Some names have meanings that relate to crime or wrongdoing. These names can carry interesting stories and histories behind them. In various cultures, certain names have evolved to symbolize mischief, rebellion, or even a notorious reputation. Understanding these names can reveal how language and culture shape our views on crime.
Today, we will look at a list of names that mean criminal or have wicked associations. From names with dark histories to those linked to infamous characters, these selections add a unique twist to the world of naming. Let’s find out which names might come with a hint of trouble!
Names That Mean Criminal
1. Bellamy
Bellamy means ‘good friend’ in Old French, but its connection to criminals comes from a famous character in literature who is known for his misdeeds.
2. Felon
Felon is a straightforward name that directly refers to a person who has committed a felony, making it a clear choice for a name that relates to criminal behavior.
3. Khan
Khan translates to ‘ruler’ or ‘leader,’ but it can also refer to the notorious leaders known for their conquest and criminal acts throughout history.
4. Larceny
The name Larceny directly links to theft, making it perfect for anyone interested in names that carry a strong criminal association.
5. Maverick
Maverick means ‘an unbranded calf’ and has come to symbolize a rebel, someone who shuns rules and often walks a fine line with the law.
6. Rebel
Rebel is a name that clearly denotes defiance against authority, making it a bold choice for a name associated with crime.
7. Rocco
Rocco means ‘rest’ but is often linked to the street gangs of Italy, reflecting a criminal history that makes the name exciting.
8. Rogan
Rogan means ‘red-haired,’ but its implications in literature often associate it with tricksters and rogues, enriching its criminal flavor.
9. Sly
Sly means ‘cunning’ or ‘crafty’, and is commonly used to describe someone who might be up to no good, perfectly embodying criminal qualities.
10. Steele
Steele implies strength but can also connote someone who uses their strength for less than noble deeds, making it relatable to criminals.
11. Thorne
Thorne evokes an image of a sharp object, often correlated with harm and danger, making it an edgy name representing criminal activity.
12. Vandal
Vandal implies someone who deliberately causes damage, which is a clear nod to criminal behavior and acts of rebellion.
13. Zorion
Zorion, meaning ‘happiness’ in Basque, might seem innocent but is associated with some notorious criminals in folklore.
14. Ashton
Ashton means ‘ash tree town,’ but can also relate to acts of arson, linking it to criminal activities.
15. Blade
Blade evokes images of sharp weapons often associated with crime, making it a strong name with connotations to danger.
16. Caine
Caine derives from Cain in the Bible, who is famous for committing the first murder, linking the name directly to criminal undertones.
17. Darrow
Darrow has historical ties to criminals, especially those who challenged laws and social norms during their lifetimes.
18. Duke
Duke implies nobility but is often targeted in stories where noble figures engage in unlawful behaviors or trials of power.
19. Gage
Gage means ‘pledge’, but in modern contexts often symbolizes risk-taking behavior linked to criminal pursuits.
20. Jett
Jett, meaning ‘jet black’, conveys a sense of darkness, often tied to nefarious characters in stories.
21. Knox
Knox means ’round hill’, yet fictional portrayals often associate it with mysterious and criminal characters.
22. Loki
Loki is a name from Norse mythology linked to trickery, chaos, and crime, making it perfect for those who appreciate a rogue spirit.
23. Maguire
Maguire has Irish roots and while it means ‘son of the servant,’ it’s often found in stories about criminal Irish families.
24. Mordecai
This ancient name could symbolize defiance against authority and has been tied to several less-than-heroic characters historically.
25. Nero
Nero, known for his controversial reign as a Roman emperor, is often linked to tyranny and villainy, making it a name rooted in crime.
26. Pirate
Pirate directly connects to history’s most notorious criminals of the sea, evoking images of lawlessness and adventure.
27. Rascal
This playful name signifies a mischievous or naughty person, making it relatable to those who break the rules.
28. Rocco
Rocco means ‘rest,’ but its historical associations with infamous criminals add a certain edge to it.
29. Sid
Sid, meaning ‘wide meadow’, is often used for characters that embody rebellious or criminal traits in literature.
30. Tiberius
Symbolizing a strong leader, Tiberius was known for his tyranny and questionable moral choices, making it worthy for criminal connotations.
31. Ulysses
Ulysses, while a heroic figure in Greek mythology, also engaged in acts of deception and trickery related to his famous journeys.
32. Voldemort
This notorious name symbolizes dark magic and criminality, becoming synonymous with evil within popular culture.
33. Wren
A name that alludes to agility and trickery, often associated with characters whose actions skirt the law.
34. Zane
Zane typically suggests grace but has taken on a rebellious twist through various fictional criminals known to bear it.
35. Axel
This name implies strength but can also carry links to the criminal underworld in contemporary narratives.
36. Blaze
Blaze suggests fire, often representing destruction linked to criminal acts or reckless behavior.
37. Dante
Dante reflects the journey through the underworld, often associated with sin and crime.
38. Falcon
Falcon can symbolize freedom yet is often connected with the criminal world in relation to smuggling or poaching.
39. Griffin
While a creature of mythology, griffins often show up in stories involving crime or battles against lawbreakers.
40. Draco
Draco means ‘dragon’ and is also associated with the infamous lawgiver of Athens known for his harsh laws, echoing a criminal legacy.
41. Loki
Known as the trickster god, Loki is synonymous with deception, lying and breaking rules.
42. Knave
Knave is an Old English term for a deceitful person, making it a straightforward example of a name with criminal ties.
43. Jinx
This name suggests bad luck and has parallels to mischievous characters, linking it to criminal behavior.
44. Grim
Grim evokes fear and danger, often tied to criminal tales and moral fallacies, making it a fittingly dark name.
