Names hold a lot of meaning, and some carry darker connotations. Certain names can symbolize pain, suffering, or even torture. These names can be rooted in history, mythology, or culture, creating a fascinating look into the depths of language. Parents may choose names with powerful meanings, but sometimes those meanings can be more shocking than intended.
Today, we will share a list of names that mean torture. Understanding the origins and implications of these names can provide insight into their significance. Whether you’re curious about unique baby names or just intrigued by language, this topic will highlight some of the most surprising names and their meanings.
Names That Mean Torture
1. Acheron
Acheron is a name derived from Greek mythology, known as one of the rivers of the underworld. Its meaning relates to pain and suffering, aligning with the process of torture experienced by souls in torment.
2. Banshee
This name comes from Irish folklore, representing a female spirit who heralds death. The wailing of the Banshee is tied to the suffering and anguish that comes with dying, evoking themes of torture.
3. Cale
Cale is a name meaning ‘fierce’ or ‘brave’ in Hebrew, but also connects to the idea of someone enduring pain or torture due to their strength.
4. Cerberus
Cerberus is the name of the three-headed dog from Greek mythology that guards the gates of the Underworld, representing the torture of souls entering a realm of suffering.
5. Chione
Chione, a name from Greek mythology, signifies snow and winter but also reminds us of the chilling torture that cold can impose, making it intriguing from an emotional viewpoint.
6. Cressida
The name Cressida is associated with betrayal and suffering; in literature, it often refers to characters experiencing emotional torture.
7. Dola
Dola means ‘pain’ in some cultures, capturing the very essence of distress and torture in simple syllables.
8. Eirene
Eirene is a name representing peace, yet in ancient texts, it relates to the violation of that peace through suffering and torture.
9. Hades
The name Hades denotes the Greek god of the underworld, where torture plays a significant role in the torments faced by the souls of the damned.
10. Keres
Keres are female death-spirits in Greek mythology, embodying the suffering and agony of war, emphasizing torture that stems from conflict.
11. Lamashtu
Lamashtu, a name from ancient Mesopotamian mythology, refers to a demoness known for torturing infants and mothers, linking it directly to the theme of agony.
12. Mara
Mara is a name from various cultures that signifies a spirit or deity bringing darkness or torment, indicating suffering and torture.
13. Medusa
Medusa, a figure in Greek mythology, endured torturous transformations, conveying themes of torture and punishment.
14. Namtaru
This ancient name refers to the god of death in Sumerian mythology, representing the limits of suffering and torture that souls may face.
15. Proserpine
Proserpine, connected to the underworld mythology, signifies the duality of beauty and the torture that comes from being trapped in an eternal cycle of suffering.
16. Revathi
The name Revathi can mean ‘one who is suffering,’ creating a direct connection to the concept of torture.
17. Sayaka
Saraya is a Japanese name meaning ‘clear,’ but can also symbolize clarity amidst turmoil, highlighting the emotional torture one may face.
18. Tantalus
Tantalus is a figure from Greek mythology punished by eternal hunger and thirst, representing deep-seated torture and torment.
19. Tisiphone
Tisiphone, one of the Furies in Greek mythology, embodies vengeance and punishment, presenting themes related to torture.
20. Zagan
Zagan, from demonology, is associated with acting as a torturer in hell, thus directly relating to our topic.
21. Aadya
Aadya means ‘first’ but can also imply suffering when associated with the notion of being ‘first to fall’ into chaos and pain.
22. Alhena
Alhena, meaning ‘the brand’ in Arabic, conjures imagery of physical suffering through branding and torture.
23. Amaranth
This flower name symbolizes immortality, yet it also symbolizes the eternal torture of longing that can never be fulfilled.
24. Alecto
Alecto is one of the Furies known for punishing the guilty and causing torture, making it an evocative name.
25. Atropos
Atropos is one of the three Fates, symbolizing death and the inevitable suffering that comes with it, again linking with torture.
26. Belladonna
The name Belladonna means ‘beautiful lady’ but is also related to a toxic plant known for its painful properties.
27. Bitterness
A name that encapsulates emotional torture, ‘Bitterness’ captures the essence of deep-seated pain and suffering.
28. Caelestis
This name means ‘heavenly,’ yet it brings to mind the loss of heaven and the accompanying torture of such a separation.
29. Calypso
Calypso signifies ‘she who conceals,’ drawing a line to the hidden tortures that lie beneath appearances.
