When looking for a unique name for a baby boy, many parents consider meanings behind names. A name can carry a deep significance, reflecting qualities like strength or mystery. Names that mean “dark” can symbolize elegance or depth, adding a special touch to a child’s identity. Choosing a name with this meaning can also connect to personal beliefs or cultural roots.
Today, we’ll explore a variety of boys’ names that mean dark. From traditional to modern, these names offer unique sounds and interesting meanings. Whether you’re seeking something classic or trendy, there’s a perfect name here for every little boy.
Boys Names That Mean Dark
1. Kieran
Kieran is an Irish name meaning ‘little dark one’. It is often associated with mystery and charm, making it a lovely choice for any boy.
2. Blaise
Blaise means ‘fire’ and symbolizes the dark flames that consume and transform. It’s a great name for a bright, energetic spirit.
3. Darrow
Darrow means ‘dark’ or ‘sorrowful’ and has a strong, unique sound. It’s a fitting choice for parents looking for an uncommon name.
4. Donovan
This traditional Irish name means ‘dark’ and captures a sense of strength and fortitude. It’s a timeless option with deep roots.
5. Melvin
Melvin means ‘dark-skinned’ and is a classic name that carries warmth and friendliness in its sound.
6. Morris
Morris, derived from Latin, means ‘dark-skinned’ or ‘moor’. It has a vintage vibe while still sounding modern.
7. Jett
Jett means ‘black’ and is a trendy choice for parents who want a bold name with a dark twist. It encapsulates style and modernity.
8. Kato
Kato is of African origin meaning ‘second of twins’ but is often used to denote ‘dark one’. It’s a beautiful name that carries a rich meaning.
9. Cole
Cole means ‘dark’ in Old English. It’s short and sweet, making it a popular choice for a modern boy’s name.
10. Murphy
Murphy is of Irish origin and means ‘sea warrior’. However, it also has connotations of darkness, relating to depths and shadows.
11. Denzel
Denzel means ‘from the high stronghold’, but it is also interpreted to mean ‘dark’. It has a unique sound and a strong character.
12. Raven
Raven means ‘dark-haired’ or ‘blackbird’. It is often associated with mystery and can make a trendy and cool name for boys.
13. Samir
Samir means ‘entertaining companion’, but it can also be linked to the color dark or black in some cultures. It’s a lovely choice that blends charm and depth.
14. Hugo
Hugo means ‘mind’ or ‘intellect’, but it has been associated with darkness in terms of personality types. It’s sophisticated yet friendly.
15. Zane
Zane, meaning ‘God is gracious’, is often associated with the color black or the idea of darkness. It’s a cool name with positive connotations.
16. Brice
Brice means ‘speckled’ but can be linked to dark skin tones as well. It has a sharp and modern feel to it.
17. Cohen
Cohen means ‘priest’ and while not directly meaning dark, it has a deep, soulful essence representing spiritual depth.
18. Nox
Nox is a unique name meaning ‘night’ in Latin, symbolizing darkness and mystery, perfect for adventurous spirits.
19. Acheron
Acheron is a name borrowed from Greek mythology, representing the river of sorrow or pain, often associated with darkness.
20. Porter
Porter means ‘gatekeeper’, but the name carries with it an air of mystique, evoking thoughts of dark, hidden places.
21. Houston
Houston means ‘from Hugh’s town’, but it is often associated with dark imagery due to its historical roots.
22. Ramsay
Ramsay means ‘garlic island’ but can also imply ‘dark island’, lending it a mysterious quality.
23. Tarzan
Tarzan refers to ‘white skin’ but is associated with dark jungles and wild adventures, suitable for outdoor-loving boys.
24. Donovan
Donovan is another Irish name meaning ‘dark warrior’. It suggests strength and bravery, perfect for little boys destined for greatness.
25. Persephone
Though traditionally feminine, Persephone can be used for boys emphasizing depth with its ties to the dark underworld.
