Names can hold deep meanings and stories, often reflecting our culture and beliefs. Some names are connected to darkness, symbolizing mystery, the night, or even strength. These names can be beautiful and powerful, carrying a unique charm that many find appealing. If you’re curious about names that resonate with the theme of darkness, you’re in the right place.
Today, we will look at a range of names that mean darkness, along with their origins and meanings. Whether you are naming a character, considering baby names, or just browsing for inspiration, these names offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of shadows and the night.
Names That Mean Darkness
1. Laila
This enchanting name means ‘night’ in Arabic. Laila can symbolize a sense of mystery and beauty, much like the dark skies of night.
2. Kali
Kali, from Hindu mythology, represents the goddess of time, change, and destruction, often depicted as dark-skinned. Her name signifies the power of darkness.
3. Leila
Similar to Laila, Leila also means ‘night’ in Arabic. It is a soft and melodic name, evoking images of starry skies and midnight tales.
4. Morrigan
This Irish name means ‘great queen’ and is associated with war and fate. Morrigan can be seen as a symbol of dark power and mystery.
5. Nisha
Nisha means ‘night’ in Sanskrit. It shares a serene quality, connecting the name to the calm and peaceful aspects of darkness.
6. Blake
Blake originally comes from Old English, meaning ‘black’ or ‘dark’. It embodies strength and boldness, making it a strong name choice.
7. Danika
Danika means ‘morning star’ in Slavic, but also connotes darkness as it refers to the star shining in the night sky.
8. Ciaran
This Irish name means ‘little dark one’ and reflects the essence of darkness in its very meaning, making it a charming yet powerful name.
9. Devlin
Devlin comes from the Irish surname meaning ‘unlucky’ or ‘dark’, giving it a moody and intriguing character.
10. Samara
Samara is a name of Arabic origin that means ‘night talk’ or ‘entertaining companion during the night’, relating directly to the theme of darkness.
11. Kieran
Kieran, another Irish name, means ‘dark’ or ‘sullen’, perfect for capturing the essence of darkness in a name.
12. Omisha
This beautiful name translates to ‘lord of the night’ in Sanskrit, making it perfectly aligned with the theme of darkness.
13. Jet
Jet is a name that means ‘black stone’ and is often associated with the color black, symbolizing depth and richness found in darkness.
14. Tana
Tana means ‘dark’ in its origin, evoking an image that symbolizes mystery and allure.
15. Nox
Meaning ‘night’ in Latin, Nox is a short and strong name that captures the primal element of darkness effectively.
16. Raven
Raven symbolizes a black bird often associated with the night and mystery, making it a unique name related to darkness.
17. Sable
Sable means ‘black’ in French, giving it an elegant air while firmly rooting it in the essence of darkness.
18. Liora
Liora means ‘light’ in Hebrew, but pulled in the context of night, offers a contrast reflecting the beauty in darkness.
19. Zaria
Zaria signifies ‘princess’ but can also embody the mystical allure of a starry night.
20. Kuro
This Japanese name means ‘black’ and directly relates to the theme of darkness, resonating with strength and mystery.
21. Melantha
Melantha comes from Greek, meaning ‘dark flower’, merging beauty with the essence of darkness.
22. Dara
Dara means ‘oak tree’ in Hebrew and ‘star’ in Persian, but given its close associations with nighttime, it resonates with darkness as well.
23. Shakti
This powerful Sanskrit name can mean ‘power’ but is often connected with the potency of the dark feminine energy.
24. Mavis
Mavis means ‘songbird’ but has historical ties to ‘dark’ in old texts, connecting it subtly with that theme.
25. Soraya
Soraya, of Persian origin, points to a constellation, often symbolizing night and darkness in the sky.
26. Yasmin
This name often means ‘jasmine flower’, its quality being more serene and related to the calmness of dark nights.
27. Kieran
An Irish name meaning ‘little dark one’, Kieran evokes a quaint yet profound connection to the essence of darkness.
28. Annabelle
This graceful name means ‘lovable’, but being associated with nighttime fairytales, it reflects the idea of darkness beautifully.
29. Acheron
In Greek mythology, Acheron is one of the rivers of the underworld, often associated with darkness and death.
30. Shade
Simply referring to an area of darkness caused by a shadow, Shade beautifully encapsulates the feeling of darkness in a name.
31. Dusk
Inspired by the period between day and night, Dusk embodies the theme of transitioning into darkness.
32. Sable
Deriving from the name for fur of dark animals, Sable is a striking name with a clear connection to darkness.
33. Nyx
In Greek mythology, Nyx is the personification of night, symbolizing the deepest essence of darkness.