30. Desdemona
Desdemona’s meaning is ‘unlucky,’ linking her to the emotional torture found in tragic circumstances.
31. Draven
Draven, essentially meaning ‘hunter,’ implies the torturous predator-prey relationship, emphasizing the suffering involved.
32. Elysia
This name refers to the Elysian Fields, where tortured souls wander, creating a haunting image associated with suffering.
33. Fulvia
Fulvia, a name that translates to ‘yellow,’ symbolizes both warmth and torturous suffering through its historical implications.
34. Grim
The name Grim indicates a serious and harsh nature, deeply connected to life’s torturous challenges.
35. Haemon
Haemon is connected to tragedy in literature, symbolizing the emotional torture faced by characters in despair.
36. Hel
Hel, from Norse mythology, represents a place characterized by torture and suffering for those who have wronged others.
37. Icarus
Icarus signifies the pain of hubris and the torture of falling from great heights.
38. Jakobsdottir
This name means ‘daughter of Jacob,’ but relates to the struggles and torturous times faced through ancestry.
39. Kalia
Kalia means ‘to be tortured,’ directly capturing the idea of enduring pain.
40. Livia
Livia means ‘life’ but also relates to the harshness and tortures in living, especially in literature.
41. Lucretia
Lucretia is tied to a tragic tale of suffering and emotional torture in Roman history.
42. Magpie
This name symbolizes a bird known for its sorrowful calls, echoing themes of emotional torture.
43. Medon
Medon is an ancient name signifying protection, yet the protector’s role can often involve torturous decisions.
44. Menelaus
Menelaus means ‘to be warlike,’ and with war comes various torturous experiences, both physically and emotionally.
45. Minerva
This name represents wisdom yet reminds us of the tortures that accompany high intellect in historical contexts.
46. Moros
Moros, the god of doom in Greek mythology, reflects unsettling themes of inevitable torture.
47. Nero
Nero, a name connected to a Roman emperor known for cruel torture practices, carries a weighty meaning.
48. Niobe
Niobe in Greek mythology faced great torment after losing her children, establishing a direct connection to emotional torture.
49. Persephone
Persephone relates to seasons but also embodies torture, as she spends half her time in the underworld.
50. Petros
Petros means ‘rock,’ symbolizing the hard, torturous landscape of life we navigate.
51. Philomena
Philomena signifies lover of strength, often linked to enduring emotional torture due to love.
52. Proxima
This name means ‘closest,’ while it relates to the attempts we make that often end in torturous results.
53. Quillon
Quillon means ‘crossing swords,’ directly alluding to the violent torturous nature of conflict.
54. Raynara
This name can symbolize ‘the open air,’ yet it also hints at the torturous battles faced by those seeking freedom.
55. Roxane
Roxane means ‘dawn,’ contrasting with the torment of dark times before dawn arrives.
56. Sabine
Sabine signifies a woman taken by force, connecting her to the root of traumatic experiences of torture.
57. Selene
Selene, representing the moon, can also symbolize the emotional torture of obsession and longing.
58. Sphinx
This name, related to a mythical creature known for its riddles and torturous fates, perfectly captures the association with suffering.
59. Tempest
This name brings to mind storms, symbolizing the emotional and physical tortures that accompany turbulent times.
60. Thalia
This name initially means ‘to bloom’ but can often precede moments of torture and despair in stories.
61. Tiberius
Tiberius, a historical name associated with painful power struggles, invokes the concept of suffering and torture.
62. Titania
Titania, though known for beauty, represents the struggles and the torture visible behind the façade of glory.
63. Tsukuyomi
This Japanese name means ‘moon reader’ but also implies the mysteries that come with moments of torture.
64. Valak
A demon name often linked to psychological torture, Valak is associated with fear and pain.
65. Yara
Yara resonates with ‘small butterfly’ yet can also relate to the struggles those butterflies face before emerging, symbolizing emotional torture.
66. Zephyra
Zephyra means ‘west wind’ but evokes images of storms that can symbolize the emotional torture of transitions.
67. Adrastia
This name symbolizes an unrelenting fate, which can be viewed as a metaphor for the pain of torture.
68. Ashmedai
A demonic name linked to torment and punishment, Ashmedai connects well with the theme of torture.
69. Balthazar
Balthazar, associated with turmoil, is tied to themes of pain and suffering within certain legends.
70. Calantha
This name can mean ‘beautiful flower,’ but relates to the tumultuous process towards beauty, suggesting a metaphorical torture.
71. Cadmus
Cadmus, linked to tragic tales of searching, carries connotations of emotional torture faced during quests.