26. Kellan
Kellan means ‘slender’ and ‘dark’ in Irish. It’s modern and fresh while having deep cultural roots.
27. Quillon
Quillon is a unique name meaning ‘sword’ but can symbolize the dark side of battle, offering a powerful image.
28. Kenzo
Kenzo means ‘strong and fierce’, but it has connections to dark imagery often associated with its rich cultural background.
29. Dakarai
Dakarai means ‘happiness’ but can relate to the dark past of struggles, symbolizing hope and resilience.
30. Malachai
Malachai means ‘messenger of God’ but carries a strong, dark feel due to its biblical roots and associations with prophets.
31. Nikolai
Nikolai means ‘victory of the people’ but has underlying tones of darkness due to its Russian heritage.
32. Azrael
Azrael is the name of the angel of death, directly associated with dark and mysterious elements, perfect for a profound name.
33. Zephyr
Zephyr means ‘west wind’, but the name has a soft, dark quality, evoking mysterious nature elements.
34. Ronan
Ronan means ‘little seal’, yet the creature is often found in dark waters, adding a layer of depth to the name.
35. Rifkin
Rifkin is a surname name that has gained popularity and carries a dark connotation with its historical ties.
36. Onyx
Onyx is a stone that signifies strength and protection, often associated with the dark side of nature.
37. Joplin
Joplin might remind people of the famous singer, but it also has dark undertones of forgotten places and deep history.
38. Balthazar
Balthazar means ‘Ba’al protects the king’, giving it dark regal associations, perfect for a boy with a powerful name.
39. Duncan
Duncan means ‘dark warrior’ in Gaelic, carrying a sense of strength and battle readiness.
40. Orion
Orion, the hunter, has connections to dark skies filled with stars, making it a stunning name with celestial ties.
41. Jorah
Jorah means ‘first rain’, but with ties to dark clouds and storms, it’s a unique name with nature-based meanings.
42. Cain
Cain, a biblical figure, symbolizes darkness both in historical context and in the moral lessons conveyed through his story.
43. Loki
Loki, the trickster God from Norse mythology, carries an air of darkness and mischief synonymous with adventure and the unknown.
44. Ashwin
Ashwin means ‘light’, but in some interpretations, it has ties to darkness, balancing light and shadow within its meaning.
45. Caden
Caden means ‘spirit of battle’, but it also whispers of dark, mysterious undertones in its strong character.
46. Merrick
Merrick means ‘ruler of the sea’, but the sea’s depths are often associated with dark unknowns, giving it that edge.
47. Haiden
Haiden means ‘hero of the battle’, often linked to dark situations that require valor and service.
48. Loxley
Loxley means ‘from the dark meadow’, adding to the charming appeal of this natural name choice.
49. Allen
Allen means ‘handsome’, but in Celtic meaning, it carries associations with ‘little rock’, hinting at a dark, solid foundation.
50. Taran
Taran means ‘thunder’ and with thunder comes dark skies and storms, making it a powerful and strong name for a boy.
51. Cyprian
Cyprian means ‘from Cyprus’, often symbolizing a dark but rich cultural heritage that embraces many stories.
52. Rylan
Rylan means ‘land where rye grows’, but it symbolizes deeper remnants of dark, rich soil where life hides.
53. Tarik
Tarik means ‘morning star’ and symbolizes darkness giving way to light, perfect for a baby boy who shines brightly.
54. Seti
Seti means ‘the sixth’ in Egyptian and carries with it regal dark connotations linked to the noble aspects of Egyptian culture.
55. Zarek
Zarek means ‘God protects’ but in some interpretations, it implies dark blessings, adding strength to its meaning.
56. Gaius
Gaius is of Latin origin meaning ‘to rejoice’, often linked to darker tones due to its historical Roman associations.
57. Herne
Herne means ‘the deer’, yet is associated with the dark woods and mystical elements of nature, perfect for nature-loving families.