34. Kiara
This name can mean ‘dark’ in Italian or ‘light’ depending on its origin, hugging the complexity and duality of darkness.
35. Aisling
This beautiful Irish name can mean ‘dream’ or ‘vision’, often associated with the darkness of night where dreams are born.
36. Onyx
Onyx refers to a black gemstone, making it a strong name with direct ties to the color and essence of darkness.
37. Althea
This name means ‘healer’ but can evoke a sense of healing that happens in quiet moments of darkness.
38. Celine
Celine means ‘heavenly’ but her ties to night make this name embody the beauty and depth of darkness.
39. Kiera
Kiera is just an alternate spelling of Kieran, emphasizing the connection to being little and dark.
40. Amalthea
This name refers to a nurturing figure, but can symbolize the comforting qualities of a dark night.
41. Jetty
Similar to Jet, Jetty symbolizes blackness and offers a casual yet mystical vibe to the essence of darkness.
42. Samira
Of Arabic origin, Samira translates as ‘entertaining companion at night’, maintaining its connection to the theme of darkness.
43. Lachlan
This name means ‘from the land of lakes’ but embodies the mysterious and dark waters one finds in such regions.
44. Ahriman
This name references a dualistic figure in Zoroastrianism known as ‘evil spirit’, making it heavily tied to the theme of darkness.
45. Selena
Stemming from the moon goddess, Selena connects strongly with nighttime and the beauty of dark skies.
46. Umber
Umber is a color name referring to a dark brown or black, easily relating to the richness found in darkness.
47. Hadley
Meaning ‘heather field’, Hadley reminds us of landscapes shrouded in evening’s shadow, integrating its connection to darkness.
48. Zita
Zita means ‘little girl’ but has a popular association with moonlit nights, providing a whimsical connection to darkness.
49. Bellatrix
This name means ‘female warrior’ but also refers to a star in the Orion constellation usually visible in dark skies.
50. Anara
Meaning ‘illuminated’ in its regions, Anara draws a beautiful contrast with darkness but finds its roots in twilight.
51. Khaos
Khaos references the primordial void or emptiness before creation, a profoundly dark and mysterious concept in mythology.
52. Zephyr
Zephyr means ‘gentle breeze’ but carries connotations of quiet, making it perfect for exploring the gentle side of darkness.
53. Gloom
Gloom is a direct reference to darkness or dimness, making this unique choice very resonant with the topic.
54. Noctis
This Latin name means ‘night’, creating a direct connection to darkness and evoking a starlit atmosphere.
55. Cimmerian
Known from Greek mythology, Cimmerians lived in perpetual darkness, evoking an image of deep and mythic darkness.
56. Ebon
Ebon is a term referring to black wood, symbolizing elegance and deep colors closely attached to darkness.
57. Moros
In Greek mythology, Moros symbolizes doom and darkness, asserting a strong presence in terms of dark names.
58. Shade
Referring to the shadowy areas, Shade communicates the essence of darkness impressively.
59. Nightshade
Although a plant name, Nightshade signifies a connection to darkness and the mysterious and often dangerous allure of it.
60. Zara
Zara means ‘radiance’ or ‘flower’, reminding us of beauty often hidden within the allure of darkness.
61. Tatum
Tatum carries a modern vibe but hints subtly towards ‘cheerful bringing of shadow,’ a reflection on darkness.
62. Zahara
Meaning ‘flowering’, Zahara puts a unique spin on darkness, showcasing nature that thrives in dim light.
63. Kaliyah
This name also reflects the power of the dark goddess Kali, making its association with darkness profound.
64. Jett
A variation of Jet, Jett similarly points to blackness or darkness, offering a sleek modern touch.
65. Caligo
Caligo translates to ‘mist’ or ‘cloudiness’ in Latin, relating it to the theme of darkness and obscurity.
66. Tarek
This name means ‘morning star’, but its link with the night makes it resonate strongly with the theme of darkness.
67. Ravi
While Ravi means ‘sun’, it also signifies the juxtaposition of day and its absence at night, enhancing the idea of darkness.
68. Scylla
Scylla is a sea monster from Greek mythology, whose legend is cloaked in darkness, symbolizing danger and intrigue.
69. Ombra
This Italian word meaning ‘shadow’ enhances its connection to darkness, creating an elegant name choice.
70. Llyn
The Welsh name meaning ‘lake,’ brings forth images of dark waters, reflecting the theme of darkness well.
71. Krystel
This name can translate to ‘crystal’, yet draws upon the thin veil of sheen one sees in dark elements.
72. Lethe
In Greek mythology, Lethe is the river of forgetfulness, reflecting on the darker parts of memory confused in darkness.
73. Hecate
Hecate is the Greek goddess of magic and witchcraft, representing the hidden and dark arts.
