Names carry powerful meanings, and some can even have dark or evil connotations. Throughout history, many cultures have used names that symbolize bad traits or negative qualities. These names often reflect stories, myths, or powerful characters linked to mischief or wickedness. Understanding these names can add depth to characters in literature or movies and offer insight into how people view certain traits.
Today, we will look at names that mean evil or bad. From classic literature to popular culture, these names can be intriguing and often carry a rich history. Join us as we unravel the meanings and origins of these sinister-sounding names.
Names That Mean Evil Or Bad
1. Abaddon
This name means ‘destroyer’ and is often used in literature to represent evil forces. It’s rooted in Hebrew tradition, adding a biblical context to its evil connotation.
2. Balthazar
This name has been associated with one of the Three Wise Men, but it also means ‘Baal protects the king’, connecting it to the ancient deity associated with mischief.
3. Beelzebub
This name is often used as another name for the devil, meaning ‘lord of the flies’. It represents chaos and evil, making it unsettling yet fascinating.
4. Belladonna
Known as ‘beautiful lady’, this name also refers to a poisonous plant. The dual meaning suggests a beauty that can be deadly, aligning with the theme of evil.
5. Caine
Derived from the biblical Cain, who committed the first murder, this name embodies the idea of betrayal and evil in its historical context.
6. Damian
Although it means ‘to tame’, it is often linked to the character of the Antichrist in the movie “The Omen”, giving it a sinister edge.
7. Desdemona
This name means ‘unlucky’ or ‘ill-fated’ in Greek, tying it to tragic events and dark themes in Shakespeare’s “Othello”.
8. Hades
In mythology, Hades is the god of the underworld, representing death and evil spirits. The name reflects darkness and the afterlife.
9. Jabez
This Biblical name means ‘sorrow’ and is often associated with suffering, aligning with the concept of bad or unfortunate circumstances.
10. Jezebel
This name means ‘not exalted’ and is associated with the sinful queen who encouraged idol worship, symbolizing manipulation and evil.
11. Lilith
In folklore, Lilith represents a female demon. The name itself signifies a dark, mysterious nature tied to seduction and danger.
12. Loki
A trickster god in Norse mythology, Loki is associated with chaos and evil deeds, making this name perfect for an embodiment of mischief.
13. Lucifer
This name literally means ‘light-bringer’, but it is often used to refer to the fallen angel, marking it with connotations of evil.
14. Malachi
Meaning ‘my messenger’, it has associations with dark forces in some traditions, linking it to evil or foreboding themes.
15. Morticia
This name reflects death in a stylish way and is popularly known from “The Addams Family”. It embodies a dark yet charismatic evil persona.
16. Nemesis
This name represents vengeance and retribution, closely related to the concept of divine punishment for wrongdoing.
17. Nyx
Meaning ‘night’, this name is often used to symbolize darkness and mystery, linking it to more malevolent forces.
18. Pandora
In myth, Pandora released evils into the world when she opened a box, symbolizing temptation and disastrous consequences.
19. Raven
Traditionally seen as a bird of ill omen, the name Raven carries dark associations with mystery and the supernatural.
20. Scythe
This name evokes images of death and destruction. The scythe is wielded by grim reapers, embodying the essence of evil.
21. Tempest
While it signifies a violent storm, this name can also capture the tumultuous and chaotic aspects of evil forces.
22. Typhon
This name comes from Greek mythology, reflecting a monstrous storm deity, often associated with chaos and destruction.
23. Vesper
Meaning ‘evening’ in Latin, this name can symbolize the onset of darkness, associating it with evil or ominous feelings.
24. Zephyr
This name may mean ‘gentle west wind’, but it can carry eerie undertones in literature, symbolizing change for the worse.
25. Alastor
This name means ‘an avenger’ and relates to evil spirits in literature, embodying those who bring harm as retribution.
26. Astaroth
This name references a demon in several mythologies, representing betrayal and evil intentions, thus capturing dark traits.
27. Circe
The name of a sorceress from mythology, known for turning men into animals and embodying themes of malevolence and danger.
28. Dante
While commonly recognized for the poet whose works delve into hellish themes, this name links to evil forces and dark narratives.
29. Envy
This name represents one of the seven deadly sins, associating it with negative emotions, malicious actions, and evil thoughts.
30. Hecate
Known as the goddess of witchcraft, her name ties to magic and malevolent deeds, making it synonymous with dark themes.
