Darkness has long been a symbol of mystery, strength, elegance, and quiet beauty. Across many cultures, the color black and the night sky represent wisdom, resilience, protection, and new beginnings rather than something negative. That’s why names that mean black or dark have become a unique and meaningful choice for many parents.

Whether you’re searching for a bold baby name, a rare hidden gem, or a name inspired by mythology and nature, dark-inspired names offer timeless appeal. Some names literally mean “black,” “dark,” or “night,” while others are connected to shadows, the moon, twilight, ravens, or deep, rich colors found in the natural world. Each name carries its own fascinating story and cultural significance.

In this guide, you’ll discover a carefully curated collection of names that mean black or dark, including options for boys, girls, and unisex names. We’ve organized them into easy-to-browse categories and included each name’s origin and meaning to help you make an informed choice.

If you’re looking for a baby name that reflects mystery, confidence, elegance, and lasting character, you’re sure to find plenty of inspiring ideas. Let’s explore these beautiful dark-inspired names and discover the perfect one for your little star.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Name That Means Black or Dark

Choosing the perfect name is an exciting part of the journey. Before making your final decision, take a moment to think about these helpful tips:

  • Choose a name that’s easy to pronounce and spell. A simple, easy-to-say name will be more memorable and convenient throughout your child’s life.
  • 🖤 Pick a meaning that speaks to you. Whether you’re inspired by mystery, strength, elegance, the night sky, or nature, select a name whose symbolism reflects what matters most to you.
  • 🌍 Consider your family’s culture and traditions. A name with cultural or personal significance can make your choice even more meaningful.
  • Think about uniqueness. If you want your child to stand out, check how common the name is before making your final choice.
  • 📖 Understand the origin and symbolism. Learning a name’s history and true meaning helps ensure it aligns with your values and intentions.
  • 🎵 Say the full name out loud. Make sure it flows naturally with your last name and sounds pleasant when spoken together.

The best name is one that not only sounds beautiful but also tells a story you’ll be proud to share for years to come.

Girl Names That Mean Black or Darkness

If you’re looking for a name that feels mysterious, elegant, and unforgettable, these girl names inspired by black, darkness, night, and shadows are beautiful choices. Some names literally mean “dark” or “night,” while others are connected to mythology, nature, or symbols of strength and mystery.

Name Meaning / Origin
Lilith Associated with the night in ancient Mesopotamian and Jewish traditions
Nyx Greek goddess and personification of the night
Layla Arabic name meaning “night”
Kali Sanskrit name meaning “the black one”; Hindu goddess of transformation and strength
Morrรญgan Celtic goddess associated with fate, battle, and ravens
Leila Persian and Arabic name meaning “night” or “dark beauty”
Sable Inspired by the rich black color of sable fur
Melaina Greek name meaning “black” or “dark one”
Tenebra Inspired by the Latin word tenebrae, meaning “darkness”
Umbra Latin for “shadow”
Ravenna Inspired by the raven, a symbol often linked with mystery and wisdom
Duลกka Slavic name associated with dusk and twilight (also related to “soul” in some Slavic languages)
Selene Greek goddess of the moon, often associated with the beauty of the night sky
Vespera Inspired by the Latin word vesper, meaning “evening”
Nocturna Derived from the Latin word nocturnus, meaning “of the night”
Erela Modern name with a soft, mystical feel (does not literally mean “dark angel”)
Caligo Latin for “mist,” “darkness,” or “gloom”
Drusilla Ancient Roman name meaning “strong” or “fruitful”; often chosen for its gothic appeal rather than a meaning of darkness
Nymera Modern fantasy-inspired name associated with mystery and the night
Obsidia Inspired by obsidian, the deep black volcanic glass symbolizing strength and protection

These beautiful names capture the elegance of the night, the mystery of shadows, and the quiet strength often associated with darkness. Whether you love the timeless charm of Layla, the mythological power of Nyx, the bold spirit of Kali, or the unique beauty of Obsidia, each name offers a memorable and meaningful choice.

Which dark-inspired girl name is your favorite? 🖤🌙

Names Associated with Darkness or Death

If you’re fascinated by mythology, folklore, and gothic-inspired names, these names are connected with darkness, the underworld, night, or death. Some represent gods or supernatural figures, while others symbolize mystery, transformation, or the unknown.

