Last names often carry interesting meanings and histories. Some surnames are linked to luck, while others have darker connotations. In many cultures, names were chosen based on the traits or fortunes of a family. This can lead to some last names that suggest bad luck or misfortune.
Today, we’ll look at last names that specifically mean unlucky. These names might reflect a family’s struggles or serve as a reminder of tough times. Join us as we share some examples of these intriguing surnames and the stories behind them.
Last Names That Mean Unlucky
1. Marsh
The soft and mellifluous name Marsh means ‘a low-lying land flooded at high tide or in wet seasons’. This happens to be a cooler alternative to Marsh, hinting at an idea of unfavored areas.
2. Morrissey
This surname signifies ‘choice of the sea’, and despite its lyrical appeal, it carries a sense of misfortune tied with vast and unpredictable waters.
3. Murphy
Murphy means ‘sea warrior’, however, it can also imply a tumultuous existence often linked with the unpredictable nature of the sea, making it resonate with unlucky attributes.
4. Murray
This name, meaning ‘lord of the sea’, can allude to capricious ocean lore, where fortunes change swiftly, pointing towards an unsteady fate.
5. Badger
Intertwined with wildlife associations, Badger hints at tenacity but among folklore, it can denote ill-fated encounters in the wild.
6. Carr
Unearthed from its Gaelic roots meaning ‘rock’, Carr can symbolize unyielding challenges, thus linking it with the theme of unluckiness.
7. Lacey
A name that resonates softness and elegance, Lacey also hints at the fragility of fortune, hinting at a connection with difficult situations in life.
8. Durand
This name signifies ‘enduring’, but it often embodies the struggle against misfortunes, as one must fight to last through tough times.
9. Dempsey
Dempsey, meaning ‘proud’ or ‘titled’, unfolds the idea of ill-fated ambition, making it an interesting representation among unlucky surnames.
10. Reilly
This surname contains the meaning ‘valiant’, yet it can also showcase struggles in the family lineage, bringing in a sense of unwanted luck.
11. Hemlock
A toxic plant, Hemlock suggests danger and misfortune, evoking thoughts of ominous happenings linked to dark chapters.
12. Fox
Foxes are often viewed cunning but can also indicate ill-fated escapades in legends, making this name resonate with tough luck.
13. Thorne
Thorne, being linked to briars, symbolizes obstacles and obscure paths, hinting at an unfortunate charm to its bearer.
14. Harlow
Such a beautiful name, Harlow means ‘army hill,’ yet it alludes to battles fought, often ensnared with struggles reflecting misfortune.
15. Kane
This name signifies a warrior but evokes notions of conflict and strife as it can connect to those unlucky in times of battle.
16. Cruz
Cruz means ‘cross’, a symbol associated with burdens and struggles; hence it implies unlucky associations with the challenges of life.
17. Blackwood
The dark connotations of Blackwood reflect deep-rooted myths of bad luck and hardship surrounding its heritage.
18. Mortimer
Meaning ‘still water’ or ‘dead sea’, Mortimer is a name that carries an ominous aura, perfect for the unlucky themes.
19. Wilder
As striking as it sounds, Wilder denotes untamed nature where misfortunes often flourish, making it an unexpected representation of struggle.
20. Dagger
This surname invokes thoughts of danger and misadventure, symbolizing unhappy outcomes, resonating with an unlucky lineage.
21. Graves
Graves certainly relates to the unavoidable fate of death, directly tying this name to notions of bad luck.
22. Morrow
This surname evokes the idea of tomorrow and what challenges it may behold, and whispers of misfortunes that may lie ahead.
23. Vex
Vex hints at annoyance or causing trouble, which makes it quite symbolizing for a surname that conveys unlucky vibes.
24. Thorne
Similarly to its prior mention, Thorne can evoke an image of prickly encounters and misfortune.
25. Dread
This name resonates with fear and trouble, making it a clear representation of unluckiness in its lineage.
26. Gloom
A name that automatically conveys a somber feeling, Gloom signifies a sense of misfortune and sadness embedded in a family name.
27. Downes
Downes relates to lower landings, hinting at humility but can signify falling fortunes or unlucky advancements.
28. Haze
Haze often symbolizes confusion or uncertainty, making it a name that represents an unclear or unlucky future.