58. Corbin
Corbin means ‘raven’ and symbolizes darkness and intelligence, providing a lovely, mysterious air around it.
59. Gormley
Gormley means ‘the blue or dark stream’. It’s a unique name with an environmental connection attached.
60. Sterling
Sterling means ‘of great worth’, yet it can symbolize the dark silver connections derived from ancient currency.
61. Aisling
Aisling is traditionally feminine but means ‘dream’ suggesting the dark realm of sleep and imagination.
62. Raiden
Raiden means ‘thunder and lightning’, representing a beautiful hybrid of light and dark elements in nature.
63. Salim
Salim means ‘safe’ but is also linked in some places to darker aspects of safety found in shadows.
64. Sampson
Sampson is a biblical name meaning ‘sun’, but associated stories bring forth tones of power wrapped in shadows.
65. Draven
Draven is a name connected to darkness and represents a unique form of artistic expression through sound.
66. Sinclair
Sinclair means ‘from Saint-Clair’, carrying a slight mystical darkness with its nobility association within its history.
67. Orion
Orion means ‘rising in the sky’, yet represents dark days battling through storms in his mythological stories.
68. Blackwood
Blackwood is a strong surname turned first name meaning ‘dark forest’, perfect for those looking to keep close to nature.
69. Jarek
Jarek means ‘fierce’, and this intensity can evoke dark qualities, making it powerful yet appealing.
70. Zolten
Zolten symbolizes a ‘dark prince’ in some interpretations, making it an elegant yet bold choice for any boy.
71. Armand
Armand means ‘soldier’ but can carry undertones of dark challenges faced on the battlefield, suiting resilient boys.
72. Ragnor
Ragnor means ‘counsel’ and is associated with Norse mythology bringing forth dark legendary tales into play.
73. Sherwood
Sherwood means ‘dark wood’, invoking the mysteries hidden within forest depths perfect for adventurous spirits.
74. Thelonious
Thelonious means ‘belonging to the Lord’, yet has a rhythmic dark beat entwined with jazz history.
75. Tiberius
Tiberius means ‘of the Tiber River’, named from dark waters in Rome, perfect for those with a love for history.
76. Charles
Charles means ‘free man’, but the storied past of royal connections offers layers of dark history entwined.
77. Cedric
Cedric means ‘bounty’ yet has historical ties to knights cloaked in shadows, calling forth courage and valor.
78. Mathis
Mathis is derived from Matthew, meaning ‘gift of God’, yet can carry dark undertones linked to life’s challenges.
79. Zephyrus
Zephyrus means ‘west wind’ but often brings with it connotations of the dark skies of storms and changes.
80. Amias
Amias means ‘loved’, yet signifies the darker side of longing and love, making it deeply meaningful.
81. Bodhi
Bodhi means ‘awakening’ and often suggests a spiritual journey through dark times to clarity and light.
82. Clancy
Clancy refers to ‘descendant of the red warrior’ but carries dark imagery of times gone by layered within its meaning.
83. Romeo
Romeo means ‘pilgrim to Rome’, but it carries burdened ties to dark romantic tales full of passion and sorrow.
84. Walsh
Walsh means ‘Welshman’, carrying a rich background that dives into darker folklore and narrative traditions.
85. Jessie
Jessie often refers to ‘gift’, yet taps into an emotional depth seen in stories that delve into darker aspects of life.
86. Quinn
Quinn means ‘wisdom’, but tales through history show dark discoveries leading to enlightenment through shadows.
87. Gideon
Gideon means ‘hewer or one who cuts trees’, symbolizing strength, but also the dark woods that house hidden tales.
88. Laird
Laird means ‘landowner’, yet suggests ties to dark pasts of battles fought over lands and legacies.
89. Murdock
Murdock means ‘sea warrior’, showcasing strong masculine ties to dark waters and battles, perfect for a fearless boy.
