Have you ever thought about the meaning behind names? Some names can sound cute or beautiful, while others might send a shiver down your spine. Many names have dark or scary meanings tied to history, mythology, or folklore. These names can remind us of monsters, ghosts, or other creepy things!
Today, we’ll look at a selection of names that mean scary things. Whether you’re searching for a unique name or just curious about what certain names represent, this list has plenty to offer. Get ready to learn about names that might give you goosebumps!
Names That Mean Scary Things
1. Achlys
This name comes from Greek mythology, representing the personification of darkness and despair. Achlys evokes a haunting imagery tied to the underworld.
2. Azrael
Azrael is a name of Hebrew origin that means “help of God.” In some beliefs, Azrael is the angel of death, making it a rather eerie choice.
3. Belladonna
The name Belladonna means “beautiful lady” in Italian. However, it is also a poisonous plant known for its deadly properties, giving it a sinister twist.
4. Kali
Originating from Hindu mythology, Kali is the goddess of destruction and transformation. Her fierce nature ties her name to concepts of fear and power.
5. Lechuzza
In Mexican folklore, La Lechuzza is a shape-shifting witch that takes the form of an owl, representing danger and the supernatural.
6. Moloch
Moloch is a name tied to an ancient deity who demanded child sacrifices. Its association with darkness and evil makes it a chilling name.
7. Nocnitsa
A Slavic mythical creature that is said to haunt people in their dreams, Nocnitsa represents terror in the night, making it relevant to scary names.
8. Samara
In Arabic, Samara means “guardian.” However, it is also the name of a character in the horror film “The Ring,” representing fear and haunting memories.
9. Lilith
In Jewish mythology, Lilith is known as a figure who is often associated with demons and night spirits, giving her a notably sinister reputation.
10. Raven
This name invokes images of a dark bird often tied to death and mystery, making it a powerful choice for those interested in scary names.
11. Hecate
Hecate is a Greek goddess associated with witchcraft, ghosts, and the moon. Her name carries fear from her powerful and dark nature.
12. Fenris
In Norse mythology, Fenris is a monstrous wolf foretold to bring chaos and destruction at the end of the world, making it a scary name.
13. Acheron
Acheron is one of the rivers in Hades, representing pain. The name encapsulates the essence of fear connected to the afterlife.
14. Dorian
Dorian gained popularity through the story of “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” where he embodies vanity and ultimately meets a dark fate.
15. Sable
While Sable describes a black color, it’s often associated with darkness and shadows, which gives it a slightly ominous air.
16. Thanos
This name has become infamous due to its association with the Marvel villain who desires to bring despair to the universe, making it quite fearsome.
17. Cerberus
In mythology, Cerberus is the three-headed dog guarding the gates of the underworld, symbolizing terror and ferocity.
18. Moros
Moros personifies doom and is known for bringing fate and misfortune. This name clearly indicates a deep connection with darkness.
19. Banshee
This name comes from Irish folklore signifying a female spirit who heralds death. Its association with foreboding makes it a creepy name choice.
20. Nyx
Nyx is the Greek goddess of night, embodying darkness and mystery, which relates directly to themes of fear and the unknown.
21. Brigid
In mythology, Brigid is often called upon by those needing courage, but her ties to fire and transformation also embody a darker side.
22. Maleficent
This name is forever linked to the evil fairy tale character from “Sleeping Beauty”. Its connotation of malevolence makes it haunting.
23. Thorne
This name evokes imagery of prickly bushes and danger, encapsulating the essence of pain and fear in a single word.
24. Iago
Iago, a character from Shakespeare’s “Othello,” is associated with treachery and manipulation, making this name chilling for many.
25. Charybdis
Named after a sea monster in Greek mythology, Charybdis pulls ships into the ocean, representing peril and fear on the seas.
26. Diablo
This Spanish name translates to “devil,” immediately summoning imagery of evil, darkness, and all things scary.
27. Nefarious
The meaning of this name relates to wickedness and villainy, making it a synonymous name with horror and fear.
28. Draugr
Draugr are undead creatures from Norse mythology that symbolize fear and death, directly linking the name to chilling concepts.
29. Isolde
This name is often tied to tragic stories, including death and loss, giving it a haunting quality. It translates to “ice ruler,” which adds to its coolness.
30. Curses
This modern name brings to mind hexes and dark magic, embodying superstitions that can incite fear in many cultures.
31. Tarquin
Evoking the infamous Tarquin, a symbol of treachery in ancient Rome, this name carries with it historical connotations of darkness.
32. Borgia
Famous for their ruthless and devious reputation in history, the Borgia family name remains synonymous with intrigue and fear.
