Names have power, and during the medieval era, many names carried deep meanings. Some names were connected to dark qualities, reflecting ideas of wickedness or evil. These names often belonged to the villains and dark figures of history and mythology. Understanding these names can give us insight into how people viewed morality and character during those times.
Today, we will look at several medieval names that mean evil. We’ll explore their meanings, origins, and the stories behind them. You might find it intriguing how these names have survived through time and what they can teach us about the past.
Medieval Names That Mean Evil
1. Abaddon
This name means ‘destroyer’ and is often associated with the angel of the abyss in biblical texts. Its dark connotation makes it a fitting choice for malevolent characters.
2. Bellatrix
Meaning ‘female warrior’, this name evokes images of fierce battles and ruthless determination, commonly linked to villainous figures in storytelling.
3. Draco
Translating to ‘dragon’, the name Draco conjures images of ferocity and destruction, making it popular among names that suggest evil.
4. Lilith
This name is associated with a figure in Jewish mythology who is often depicted as a demoness. It represents the darker aspects of femininity.
5. Maleficent
Meaning ‘evil-doer’, Maleficent is a name that has become iconic due to its association with the famous Disney villain.
6. Acheron
The name Acheron refers to the river in Greek mythology that separated the living from the dead, symbolizing despair and darkness.
7. Hecate
This name is associated with the Greek goddess of witchcraft and the night, often viewed as a dark figure commanding magical powers.
8. Morgana
Often linked to Morgan le Fay from Arthurian legend, Morgana represents a powerful sorceress who embodies both beauty and darkness.
9. Draven
With its roots suggesting heavy connotations of fear and intimidation, Draven is a name that signifies a dark warrior or someone marked for evil deeds.
10. Cade
This name means ‘barrel’ in Old English but is often associated with a darker persona due to its sound and usage in literature.
11. Lucius
Meaning ‘light’, this name can be ironically associated with dark characters, especially those who use their charm for wicked purposes.
12. Balthazar
Linked to one of the Magi, this name carries an air of mystery and could hint at a more sinister presence in some tales.
13. Naamah
This name refers to a figure in Jewish demonology, often evoking thoughts of seduction and strife, showcasing the complexities of evil.
14. Ravenna
The name is often connected to dark themes of raven imagery, symbolizing death and bad omens in various cultures.
15. Morwen
This name means ‘dark maiden’ in Welsh, perfectly embodying an essence of mystery and darkness.
16. Zagan
This name is known as a demon in various grimoires, representing transformation and the darker aspects of magical powers.
17. Zephyr
While traditionally meaning ‘west wind’, this name can carry an ominous tone and embody chaos when tied to evil elements.
18. Keres
In Greek mythology, Keres were female death-spirits. Having such a name reflects grim themes associated with evil.
19. Astaroth
This name originates from a demon frequently mentioned in literature, embodying the themes of temptation and moral corruption.
20. Dorian
The name became famous due to “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” symbolizing vanity and the duality of good and evil.
21. Nyx
Nyx is the Greek goddess of the night, representing the dark mysteries of the universe, often seen as a personification of darkness and evil.
22. Caine
Associated with Cain from the Bible, this name signifies the first murderer, marking it as a powerful symbol of betrayal and sin.
23. Vespera
This name means ‘evening’ in Latin, but it also hints at the darker aspects of dusk and the encroaching night.
24. Faust
Famed in literature for making a pact with the devil, this name epitomizes the essence of evil and the desire for forbidden knowledge.
25. Rhiannon
While it means ‘great queen’ in Welsh, Rhiannon is often depicted in legends as having a darker side connected to enchantment and magic.
26. Thorne
This name evokes imagery of sharpness and danger, suggesting a predatory nature, common in villainous characters.
27. Selene
Linked to the moon, this name may carry dark and mystical undertones, reflecting the shadows of night and the secrets they hold.
28. Tempest
The word itself suggests chaos and mayhem, often affiliated with a character or force of evil that brings destruction.
29. Cimmerian
This name refers to a dark and shadowy country in mythology, embodying themes of gloom and despair.
30. Envy
Representing one of the seven deadly sins, this name suggests a character driven by greed and malevolence.
31. Balor
This name belongs to a god in Irish mythology who brings darkness, symbolizing a fearsome and evil presence.
32. Circe
Known for her sorcery in Greek myths, Circe embodies treachery and manipulative powers, often leading men astray.