90. Ronin
Ronin means ‘masterless samurai’, cutting through dark imagery of loss and strength, rather than titles alone.
91. Ragnar
Ragnar means ‘advisor’ but calls forth darkly romantic connections to Viking history and warrior tales.
92. Niven
Niven means ‘little saint’ but carries an air of shadows surrounding each tale and journey led forth.
93. Vesper
Vesper means ‘evening star’, symbolizing darkness yet light in the night sky, perfect for poets and thinkers alike.
94. Vale
Vale means ‘valley’, suggesting darker surroundings dotted amongst nature, echoing depth and serenity.
95. Koa
Koa means ‘warrior’, suggesting a dark past of courage required to overcome deep struggles.
96. Nicklaus
Nicklaus means ‘victory of the people’, often linked to darker moments of struggle through history.
97. Flynn
Flynn means ‘descendant of the red-haired man’, often suggested to reflect darkened roots and realistic hues.
98. Mael
Mael means ‘prince’, yet carries dark stories steeped in lore within Celtic heritage throughout history.
99. Volk
Volk means ‘people’, hinting at darker societal struggles faced through culture and tales narrated through centuries.
100. Wraith
Wraith symbolizes a ghost or spirit, inherently dark in imagery yet fascinating with history and enigmatic allure.
101. Malin
Malin means ‘strong’, often tied with meanings of darkness seen in highams and bonds within communal ties.
102. Zenn
Zenn means ‘peaceful’, evoking functions of calm found in darkened settings of quietude and spiritual essence.
103. Coburn
Coburn means ‘from the black rivulet’, offering a nature-bound rendering of dark picturesque settlements.
104. Draven
Draven is associated with darkness and shadows, crafting an energetic appeal while nodding towards underlying tones in myths.
105. Bruce
Bruce suggests ‘the willow’, but underlying currents link to pasts of struggles through dark, evolving ties.
106. Rune
Rune symbolizes ‘secret’ or ‘whisper’, enveloping themes of dark hidden meanings and historical connections.
107. Arlo
Arlo means ‘fortified hill’, hinting at dark tales veiled under security surrounding emotional landscapes.
108. Ivan
Ivan means ‘God is gracious’, yet has strong implications enveloping struggles through darkness to newfound understandings.
109. Zarek
Zarek means ‘God protects’, but weaves the undercurrents of dark realities needing overcoming through life’s journeys.
110. Ragnar
Ragnar means ‘warrior’ or ‘counsel’, layered with rich historical narratives often reflecting struggles in the dark.
111. Kairo
Kairo means ‘victorious’, suggesting deeper triumphs often buried within dark confines needing recognition.
112. Soran
Soran means ‘to soar’, but it can also echo dark imagery while rising above hidden struggles creating unique contrasts.
113. Mortimer
Mortimer means ‘still water’, hinting at dark depths beneath calm exteriors perfect for contemplative spirits.
114. Ansel
Ansel means ‘God’s protection’, crafted from dark pasts providing wisdom and shelter through guided journeys.
115. Sterling
Sterling reflects quality but represents dark surfaces within its historical backgrounds involving wealth and survival.
116. Carver
Carver symbolizes creativity, seen through darkness—skillfully forming imaginations from hidden places.
117. Calder
Calder means ‘rocky water’ referencing hidden depths relating to dark histories found throughout time.
118. Kellen
Kellen suggests ‘slender’, embracing darkness within layers of interpretation often found throughout heritage.
119. Braden
Braden means ‘salmon’, yet ties to dark waters reflecting strength, resilience against unseen challenges in nature.
120. Asher
Asher means ‘blessed’, yet addresses dark paths taken en route to serendipity founded in personal strengths.
121. Ashwin
Ashwin overlaps meaning light while nodding towards dark realities born from stories any boy could inherit.
122. Dux
Dux means ‘leader’, prosperous yet involving dark aspects of navigating unchartered territories through courage.