Name Meaning / Association
Thanatos Greek personification of peaceful death
Hades Greek god of the underworld
Lilith Figure associated with the night in ancient traditions
Moros Greek spirit of doom and fate
Erebus Greek personification of deep darkness and shadow
Samael Angelic figure associated with severity and, in some traditions, death
Azrael Angel associated with guiding souls in Islamic and Jewish traditions
Abaddon Hebrew name meaning “destruction”; associated with the abyss
Nox Latin word meaning “night”
Nyx Greek goddess and personification of the night
Mortis Latin word meaning “death”
Umbra Mortis Latin phrase meaning “shadow of death”
Kali Hindu goddess of time, transformation, and power
Valkyrie Norse female warriors who choose fallen heroes
Persephone Queen of the Greek underworld
Yama Hindu and Buddhist god of death
Hel Norse goddess of the underworld
Orcus Roman god of the underworld
Ankou Personification of death in Breton folklore
Reaper Symbolic figure representing death

Girl Names Inspired by Black or Darkness

These elegant names are inspired by the beauty of the night, shadows, mystery, and dark natural elements.

Name Meaning / Association
Nyx Greek goddess of the night
Lilith Night-associated figure in ancient tradition
Layla Arabic for “night”
Sable Rich black color
Raven Black bird symbolizing wisdom and mystery
Morrรญgan Celtic goddess associated with ravens and fate
Kali “The black one” in Sanskrit
Leila Night or dark beauty
Melaina Greek for “black” or “dark”
Umbra Latin for “shadow”
Vespera Evening
Selene Greek moon goddess
Ravenna Raven-inspired name
Duลกka Slavic name associated with dusk
Caligo Latin for darkness or mist
Drusilla Ancient Roman name with gothic appeal
Noctisette Modern night-inspired creation
Obsidia Inspired by black obsidian stone
Nymera Fantasy-inspired dark name
Tenebra Inspired by the Latin word for darkness

Boy Names Inspired by Black or Darkness

These names are inspired by the night, dark colors, mythology, and nature.

Name Meaning / Association
Kuro Japanese for “black”
Noir French for “black”
Blake Old English name meaning “black” or “dark” (also interpreted as “pale” in some contexts)
Darrow Irish surname with a strong, modern feel
Draven Modern name with gothic popularity
Dorian Greek name associated with mystery through literature
Mordecai Hebrew for “servant of Marduk”; often linked with darker aesthetics
Erebus Greek embodiment of darkness
Nox Latin for “night”
Shade Shadow
Umbra Shadow
Onyx Black gemstone
Zarek Slavic-inspired modern name meaning “God protects” (not “dark ruler”)
Raven Black bird
Lucius Latin for “light” (often used for light-and-dark contrast)
Moros Doom
Tenebris Latin for “darkness”
Ashen Ash-colored
Vesper Evening star; evening
Noctis Latin-inspired word meaning “of the night”

Male Names with Dark Themes

If you’re looking for masculine names with mysterious, gothic, or night-inspired vibes, these are excellent choices.

  • Draven
  • Kuro
  • Noir
  • Erebus
  • Noctis
  • Onyx
  • Nox
  • Shade
  • Moros
  • Umbra
  • Tenebris
  • Ashen
  • Vesper
  • Raven
  • Dorian
  • Blake
  • Caligo
  • Thorne
  • Darrow
  • Mordecai

Names Inspired by Dark Warriors

These names evoke strength, courage, mystery, and resilience. While most do not literally mean “dark warrior,” they create that powerful impression through mythology, symbolism, or modern fantasy.

  • Draven
  • Kuro
  • Shade
  • Raven
  • Onyx
  • Erebus
  • Nox
  • Umbra
  • Tenebris
  • Noctis
  • Vesper
  • Thorne
  • Ashen
  • Dorian
  • Blake
  • Caligo
  • Darrow
  • Lucian
  • Mordecai
  • Zarek

Which dark-inspired name is your favorite? 🖤🌙

Unique Dark-Inspired Male Names

If you’re searching for a bold, uncommon name with a mysterious edge, these unique dark-inspired male names are full of character. Some are rooted in mythology or real languages, while others are modern fantasy-style creations inspired by the night, shadows, ravens, and darkness. They are ideal for parents who want a distinctive name with a powerful presence.