33. Nox
The Latin word for ‘night’, Nox embodies evil through its association with darkness and the fear it brings.
34. Thanos
Associated with the personification of death in Greek mythology, Thanos hints at destruction and the inevitability of fate.
35. Caius
This name implies a fall from grace, making it an apt choice for characters with a dark and troubled past.
36. Seraphim
While traditionally meaning ‘fiery ones’, the concept can hint at a twisted version of purity that relates to wickedness.
37. Obsidian
Named after the dark volcanic glass, this word symbolizes sharpness and unpredictable danger, akin to a villain’s nature.
38. Jinx
To jinx something means to bring bad luck, making it a playful yet sinister name for mischievous or wicked characters.
39. Sabine
This name is tied to a tribe historically abducted, reflecting themes of violence and betrayal in their narrative.
40. Carnelia
Derived from the word for ‘flesh’, Carnelia suggests a darker aspect of humanity that concerns moral decay.
41. Fiorella
This name meaning ‘little flower’ can ironically represent fragility hiding darker motives or malicious intentions.
42. Ignatius
Often associated with fire, Ignatius embodies destructive forces and consequences tied to evil actions.
43. Shaitan
The name refers to evil spirits and adversaries in Islamic tradition, aptly encapsulating the essence of wickedness.
44. Ember
Representing dying flames, Ember exemplifies the remnants of danger and the potential for a blaze to reignite.
45. Thalassa
This name symbolizes the sea, an entity both beautiful and perilous, capturing the duality of nature.
46. Acheron
Referring to the dark river of the underworld, Acheron symbolizes death and the trials of the wicked.
47. Elysium
This name signifies heaven in Greek mythology but can also have a darker twist when viewed through the lens of the afterlife.
48. Moros
Meaning ‘doom’ in Greek mythology, this name represents the inevitable darkness that follows one’s actions.
49. Kniht
Old English for ‘knight’, this name can ironically represent those who fail to embody the values of chivalry and honor.
50. Belgor
A name linked to darkness in Arthurian legends, Belgor signifies a powerful lineage with a dark legacy.
51. Belladonna
Translating to ‘beautiful lady’, it is also the name of a toxic plant, embodying beauty tainted by danger.
52. Vex
This name suggests annoyance and trouble, ideal for a wicked character intent on causing disruption.
53. Uther
Infamous for drawing the sword from the stone, Uther Pendragon’s name carries dark connotations within Arthurian legends.
54. Odious
This name itself means ‘hateful’, representing characters who invoke disgust and malice in others.
55. Nefarious
A word meaning wicked or criminal, it serves as a perfect descriptor for deeply villainous personalities.
56. Valefor
This name refers to a demon in texts, highlighting themes of greed and avarice prevalent in medieval lore.
57. Byzantium
This ancient city of intrigue is often tied to mystery and treachery, suggesting a dark historical setting.
58. Angerona
A goddess associated with silence, her name possesses an air of foreboding and sinister control over hearts and minds.
59. Famine
This name embodies the devastation and loss associated with hunger, often leading to desperate and dark actions.
60. Ignis
Meaning ‘fire’ in Latin, it symbolizes destructive forces and the chaos that can emerge from unchecked desire.
61. Venom
This name encapsulates the essence of malice, suggesting darkness that can poison relationships and morals.
62. Umbra
Translating to ‘shadow’, this name conveys the darker sides of human nature that lurk beneath the surface.
63. Kali
This name references the fierce Hindu goddess of destruction, embodying complex and dangerous themes of terror.
64. Lethe
In Greek mythology, Lethe is the river of forgetfulness, signifying a dark theme of loss and eternal oblivion.
65. Nevaeh
A play on ‘heaven’ backwards, it can symbolize irony when linked to darker themes in character arcs.
66. Raijin
This name refers to the Japanese god of thunder and storms, representing the chaotic forces that can emerge in a narrative.
67. Azazel
This name from Biblical times is often linked to demons and represents the darker sides of sacrifice and goat imagery.
68. Fenris
This monstrous wolf from Norse mythology represents chaos and the dark prophecies surrounding the end of the world.
69. Cursed
This name inherently implies darkness and ill fortune, perfect for characters that embody misfortune.
70. Bellum
Meaning ‘war’ in Latin, this name suggests conflict and strife, tied closely to evil’s presence in humanity.
71. Lamashtu
A demoness from Mesopotamian lore, her name embodies the fear of evil and harm to children and mothers.
