DeAndre
- Meaning: Man, warrior
- Origin: African-American
42. Deja
- Meaning: Already, past
- Origin: French
43. Delisha
- Meaning: Sweet
- Origin: American
44. Demarco
- Meaning: Of the sea
- Origin: Italian
45. Demetria
- Meaning: Follower of Demeter
- Origin: Greek
46. Destiny
- Meaning: Fate, fortune
- Origin: English
47. Diamond
- Meaning: Precious stone
- Origin: English
48. Dionne
- Meaning: Divine
- Origin: French
49. Dominique
- Meaning: Belonging to the Lord
- Origin: Latin
50. Ebonique
- Meaning: Black
- Origin: African-American
51. Ebony
- Meaning: Black wood
- Origin: English
52. Emmaline
- Meaning: Work, industrious
- Origin: German
53. Essence
- Meaning: Core, intrinsic nature
- Origin: Latin
54. Femi
- Meaning: Love, affection
- Origin: African (Yoruba)
55. Fola
- Meaning: Wealth
- Origin: African (Yoruba)
56. Gena
- Meaning: Generous
- Origin: English
57. Genesis
- Meaning: Beginning
- Origin: Greek
58. Glenda
- Meaning: Fair, good
- Origin: Welsh
59. Hakeem
- Meaning: Wise, intelligent
- Origin: Arabic
60. Hakim
- Meaning: Wise
- Origin: Arabic
61. Halle
- Meaning: Blessed
- Origin: German
62. Harmony
- Meaning: Balance, peace
- Origin: English
63. Iesha
- Meaning: Life, gift
- Origin: African-American
64. Ifeanyi
- Meaning: Nothing is impossible
- Origin: African (Igbo)
65. Imani
- Meaning: Faith
- Origin: Swahili
66. Jabari
- Meaning: Brave, fearless
- Origin: African
67. Jacquelline
- Meaning: Supplanter
- Origin: Hebrew
68. Jamal
- Meaning: Beautiful
- Origin: Arabic
69. Jamar
- Meaning: Famous, renowned
- Origin: American
70. Jamari
- Meaning: Warrior
- Origin: American
71. Jamila
- Meaning: Beautiful
- Origin: Arabic
72. Janelle
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Origin: Hebrew
73. Janiya
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Origin: Hebrew
74. Jasmyn
- Meaning: Jasmine flower
- Origin: Persian
75. Jazmine
- Meaning: Jasmine flower
- Origin: Persian
76. Jelani
- Meaning: Mighty
- Origin: African
77. Jerome
- Meaning: Sacred name
- Origin: Greek
78. Jerrica
- Meaning: Mighty, powerful
- Origin: American
79. Jovan
- Meaning: Young warrior
- Origin: Slavic
80. Jovana
- Meaning: Young warrior
- Origin: Slavic
81. Kahlil
- Meaning: Friend, companion
- Origin: Arabic
82. Kamari
- Meaning: Moonlight
- Origin: African
83. Kamilah
- Meaning: Perfect, complete
- Origin: Arabic
84. Kareem
- Meaning: Generous
- Origin: Arabic
85. Karlene
- Meaning: Strong
- Origin: German
86. Kassandra
- Meaning: Shining upon man
- Origin: Greek
87. Keisha
- Meaning: Favorite, precious
- Origin: African-American
88. Kemi
- Meaning: God’s blessing
- Origin: African (Yoruba)
89. Kenya
- Meaning: Horn
- Origin: African
90. Kenyon
- Meaning: A place name
- Origin: English
91. Keshawn
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Origin: American
92. Keshia
- Meaning: Favorite, precious
- Origin: African-American
93. Keyara
- Meaning: Key, light
- Origin: American
94. Khadijah
- Meaning: Premature child
- Origin: Arabic
95. Kiana
- Meaning: Royal, divine
- Origin: Hawaiian
96. Kiara
- Meaning: Light, clear
- Origin: Italian
97. Kierra
- Meaning: Dark
- Origin: Irish
98. Kofi
- Meaning: Born on Friday
- Origin: African (Ghanaian)
99. Lakia
- Meaning: Hill
- Origin: American
100. LaKisha
- Meaning: Joy, happiness
- Origin: American
101. Lamar
- Meaning: Of the sea
- Origin: Arabic
102. Lamont
- Meaning: The lawman
- Origin: French
103. Laniyah
- Meaning: Pretty, gentle
- Origin: American
104. Laquita
- Meaning: The queen
- Origin: American
105. LaShawn
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Origin: American
106. Latasha
- Meaning: Birthday
- Origin: American
107. LaTonya
- Meaning: Fair
- Origin: American
108. Latoya
- Meaning: The princess
- Origin: Spanish
109. Latrell
- Meaning: Joyful