29. Nightingale
Although a sweet bird, the Nightingale name echoes tales of sorrow, symbolizing connections to unhappy tales.
30. Langley
This name has roots in meadows but can hint towards misfortune in agricultural history.
31. Gray
Gray is often associated with bleakness and dullness, indirectly hinting at unfortunate circumstances around those who bear it.
32. Krieger
Meaning ‘warrior’, Krieger evokes conflicts and struggles often tied to misfortune in battlefields.
33. Beckett
This name hints at a settle by a stream but symbolizes obstacles related to turbulent waters in life.
34. Wells
Wells may seem positive but can hint at dry wells, easily connecting to the potential for misfortune.
35. Hood
The Hood name can symbolize concealment, alluding to hidden troubles and bad luck away from sight.
36. Cade
Cade suggests a sense of misfortune with its mysterious connotation, hinting at unpredictable fates.
37. Black
Black can signify darkness and misfortune, marking a name with potential connections to struggles.
38. Ember
The name Ember signifies something that could once be fiery has turned cold, evoking feelings of lost luck.
39. Frost
Frost implies harshness, leading to unlucky outcomes in nature, representing struggles in colder climates.
40. Shade
Shade indicates darkness or lack of sunlight, subtly hinting at unfortunate events or circumstances.
41. Fallow
This name means ‘uncultivated land,’ symbolizing struggle in farming or livelihood, resonating with unlucky ties.
42. Veil
Veil signifies hidden truths or mysteries, which may reflect unfortunate secrets in a family’s history.
43. Drudge
Implying hard work with little reward, Drudge conveys a sense of eternal strife, aligning with the theme of misfortune.
44. Plague
The name Plague directly connects to illness and despair, highlighting deeper aspects of unlucky families.
45. Woe
A unique name embodying sorrow, Woe brings direct association with unfortunate circumstances through its meaning.
46. Doom
Doom results in inevitable destruction, underscoring a poorly fated lineage with the darkest connotations.
47. Scorn
This surname signifies disdain, suggesting unfortunate circumstances and social struggles tied to the individual.
48. Weary
Weary means tired, linking their struggles and bad luck through tireless efforts in everyday life.
49. Narrow
A name that implies confinement, Narrow signifies paths with limited choices often leading to misfortune.
50. Bastard
Historically associated with illegitimacy, this surname entails a sense of bad luck permeating its identity.
51. Mudd
Mudd means ‘to make something unclear’, indicating a family past filled with misfortune and confusion.
52. Craven
This name signifies cowardice, hinting at unlucky events connected with its bearer.
53. Chaos
A name that resonates disarray, Chaos directly relates to unfortunate circumstances in its meaning.
54. Treadwell
An unusual name that implies a struggle with direction and misfortune.
55. Bitter
Bitter signifies a sense of sourness and displeasure, universally connecting to unhappy times.
56. Ruin
This surname embodies failure and destruction, aligning perfectly with the unlucky theme.
57. Frown
A simple yet poignant name signifying sorrow and misfortune through its meaning.
58. Dole
This last name relates to sorrow and sharing sadness, evoking misfortune.
59. Gridlock
A name that suggests stagnation, gridlock directly indicates unlucky circumstances leading to no progress.
60. Quagmire
This last name implies muddy or complex situations, connecting richly to misfortunes that can arise.
61. Offal
Related to discarded parts, Offal signifies a connection with misfortune and lower status.
62. Drest
A name that means ‘unfavorable’, intimately tying mishaps with its bearer.
63. Dire
With a meaning of urgency in trouble, Dire is an appropriate surname connecting the theme of luckless lives.
64. Wretched
Directly reflecting suffering and misfortune, Wretched epitomizes the unlucky essence.
65. Cursed
A name that cannot get more unlucky than this one, directly relying on ominous associations.
66. Gallows
This surname has strong ties to death-related misfortunes, evoking a grim past.
67. Haze
This name can mean obscurity, often curating the idea of unlucky occurrences shadowing its bearers.
68. Hellborn
A dramatic name that signifies ill-fate or unlucky birth circumstances.
69. Accident
As the name suggests, it directly relates to unforeseen misfortunes, setting an unlucky tone.
70. Quarrel
A name that harbors arguments and discord, reflecting struggles that bearers might face.