72. Chandra
This name represents ‘moon’ but can symbolize the persistent anguish of longing.
73. Despair
As a name, Despair directly signifies emotional torture and the struggles one may face.
74. Elysium
This name represents a paradise but remembers the tortured souls that seek entrance.
75. Hephaestus
Crafted in suffering, Hephaestus signifies the pain of creation through divine torture.
76. Iezeat
This name implies pain and has roots in ancient narratives embodying struggles of survival, thus connecting to emotional torture.
77. Kaelith
This name denotes fierce struggle, invoking a sense of torture while overcoming obstacles.
78. Lorn
This name brings to mind loss and suffering, epitomizing the emotional torture of being left behind.
79. Melancholia
Melancholia directly refers to deep sadness, symbolizing the emotional torture that comes with despair.
80. Morbida
A name denoting death or suffering, Morbida emphasizes themes of torture and pain.
81. Nightshade
This flower name suggests beauty overshadowed by poison, hinting at the torturous duality of existence.
82. Nihil
Nihil signifies nothingness and destruction, representing the ultimate emotional torture one can experience.
83. Ophelia
Ophelia is linked with tragedy, embodying emotional torture stemming from indiscriminate love and loss.
84. Perseus
In Greek mythology, Perseus faced trials filled with torment and pain, relating the name to the experience of torture.
85. Rhea
Rhea means ‘flowing,’ often likened to the sorrow that flows with emotional torture.
86. Selina
Selina means ‘moon,’ connecting it to the melancholic torture of unattainable desires.
87. Thanatos
Thanatos, the personification of death, symbolizes the ultimate form of emotional and physical torture.
88. Uroboros
This name represents reincarnation, reflecting the cyclical torture of life and death.
89. Vespera
Vespera signifies evening, which often portrays the emotional struggles faced by individuals.
90. Xanthe
Xanthe means ‘yellow’ yet can evoke the painful memories of longing and loss, alluding to emotional torture.
91. Yvette
This name signifies ‘yew’ but can hint at the deep-rooted emotional challenges symbolized by the tree’s slow growth.
92. Zephyr
This name means ‘gentle breeze,’ but it can also symbolize the torture of fleeting freedom.
93. Agon
Agon directly translates to struggle or contest in Greek, resonating with the notion of enduring torture.
94. Alectryon
This name is connected to a figure in mythology who faced punishment and thus invokes the theme of torture through adversity.
95. Amarantha
Amarantha means ‘eternal,’ often linking to enduring the torture of endless pain or longing.
96. Crawler
A name denoting both movement and survival, Crawler signifies the struggle through pain.
97. Dezra
This name implies desire, often marrying the idea of coveted torture associated with unfulfilled longings.
98. Ekene
Ekene means ‘praise,’ which can ironically relate to the suffering for something or someone worthy of such high regard.
99. Galatea
In mythology, Galatea faced emotional pain, highlighting the themes of torture in love.
100. Hecate
Hecate, goddess of magic and witchcraft, represents the torturous nature of forbidden knowledge.
101. Ignatius
This name means ‘fiery one,’ and alludes to the torture that comes from inner conflict.
102. Kainda
Kainda means ‘obtaining,’ but this can relate to the torturous efforts needed to achieve one’s desires.
103. Lucifera
Meaning ‘light-bringer,’ this name also embodies themes of pain that come with knowledge.
104. Morina
Morina signifies death and darkness, relating closely to emotional and physical torture.
105. Nyssa
Nyssa means ‘beginning,’ while symbolically connecting to the torturous start of life or journeys.
106. Onyx
This name denotes protection, yet it can also symbolize the inner struggles and torture people face.
107. Plutarch
Plutarch represents wealth and depth while reminding us of the tortured souls interested in power.
108. Quixotica
This name evokes connotations of desire that may lead to emotional torture through unachievable dreams.
109. Raida
Raida can mean ‘journey,’ while representing the torturous paths that individuals may walk.
110. Sable
This name denotes darkness while evoking themes surrounding painful experiences.
111. Tiberia
Tiberia signifies the river, indicating flowing emotions of torment deriving from conflict.
112. Ursa
Ursa means ‘bear,’ which can connote the torturous maternal struggle faced by many characters in stories.
113. Vesper
Though it refers to evening, Vesper reflects the idea of darkness accompanying emotional struggle and torture.
114. Wraith
Wraith, meaning ghost, symbolizes the torture of those who live on in memories of loss.