Name Meaning / Inspiration
Nyxen Modern name inspired by Nyx, the Greek goddess of the night
Draven Gothic-inspired modern name known for its dark, mysterious appeal
Kuro Japanese word meaning “black”
Umbros Modern creation inspired by the Latin word umbra, meaning “shadow”
Zareth Fantasy-inspired name with a bold, mysterious sound
Noctis Latin-inspired name meaning “of the night”
Morvex Modern fantasy name inspired by darkness and mystery
Shadeon Creative name inspired by the word shade
Tenebros Inspired by the Latin word tenebrae, meaning “darkness”
Onyxar Modern name inspired by the black gemstone onyx
Ashryn Contemporary name inspired by ash and smoky tones
Varron Strong masculine name with an ancient Roman feel
Darkon Modern fantasy-inspired name associated with darkness
Ravik Inspired by the raven, a symbol of wisdom and mystery
Noxar Modern name inspired by the Latin word nox, meaning “night”
Calix Latin name meaning “chalice”; admired for its elegant, dark fantasy style
Erevan Fantasy-inspired variation influenced by Erebus, the Greek personification of darkness
Thorne English name inspired by the thorn bush, symbolizing resilience and strength
Lucian Latin name meaning “light”; often used in gothic fiction for its striking contrast with darkness
Mordax Powerful fantasy-style name inspired by ancient and gothic themes

These unique names blend mythology, fantasy, and timeless symbolism to create bold and memorable choices. Whether you’re drawn to the mystery of Noctis, the elegance of Lucian, the simplicity of Kuro, or the striking sound of Mordax, each name offers a distinctive identity with a dark, unforgettable charm.

Looking for a rare name that stands out from the crowd? These unique dark-inspired names are sure to leave a lasting impression. 🖤

Names That Represent Both Light and Darkness

Some names beautifully capture the balance between light and darkness. Rather than literally meaning both, they are associated with the moon, stars, dawn, dusk, or the contrast between light and shadow. These names symbolize harmony, mystery, hope, and transformation.

Name Meaning / Association
Lucian Latin name meaning “light”
Selena Variant of Selene, Greek goddess of the moon
Aurora Roman goddess of dawn
Nyx Greek goddess of the night
Vespera Inspired by the Latin word for “evening”
Elara Name of one of Jupiter’s moons in Greek mythology
Liora Hebrew name meaning “my light”
Dorian Classic Greek name with a mysterious literary association
Seraphina Hebrew-inspired name meaning “fiery” or “burning one”
Calista Greek name meaning “most beautiful”
Isolde Legendary Celtic name associated with romance and mystery
Ravenna Inspired by the raven, a symbol of mystery
Orion Famous constellation and hunter in Greek mythology
Zephyra Feminine form inspired by Zephyrus, the west wind
Selene Greek goddess of the moon
Aria Italian word meaning “air” or a beautiful melody
Nocturne Inspired by the night and evening music
Umbriel Inspired by the Latin word umbra (shadow); also a moon of Uranus
Luxa Modern name inspired by the Latin word lux, meaning “light”
Mira Latin meaning “wonderful”; also a bright star

🖤 Girl Names That Mean Black or Dark

These beautiful girl names are connected with black, darkness, the night, or deep colors across different cultures.

Name Meaning
Melanie Greek name meaning “black” or “dark”
Layla Arabic for “night”
Leila Persian and Arabic name meaning “night”
Kali Sanskrit for “the black one”
Ciara Irish name meaning “dark-haired” or “black”
Raven Inspired by the black bird
Nisha Sanskrit and Hindi for “night”
Ebony Inspired by the deep black wood
Bruna Italian and Portuguese for “brown” or “dark-haired”
Maura Irish name meaning “dark-skinned”
Darcy Irish surname traditionally associated with “dark one”
Amaya Basque name meaning “the end” (sometimes poetically linked with night, though not literally)
Kiera Irish name meaning “little dark one”
Indigo Inspired by the deep blue-black color
Mona Irish name meaning “noble”; not literally “dark” but often chosen for its elegant tone

Which of these beautiful dark-inspired girl names is your favorite? 🖤🌙

🖤 Boy Names That Mean Black or Dark

These masculine names are inspired by dark colors, the night, gemstones, and ancient languages.