- Origin: American
110. Leondra
- Meaning: Brave, noble
- Origin: English
111. Lera
- Meaning: To be loyal
- Origin: Russian
112. Leroy
- Meaning: The king
- Origin: French
113. Letoya
- Meaning: The princess
- Origin: Spanish
114. Lila
- Meaning: Purple, night
- Origin: Arabic
115. Lisha
- Meaning: Happiness
- Origin: American
116. Lizelle
- Meaning: God is my oath
- Origin: Hebrew
117. Malachi
- Meaning: Messenger of God
- Origin: Hebrew
118. Malik
- Meaning: King
- Origin: Arabic
119. Malika
- Meaning: Queen
- Origin: Arabic
120. Maliyah
- Meaning: Arising, coming forth
- Origin: Arabic
121. Marcellus
- Meaning: Little warrior
- Origin: Latin
122. Marcia
- Meaning: Warrior
- Origin: Latin
123. Marquis
- Meaning: Nobleman
- Origin: French
124. Marquise
- Meaning: Nobleman
- Origin: French
125. Mars
- Meaning: God of war
- Origin: Roman
126. Marquita
- Meaning: Little warrior
- Origin: Spanish
127. Marsha
- Meaning: Of the sea
- Origin: Latin
128. Martell
- Meaning: Little warrior
- Origin: French
129. Marva
- Meaning: To be famous
- Origin: Latin
130. Maya
- Meaning: Illusion, dream
- Origin: Sanskrit
131. Mckenzie
- Meaning: Son of Kenneth
- Origin: Scottish
132. Mekhi
- Meaning: Who is like God?
- Origin: Hebrew
133. Micah
- Meaning: Who is like God?
- Origin: Hebrew
134. Michaela
- Meaning: Who is like God?
- Origin: Hebrew
135. Milan
- Meaning: Gracious, dear
- Origin: Slavic
136. Misha
- Meaning: Who is like God?
- Origin: Hebrew
137. Monique
- Meaning: Unique
- Origin: French
138. Na’Kia
- Meaning: Pure, righteous
- Origin: African-American
139. Nia
- Meaning: Purpose
- Origin: Swahili
140. Nikhai
- Meaning: Winner
- Origin: Hindi
141. Nikita
- Meaning: Victorious
- Origin: Russian
142. Nisha
- Meaning: Night
- Origin: Sanskrit
143. Nneka
- Meaning: Mother is supreme
- Origin: African
144. Nyesha
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Origin: African
145. Octavius
- Meaning: Eighth
- Origin: Latin
146. Oluwafemi
- Meaning: The Lord loves me
- Origin: African
147. Omari
- Meaning: God is high
- Origin: Swahili
148. Onyx
- Meaning: Precious stone
- Origin: Greek
149. Patrice
- Meaning: Noble, patrician
- Origin: Latin
150. Precious
- Meaning: Valuable, rare
- Origin: English
151. Quadir
- Meaning: Powerful
- Origin: Arabic
152. Quanisha
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Origin: American
153. Quanita
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Origin: American
154. Quiana
- Meaning: Graceful
- Origin: American
155. Raina
- Meaning: Queen
- Origin: Slavic
156. Rashad
- Meaning: Rightly guided
- Origin: Arabic
157. Rashawn
- Meaning: God’s gift
- Origin: American
158. Raven
- Meaning: Dark-haired
- Origin: English
159. Reginald
- Meaning: King’s advisor
- Origin: Latin
160. Rena
- Meaning: Born again
- Origin: Hebrew
161. Renelle
- Meaning: Rebirth
- Origin: French
162. Rickey
- Meaning: Brave ruler
- Origin: English
163. Risha
- Meaning: Bright, shining
- Origin: Sanskrit
164. Ronin
- Meaning: Masterless samurai
- Origin: Japanese
165. Ronnell
- Meaning: Mighty
- Origin: English
166. Shad
- Meaning: The Lord is salvation
- Origin: Hebrew
167. Shakia
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Origin: African
168. Shakir
- Meaning: Grateful
- Origin: Arabic
169. Shamara
- Meaning: Guardian
- Origin: Arabic
170. Shanice
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Origin: American
171. Shaniqua
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Origin: African-American
172. Shantel
- Meaning: Stone
- Origin: French
173. Shantell
- Meaning: Stone
- Origin: French
174. Shawna
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Origin: English
175. Shemar
- Meaning: Famous
- Origin: African-American
176. Sherelle
- Meaning: Bright
- Origin: American
177. Sherri