72. Malice
Defined as the intent to cause harm, this name clearly associates with individuals of a wicked nature.
73. Gorgon
This name references the terrifying female figures in Greek mythology, symbolizing evil and chaos striking fear in all.
74. Hadriel
A fallen angel denotes the connection between heavenly grace and the descent into darkness.
75. Leira
This name can hint at ‘lies’, cleverly representing characters untrustworthy and deceitful in their intentions.
76. Xerxes
Known as a powerful Persian king, this name evokes thoughts of domination and tyranny, lying darkly in history.
77. Ruin
As a name, Ruin implies decay and destruction, perfectly classifying someone with cruel ambitions.
78. Hades
In Greek mythology, Hades is the ruler of the underworld and, thus, embodies the fear of death and malevolence.
79. Void
This name suggests emptiness and darkness, appropriately depicting evil’s consuming nature.
80. Nihil
Meaning ‘nothing’ in Latin, it resonates with themes of existential despair and moral voids.
81. Charybdis
This name refers to a sea monster known to create whirlpools, symbolizing uncontrollable chaos and danger.
82. Revenant
Referring to a ghost or animated corpse, this name suggests the lingering presence of past evil deeds.
83. Ashwyn
This name suggests the remains of burning, symbolizing destruction and the remnants of chaos.
84. Strife
Simplistically named, Strife implies conflict and tension, often aligned with villainous intentions.
85. Oberon
This enchanted king is often intertwined with themes that can reveal darker sides of magic.
86. Damara
This name means ‘gentle’ in Greek, yet its association with backstory often reveals an antagonistic nature hidden beneath.
87. Sanguine
While it means ‘blood’, this name can carry mixed connotations, adding to an individual’s mythos around darkness.
88. Necro
This prefix indicates death and the undead, perfectly capturing the essence of dark and evil themes.
89. Malediction
This name signifies the act of cursing, solidifying a strong connection with wicked intentions.
90. Dread
Symbolizing fear and terror, this name perfectly serves to classify characters meant to invoke anxiety and opposition.
91. Tempestus
A play on ‘tempest’, this name embodies the chaos of storms that often represent evil forces at play.
92. Morpheus
This name refers to the god of dreams, often tied to darker interpretations of reality versus nightmares.
93. Sable
This name represents the color black, inferring associations with darkness and evil nature.
94. Zealot
This name indicates extreme passion, often leading individuals to commit morally questionable acts.
95. Ebon
Referring to dark black wood, Ebon carries connotations of shadow and darkness resonated in individual stories.
96. Tryst
This name implies secrecy and hidden encounters, often leading to dark behaviors and themes.
97. Umbral
Meaning shadowy or dark, Umbral emphasizes the hidden parts of personalities frequently linked to evil.
98. Vile
As a name, Vile signifies extreme wickedness and embodies the very essence of evil morality.
99. Raze
The act of destroying completely, the name Raze carries connotations of devastation and chaos.
100. Grisly
This name suggests horror and fright, applicable for characters that thrive in darkness and evil.
101. Charnel
Referring to associated bones and the dead, this name speaks to morbid themes and darker attributes.
102. Vesper
This name means evening or nightfall, illustrating darkness entering the world and how it nurtures evil.
103. Lethargy
A state of inactivity, this name also creates a mood of morbid apathy towards evil deeds and chaos.
104. Wraith
This name refers to a ghost or specter, indicating ominous themes surrounding lost souls and lingering darkness.
105. Morbid
Indicating an unhealthy interest in subjects like death, Morbid effectively communicates the deeply rooted evil themes.
106. Damnus
This name can signal destruction and ruin, attributes attributed to evil decisions and horrific impacts.
107. Drear
A name that embodies gloom and desolation, perfectly aligning itself with darker characters and narratives.
108. Chaos
This name captures disorder and turmoil, essential elements often linked to evil’s influence on society.
109. Necrosis
Linked to the decay of tissues, this name embodies darkness and death’s eventuality within a narrative.
110. Sinistrum
Meaning ‘left’ or ‘unlucky’ in Latin, this name conveys associations of evil and misfortune.
111. Malum
This name directly translates to ‘evil’ in Latin, representing its core essence in a straightforward manner.
112. Darko
With a name directly hinting at darkness, Darko embodies the qualities attributed to evil characters and figures.
113. Ravena
Similar to ‘raven’, this name symbolizes darkness and omens, often associated with foreboding presence.