33. Mortis
It signifies death and when translated, evokes images of grim reapers and dark tales, making this name undeniably frightening.
34. Vesper
This name has several associations including evening. Yet, it can also represent darkness and the unknown present in night-time.
35. Alaric
Alaric, a name connected to the Gothic king, reminds us of the terrifying power and destruction of Gothic warriors and their conquests.
36. Evangeline
Though it means “bearer of good news,” Evangeline is the name of a ghostly figure in folklore, adding a dark twist.
37. Azazel
This name relates to a demon in the desert, representing sin and darkness in various mythologies linked to fear.
38. Vritra
In Hindu mythology, Vritra embodies drought and opposition to the gods, symbolizing chaos and fear in a powerful form.
39. Cimmerian
The term “Cimmerian” refers to an ancient people associated with perpetual mist and darkness, giving it a truly scary connotation.
40. Keres
Keres are female death spirits in Greek mythology, directly related to the concept of fear and mortality.
41. Dread
This name literally means fear, and its raw representation of anxiety embodies the essence of feeling scared.
42. Grim
Grim leads to thoughts of gloomy situations or death, linking it to themes of fear and darkness in folklore.
43. Gorgon
Meaning “terrifying,” Gorgon directly connects to mythological creatures like Medusa that instill fear.
44. Astaroth
This name belongs to a demon reputed in demonology, fostering connections with the dark side and all things scary.
45. Phantom
Phantom brings to mind spirits and ghosts, making it a symbolic name for those interested in the supernatural and eerie.
46. Spectre
Connecting to ghosts and spirits, Spectre embodies a sense of fear and the unknown, making it a perfect scary choice.
47. Nosferatu
This iconic name directly connects with vampires, instantly conjuring images of horror and the supernatural.
48. Ravenna
The name Ravenna connects to darkness and mystery, often used in gothic literature, which enhances its chilling reputation.
49. Morgana
Morgana is often depicted as a dark sorceress in Arthurian legend, linking her name to mystical fear and ominous power.
50. Fang
This name brings to mind animals known for their sharp teeth, representing danger and lively associations with horror.
51. Sable
The name Sable indicates a great depth of color, and with its connection to dark imagery, it conveys a sense of mystery.
52. Ursula
This name echoes through folklore, especially thanks to “The Little Mermaid,” giving it an enchanting but spooky connotation.
53. Bloodgood
This surname is not only catchy but also brings horrifying imagery associated with blood and danger.
54. Ravan
With roots in Ramayana, Ravan signifies darkness and enemies of righteousness, holding a connection to fear.
55. Eldritch
Meaning “weird” and “unearthly,” Eldritch is often associated with horror fiction, enhancing its scary connotations.
56. Doom
Simply put, Doom signifies unavoidable destruction or failure, placing it at the top of fear-inducing names.
57. Scylla
A monster from Greek mythology that terrorizes sailors, the name Scylla embodies danger and fear on the sea.
58. Wraith
This name refers to a ghost or specter, invoking thoughts of supernatural fear and eerie presence.
59. Ravenna
This name has dark connotations that evoke feelings of the mysterious and the treacherous, making it spooky.
60. Nebula
This name, meaning “mist,” links to mysterious celestial clouds and can symbolize the otherworldly and frightening concepts.
61. Hades
As the god of the underworld in Greek mythology, Hades directly connects to death and fear, giving it a chilling meaning.
62. Zephyr
This breezy name encompasses more than wind; it also hints at spirits and ghosts, which can evoke fear on a breezy night.
63. Vortex
This name relates to swirling winds, often symbolizing chaos and danger, making it a name that means scary things.
64. Hela
In Norse mythology, Hela is the goddess of the underworld, directly linking this name to themes of fear and mortality.
65. Kuro
This Japanese name means “black,” often associated with darkness and shadow, giving it a scary undertone.
66. Lethargy
Associated with a sense of heaviness and darkness, this name invokes feelings of sadness and fear in various ways.
67. Morticia
A name made popular by “The Addams Family,” Morticia evokes dark, gothic imagery linked to love and fear.
68. Nox
This Latin word for night possesses a dark and mysterious vibe, ideal for those who appreciate eerie names.
69. Vespera
This name means “evening,” hinting at darkness and the unknown inherent in the night.
70. Eris
The goddess of chaos and discord, Eris brings a sense of trouble and fear into battle, making it an intense name.
71. Zillah
This Hebrew name translates to “shade” or “shadow,” linking it to darkness and possibly scary themes.
72. Selene
Connected to the moon, Selene embodies duality, simultaneously representing beauty and fear in darkness.