- Meaning: Famous, bright
- Origin: English
178. Shontelle
- Meaning: Stone
- Origin: French
179. Shyheim
- Meaning: Noble
- Origin: African-American
180. Simone
- Meaning: God has heard
- Origin: Hebrew
181. Sincere
- Meaning: Genuine
- Origin: English
182. Siyana
- Meaning: Shining
- Origin: African
183. T’Challa
- Meaning: King
- Origin: African
184. Tanesha
- Meaning: Born on Thursday
- Origin: African-American
185. Tanisha
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Origin: African-American
186. Tashawn
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Origin: American
187. Tashara
- Meaning: Born on Thursday
- Origin: African-American
188. Tavares
- Meaning: Of the woods
- Origin: Portuguese
189. Taye
- Meaning: Well, good
- Origin: African
190. Tia
- Meaning: Aunt
- Origin: Spanish
191. Tiara
- Meaning: Crown
- Origin: Latin
192. Tiawan
- Meaning: He who brings joy
- Origin: American
193. Tiera
- Meaning: Earth
- Origin: Latin
194. Tierney
- Meaning: Descendant of the Lord
- Origin: Irish
195. Tito
- Meaning: Title of honor
- Origin: Spanish
196. Tyesha
- Meaning: Daughter of the king
- Origin: American
197. Ulysses
- Meaning: Wrathful
- Origin: Greek
198. Umar
- Meaning: Flourishing, life
- Origin: Arabic
199. Unique
- Meaning: One of a kind
- Origin: English
200. Vada
- Meaning: Famous
- Origin: English
201. Valencia
- Meaning: Strength, health
- Origin: Latin
202. Vaniyah
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Origin: Hebrew
203. Vernon
- Meaning: Alder tree
- Origin: French
204. Vickie
- Meaning: Victory
- Origin: Latin
205. Waleed
- Meaning: Newborn
- Origin: Arabic
206. Washington
- Meaning: From the town of Wassa
- Origin: English
207. Wendell
- Meaning: Wanderer
- Origin: German
208. Xavia
- Meaning: Bright, splendid
- Origin: American
209. Xaviera
- Meaning: Bright
- Origin: Spanish
210. Xyla
- Meaning: Wood
- Origin: Greek
211. Yara
- Meaning: Small butterfly
- Origin: Arabic
212. Yasmine
- Meaning: Jasmine flower
- Origin: Persian
213. Yvette
- Meaning: Yew tree
- Origin: French
214. Yvonne
- Meaning: Yew tree
- Origin: French
215. Zaire
- Meaning: River
- Origin: African
216. Zakiya
- Meaning: Pure, brilliant
- Origin: Arabic
217. Zaria
- Meaning: Princess
- Origin: Arabic
218. Zayden
- Meaning: Growth, abundance
- Origin: American
219. Zena
- Meaning: Sunlight
- Origin: Greek
220. Zane
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Origin: Hebrew
221. Zander
- Meaning: Defender of the people
- Origin: Greek
222. Zephyr
- Meaning: West wind
- Origin: Greek
223. Zella
- Meaning: Lacking nothing
- Origin: Latin
224. Zane
- Meaning: God’s gracious gift
- Origin: Hebrew
225. Zayn
- Meaning: Beauty, grace
- Origin: Arabic
226. Zaid
- Meaning: Growth, abundance
- Origin: Arabic
227. Zaylee
- Meaning: A place name
- Origin: American
228. Zaira
- Meaning: Bright, shining
- Origin: Arabic
229. Zev
- Meaning: Wolf
- Origin: Hebrew
230. Zora
- Meaning: Dawn
- Origin: Slavic
231. Zayda
- Meaning: Growth, abundance
- Origin: Arabic
232. Ziv
- Meaning: Radiance, light
- Origin: Hebrew
233. Zulema
- Meaning: Peaceful
- Origin: Arabic
234. Zain
- Meaning: Beauty, grace
- Origin: Arabic
235. Zander
- Meaning: Defender of the people
- Origin: Greek
236. Zeno
- Meaning: God’s gift
- Origin: Greek
237. Zohar
- Meaning: Light, radiance
- Origin: Hebrew
238. Zeina
- Meaning: Beautiful, graceful
- Origin: Arabic
239. Zakiya
- Meaning: Pure, brilliant
- Origin: Arabic
240. Zainab
- Meaning: Father’s precious jewel
- Origin: Arabic
241. Zowie
- Meaning: Life
- Origin: Greek
242. Zander
- Meaning: Defender of the people
- Origin: Greek
243. Zenoa
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Origin: Greek
244. Zuri
- Meaning: Beautiful
- Origin: Swahili
245. Zaleah
- Meaning: Sea strength