114. Knave
This name indicates cunning and deception, perfectly qualifying someone with malevolent ambitions.
115. Fiend
Traditionally depicting a wicked spirit or enemy, this name directly links to themes of evil and antagonism.
116. Ancient
This name suggests timelessness, which links to the long-lasting impact of evil throughout history.
117. Shroud
This name carries an association with burial, darkness, and the end of life, hinting ominously at evil themes.
118. Sorrow
Conveying deep sadness and misery, this name reflects the emotional toll evil can impose on individuals and societies.
119. Klara
This name indicates clarity but can be ironical when linked with unclear, morally ambiguous choices.
120. Caustic
This name suggests corrosive qualities, linking it to a personality that erodes happiness and spreads darkness.
121. Scorn
Indicating disdain and contempt, Scorn embodies emotions that often nurture evil behavior.
122. Blight
This name represents decay and deterioration, apt for characters associated with evil themes.
123. Nemesis
Meaning retribution, this name hints at an avenging figure that embodies justice but can also represent vengeful evil.
124. Grim
This name epitomizes severe and gloomy qualities, appropriate for dark characters meant to inspire fear.
125. Venator
Meaning ‘hunter’, this name embodies the predatory nature often linked to evil figures and destructive forces.
126. Strigoi
This name pertains to vampires in Romanian folklore, embodying the darker aspects of humanity and desire.
127. Maglor
An infamous figure in legend, Maglor embodies themes of treachery and dark desires.
128. Dreadful
This name portrays someone instilling fear, effectively linking it to evil and malevolent practices.
129. Vorax
This name derives from the Latin word for ‘to devour’, reflecting intense themes of greed and consumption.
130. Ruinous
Suggesting destructive powers, this name clearly associates with darkness and the inability to create positive change.
131. Nyctophobia
A fear of darkness, this name creates immediate connections with those who manipulate fear and thrive in shadows.
132. Scathe
This name refers to causing harm or injury, perfectly embodying malicious intent.
133. Shade
A representation of shadow or darkness, this name has negative associations that signal evil themes.
134. Tormund
While meaning ‘thunder’, Tormund can be linked to destructive forces ravaging lands and evoking terror.
135. Dreadnought
This name symbolizes an unstoppable force tied to war and darkness, aligning it closely with evil acts.
136. Woe
This name conveys deep suffering, often associated with characters falling into evil through despair.
137. Malevolence
This name directly means ‘wish to do evil’, showcasing raw and unfiltered intentions of wickedness.
138. Insidious
This name indicates those who cause harm gradually and secretly, embodying the slow creep of evil.
139. Doom
The very idea of inevitable destruction centers around this name, ideal for dark narratives.
140. Depraved
This name conveys morally corrupt actions, strongly linking it with evil figures acting without remorse.
141. Misanthrope
Referring to someone who dislikes humanity, this name sits side by side with villains who cherish evil over good.
142. Pestilence
Signifying disease and moral decay, this name embodies darkness infecting society.
143. Abyss
This name refers to a void or chasm, creating associations with darkness and the unknown depth of evil.
144. Memento Mori
This phrase reminds individuals of mortality, showcasing the ever-present nature of evil and consequence.
145. Woeful
As a name, Woeful signifies profound unhappiness tied directly to darkness and evil acts.
146. Abysmal
This name indicates something deep and unfathomable, perfectly representing despair entwined with evil.
147. Grievous
Signifying severe suffering and sorrow, this name aligns with dark narratives and misdeeds.
148. Desolate
This name connects with themes of abandonment and emptiness, strongly hinting towards evil legacies.
149. Vengeance
This name embodies retaliation, often depicting darker sides of humanity linked deeply to evil motivations.
150. Treacherous
As a name, Treacherous conveys betrayal and dishonesty, aligning perfectly with classic villainous traits.
Final Thoughts
Exploring these medieval names associated with evil offers insight into how people viewed wickedness and villainy. Each name reflects the complexity of dark qualities and their meanings, allowing us to understand the character alignments throughout history.
The intricacies behind these names provide a glimpse into narratives that continue to impact storytelling today. As we delve deeper into historical and mythical connections, we can see how names transform through time, such as names that mean evil and demon meanings in various cultures.
Names are more than simple labels; they carry weighty interpretations that enhance the stories they are tied to. While some names evoke fear and misfortune, they also reveal our fascination with the battle between good and evil.
For further reading on related topics, don’t forget to check out names that mean evil or explore demon names in Japanese.