31. Kali
This name is associated with the Hindu goddess of destruction and transformation, evoking the balance between creation and evil.
32. Leviathan
This name denotes a sea monster in mythology, often representing chaos and evil in various cultural narratives.
33. Medusa
In mythology, Medusa symbolizes fear and deadly beauty, associated with evil due to her ability to turn onlookers to stone.
34. Mefistopheles
This name is linked to the demon from the “Faust” legend who tempts people into evil actions and unethical decisions.
35. Morgana
This name ties to Morgana Le Fay from Arthurian legend, often depicted as a dark sorceress representing betrayal and manipulation.
36. Nebiros
This demonic name suggests darkness and is associated with powers that are often considered evil or malevolent in lore.
37. Nyarlathotep
In HP Lovecraft’s works, this name is attributed to a creature who embodies deceit and chaos, representing a primal evil.
38. Orpheus
This name can evoke sadness and tragedy, given its connections to a story of love lost and dark themes in Greek mythology.
39. Raphael
The name carries many positive connotations, but in various texts, it has been linked to darker themes and battles against evil.
40. Samael
This name translates to ‘poison of God’, embodying traits often associated with darkness, malice, or evil spells.
41. Set
This ancient Egyptian name means ‘chaos’ and is associated with the god of storms, often linked to evil deeds.
42. Tantalus
This name signifies eternal punishment and suffering, drawing connections to punishable misdeeds, aligning with the theme of evil.
43. Thanatos
This name translates to ‘death’ in Greek mythology, linking it to the potentially malevolent force behind end of life.
44. Uriah
This name ties to infamy in Biblical texts, where betrayal leads to murder, marking it with a sense of evil intent.
45. Vile
This name derives directly from the word meaning ‘extremely unpleasant’, creating strong associations with negativity and evil.
46. Wraith
Wraith signifies a ghost or a spirit of the dead, often connected with evil tales and haunting characters.
47. Zara
This name, which has been associated with darkness, evokes images of tragedy and is often linked to cursed narratives.
48. Achilles
Representing hubris and downfall in mythology, this name carries traces of vengeance and negative traits.
49. Basilisk
This mythical creature represents evil and terror, capable of petrifying with its gaze, thus embodying the dangerous aspect of evil.
50. Charybdis
This name refers to a sea monster that poses a significant danger, symbolizing the threats evil can bring to unsuspecting individuals.
51. Despair
This name conveys a sense of hopelessness, emotion often tied to the adverse effects of evil intentions and actions.
52. Erebos
This name means ‘deep darkness’ in Greek mythology and signifies shadowy, evil aspects of existence.
53. Furies
These mythological creatures embody vengeance and punishment, attributed to bringers of justice against evildoers.
54. Grim
The name connotes a dark or forbidding nature, often linked with themes involving death and malevolence.
55. Hex
This name represents a magical curse, emphasizing manipulation and dark forces that relate to evil spells.
56. Ilium
This name, while neutral, can symbolize the fall of Troy, echoing lost nights and deeds that connect closely to malevolence.
57. Khaos
This name signifies disorder, highlighting the chaotic nature of evil and its propensity for creating disruption.
58. Lilim
Referring to female demons or spirits, this name embodies those linked with dark desires and evil actions.
59. Moros
In Greek mythology, Moros personifies doom and fate, representing the darker side of destiny tied to evil occurrences.
60. Nemesis
This name, representing divine retribution, symbolizes a dark force aimed at punishing wrongdoers.
61. Oblivion
This name signifies complete destruction or destruction, linking it to an ultimate state often viewed as evil.
62. Phaedra
The character from Greek tragedy embodies themes of lust and betrayal, reinforcing the ties to evil behaviors.
63. Quasimodo
From “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, this name carries with it connections to misunderstanding and sometimes malice.
64. Revenant
This name evokes the idea of someone returning from the dead, embodying dark themes associated with vengeance.
65. Selene
This name, meaning ‘moon’, often portrays darkness linked with evil spirits and transitions to dark places.
66. Trixie
Although playful, it can evoke the treacherous trickery often associated with evil schemers in storytelling.
67. Ulysses
Connoting both adventure and deception, this name links back to darker themes in ancient myths and tales.
68. Vandal
This name symbolizes someone who seeks to destroy or damage property, closely related to evil acts.
69. Wicked
Reflecting a general evil nature, the name highlights malevolent character traits embodied in various stories.