Name Meaning
Blake Old English name meaning “black” or “dark”
Cole English name meaning “coal”
Jett Inspired by the black gemstone jet
Donovan Irish name meaning “dark” or “brown-haired chieftain”
Adham Arabic name meaning “black” or “very dark”
Kieran Irish name meaning “little dark one”
Duncan Scottish name meaning “dark warrior”
Bruno Germanic name meaning “brown” or “dark”
Sullivan Irish surname meaning “dark-eyed”
Maurice Derived from Latin, meaning “dark-skinned”
Onyx Inspired by the black gemstone
Krishna Sanskrit name meaning “dark” or “black”
Tynan Irish name meaning “dark one”
Channing English surname; not literally “dark-haired”
Zoran Slavic name meaning “dawn” (not darkness)

Which one would you choose for a bold and memorable name? ⚔️🖤


🌙 Gender-Neutral Names Inspired by Darkness

These versatile names are perfect for anyone who loves mysterious, nature-inspired, or gothic aesthetics.

Name Meaning / Inspiration
Noir French word meaning “black”
Shadow Symbol of mystery and darkness
Sable Deep black color
Midnight The middle of the night
Storm Inspired by dark clouds and powerful weather
Obsidian Black volcanic glass
Nyx Greek goddess of the night
Erebos Greek personification of deep darkness
Carbon Element associated with black charcoal
Salem Hebrew name meaning “peace”; often chosen for its mystical reputation

Do you prefer a soft, elegant name or something bold and mysterious? 🌑✨


🖤 Cool & Modern Dark-Inspired Names

If you love contemporary names with a sleek, edgy style, these modern dark-inspired choices are full of personality.

Name Inspiration
Ash Ash trees and charcoal
Slate Dark gray stone
Coal Black mineral
Jetson Modern name inspired by jet-black stone
Shadowfax Legendary horse from fantasy literature
Onyxia Modern name inspired by onyx
Ravenna Raven-inspired elegance
Cinder Dark ashes after fire
Noirรฉ Modern variation of the French word Noir
Eclipse Moon or sun temporarily covered in darkness
Vesper Evening star
Sablet Modern variation inspired by Sable
Dusk The time between day and night
Obscura Latin-inspired word meaning “dark” or “hidden”
Phantom Mysterious spirit or shadow
Ashwin Sanskrit name meaning “light”; included for its modern sound rather than a dark meaning
Smokey Inspired by smoke and mist
Crowley English surname associated with crows
Morven Scottish place name meaning “big gap” or “sea gap”; admired for its dark aesthetic
Tempest Powerful storm symbolizing strength and mystery

These names blend mystery, elegance, mythology, and nature, making them perfect for anyone looking for a distinctive and unforgettable dark-inspired name.

Unique & Rare Names Inspired by Black or Darkness

If you’re looking for a name that’s uncommon, meaningful, and full of mystery, these rare dark-inspired names are excellent choices. Some have roots in mythology or ancient languages, while others are modern creations inspired by the night, shadows, ravens, and deep black colors. They offer a distinctive style that’s both elegant and unforgettable.

Name Meaning / Origin
Erela Modern mystical name with a soft, elegant feel (does not literally mean “dark eagle”)
Morana Slavic goddess associated with winter, death, and rebirth
Tenebris Latin-inspired form of tenebrae, meaning “darkness”
Melantha Greek-inspired name meaning “dark flower” or “black flower”
Kuro Japanese word meaning “black”
Lailah Hebrew name meaning “night”; also the name of an angel in Jewish tradition
Duan Chinese surname and given name with several meanings depending on the characters used (does not literally mean “dark”)
Umbra Latin word meaning “shadow”
Morrรญgan Celtic goddess associated with battle, ravens, fate, and mystery
Mรธrk Scandinavian word meaning “dark”
Onyxio Modern fantasy-inspired name based on the black gemstone Onyx
Azrael Angel associated with guiding souls in Jewish and Islamic traditions
Duskiel Modern invented name inspired by dusk
Corvina Derived from the Latin word for “raven”
Noctis Latin-inspired name meaning “of the night”
Draven Modern gothic-style name with a mysterious feel
Zephyr Noir Modern combination meaning “west wind” and the French word for “black”
Kalinda Sanskrit name meaning “sun”; sometimes used in fantasy for its dark aesthetic, but it does not mean “dark moon”
Nox Latin word meaning “night”
Tenebra Inspired by the Latin word tenebrae, meaning “darkness”

These rare names combine mythology, history, and modern creativity to create bold and memorable choices. Whether you love the elegance of Melantha, the mystery of Noctis, the strength of Morana, or the simplicity of Kuro, each name offers a unique connection to the beauty of darkness and the night.

