Choosing a name for a boy can be a meaningful task. Sometimes, parents look for names that reflect deeper meanings, like death or darkness. These names can symbolize strength, mystery, or a connection to the unknown. Whether inspired by literature, mythology, or cultural beliefs, there are many unique names that carry these powerful meanings.
Today, we’ll share a list of boy names that mean death or darkness. From ancient legends to modern interpretations, these names can serve as a bold choice for any child. If you’re looking for something different or symbolic, you might find the perfect name right here.
Boy Names That Mean Death Or Darkness
1. Abaddon
The name Abaddon has biblical origins and means ‘destroyer’ or ‘place of destruction’. This name carries a weight of darkness and a connection to death, making it a powerful choice.
2. Azrael
Azrael is known as the angel of death in various traditions. This name symbolizes the mystery of death, offering a unique and strong identity.
3. Balor
Balor is a figure from Irish mythology known as a giant with one eye that brings death. The name evokes images of formidable power and darkness.
4. Cimmerian
The name Cimmerian refers to a mythical land of darkness from the works of Homer. This name embodies permanence and mystery associated with dark places.
5. Jabez
The name Jabez meaning ‘sorrow’ or ‘pain’, highlights a somber aspect of life. It serves as a strong reminder of life’s challenges.
6. Mara
While commonly known as a feminine name, Mara in Hebrew means ‘bitter’ and can refer to darkness and loss. It has a haunting weight that can be redefined for boys.
7. Moros
In Greek mythology, Moros represents impending doom and fate, giving the name a significant connection to darkness and mortality.
8. Nox
The name Nox means ‘night’ in Latin, encapsulating the essence of darkness. It’s a strong, short name that carries depth.
9. Nyx
Nyx is the Greek goddess of night. This name emphasizes the beauty of darkness while also holding a sense of power.
10. Pluto
Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld, brings forth connotations of death and mystery. This name can be both unique and historic.
11. Raiden
Raiden means ‘thunder’ and is often associated with dark storms. The name embodies strength while connecting back to darker elements of nature.
12. Samael
Samael means ‘venom of God’ and is often associated with death and darkness. Its complex meanings make it rich with symbolism.
13. Tenebris
Tenebris means ‘darkness’ in Latin, offering a direct interpretation of the theme while providing a regal sound.
14. Vesper
The name Vesper means ‘evening star’, representing the coming of night, thus connecting it to darkness and its own ethereal beauty.
15. Yama
Yama is the Hindu god of death, offering a culturally rich name that represents a significant aspect of life and mortality.
16. Ciaran
Ciaran is an Irish name meaning ‘little dark one’, which beautifully illustrates the theme of darkness in a soft and gentle manner.
17. Maelstrom
This name means ‘whirlpool’ and is often associated with turmoil and chaos, hinting at a darker side of existence.
18. Morven
Morven is a Scottish name meaning ‘big gap’ or ‘sea moor’, bringing imagery of dark waters and wilderness.
19. Draco
Draco means ‘dragon’ in Latin, dragons often being creatures of darkness and power, lending this name a formidable presence.
20. Sable
The name Sable refers to black color and darkness, representing the essence of night through its rich meaning and tone.
21. Morrigan
The Morrigan is a Celtic goddess associated with war and death, giving the name a fierce connection to darker themes.
22. Erebus
Erebus represents deep darkness in Greek mythology, a fitting name for those who embrace the theme of darkness in their identity.
23. Kuro
Kuro means ‘black’ or ‘dark’ in Japanese. This name serves as a straightforward yet impactful representation of darkness.
24. Raven
Ravens are often associated with death and mystery, and esteeming this name lends an intriguing connection to dark themes.
25. Dante
Associated with Dante Alighieri, who wrote about hell and darkness, this name carries a sense of profound depth and literary history.
26. Underwood
The name Underwood evokes images of woods and dense forests, often perceived as dark and mysterious places.
27. Leif
Leif means ‘heir’ or ‘descendant’, but also hints at darkness through its connections to Norse mythology, where it ties to strong elements of nature.
28. Dusk
Dusk marks the transition to night, representing the beauty and mystery that darkness holds. A gentle yet powerful name.
29. Obsidian
Named after the dark volcanic rock, Obsidian embodies the essence of darkness and strength, fitting for a robust character.
30. Shadow
The name Shadow speaks of darkness in a subtle yet lasting way, portraying an enigmatic quality.
31. Alva
Alva means ‘elf’ or ‘noble being’. However, there’s a darker connotation in urban folklore, giving it a mysterious twist.
32. Varg
Varg is a name meaning ‘wolf’ and symbolizes the fierce, dark nature that wolves have, being associated with night and mystery.