70. Yama
This name comes from Hinduism and represents the god of death, linking closely to the themes of evil.
71. Zephon
This name can signify hidden or secretive traits, connecting to darker, secret machinations.
72. Ahri
This name from “League of Legends” symbolizes seduction and manipulation, embodying traits commonly seen in evil characters.
73. Caspian
This name carries a regal connotation but can also imply dark secrets, linking to villain plots in stories.
74. Fenrir
This mythical wolf symbolizes destructive forces, associated with chaos and evil in mythology.
75. Gargoyle
This name evokes images of dark stone figures, representing the protection of darkness and evil imagery.
76. Incubus
This name refers to a male demon that preys on sleeping women, embodying dark desires and sinister actions.
77. Jinx
This name represents misfortune and bad luck, closely linked to malicious acts and dark themes.
78. Kabir
Though meaning ‘great’, it can also relate to dark and heavy themes in various cultures, making it dual-edged.
79. Loki
As a trickster god, this name is deeply rooted in tales of chaos, mischief, and evil intentions.
80. Morpheus
This name denotes the god of dreams, sometimes linking to nightmares which reflect themes of fear and evil.
81. Nefarious
This name directly relates to wickedness and villainy, capturing the essence of evil traits.
82. Pandora
Because of the myth associated with her box releasing chaos and evil, this name carries heavy connections with misfortune.
83. Quasimodo
From Victor Hugo’s novel, this name represents tragedy and darkness, underscoring the evil from societal discrimination.
84. Ravena
This name signifies darkness and mystery, linking strongly to evil and the supernatural.
85. Sycorax
This name comes from Shakespearean lore, representing a powerful and malevolent witch, embodying dark magic.
86. Tartarus
A deep abyss in Greek mythology, representing torment and punishment, reinforcing ties to evil acts.
87. Uxoricide
This term indicates the killing of one’s wife, embodying the utmost betrayal regarded as evil in societal norms.
88. Valefor
A name linked with one of the demons from demonology, representing lust and greed that reflects evil actions.
89. Wicca
This name represents the practice of witchcraft, often tied to dark rituals and evil portrayals in tales.
90. Xerxes
A Persian king known for his tyranny and ruthlessness, the name carries connotations of evil leadership.
91. Yreck
This made-up name invokes imagery of a fictitious place filled with darkness, symbolizing a realm of evil.
92. Zealot
This name signifies extreme interest in a cause, often leading to extremist and sometimes malevolent actions.
93. Andras
This name is associated with demonology, representing someone who brings chaos and evil intentions.
94. Belial
This name speaks to the idea of lawlessness, often used in literature to signify a figure embodying wicked traits.
95. Chione
The name of a snow goddess, it can evoke cold and darkness that carries evil undertones in various cultures.
96. Dalila
This name relates to betrayal in biblical narratives, symbolizing the sinister turn of fate.
97. Erebus
This name means ‘deep darkness’ and symbolizes the underworld, often associated with evil spirits.
98. Famine
This name reflects a social and personal disaster, closely associated with the evils of neglect and greed.
99. Gustave
This name bears a robust stature but can represent darker, more sinister elements in literary narratives.
100. Hatred
This directly represents extreme feelings of animosity and negative traits associated with evil intentions.
101. Icarus
This name relates to overambition leading to disaster, weaving a narrative of pride and falling into evil.
102. Jareth
This name invokes the character from “Labyrinth”, known for his manipulative evil ways.
103. Krampus
This benevolent-sounding name is tied to a horned creature that punishes misbehaving children, embodying the concept of evil behavior.
104. Lethargy
This term captures the absence of energy, reflecting a dark aspect of evil or bad that leads to despair.
105. Malediction
This name signifies a curse, embodying the concept of evil words turned into actions.
106. Nihilism
A philosophy representing the rejection of moral principles, showcasing the darker side of human thought.
107. Oblivion
This name suggests the state of being forgotten, often linking to darker themes of evil deeds forgotten in time.
108. Purgatory
This name represents a state of suffering before a final judgment, embodying themes of punishment.
109. Quagmire
This name illustrates a muddy, perilous situation, often leading to evil troubles for those stuck in them.
110. Remorse
This name carries deep feelings of guilt, typically understood in relation to actions defined as evil.
111. Succubus
A demon that preys on sleeping men, this name embodies seduction and evil in one foul swoop.