Which rare dark-inspired name captures your imagination the most? 🖤🌙

🦇 Gothic & Mysterious Names

If you’re drawn to dark fantasy, gothic literature, or mysterious aesthetics, these names capture the beauty of shadows, ancient legends, and the night. Some come from mythology and history, while others are modern creations inspired by gothic themes.

Name Meaning / Inspiration
Ravenna Inspired by the raven, a symbol of mystery and wisdom
Morrรญgan Celtic goddess associated with ravens, fate, and battle
Lilith Ancient figure associated with the night
Draven Modern gothic-inspired name
Umbra Latin for “shadow”
Nocturne Inspired by the beauty of the night
Selene Greek goddess of the moon
Morwen Welsh-inspired name meaning “dark maiden” or associated with darkness
Nyx Greek goddess and personification of the night
Erebos (Erebus) Greek personification of deep darkness
Corvina Derived from the Latin word for “raven”
Tenebris Latin-inspired word meaning “darkness”
Obscura Latin for “dark” or “hidden”
Azrael Angel associated with guiding souls
Duskiel Modern fantasy-inspired name based on dusk
Malachai Hebrew name meaning “my messenger”
Vesper Evening star; evening
Cimmerian Inspired by the mythical land of eternal darkness
Caligo Latin for “mist,” “gloom,” or “darkness”
Shade Shadow and mystery

Which gothic-inspired name feels like it belongs in a dark fairy tale? 🖤📖

🌌 Cosmic & Night Sky Names

The beauty of the night sky has inspired names for centuries. These celestial names evoke stars, galaxies, the moon, and the quiet mystery of the universe.

Name Meaning / Inspiration
Midnight The darkest hour of the night
Eclipse Celestial event where light is temporarily hidden
Luna Nox Latin-inspired combination meaning “moon” and “night”
Orion Famous constellation in Greek mythology
Vega Noir Modern combination inspired by the bright star Vega and the French word for black
Solstice Seasonal astronomical event
Astra Latin-inspired word meaning “stars”
Nebula Interstellar cloud of gas and dust
Selene Greek moon goddess
Nova Shadow Modern celestial-inspired creation
Comet Bright object traveling through space
Twilight Time between day and night
Lyra Constellation named after the lyre
Celeste Heavenly; celestial
Astrid Scandinavian name meaning “divinely beautiful”
Stellan Scandinavian name meaning “calm”
Noctis Latin-inspired name meaning “of the night”
Polaris The North Star
Cosmo Universe; order of the cosmos
Dusk Evening twilight

Which celestial-inspired name feels the most magical? ✨🌙

⚡ Fantasy & Magical Names

Perfect for fantasy worlds, role-playing games, or imaginative baby-name inspiration, these names are bold, mystical, and unforgettable.

Name Inspiration
Onyxia Inspired by the black gemstone Onyx
Shadowfax Legendary horse from fantasy literature
Cinder Ashes after fire
Darkthorn Modern fantasy creation
Obsidian Black volcanic glass
Ashwyn Modern variation inspired by ash
Nyxara Inspired by Nyx, goddess of night
Tenebrae Latin word meaning “darkness”
Vantheon Fantasy-inspired original name
Morvayne Gothic fantasy creation
Drakonia Dragon-inspired fantasy name
Ravenclaw Inspired by the magical world of fantasy fiction
Duskveil Inspired by evening mist
Nightshade Poisonous flowering plant
Umbros Inspired by the Latin word umbra
Erethor Fantasy-style creation
Kalindra Modern mystical name
Shadeveil Shadow-inspired fantasy name
Sablethorn Combines black elegance with strength
Noctara Inspired by the Latin word for night

Which fantasy-inspired name would you choose for a character or avatar? 🎮✨

🌿 Nature-Inspired Dark Names

Nature offers endless inspiration through black gemstones, forests, birds, storms, and the night.