33. Grim
Grim means ‘fierce’ or ‘stern’, and it directly connects to themes of death and darkness through its tangible essence.
34. Fenrir
This name refers to a monstrous wolf in Norse mythology that is prophesied to bring death during Ragnarok, nicely encapsulating the theme of darkness.
35. Moros
Moros stands for impending doom and fate, linking directly to the darker aspects of mythology and life’s uncertainties.
36. Draven
An invented name, Draven carries a melodic sound while hinting at darker undertones through its phonetics.
37. Chione
Chione is known in mythology as a goddess of snow, which brings a sense of coldness, reflective of darker emotions.
38. Zephyr
Zephyr means ‘west wind’; while typically a gentle breeze, it can also conjure dark storms in literature.
39. Atreus
Atreus has connections to Greek mythology, known for tragedy and darkness within his family story, making it a powerful name.
40. Dorian
Dorian was made famous in “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” a novel exploring themes of moral decay associated with darkness.
41. Balefire
Balefire denotes a type of fire meant to bring destruction, connecting directly to themes of death within folklore.
42. Shroud
Shroud refers to a type of cloth used to wrap a body for burial, making this name directly related to death.
43. Ravenor
A variant of raven, Ravenor emphasizes the bird associated with death and the unknown, adding an exotic flair.
44. Soran
Soran can mean ‘sorrow’, lending it a somber sense of emotion directly related to loss and darkness.
45. Tolliver
Tolliver has connections to tolling bells, often heard during funerals, inferring a deep relationship with mortality.
46. Vale
Vale refers to a valley, often representing a low and dark place, which aligns well with darker themes.
47. Vile
This name means ‘morally despicable’, bringing an undeniable reference to darkness and its negative connotations.
48. Kain
Kain has biblical connections to the story of Cain and Abel, marking themes of betrayal and darkness throughout history.
49. Wraith
Wraith refers to a ghost or spirit, evoking thoughts of death and the ethereal world associated with it.
50. Asher
Asher means ‘blessed’ or ‘happy’, but can be viewed with irony within dark contexts, adding layers to its meaning.
51. Onyx
The name Onyx, a dark gemstone, reflects both beauty and the mystery of darkness, making it a unique choice for a boy.
52. Darius
Darius, meaning ‘maintainer’, can take on darker connotations through historical figures, infusing a strong character background.
53. Revenant
Revenant refers to one who returns, often from the dead, representing a strong connection to themes of mortality.
54. Jett
Jett typically refers to a black gemstone, representing darkness and strength, making it a modern and stylish choice.
55. Silas
The name Silas has biblical roots and is linked with desolation, subtly invoking themes of darkness and depth.
56. Mortimer
Mortimer means ‘dead sea’, directly highlighting themes of death in a classic name that lends sophistication.
57. Gideon
Gideon can mean ‘hewer or one who cuts trees’, but its biblical connections may hint at darker narratives within its history.
58. Drakkar
Drakkar, referring to a dragon ship, sweeps in images of journeys through dark waters filled with mystery and danger.
59. Zarek
Zarek means ‘God protects’, but can be interpreted through a darker lens when considering mythological battles.
60. Caden
Caden can be related to battles, which often leads to reflecting on themes of mortality and darkness.
61. Abraxas
Abraxas has ties to Gnosticism associated with chaos and dichotomies, making it a profound name with dark relevance.
62. Dyson
Dyson typically means ‘son of the son’, but can evoke dark connections through the exploration of lineage and conflicts.
63. Baal
Baal is a name that conjures images of deities in ancient religions, associated with life and death, thus linking to darker themes.
64. Obsidian
Obsidian is a name after the dark volcanic glass, representing beauty in darkness and strength, aligning perfectly with the theme.
65. Thorn
The name Thorn brings imagery of sharpness and pain, connecting it deeply to death and dark experiences.
66. Sweeney
Sweeney evokes an attitude of smarts but can also hold ties to darker narratives, allowing for a rich backstory.
67. Kade
Kade means ’round’ or ‘barrel’, but can also tie to themes of darkness through various cultural stories and legends.
68. Solomon
While usually associated with wisdom, King Solomon had a complex figure that delved into darker themes within his storied life.
69. Oxley
Oxley means ‘oxen meadow’, but carries hints of rustic lands often represented with somber tones in literature.
70. Loki
Loki, associated with trickery and chaos in mythology, evokes darker feelings, making it a captivating choice.
71. Vespera
Derived from ‘vesper’, meaning evening, Vespera connects closely to darkness while maintaining a beautiful sound.
72. Emrys
Emrys ties back to Merlin’s alternate name, linking to magic and darker mysteries often found in legend.