112. Tyranny
This name signifies oppressive rule, often associated with ruler figures embodying evil traits.
113. Uktena
This name represents a serpent from Native American folklore, often carrying dark energies in its tales.
114. Vorpal
This term is linked to creatures or entities from whimsical yet sinister contexts, reinforcing the concept of evil.
115. Woe
This word embodies deep sorrow, often associated with tragic consequences and evil outcomes.
116. Xerophobia
While it means fear of dryness, it can symbolize the dark journey leading one to extreme fears associated with evil behaviors.
117. Yurei
A name for restless spirits in Japanese folklore, symbolizing unresolved evil and misfortune.
118. Zeal
This name signifies extreme passion but can evoke fanaticism, often tied to negative or evil actions.
119. Atrocity
This name captures the idea of extreme cruelty linked directly to evil behavior in various contexts.
120. Bloodlust
This name symbolizes an urge for violence and harm, closely connecting with wicked intentions.
121. Corruption
This name reflects moral decay and evil actions that lead to harm and suffering.
122. Doom
This name evokes a sense of inevitable destruction and is often tied to evil narratives.
123. Enmity
This name represents hostility, embodying the darker aspects of human nature often linked to evil.
124. Fraud
This name signifies deception and dishonesty, closely related to evil actions and intentions.
125. Hunger
This name represents a primal need that can lead to despair and evil choices when unmet.
126. Ire
This name signifies intense anger, often leading to destructive and evil behaviors.
127. Jinx
Directly relating to bad luck and misfortune, this name connects tightly with themes of evil.
128. Kismet
This name suggests fate or destiny, which can often take a turn toward the tragic or evil.
129. Lurker
This term implies someone who hides, often indicating sinister intentions and evil activities.
130. Mistrust
The absence of belief in others, this name ties closely to harmful feelings often associated with evil.
131. Nihil
Meaning ‘nothing’, this name expresses a void that echoes the theme of evil through absence of morality.
132. Obliteration
This name signifies complete destruction, embodying the most extreme forms of evil intentions.
133. Peril
This name conveys a sense of danger, capturing the essence of dark and evil encounters.
134. Quasar
This term may connect with astronomical terms but can imply brightness obscured by dark forces.
135. Rage
This name expresses intense anger that can devolve into evil actions if unchecked.
136. Scandal
Having adverse implications, this name highlights misconduct and evil actions tied to public disgrace.
137. Treachery
This name implies betrayal, directly linking to malevolent traits associated with evil actors.
138. Umbrage
This name means offense or annoyance, linking to darker feelings stemming from evil encounters.
139. Vice
As a name, this term represents wicked or immoral behaviors, inherently tied to evil characteristics.
140. Wretch
This name describes a miserable person, often embodying suffering that comes from evil deeds.
141. Xenophobia
This name represents fear of strangers or foreigners, showing dark tendencies aligned with evil actions.
142. Yearn
This name signifies a strong desire, evoking potentially dark passions that may lead to evil actions.
143. Zelust
This name reflects uncontrolled passion, linking it to dark and passionate evil themes.
144. Apoplexy
This name signifies a sudden loss of consciousness, often evoking destructive outcomes often linked to evil ideas.
145. Bewitch
To enchant or cast spells, this name connects to dark magic and evil influences.
146. Cadaver
This name represents a dead body, often viewed as dark and malevolent due to its associations.
147. Dastardly
This name evokes cowardly acts, enriching the embodiment of treachery often seen as an evil action.
148. Execration
Meaning a curse, this name carries direct associations with evil spells and destructive actions.
149. Fracture
This name implies breaking something apart, evoking themes of destruction closely tied to evil acts.
150. Gloom
A name representing low spirits and sadness, often connecting to the darker aspects of evil.
Final Thoughts
Names that mean evil or bad carry powerful connotations that often reflect deeper meanings in literature, mythology, and culture. From Abaddon to Gloom, each name can evoke feelings related to chaos, malevolence, or misfortune. When exploring options for character development or personal meaning, understanding these names can help encapsulate the darker elements of storytelling.
Be it for writing projects, character creation, or even pondering on their meanings in today’s society, names with dark connotations offer a rich tapestry to delve into. They remind us of the conflict between good and evil that resonates throughout human history.
If you enjoyed this exploration, consider diving deeper into related topics like names that mean evil or names that mean demon. There is always more to discover about the language we use!