71. Broken
Simply represents fractured tales of misfortune, clearly aligning with the unlucky theme.
72. Hazard
Indicative of lucklessness, Hazard signifies situations that are dangerous and filled with misfortune.
73. Ash
Can symbolize destruction or rebirth after unfortunate circumstances, hinting at tales of misfortune.
74. Grim
A black name that connotes serious misfortune and dire prospects in life.
75. Sorrow
As unfortunate as it sounds, the name Sorrow unmistakably represents the dark side of luck.
76. Dearth
Signifying scarcity, this name connects strongly with unfortunate circumstances often found in economic struggles.
77. Dust
Connoting desolation, Dust seems to suggest the end of something desirable, often linking to unluckiness.
78. Skulk
The intent behind this name suggests hidden troubles ahead, resonating with connections to misfortune.
79. Penniless
A surname that directly links to financial struggles, it represents possible unlucky outcomes.
80. Leak
Implying an inability to hold onto something, this name signifies elements of bad fortune.
81. Forsaken
Directly hinting at abandonment, Forsaken symbolizes an unlucky lineage.
82. Devoid
This surname indicates emptiness, seamlessly hinting at misfortune in life’s blessings.
83. Despondent
A name that indicates deep sadness, resonating completely with an unlucky spirit.
84. Lost
Reflective of directionless endeavors and missed opportunities, Lost evokes misfortune.
85. Offbeat
This name signifies uniqueness but can imply an unfortunate outcome due to its odd nature.
86. Desolate
Greatly linked with emptiness, Desolate perfectly emphasizes misfortune and tough circumstances.
87. Dismal
A name that directly implies gloominess and bad situations, Dismal connects deeply with unluckiness.
88. Prick
As thorny as it sounds, Prick signifies uncomfortable situations, linking to misfortunes.
89. Riddle
A name surrounded with mystery suggests complexity and the unknown, which can allude to misfortunes.
90. Pessimist
Inherently a negative connotation, Pessimist embodies the thinking associated with unlucky outcomes.
91. Hellish
This strong name implies suffering and unfortunate events, perfectly connecting to unlucky themes.
92. Dusk
While beautiful, Dusk signifies the end of light and hope, offering connections to misfortune.
93. Wane
Suggests decline or decrease, aligning with unlucky outcomes in regards to various aspects of life.
94. Rumor
As something spreading often negative, Rumor perfectly aligns with misfortune stemming from gossip or deceit.
95. Wither
This surname implies decay, hinting at unfortunate outcomes in a family’s path.
96. Ruin
Directly related to destruction and failure, Ruin capitalizes on the theme of unluckiness.
97. Scowl
This name conveys discontent and discomfort, echoing unlucky circumstances.
98. Seneschal
An archaic term often linked to mismanagement, it reflects struggles and unlucky outcomes.
99. Shamble
Indicating confusion and disorder, Shamble effortlessly connects to unlucky narratives.
100. Void
This name symbolizes emptiness and lack of, which hints at misfortune surrounding its bearer.
101. Toxin
Suggesting danger and illness, Toxin embodies unlucky circumstances through its meaning.
102. Crux
In its meaning, it connects tightly to crucial struggles in life, leading down paths of misfortune.
103. Shun
This name directly implies rejection, aligning well with the theme of unluckiness in social standings.
104. Grim
With a straightforward implication of misfortune, this name carries dark connotations through its meaning.
105. Rut
The idea of being stuck resonates deeply with unfortunate situations and lack of growth.
106. Critter
This notable name relates to discomfort and can signify struggles that bearers of this name might face.
107. Grit
This surname can symbolize resilience but also draws connections to hard-fought journeys often stemming from bad luck.
108. Scum
Implies lower status in society, bringing with it connections to misfortunes faced by those with this name.
109. Blight
Reflective of decay and disappointment, Blight represents unfortunate narratives tied in a family name.
110. Shriek
Resonating with agony and discomfort, Shriek aligns directly with misfortunes over losses.
111. Grievous
This name can indicate pain or misfortune, aligning beautifully with the theme of unlucky experiences.
112. Beggar
This surname conveys a sense of loss and financial struggles, perfectly representing misfortunes.
113. Haggard
Its roots in exhaustion directly relate to countless unlucky journeys faced throughout life.
