Categories: Parenting

Top Names for African American Babies

You are expecting a baby! How Wonderful !

What is more exciting and rewarding, than the anticipation of becoming a parent? Both parents are so excited and want nothing but the best for their child. Naming the child is the effort of both parents and must not be taken lightly.

Generally, there are a number of facts regarding the naming of a baby that may be overlooked. Too many times, people will choose a name that is on the lips of everyone in the world practically and every child is named for that “SOMEONE” in the news, on the screen or television.. Be Kind to your child, respect your child to give a name of pride and assurance. Don’t choose a name, just because it sounds strong or pretty, learn the origin and meaning of the name. It is also advised to choose a second name to use as a middle name, just to be on the safe side that your child may not exactly want to take your favoritename into his or her adulthood.

Would you believe there are 22 tips on how to choos your babies name? Here are but a few hints to consider before you take on the task of choosing a name. For entire listing go to the Talking Babies.com site listed in the resource section below.

1. Know your history. Look up the name in a search engine to make sure you don’t give your baby the name of a serial killer, pornstar or dictator.
2. Baby names need to go nicely with the sound of your last name. Also, pick a first name and a middle name that go together well. Say the entire name out loud many times. Does the name of your new baby sound right?
3. Look at the initials to be sure that you don’t give the new baby a name with initials that will make people laugh.
4. Name experts contend that short first names tend to go well with longer last names, and vice versa.
5. Don’t pick a baby name that is so trendy that it will sound funny by the time the baby is ten years old.
6. Don’t pick a name that’s really cute for an adorable little baby but will sound silly when the baby grows up. (So maybe not Dimples !)
7. Avoid baby names that might produce insulting nicknames when people shorten them. Consider the possible (bad) nicknames that could arise from your baby’s name. Do you like the nicknames?
8. Don’t pick a name that is so hard to spell or to pronounce that people will always get it wrong and your child will have to go through life correcting people.
9. Does the name rhyme? Kids can be cruel! Just imagine what kids could do with a name like Randal Crandall. Avoid the obvious and make it harder for them to come up with something hurtful.

While researching for this article, I found the meanings of the names were not only beautiful, but would give the child a sense of pride and encouragement. Those are the important factors to remember in choosing a name. I found also, it would be mindful to instill in your child the character of his or her name. I can see a little girl named Dericia (which means Athletic, growing up in a life-style or profession that does not come close to athletic pursuits.

I was also surprised to learn that a number of the letters in the alphabet do not have names in the African-American origin.
It is wise to remember that some names when you look at their spelling, are very descriptive and you may want to shy away form those names.

Here are a few names and meanings for Girls, that may be considered:
Anana Meaning: Worthy of Love
Gaynell Meaning: Happy, Shiny

An here is a name that could pose a problem, especially for your first born:
Laquinta Meaning: The Fifth

This is my favorite:
Latanya Meaning: The Fairy Queen

Here again, parents must be very considerate of their son when choosing a name, I am certain you do not want your child to be on the receiving end of ridicule or feeling the force of someone’s fist.

This particular name could insight some unwanted actions or attitudes, if the name is taken seriously:
Denzel Meaning: Wild One
Jamar Meaning: Handsome
Kendis Meaning: Pure
Mykelti Meaning: Who is like God?

Tavarius Meaning: Misfortune

Here are names either male or female, but be ready for the meaing:
Lakin Meaning: Sim. Lakia, Found Treasure

Roshaun Meaning: Shining Light
Shaquille Meaning: Pretty
Taurean Meaning: Strong as a Bull

Both of the names Vashon and Zeshawn Mean: God is Gracious, Merciful

Now that you have a basic guide to follow in choosing a name for your baby, the task should be easy and enjoyable for both of you. Follow the advice in the URLs provided, review the meanings of the names, discuss possible names with other family members to get their ideas and above all, have a few extra names at hand if you are faced with multiple birth or the opposite sex happens to arrive !