- Origin: Greek
246. Zvi
- Meaning: Deer, gazelle
- Origin: Hebrew
247. Zephyrine
- Meaning: West wind
- Origin: Greek
248. Zayla
- Meaning: A variant of Zaila, meaning “a flower”
- Origin: Arabic
249. Zahara
- Meaning: Flower, shining
- Origin: Arabic
250. Zivon
- Meaning: Radiance
- Origin: Hebrew
251. Zahira
- Meaning: Bright, shining
- Origin: Arabic
252. Zuleika
- Meaning: Brilliant, lovely
- Origin: Arabic
253. Zella
- Meaning: Lacking nothing
- Origin: Latin
254. Zia
- Meaning: Light, splendor
- Origin: Arabic
255. Zayden
- Meaning: Growth, abundance
- Origin: American
256. Zev
- Meaning: Wolf
- Origin: Hebrew
257. Zola
- Meaning: Earth, ball of earth
- Origin: African
258. Zophia
- Meaning: Wisdom
- Origin: Greek
259. Zinnia
- Meaning: A flower name, “to live forever”
- Origin: Latin
260. Zivah
- Meaning: Bright, radiant
- Origin: Hebrew
261. Zula
- Meaning: A rock, a foundation
- Origin: African
262. Zeke
- Meaning: God strengthens
- Origin: Hebrew
263. Zen
- Meaning: Meditation
- Origin: Japanese
264. Zane
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Origin: Hebrew
265. Zasha
- Meaning: Defender of mankind
- Origin: Slavic
266. Zoya
- Meaning: Life
- Origin: Russian
267. Zaylee
- Meaning: A place name
- Origin: American
268. Zivan
- Meaning: Radiance, brilliance
- Origin: Hebrew
269. Zubair
- Meaning: Strong, powerful
- Origin: Arabic
270. Zulekha
- Meaning: Brilliant, brilliant
- Origin: Arabic
271. Zarrin
- Meaning: Golden
- Origin: Persian
272. Zaida
- Meaning: Growth, abundance
- Origin: Arabic
273. Zephira
- Meaning: West wind
- Origin: Greek
274. Zosima
- Meaning: Full of life
- Origin: Greek
275. Zenaida
- Meaning: Life, vitality
- Origin: Greek
276. Zoraida
- Meaning: Captivating
- Origin: Spanish
277. Zaynab
- Meaning: Father’s precious jewel
- Origin: Arabic
278. Zulema
- Meaning: Peaceful
- Origin: Arabic
279. Zekiel
- Meaning: God will strengthen
- Origin: Hebrew
280. Zoriana
- Meaning: Dawn
- Origin: Slavic
281. Zahira
- Meaning: Bright, shining
- Origin: Arabic
282. Zephyr
- Meaning: West wind
- Origin: Greek
283. Zuleika
- Meaning: Brilliant, lovely
- Origin: Arabic
284. Zeynep
- Meaning: Gem, precious stone
- Origin: Turkish
285. Zuriya
- Meaning: Beautiful, shining
- Origin: Swahili
286. Zeno
- Meaning: God’s gift
- Origin: Greek
287. Zareen
- Meaning: Golden
- Origin: Persian
288. Zara
- Meaning: Princess
- Origin: Arabic
289. Zeina
- Meaning: Beautiful, graceful
- Origin: Arabic
290. Zain
- Meaning: Beauty, grace
- Origin: Arabic
291. Zada
- Meaning: Prosperous, lucky
- Origin: Arabic
292. Zayna
- Meaning: Beauty, grace
- Origin: Arabic
293. Zuri
- Meaning: Beautiful
- Origin: Swahili
294. Zayla
- Meaning: A variant of Zaila, meaning “a flower”
- Origin: Arabic
295. Zahar
- Meaning: Radiance, brilliance
- Origin: Arabic
296. Zayna
- Meaning: Beautiful, graceful
- Origin: Arabic
297. Zera
- Meaning: Seed, beginning
- Origin: Hebrew
298. Zulema
- Meaning: Peaceful
- Origin: Arabic
299. Zeva
- Meaning: Beauty, brilliance
- Origin: Hebrew
Conclusion
How people choose names in America shows how special and diverse the country is. Whether picking traditional family names or creating new ones, each choice tells a story.
Parents often find names that will make their children feel proud and connected to their roots. Some pick names to remember loved ones, while others choose names that sound nice or have good meanings.
As time goes on, naming patterns change with new ideas and influences from around the world. What stays the same is how names help connect people to their family history and culture.
Looking at American naming trends helps us understand how communities grow and change together. These name choices will continue to reflect the dreams and values of families across the nation for years to come.