114. Thistle
Linking sharply with pain from its prickly nature, Thistle expresses struggles and misfortunes through metaphor.
115. Hollow
This name implies vacancy, offering a representation of unluckiness and hardships faced in life.
116. Howl
Evoking a sound of distress, Howl embodies unlucky influences and struggles faced by those carrying this name.
117. Hound
A name associated with hunting but can imply relentless pursuit tied with unfortunate outcomes.
118. Groan
This surname reflects the audible expression of pain or discomfort, channeling unlucky themes.
119. Meek
The term implies submissiveness, hinting at life’s struggles and unlucky situations.
120. Putrid
Directly relating to decay expresses unfortunate outcomes, making it suitable for the unlucky theme.
121. Rancid
Relating to unpleasant smells, Rancid signifies bad luck through its connotations of spoilage.
122. Tack
Hinting at difficulty in adjusting, Tack suggests unlucky encounters while expressing hardship.
123. Dwindle
This surname evokes thoughts of diminishing circumstances, indicating a future filled with misfortune.
124. Grumble
Grumble connects to discontent and negatives that can signify unlucky circumstances.
125. Cringe
Means to recoil in discomfort, aligning with unfortunate experiences and struggles through its meaning.
126. Fumble
This surname suggests errors leading to misfortune and setbacks, capturing an unlucky essence.
127. Flinch
Flinch evokes a response to discomfort, symbolizing unfortunate situations faced in tense moments.
128. Mourn
Represents loss and sadness, aligning perfectly with unlucky traditions of mourning life’s challenges.
129. Grasp
This name hints at trying to hold onto uncertain things, echoing the theme of unlucky variables.
130. Kink
This name suggests complication and obstruction, aligning with the narratives of misfortune.
131. Void
Representing emptiness, Void suggests feelings of misfortune and lack in various aspects of life.
132. Wane
This surname signifies a decline, directly correlating with unlucky associations.
133. Grift
Implying trickery or deceit, Grift suggests poor fate experiences often tied to misfortune.
134. Toil
Bringing forth images of hard work, Toil also signifies the struggle often encountered with bad luck.
135. Strife
This name signifies hardship and conflict, illustrating an unluckiness theme through its meaning.
136. Spite
Reflects negative feelings and hostility, aligning well with stories of unlucky experiences.
137. Foul
Bringing to mind unpleasantness, Foul resonates directly with unluckiness themes as expressed through its meaning.
138. Reek
This name brings with it negative associations, which can signify bad situations or misfortune.
139. Flick
The swift action involved suggests mistakes or misjudgments, tying to the essence of luckless experiences.
140. Sullen
This name reflects a dark disposition and echoes misfortune’s touch through its meaning.
141. Grump
This surname evokes unhappiness, perfectly illustrating the dark side of unlucky names.
142. Hurdle
Reflecting obstacles, Hurdle connects to themes of struggle and unluckiness in life’s race.
143. Wretch
Signifying extreme distress, Wretch conveys deep connections to misfortune in its interpretation.
144. Woe
A strong name universally connecting with sorrow and unlucky tales faced throughout history.
145. Naught
Directly translating to nothing, Naught signifies losses and connections with bad luck.
146. Ashen
This dark name relates to memories of fires or destruction, linking deeply with unlucky events.
147. Crust
This surname could imply a hardened exterior formed by unfortunate experiences or life struggles.
148. Dust
Connotes decay and diminishing results, resonating perfectly with ideas of unluckiness.
149. Pith
Associated with depth, Pith can hint at sorrow and unfortunate circumstances hidden underneath.
150. Blight
This last name resembles decay and potential misfortune in agriculture, directly echoing through its meaning.
Final Thoughts
Exploring these last names that mean unlucky gives us insight into the connections between names and their meanings. Many of these surnames embody tales of struggles, strife, and unfortunate situations from the past. Each name serves as a reminder of the difficulties faced throughout family histories.
Last names have the power to convey more than just sound; they can reflect lives lived through laughter and tears. Whether they might seem ominous or off-putting, these names carry stories that deserve to be told as they embrace the intricacies of our human experience.
If you enjoyed learning about these intriguing names, consider diving deeper into other unique topics. For example, check out names that mean unlucky or explore names associated with misfortune and their historical significance.