73. Noxus
Noxus refers to the night and signifies strong ties to darkness in ancient narratives.
74. Lancelot
Lancelot, the famous knight, is often associated with tragedy and moral conflict, infusing darker meanings into this regal name.
75. Dagger
This name signifies sharpness, danger, and potential violence, capturing the essence of darkness and impending doom.
76. Gale
Gale can refer to a stormy wind, invoking feelings of turbulence and dark skies, reflecting nature’s inherent power.
77. Nyssa
Though primarily a female name, Nyssahas ties to darkness, revealing themes of loss and transformation that could be reimagined for boys.
78. Camlann
Camlann has ties to Arthurian legends depicting death and battles, making it deeply resonate with the themes of darkness.
79. Dorian
Dorian, captured in literature as a figure of decay, reflects intensity around darker themes, enriching its meaning.
80. Tiberius
Tiberius was a Roman emperor whose reign was marked by darker undertones, making this name carry substantial weight.
81. Vortigern
The name Vortigern leans toward royal blood with dark implications, ideal for a tale rich in controversy and tragedy.
82. Kingsley
Kingsley, while primarily royal, harkens back to darker historical narratives, wrapping it in layers of complexity.
83. Deimos
In Greek mythology, Deimos is associated with terror and dread. This name directly embraces dark themes in its history.
84. Deacon
Deacon has biblical connotations implying a dark figure, revealing complex narratives throughout its story.
85. Ash
Ash has ties to ashes and rebirth, but the imagery of destruction makes this name particularly fitting with darkness.
86. Kael
Meaning ‘slender’ or ‘fair’, Kael can tie back with darkness through various mythological tales.
87. Thorne
Thorne refers to thornbushes, which often symbolize pain and darkness, aligning perfectly with the overall theme.
88. Ashwin
Ashwin is associated with stars, but may echo darkness through the shadows cast at night, creating a unique blend.
89. Talon
This name refers to a bird’s claw, connecting dark hunting themes to this bold and striking name.
90. Draven
Draven resonates with the idea of warriors tied to darkness, bringing an intense yet modern name choice.
91. Alaric
Alaric has connections to ancient leaders who were often intertwined with notions of conquest and darker destinies.
92. Rune
Rune refers to ancient inscriptions often wrapped in mystery and darkness, adding depth and intrigue to the name.
93. Xael
This modern twist adds an edgy appeal while resonating with dark and mysterious themes.
94. Leo
The name Leo, often associated with lions, brings forth themes of darkness through the hunter-prey dynamic in nature.
95. Asmodai
Asmodai refers to a demon, embodying themes of darkness and chaos, forming an intriguing name idea.
96. Mordecai
Mordecai hints at hallowed figures wrapped in ancient stories, often reflecting darker themes of morality.
97. Rowan
Rowan refers to the rowan tree, which in folklore is associated with protection and darkness, often used in connecting realms.
98. Zane
Zane’s ties to the idea of ‘God is gracious’ but can have ironic ties to darkness that can add complexity.
99. Shade
The name Shade signifies shadows, embodying the essence of darkness in a name that intrigues.
100. Caligo
Caligo means mist or darkness in Latin, directly reflecting the essence of the theme right within its meaning.
101. Ebon
Ebon means dark or black, evoking the deep colors of night, wonderfully connecting with the theme of darkness.
102. Xerxes
Xerxes has historical ties to ancient empires often marked with darker stories and grand conquests.
103. Graves
Graves directly connects to mortality, representing death in a straightforward yet fitting manner.
104. Talon
Talon captures the essence of raptors, symbolizing predatory instincts and dark environments full of mystery.
105. Thor
Thor, associated with thunder, often brings forth storms that embody darkness, connecting it to fierce power.
106. Ozzy
Though more commonly recognized through pop culture, Ozzy has ties to darker elements, weaving a modern yet relevant choice.
107. Darko
Darko means ‘dark’, directly correlating with the theme of darkness while serving as a modern, bold name.
108. Orlando
Orlando resonates with royal themes but can evoke darker undertones through the complexities found in literature.
109. Noxious
Noxious pertains to harmful or poisonous, aligning with darker themes that can be reimagined into a unique boy’s name.
110. Flint
This name refers to a strong stone that produces sparks, hinting at both sharpness and darkness through natural occurrences.
111. Riven
Riven typically means torn apart, invoking a sense of darkness associated with loss and destruction.
112. Murdock
Murdock means ‘sea warrior’, however, the stories within can connect to darker battles in history, presenting a strong name.
113. Jarek
Jarek translates to ‘fierce’, linking to darker natures, showcasing strength within the aspect of darkness.
114. Calder
Calder means ‘rocky water’, invoking images of rough waters, often evoking dark emotional landscapes.