115. Zephyrus
This name, meaning ‘west wind,’ evokes a sense of emotional change and turmoil that can be torturous.
116. Alexia
Meaning defender, Alexia can indirectly relate to the struggles faced through emotional torture in the process of protection.
117. Bartholomew
This historical name has connections to suffering through religious contexts, linking it closely with torture.
118. Carina
Carina means ‘beloved,’ often as a painful reminder of lost love, thus hinting at emotional torture.
119. Drakken
Drakken means ‘dragon’ and symbolizes the fierce battles that often involve torturous outcomes.
120. Ember
Ember signifies a spark of fire and can evoke the torturous feelings that burning desires bring.
121. Fenris
Named after a wolf in mythology, Fenris represents savage forces and the emotional torture associated with them.
122. Ghast
This name implies dread, reflecting the psychological torture associated with fear.
123. Halcyon
Halcyon refers to peace but can denote the emotional pain present when such tranquility is absent.
124. Iridessa
Iridessa symbolizes rainbows yet reflects on the torturous storms that precede them.
125. Jareth
Jareth signifies the ‘descent’ and can nod to the torturous journeys people undertake in life.
126. Kalea
Kalea connects to beauty yet implies the emotional and physical torture associated with achieving it.
127. Lethia
Lethia is rooted in imagery of drowning, capturing the essence of emotional and physical torture.
128. Myrrh
This name signifies bitter sweetness and relates to the emotional torture found in longing and loss.
129. Nox
Nox signifies night, commonly associated with the emotional turmoil and torture faced during dark times.
130. Orpheus
Orpheus connects with the story of enduring love and the torturous experiences following loss.
131. Pyrrhus
This name describes a historical figure faced with struggles and torture in battles, thus connecting directly to our theme.
132. Querida
Querida may mean ‘beloved,’ which can evoke emotional torture when it comes to challenging relationships.
133. Raine
This name signifies ‘queen’ yet connects to the storms (emotional and physical torture) that can plague her reign.
134. Sylph
Sylph refers to elemental spirits often linked to deep emotional struggles and suffering.
135. Tansy
Tansy signifies a flower but also alludes to herbal remedies used to ease suffering, associated indirectly with torture.
136. Ursel
Ursel may refer to a bear and can bring insights into the struggle and the torturous fight for survival.
137. Vespera
The name indicates evening but can evoke the emotional torture of the sun setting on aspirations.
138. Winslet
This name embodies ‘friend’ and can hint at the emotional torture that arises from betrayal as well.
139. Xena
Xena means ‘stranger’ and connects to the torturous experiences of feeling alienated.
140. Yair
Yair means ‘to enlighten,’ which could also reflect the pain of seeking knowledge through resources that provide torturous experiences.
141. Zinnia
This flower name represents endurance yet carries emotional weight relating to the torture of fleeting beauty.
142. Azrael
Azrael, known as the angel of death, bridges connections with the torture accompanying end-of-life experiences.
143. Banquo
Banquo symbolizes betrayal and death, linking directly to the emotional torture involved in life’s dark moments.
144. Calida
Calida means ‘warm,’ a contrast evoking emotional torture during cold, solitary periods.
145. Devita
Devita signifies ‘not alive,’ relating to profound emotional struggles revolving around the concept of torture.
146. Ethelda
Ethelda signifies ‘noble warrior’ and reflects on the inner and outer battles that come with that nobility, featuring themes of torture.
147. Fenrir
This name bears ties to loss and conflict and relates to the emotional pain experienced by characters in mythology.
148. Gilda
Gilda means ‘golden,’ relating to the emotional torture of pursuing elusive dreams of wealth and happiness.
149. Helianthus
Helianthus, synonymous with sunflower, reflects growth from the dark confines of emotional torture experienced before reaching light.
150. Indra
This name means ‘possessing drops,’ alluding to the countless emotional tortures one may face when holding on to past grief.
Final Thoughts
In exploring names that signify torture, we uncover a world deeply intertwined with history, myth, and emotion. Each name carries its unique backstory, woven with pain, grief, and struggle, revealing the rich tapestry of language and culture. It’s important to find the balance between beauty and meaning when choosing a name. After reading about these intriguing names, you may want to explore further into themes of suffering and pain with other insightful lists on [names that mean pain](https://explainnames.com/names-that-mean-pain/) and [names related to suffering](https://explainnames.com/names-that-mean-suffering/). Naming is a powerful act, and the stories behind these names make them even more memorable.