74. Nebula
Nebula, a space term meaning ‘cloud’, can evoke thoughts of dark, star-filled nights in the universe.
75. Obsidian
Obsidian refers to a naturally occurring volcanic glass, solid black and profoundly tied to the essence of darkness.
76. Vesper
Vesper means ‘evening star’ in Latin and is often associated with the quiet beauty of a dark sky.
77. Sgath
This mystical name means ‘shadow’ in Scottish, forming a direct connection to the topic of darkness.
78. Amal
Amal means ‘hope’ in Arabic, yet its connection with dark night symbolizes depth and resilience.
79. Elara
As one of Jupiter’s moons, Elara carries a sleek elegance associated with the darker regions of space.
80. Damaris
Meaning ‘gentle’ or ‘calf’, Damaris can evoke a sense of quiet strength often found in darkness.
81. Theia
The name refers to a titaness in Greek myth, connected with the darker elements of night and cosmic beauty.
82. Rhiannon
Of Welsh origin, Rhiannon is associated with a dark goddess, demonstrating strong links to the essence of darkness.
83. Zephyra
A variation of Zephyr, this name resonates with softer darkness, illuminating the gentle aspects of the night.
84. Ouroboros
This ancient symbol representing a serpent eating its own tail speaks to cyclic nature, with deep connections to darkness.
85. Murk
Murk describes something dark and gloomy, making it a straightforward yet significant name connected to darkness.
86. Nyssa
Derived from Greek, meaning ‘beginning’, Nyssa has twilight feelings that make it relate well to darkness themes.
87. Aeternus
This Latin name means ‘eternal’, connecting with the infinite quiet found in the beautiful essence of darkness.
88. Hunter
A name representing someone who tracks, Hunter evokes imagery associated with the secretive darkness of the woods at night.
89. Felice
This name can mean ‘fortunate’ but also gives off a sense of wonder associated with the realm of night where mysteries unfold.
90. Armand
Meaning ‘soldier’, Armand can have darker connections with the shadows of battle at night.
91. Astraea
Astraea, the goddess of innocence, often connected with the twilight, opens doors to connections with the theme of darkness.
92. Xanthe
This name means ‘yellow’ but can reference at dusk’s beauty, where darker colors gently take over.
93. Umbria
Meaning ‘shadowy’, this name is a beautiful depiction of regions shrouded in darkness.
94. Nocturna
This name directly translates to ‘of the night’, providing a potent connection to the theme of darkness.
95. Kien
Kien means ‘black’ in Vietnamese, standing as a strong representation linked to darkness.
96. Banshee
An entity in Irish mythology connected with darker omens and spirits, Banshee gives a direct nod to the theme.
97. Ombre
Ombre, the French word for shadow, perfectly conveys the theme of darkness in a soft and modern tone.
98. Nyctophobia
Referring to the fear of darkness, Nyctophobia highlights an essential perspective on themes surrounding darkness.
99. Raine
While it often relates to rain casting shadows, Raine can imply the essence of darkness as it collects.
100. Thorne
Thorne evokes imagery of thorny bushes, wrapping its dark allure within the theme of nature and its hidden dangers.
101. Umberlee
Named after the deep ocean goddess in Dungeons & Dragons, Umberlee captivates the power embodied in darkness.
102. Damaris
This name signifies tenderness and strength, a beautiful metaphor for light hidden within darkness.
103. Sinead
Sinead is a name that means ‘God is gracious,’ yet can imply the profound changes tied closely to the night.
104. Calypso
Calypso in Greek mythology connects to the sea, a dark and mysterious territory full of secrets unto itself.
105. Vespera
This subtle variation of Vesper creates a direct visibility to evening themes directly tied with darkness.
106. Morwenna
Morwenna is a Cornish name that leads us to a dark maiden associated with the sea’s darker mysteries.
107. Nereus
A sea god in Greek mythology symbolizing light within dark waters, Nereus captures the theme delicately.
108. Kestrel
Kestrel, referring to a small falcon, carries the quiet essence of hunting in the low light before darkness falls.
109. Astor
From Latin meaning ‘hawk’, Astor references the keen vision associated with the hunt in twilight shadows.
110. Dalen
This name meaning ‘valley’ often evokes images of dark, hidden depths found within shadows.
111. Misty
The name Misty evokes fog and darkness, drawing on the soft, obscure qualities that enhance the theme of darkness.
112. Callan
Meaning ‘battle’, Callan brings a strong consideration of darker elements underlying conflict and strife.
113. Synnove
Synnove means ‘sum of love’ but suggests a soft allure, often felt deep in the shadows.