73. Leviathan
A monstrous creature associated with chaos in the sea, Leviathan directly connects to scary tales and mythical fear.
74. Thanatos
Meaning “death” in Greek, Thanatos directly signifies the concept of fear itself, which originates from mortality.
75. Gorgon
In Greek mythology, Gorgons such as Medusa were so terrifying they could turn people to stone, lending their name to fear itself.
76. Inferno
This name represents fire and chaos from hell, evoking images of destruction and deep-seated fears.
77. Charon
The ferryman of the dead in Greek mythology, Charon symbolizes the transition to the afterlife, linking fear with mortality.
78. Zephyrus
A name that conjures images of winds but can also relate to terrifying storms and nature’s unpredictability.
79. Hades
As the ruler of the underworld, Hades encapsulates everything associated with death and fear in mythology.
80. Craven
A bold name meaning cowardly, Craven recalls the fearful and the timid, particularly in dark settings.
81. Loki
This mischievous god from Norse mythology embodies chaos and trickery, adding layers of complexity and fear to the name.
82. Ursa
The name refers to bears in Latin. Bears can be terrifying if encountered in the wild, providing a scary edge.
83. Ravenna
This name has ties to darkness and danger, encapsulating fear in an elegant form and embodying terror through imagery.
84. Phaedra
This name belongs to a tragic character in Greek mythology who represents doom and despair, drawing connections to fear.
85. Oblivion
Referring to the state of forgetting or being forgotten, Oblivion evokes fear related to death and fading away.
86. Fury
This name conjures images of wrath and vengeance, tapping directly into the emotions associated with fear and anger.
87. Caleb
This name can mean “dog” in Hebrew but is also linked to fierce connotations associated with ferocity and loyalty, often stirring fear.
88. Xanthe
It translates to “yellow” in Greek yet is connected with the deadly poison, making it a name with veiled danger.
89. Rune
This name represents secret mystical symbols connected to ancient magic, embodying fear and uncertainty.
90. Caelus
As a god of the sky in Roman mythology, Caelus can signify vastness and the fear of the unknown lurking in the skies.
91. Zephyr
Known as the gentle west wind, Zephyr can also represent unpredictable weather, bringing an element of fear in storms.
92. Nyx
Another name for the goddess of night, Nyx represents darkness and terror lurking in the night, tying the name to fear.
93. Phantom
This name resonates with ghostly spirits, invoking feelings of unease and an eerie presence in the heart.
94. Hesperus
This name relates to the evening star yet can also signify the mysterious and transformational aspects of nighttime.
95. Onyx
This name references a black gemstone, often associated with protection from negative energies and ominous vibes.
96. Astra
This name invokes the night sky but can also suggest contradiction and fear linked to the cosmos’ unknown entities.
97. Hades
The ruler of the underworld contributes significantly to the names’ scary attributes, symbolizing fear and darkness.
98. Tempest
This name represents violent storms, encapsulating chaotic emotions and nature’s unpredictable fury, adding scary implications.
99. Valkyrie
In Norse mythology, Valkyries bring the souls of warriors to Valhalla, instilling fear and respect for their power.
100. Arachne
This name belongs to the character turned into a spider in Greek mythology, invoking dread and fear of creepy crawlies.
101. Mortifer
Translating to “death-bringing,” Mortifer directly embodies the essence of darkness and finality tied to fear.
102. Elvira
This delightful name is associated with a famous horror movie persona, embodying the mix of beauty and spookiness.
103. Selkie
Referring to mythical seal creatures that roam between land and sea, Selkies can relate to mysterious and haunting stories.
104. Asmodeus
Known as the demon of lust, Asmodeus embodies temptation and dark forces, making this name synonymous with fear.
105. Wraith
In folklore, wraiths are spirits of the dead, invoking fear and hesitation in exploring darkened paths.
106. Nightshade
This name references a toxic plant associated with darkness and the night, linking it to danger and fear.
107. Eclipse
The phenomenon of eclipse can symbolize darkness overcoming light, evoking a sense of fear and ominous feelings.
108. Shade
Shade, representing darkness, brings to mind could be connected to loss and fears of the unknown lurking nearby.
109. Geist
The German word for spirit also merges into the world of ghosts, solidifying its scary undertones and imagery.
110. Nemesis
Nemesis represents retribution and vengeance, often linked to fear of consequences and justice.
111. Thanatos
This name that translates to “death” reveals a haunting representation that carries fear wherever it is present.
112. Leviathan
This monstrous sea creature means chaos, connecting to a name that signifies terror from the deep.
113. Kirin
While traditionally viewed as a benevolent creature, the Kirin’s fierce commit to carrying out justice can evoke fear.