123. Harlan
Harlan suggests ‘army land’, stirring dark mentalities of war and survival infused within nature across history.
124. Ronin
Ronin signifies ‘wanderer’, however, embeds stories woven through dark landscapes and adventures finding purpose.
125. Kanyon
Kanyon, reflecting deep valleys, encapsulates journeys often filled with dark twists while carving paths forward.
126. Orlin
Orlin means ‘light’ yet aspects of dark journeys often echo in fight through valleys crossed in pursuit of brightness.
127. Laith
Laith means ‘lion’, expressing hidden strengths while often signifying dark enclosures calling for exploration.
128. Thorne
Thorne benefits from ‘thorn bush’, suggesting formidable barriers nestled deep within dark foliage needing attention.
129. Beckett
Beckett represents ‘bee cottage’, however, highlights resilience found nestled amidst darkened, sweet labor.
130. Idris
Idris means ‘interpreter’, intertwining dark mystic tales embedded within ancient cultures forging history together.
131. Teagan
Teagan means ‘attractive’ but unveils darker elements hidden within charm, showing strength born from vulnerability.
132. Carrick
Carrick, meaning ‘rock’, suggests solid foundations masking dark stories forged upon necessities of life past.
133. Mace
Mace signifies ‘gift of God’, often embodying dark translations as life’s creativity evolves into significance.
134. Taron
Taron means ‘thunder’, an emblematic expression of dark storms looming over life’s environment pushing strength forward.
135. Kael
Kael signifies ‘slender’, yet enfolds rugged journeys encountering dark terrains silhouetting dreams to chase.
136. Lyle
Lyle suggests ‘island’, identifying the landscape within shadows built through nature’s intricacies and discovery routes endured.
137. Magnus
Magnus relates to ‘great’, suggesting undercurrents flowing beneath darkness that shape legacies throughout generations.
138. Devrim
Devrim means ‘change’, which carries hidden shadows when transitioning phases throughout life—exploring deeper meanings.
139. Auberon
Auberon symbolizes ‘noble’, merging timeless mystique often portrayed through dark stories of royalty past.
140. Kieren
Kieren represents ‘little dark one’, offering simplicity connected to complexity of life’s mystical dimensions.
141. Kaelin
Kaelin signifies ‘slender’, searching through darker realms appreciating shifts in landscapes as life endures.
142. Steele
Steele means ‘of steel’, yet connects stories wrapped in shadows fortifying the character through time.
143. Jordan
Jordan represents ‘to descend’, capturing dark waters that flow beneath and powerful meanings intertwining its story.
144. Dorian
Dorian embodies names associated with dark arts and creativity, a perfect match for a dreaming boy.
145. Calder
Calder means ‘rocky water’, haunting beautiful imagery blending darkness with strength found in nature.
146. Alden
Alden means ‘old friend’, often enveloping stories passed through generations showcasing challenges faced amid darkness.
147. Kenith
Kenith means ‘handsome’; however, it can bear indirect ties to shadows lurking beneath a polished surface of allure.
148. Vann
Vann means ‘of the marsh’, stirring imagery connecting to dark terrains where mysteries hide beneath shallow depths.
149. Zander
Zander means ‘defender of men’, painting layers of dark realities fought through strength during turbulent times.
150. Makai
Makai means ‘toward the sea’, balancing out light and dark elements present amid vast waters’ depth.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that means dark can convey a sense of mystery, strength, and depth. Whether drawn from historical roots or modern influences, these names offer significant meaning paired with unique sounds. Selecting the right name involves considering how it fits into a child’s identity and the stories behind it.
With 150 boys’ names that embody darkness, you have a multitude of options to explore. From Kieran to Zane, each name carries a fascinating story that can resonate deeply. Consider how these names can connect to your personal beliefs, cultural roots, or family histories.
For those who wish to dive deeper into similar names, check out the names that mean dark or discover exciting Japanese names that mean dark for broader options that can enrich your naming journey.