114. Marlowe
This name means ‘driftwood’ which tends to linger in the depths of dark waters, resonating with a strong connection to darkness.
115. Clyde
Clyde means ‘slope’, relating to terrain often found in shadows or dimly lit places, reflecting aspects of darkness.
116. Nocturne
Nocturne is directly tied to night music, capturing the soothing yet mysterious elements associated with darkness.
117. Corbin
This name means ‘raven’, a bird often seen as a messenger in the depths of darkness.
118. Celestria
This name comes from the idea of universes unknown under dark skies, vividly connecting to mystery present in darkness.
119. Kylah
Means ‘slim’ and connects back to aspects of quiet and stillness often found during darker hours.
120. Azura
While meaning ‘sky blue’, Azura can carry a contrast to the deep blues in the night, emphasizing the theme of darkness.
121. Moray
Moray connects with rich, dark environments within underwater realms and highlights natural darkness remarkably.
122. Tiberius
This name linked to the Tiber river, known for its dark waters, has a robust connection to the concept of darkness.
123. Draven
Draven is a unique name directly invoking the mysteries and depths associated with darkness.
124. Thalia
Though meaning ‘to flourish’, Thalia hints at the lush growth found under the comfort of darkness.
125. Tristam
This name means ‘sad one’, deeply connected with feelings associated with the darker aspects of love and loss.
126. Selene
Referring to the moon, Selene is a strong symbol of night and carries an intrinsic connection to darkness.
127. Astra
Astra means ‘star’, reflecting on the heavenly bodies seen vividly against the backdrop of darkness.
128. Agathos
This Greek name means ‘good’, yet connects with deeper themes of good and evil found within the shadows.
129. Jacaranda
This name refers to a tree with deep blue flowers seen at dusk, symbolizing the beauty found within dark places.
130. Scythe
The mythological representation of death embodies the reality of deep darkness inherently circling themes of darkness.
131. Holt
This English name meaning ‘wood’ hints at dark forests and the secrets held within the shadows.
132. Noxious
Noxious means poisonous or harmful, reflecting essential darker themes found in many aspects of nature.
133. Rowena
This name means ‘famous friend’ but embodies tales told at night, creating connections with darkness harmoniously.
134. Gwendalyn
Translating to ‘white ring’, this name carries with it imagery of mystique and elegance found within darkness.
135. Tamsin
Tamsin means ‘twin’ and can also suggest connections to shadows that follow us all at nighttime.
136. Soren
Soren means ‘severe’, inviting thoughts of daunting, dark landscapes often found in dreams.
137. Lucretia
This name means ‘wealth’ but can hint towards the wealth of stories echoed in the darkness.
138. Tyrese
This name has modern connections to strength but can signify resilience associated closely with the darker struggles.
139. Astraeus
Astraeus is the Titan god of stars, relating well to the beauty of night and its depth of darkness.
140. Ember
This name connects to the darker elements of fire, illustrating how something bright can emerge from dark origins.
141. Nyssa
Nyssa means ‘beginning’, connecting the start of night and new adventures cloaked in darkness.
142. Harlow
Harlow recalls old terms for ‘army hill’, symbolizing how the dark landscapes hold historical stories.
143. Zuri
This name means ‘beautiful’ in Swahili yet draws on the beauty represented in darkness.
144. Azure
Typically linked to blue skies, Azure can connect well with the darkening skies at dusk transitioning into the night.
145. Dusk
Dusk represents the moments transitioning into night, beautifully illustrating darkness’s gradual onset.
146. Sorrel
This name refers to a plant that thrives in woodland environments, often shrouded in darkness.
147. Geren
A name evoking simplicity yet capturing the essence of green leaves found under the canopy of darkness.
148. Adira
With roots meaning ‘strong’, Adira subtly connects resilience found in facing darkness.
149. Stormy
The ambiance of a storm often highlights the wild side of darkness, evoking powerful imagery.
150. Noire
Meaning ‘black’ in French, Noire directly resonates with the theme of darkness, elegantly illustrating its essence.
Final Thoughts
Looking through this expansive list of names that mean darkness reveals a wide range of origins and meanings that connect deeply to the theme. From names like Laila and Nyx, which represent the beauty of the night, to Morrigan, evoking power and mystery, there are endless possibilities. Darkness is often associated with not just fear, but also mystery, strength, and allure. Choosing a name that embodies these traits can create a meaningful connection for the bearer.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for characters in a story, considering baby names, or simply exploring cultural significance, these names offer a variety of choices. If you want to dive deeper into themes surrounding darkness, consider exploring more names that mean dark or black to expand your knowledge further.
Remember, names are powerful carriers of meaning, and those connected to darkness can hold unique enchantment. Enjoy your journey in finding the perfect name!