50+ funniest black names that will make you laugh out loud
Black-sounding names are unique to the African-American community and are predominantly used in America. The names sound intriguing, have fascinating spellings, and bring a twist to the naming style. The funniest black names are special and carry so much meaning to their bearers. TUKO.co.ke caught up with M. Keith Claybrook, Jr., Ph.D., an associate professor of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach, who offered expert insight into the origin and meaning of funny names and nicknames in Black communities.
Source: UGC
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Many theories are floating around about why some black names are spelt like they are. One popular theory is that traditional names were given to African Americans during the slavery period, but the parents could not properly spell the traditional names, thus the new spellings.
Another theory states that parents just decided to spell the names how they are spelt to add a little style. A different theory suggests that the genesis of modern black names is the civil rights movement, as blacks at the time chose to affirm and embrace the black culture.
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Funniest black names
For parents who want to give their babies black names, there is a variety to choose from. You do not have to be African American or identify with the black culture to have a black name for your offspring. Every name is unique and beautiful.
With African-American names, you are assured of getting names in every category. Below are some of the funniest black names that show savagery and a solid side:
Funniest black names for females
If you want a name easily recognized as an exclusive female black name, you have to look for names with the prefix 'La' and the suffix 'ique’ or ‘isha’. Not every name with the aforementioned prefix and suffixes sounds ghetto or funny. Here are some of the most creative female black names:
- Shaniqua
- Laquisha
- La'Tanya
- Ebony
- Diamonique
- Shanice
- Elquisha
Source: UGC
- Rohondra
- Bonquisha
- Sha'Tanya
- Chantiqua
- Equasia
- Eteshiara
- Toprameneesha
- La'Quishria
- Shataniana
- Levondia
- Fashionette
- Garrett
- Flanasha
- Bufanaquishria
- La'Quishraniqua
- Barbeesha
- V'Lanta'La'Mana'Ma'Nisha
- Sha Nay Nay
- La'Trice
- Tramicia
- De'Lanice
- Ka'Likatirfrianiqua
- Sha'Londria
- Sha'Quonda
- Elaphantisha
- La'Quaysha
Funny black male names
You will notice that most men who have black African names have the prefix 'De', ‘Da’, ‘Re’, ‘Ra’, and ‘Ja', 'Je' as the most common, while the suffix 'ari’, ‘aun', and 'awn' are the most typical. Below is a list of distinct American black male names:
- DeShawn
- Ureeka
- Vonzella
- DeAndre
- Marquis
Source: UGC
- Quantavius
- LeDarius
- Cordeaz
- Darnell
- Terrell
- Malik
- TyQuan
- Shaquan
- Dalasia
- Damius
- Tyrone
- Dominique
- Demetrius
- Demontravius
- Jamal
- Marquesha
- Nafessa
- Nyquila
Interview with a naming expert
In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, M. Keith Claybrook, Jr., Ph.D., an associate professor of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach, intimated that names and nicknames in Black communities are influenced by social and cultural factors. He said:
Society and environment influence culture, while culture also influences society and environment. In "urban" or "hood" settings, often as a result of several types of factors such often including race, class, and gender, nicknames (family nicknames for kids) are used to provide a level of cuteness and joy in otherwise bleak conditions.
The scholar further noted that the names are viewed as a cultural identity, and one way Black people express their creativity is through naming. Claybrook explained:
Names or nicknames in the context of popular culture can be viewed in the context of making the invisible visible. In a broad societal context, Black people are invisible unless they are seen as a problem or as an entertainer, which includes athletes, comedians, social media influencers, singers, rappers, actors and actresses, etc. Their name, even nicknames, tells society and the world, "I'm here and I am somebody!" In this sense, the best nicknames are the memorable and unique nicknames. The nickname becomes a brand where the individual can create a public-facing image from which to be remembered.
The names and nicknames reveal creativity and joy. Despite and in-spite of urban conditions, Black people find ways to express their humanity and creativity even when living within "the belly of the beast."
The associate professor of Africana Studies emphasized the power of words, advising people to choose names that inspire, affirm identity, and offer guidance. He remarked:
Names and nicknames should be reaffirming and provide guidance. In this way, every time the person's name is being called, they are being guided or reaffirmed. We must guard against reproducing stereotypes or normalizing self-degradation in our names. So, we should pay attention to the power of names; the power of words.
Longest black names
Some parents like being a little extra with the naming. They do not mind adding more letters and the popular apostrophe if only it will give their child a unique name. Here are some of the longest, most-sounding black names to make your newborn stand out:
- Qua'Lifriaqui'sha'niquia
- Congratulashayla
- Qua'Lifriaqui'sha'niquia
- Spongebobeeshia
- Watermelondrea
Source: UGC
- Cellularphoniqua
- Unidastazovamerikaliqua
- Alejandrisha
- Fri'chikenisha
- Que'Shayda
- Bo'Vanashrianiqualiquanice
- Toprameneesha
- La'Quishria
- King'Kong'Quisha
- Colla'greeniqua
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Wrapping up
These are some of the funniest black names that will make you laugh out loud. Some may have hilarious pronunciation, and others hold amusing meanings. You can use them as nicknames for those friends whose behaviour best fits descriptions.
Tuko.co.ke shared an interesting article about baby names that mean strong, strong, powerful, or brave. Choosing a suitable name for your child is never an easy task. There are numerous aspects to consider because your decision will affect the baby for the rest of his or her life.
Naming your child names that mean brave does not always imply being fearless. These names also mean your child will be inspired to speak the truth, even when it is not in their best interests.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Gladys Mokeira (Lifestyle writer) Gladys is a content creator who has worked with Tuko since 2018, where she won the Best Writer Award in 2022. She graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor’s in Project Planning and Management. She previously held other positions, including an editing role at Kami.com.ph, Yen.com.gh, and Legit.ng. In 2023, Gladys finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: julianmireri@gmail.com
Clinton Nyabuto (Lifestyle journalist) Clinton Nyabuto is a journalist at TUKO.co.ke with over five years of professional experience in digital journalism. He has previously worked with the Standard Media Group as a Digital Writer and Sub-Editor, Scooper News Kenya as a Content Editor, and Nairobileo.co.ke as a Content Writer and Editor. For inquiries, contact him via email: clinton.nyabuto@tuko.co.ke.
