Girl Names That Mean Dark

Names meaning dark often began as descriptions of hair, eyes or complexion, and they appear in several languages. Irish and Scottish Gaelic are especially rich sources, but Greek, Sanskrit and English also contribute, giving this list a wide range of sounds and styles.

Melanie comes from the Greek word for black or dark, and Melany, Melani and Melania are related forms. Keira, Kiera and Kierra are feminine forms linked to an Irish word for dark, and Ciara is the Irish spelling of the same idea. Blakely combines an Old English word that can mean dark or pale with a word for meadow. Raven refers to the glossy black bird, and Ebony names the dark hardwood. Kali is the name of a Hindu goddess whose name is often connected to the Sanskrit word for black or time, and Krishna comes from the Sanskrit word for dark.

Several of these names have strong cultural or religious associations, especially Kali and Krishna, so learn their stories before you decide. Pronunciation varies too, since Ciara is traditionally said with a hard k sound at the start in Irish. Spelling variants are common, so choose the form that fits how you want the name said and seen.