Name Inspiration
Crow Intelligent black bird
Raven Symbol of wisdom and mystery
Panther Powerful black wild cat
Wolf Symbol of loyalty and strength
Ash Ash tree and charcoal
Ebony Deep black hardwood
Coal Black mineral
Onyx Black gemstone
Nightingale Songbird associated with the night
Storm Powerful weather
Sable Rich black color
Obsidian Black volcanic glass
Hawk Strong bird of prey
Thorn Symbol of resilience
Willow Graceful tree often linked with enchanted forests
Nightshade Mysterious flowering plant
Cedar Noir Modern combination inspired by cedar and black
Juniper Dusk Nature-inspired combination
Maple Ash Earthy modern pairing
Shadowleaf Fantasy nature creation

Which nature-inspired name feels the most powerful and mysterious? 🌲🖤

🎮 Gaming & Edgy Names

These bold names are perfect for gamers, fantasy characters, online usernames, or creative projects.

  • DarkKnight
  • ShadowBlade
  • NightFang
  • ObsidianX
  • EclipseRider
  • RavenStrike
  • VoidWalker
  • DuskRaven
  • BlackViper
  • NightHawk
  • AshStorm
  • CinderFang
  • PhantomStrike
  • DarkFlame
  • MidnightRogue
  • UmbraX
  • Tenebra
  • ShadowCaster
  • Blackout
  • VoidShadow

Which edgy name would you choose for your gaming persona? 🎮🔥

How We Selected These Names That Mean Black or Dark

To create this collection, we researched names from trusted linguistic, historical, and cultural sources. We also included carefully labeled modern and fantasy-inspired names to provide a wide variety of styles.

Our selection process included:

  • 🖤 Researching names that literally mean black, dark, night, or shadow.
  • 🌍 Exploring names from Greek, Latin, Arabic, Japanese, Celtic, Irish, Hebrew, Sanskrit, and other languages.
  • 🌙 Drawing inspiration from nature, mythology, gemstones, birds, forests, and the night sky.
  • ⭐ Including both timeless classics and modern, creative names.
  • 🗣️ Choosing names that are memorable and easy to pronounce.

Tips for Choosing a Dark-Inspired Name

  • ✨ Learn the true meaning and cultural origin before choosing.
  • 🌙 Use nature-inspired elements like Raven, Onyx, or Nightshade for a distinctive touch.
  • 🌍 Blend names from different cultures if you enjoy unique combinations.
  • 🎵 Say the full name aloud with your last name to ensure it flows naturally.
  • 💙 Pick a name that reflects the personality, story, or symbolism that matters most to you.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What are popular girl names that mean black or dark?

Popular choices include Melanie, Layla, Leila, Kali, Ciara, Kiera, Ebony, and Raven.

What are strong boy names that mean dark?

Some strong options are Blake, Kieran, Adham, Bruno, Jett, Cole, Onyx, and Krishna.

Are there gender-neutral names inspired by darkness?

Yes. Noir, Shadow, Midnight, Sable, Onyx, and Storm are excellent gender-neutral choices.

Do these names come from different cultures?

Absolutely. This collection includes names from Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Arabic, Irish, Japanese, Sanskrit, Celtic, Scandinavian, and many other traditions.

How can I make a name feel more unique?

You can combine meaningful words, choose a less common spelling, or pair two complementary namesโ€”for example, Raven Noir, Luna Nox, or Onyx Grey.

Are these names suitable for fantasy characters?

Definitely! Many of these names work beautifully for novels, games, role-playing characters, screenplays, and creative world-building.

🖤 Final Thoughts

Names inspired by black, darkness, night, and shadows are more than just stylishโ€”they often represent mystery, resilience, wisdom, elegance, and quiet strength. Whether you’re choosing a baby name, creating a fictional character, or searching for a unique online identity, there’s a dark-inspired name that perfectly matches your vision.

From timeless classics like Layla, Melanie, and Blake to rare gems like Noctis, Morana, and Tenebris, every name tells its own story and carries its own symbolism.

Take your time, explore the meanings, and choose the name that feels most meaningful to you.

💬 Which dark-inspired name is your favorite? Share your top pick in the commentsโ€”we’d love to hear it! 🖤🌙


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