114. Hecate
This powerful name connects to witchcraft and the supernatural, directly tied to scary themes in folklore.
115. Shadow
Shadows evoke feelings of uncertainty and fear when one cannot distinguish between reality and imagination.
116. Gloom
This name encapsulates feelings of despondency and darkness, linking it directly to the scary aspects of life.
117. Banshee
This legendary spirit in Irish folklore signifies death, making Banshee a name closely tied to eerie tales.
118. Reaper
The Grim Reaper is the personification of death, giving this name direct connotations with horror and fear.
119. Infernal
This name suggests qualities relating to hellfire, evoking a sense of trepidation tied to darkness and evil.
120. Orlok
Related to the vampire character in “Nosferatu,” this name symbolizes horror and chilling fear tied to timeless tales.
121. Cthulhu
From H.P. Lovecraft’s works, Cthulhu embodies fear of the unknown lurking beneath the ocean’s surface.
122. Demona
Born from the animated series “Gargoyles,” Demona conveys darkness, beauty, and conflict related to fear.
123. Shade
This name brings about visions of darkness lingering around, embodying mystery and fear from within.
124. Torment
Directly related to suffering and fear, Torment speaks volumes about the psychological impact danger can evoke.
125. Obsidian
This dark volcanic glass embodies danger and depth, signifying the darker side of nature’s beauty.
126. Furies
In mythology, Furies deliver chaos and vengeance, embodying horror and fright as they pursue wrongdoers.
127. Bedlam
This name references a notorious asylum, serving as a reminder of fear’s link to mental health struggles.
128. Gorgon
Familiar through myth, Gorgons symbolize the fearsome nature of both woman and monster captivating fear itself.
129. Nocturne
This name references night music but also a tie to the dark emotions associated with night, contributing to fear.
130. Hezekiah
This biblical name symbolizes those who face challenges holding connections to fearful trials and tribulations.
131. Bane
A name meaning destruction or ruin, Bane connects directly to fear through its representations of hardship.
132. Malefic
This term indicates harmful effects, bringing forth the fear related to dark forces and ominous atmospheres.
133. Venom
This name directly connects with poisonous substances, always linked to fear through its implications of danger.
134. Diablo
Meaning devil in Spanish, Diablo instills thoughts of evil and frightening concepts, making it a spooky name choice.
135. Cursed
This name refers to being afflicted by a wicked spell, celebrating an ominous vibe filled with darkness.
136. Nightshade
This name refers to a group of toxic plants, making it a direct association with danger and sinister undertones.
137. Banshee
This legendary figure in folklore embodies fear and the harbinger of death, creating a chilling atmosphere.
138. Revenant
Often linked to ghosts, Revenant brings forth meanings of the dead returning, implicating fear in its essence.
139. Enigma
This name suggests mystery and unknowns, tying to fears associated with uncertainty in life.
140. Hostile
Meaning unfriendly or aggressive, this name perfectly encompasses connections to fear while also hinting at danger.
141. Chimera
This mythological creature embodies chaos and fear through its diverse and monstrous forms.
142. Morbid
This name indicates an unhealthy fascination with death, directly connecting to dark themes and scary aspects of life.
143. Dread
Simplistically meaning fear itself, Dread serves as both a name and a descriptor of emotional consequence.
144. Slash
This name evokes thoughts of danger, potentially relating to horror movies or stories involving violence.
145. Abyss
Referring to a void or pit, Abyss conveys feelings of fear when contemplating the unknown depths.
146. Illusion
This name signifies deception, instilling fear through the contexts of what appears to be versus reality.
147. Poison
Directly setting off alarms, Poison articulates feelings of danger and fear unveiled through threatening substances.
148. Jinx
This name brings forth associations with curses and misfortune carrying a direct sense of fear in various contexts.
149. Gloom
A name that represents darkness and sadness, Gloom conveys sensations of fear tied to melancholy and foreboding.
150. Hel
This name is derived from the Norse goddess of death, bringing with it an innate association with fear and mortality.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the list of names that mean scary things offers a captivating glimpse into how names can reflect fear, darkness, and myth. These names resonate deeply, drawing from cultures all around the world. From mythological connections to eerie folklore, each name weaves its story filled with intrigue and unease.
Whether you are considering a unique name for a character or simply intrigued by the meanings behind these names, this collection sheds light on the darker side of naming. As names can often shape perceptions, knowing their meanings could guide choices during your journeys into literature or personal explorations.
If you’re interested in more names with captivating meanings, consider reading about names that mean poison or names that signify evil. Expanding your horizons in this way can be both exciting and enlightening!