115. Thanos
Thanos means ‘immortal’ in Greek but is more famously known as the Marvel villain, directly connecting to themes of mortality and darkness.
116. Easton
Easton means ‘east town’, bridging connections with dark traditions related to the unknown landscapes at night.
117. Vale
Vale refers to a valley often portrayed in darker, shadowy imagery, giving this name a magic that can be both enchanting and eerie.
118. Hades
Hades, the god of the underworld, carries an immediate connection to death, offering a strong cultural name tied to darkness.
119. Alastor
Alastor refers to a spirit of vengeance, embracing themes of darker forces inherent in mythology.
120. Sanguine
This name means ‘blood-red’, portraying dark imagery with enchanting allure in its meaning.
121. Rune
Rune refers to writing or symbols that evoke ancient languages, often connected to mysteries and dark tales.
122. Dalen
Dalen connects to valleys, which often invoke dark, somber moods, lending depth to the name.
123. Kairos
Kairos represents pivotal moments but can also signify themes of chaos and darkness, adding layers to its meaning.
124. Jericho
Jericho has biblical roots tied to destruction, invoking themes of darkness and turmoil that resonate deeply.
125. Dov
Dov means ‘bear’, but interpretations can align with dark and fierce images associated with the animal.
126. Zarek
Zarek stands for ‘God protects’, yet it can evoke darker stories through its historical context.
127. Calhoun
Often representing a dark warrior, Calhoun has connections to robust narratives entwined throughout literature.
128. Aluin
Aluin connects to darkness, representing lifelines through shadows and whispers of fate that can emerge from obscurity.
129. Acheron
Acheron is known as the river of sorrow in Greek mythology, flanked by dark themes and reflections on mortality.
130. Draco
Draco, meaning dragon, corresponds directly to dark myths and legends, allowing for a powerful connection attached to the name.
131. Hades
Hades, the ruler of the underworld in mythology, immediately conjures themes of darkness and mortality.
132. Rune
Rune conveys ancient wisdom and ties to darker themes found in nature and folklore, giving depth to its meaning.
133. Bael
Bael signifies a deity associated with ancient cults, often viewed through a darker lens that adds mystery.
134. Ziggy
Ziggy provides a modern vibe, alluding to shadowy realms and ambiguous storytelling while standing out as a strong name.
135. Kylian
Kylian is linked to ‘narrow’ paths, which can connect to dark decisions made in life, adding complexity.
136. Vardamir
Vardamir means ‘true light’, often representing the struggle between light and dark within stories.
137. Navin
Navin, while meaning ‘new’, can hint at rebirth through darkness when intertwined in narratives.
138. Damaris
Damaris has ties to brown, hinting at muted darker shades, lending a unique tone to its meaning.
139. Lowen
Lowen relates to humor but also brings forward vague references to darker themes found in storytelling.
140. Ciel
The name Ciel translates to ‘sky’, which holds the potential to be viewed through darker or brighter lit times.
141. Eldrin
Eldrin originates from elven roots, allowing it to link to mystical stories often tied to darkness.
142. Cruz
Cruz may refer to the cross but connects deeply with themes of sacrifice and darker elements in historical narratives.
143. Jonty
This name hints at ‘God is gracious’, but its complexity can bring darker interpretations when reflected in storytelling.
144. Wynter
Wynter signifies coldness, particularly in connection with darker seasons and somber moods spanning cultural stories.
145. Cale
Cale brings forth ‘bitter’ reflections on life’s challenges, weaving somber narratives into a simple name.
146. Ashby
Ashby refers to ash tree farms, connecting to the cycles of life and death within nature’s grasp, representing darker themes.
147. Felix
While it means ‘happy’, Felix can evoke irony through narratives of tragedy, embracing darkness within light.
148. Hartman
This name connotes bravery but can reach into darker realms through stories of heroic sacrifices throughout history.
149. Skye
Skye embodies natural beauty while tying into darker themes of storms and turmoil often found in nature.
150. Nox
Nox embodies the essence of night and darkness, serving as a direct connection to the themes that resonate powerfully through this list.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name deeply rooted in darkness or death can offer parents a chance to imbue their child’s identity with strength and meaning. By selecting a name that embodies these themes, one not only acknowledges life’s complexities but also opens the door for rich storytelling and unique expressions of individuality.
The names listed here range from historical to mythological, each holding their own significance. As you consider your choice, think about how the meanings and connotations of these dark names can reflect your family’s values and the legacy you wish to create.
For those interested in exploring further names related to these profound themes, you can visit names that mean death or names that mean darkness or death. This could lead you to the perfect name that resonates with both meaning and identity.