45. Thorn
An alternative spelling of Thorne, it offers similar implications of danger, harm, and a hint of criminal activity.
46. Onyx
Onyx symbolizes protection but is often associated with dark and shadowy figures in stories related to crime.
47. Caelum
Caelum translates from Latin as ‘heaven,’ yet often found in criminal tales implying a rebellious spirit.
48. Tempest
Tempest is associated with chaos and unpredictability, representing the nature of criminal activities.
49. Pistol
Pistol directly brings to mind firearms used in crimes, making it a more literal example of names that mean criminal.
50. Knight
While knights were noble, many historical knights engaged in questionable activities, showcasing the complexity of being a ‘criminal’.
51. Dante
Dante is linked to daring adventures, often associated with morally ambiguous journeys.
52. Axel
Axel indicates strength but can also represent the chaotic side of rebellion.
53. Rogue
Rogue embodies a character that often lives outside of society’s rules, making it an exciting choice.
54. Hunter
Hunter suggests someone searching for something, which could symbolize illicit pursuits, linking it to crime.
55. Kane
Kane connects to the biblical figure who committed the first murder, making it a direct connection to criminality.
56. Solomon
Solomon was wise but engaged in morally questionable acts, linking his name with criminal behavior in a historical context.
57. Blade
Blade evokes sharpness and danger, referencing a common element in many criminal activities.
58. Raven
Raven symbolizes darkness and mystery, often depicted in connection with crime in literature.
59. Riva
Riva means ‘shore’ but is often associated with criminals in stories regarding the sea or rivers.
60. Coyote
Coyote refers to the trickster in Native American folklore, embodying deceit and cunning.
61. Flynn
Flynn suggests ‘son of the red-haired one’ (an innocent meaning) but is also known from a famous outlaw in folklore.
62. Blitz
This name implies speed and suddenness, echoing the nature of many criminals and their actions.
63. Stetson
Stetson, while a fashionable hat brand, evokes imagery of outlaws in westerns, linking it to a criminal lifestyle.
64. Maverick
Maverick suggests independence and rebellion, perfectly embodying the spirit of those who operate outside the law.
65. Flint
This name suggests toughness and resilience but can symbolize the dangerous aspects of confrontation in crime.
66. Colt
Referring to a young horse, Colt can also represent firearms, capturing the essence of outlaw culture.
67. Chaos
Chaos directly implies disorder and anarchy, connecting beautifully with criminal lifestyles.
68. Cypher
Cypher, meaning ‘secret writing,’ suggests hidden meanings and illicit activities linked to codes and secrecy.
69. Brando
Brando, hinting at rebellion and bad boys from the film world, links criminality with charisma.
70. Dagger
Dagger directly suggests a weapon often used in crimes, making it an obvious choice for a name associated with criminality.
71. Sabine
This historic name resonates with tales of abduction and conflict, linking it strongly to themes of crime.
72. Diesel
Diesel suggests power and strength but can also signify the aggressive side often related to criminal acts.
73. Talon
Talon implies danger and sharpness, often invoking imagery associated with crime.
74. Cruz
Cruz means ‘cross’ and is not inherently criminal, yet often carries connotations associated with rebellion.
75. Ransom
Ransom is directly connected to the act of holding someone captive for payment, making it a quintessential criminal name.
76. Racket
Racket speaks to criminal enterprises involving illegal business dealings, making it a fitting choice.
77. Tricky
Tricky conveys cleverness in a mischievous sense, illustrating cunning often seen in criminal acts.
78. Venom
Venom suggests danger and toxicity, parallel to the harmful impacts of criminality.
79. Riot
Riot conveys disorder and chaos, directly linking to rebellious and unlawful acts.
80. Sable
Sable refers to a dark, rich color but is often associated with dark characters in tales of crime and intrigue.
81. Rusty
Rusty evokes feelings of tough, rugged characters often depicted as lawbreakers in stories.
82. Vex
Vex implies irritation or annoyance, often linked with troublesome or criminal behavior.
83. Domino
Domino suggests a series of events leading to mischief, associated with criminal activity.
84. Jester
Jester evokes a persona of trickery and mischief, often found in narratives that brim with rebellion.
85. Riot
Riot denotes chaos and disorder, frequently associated with unlawful gatherings and criminal acts.
86. Trickster
This name evokes cleverness in deceiving others, a common trait among many famous criminals.
87. Grim
Grim suggests darkness and severity, perfectly aligning with themes of crime and punishment.
88. Crow
Crow implies mystery and intelligence, often tied to thieves and criminals in folklore.
89. Talon
Talon evokes danger through sharpness, directly linking to crime and violence.
90. Hawk
This name suggests predatory behavior, giving it a connection to the criminal world.
91. Sabre
Sabre directly refers to a sword used in battles, hinting at conflict associated with criminal acts.
92. Thorne
Thorne implies danger and potential harm, thick with criminal implications.
93. Dex
Dex implies skillfulness, often suggesting attributes of those in the criminal world.
94. Steele
Steele implies strength and toughness, reminiscent of characters involved in crime.
95. Zodiac
Zodiac implies a mysterious linkage, often relating to dark and criminal symbolism.
96. Chaz
Chaz, a diminutive of Charles, conveys a slick persona often found in criminal narratives.
97. Gunner
Gunner evokes thoughts of weaponry, linking it directly with crime and danger.
98. Axel
Axel signifies a turning point and suggests rebelliousness, relating to criminal activities.
99. Whit
Whit refers to sharpness, hinting at intelligence often seen among cunning criminals.
100. Ryder
Ryder recalls excitement of high-speed pursuits, metaphorically relating to criminals on the run.
101. Dante
Dante’s connection to rebellion makes it a compelling choice for those interested in criminality.
102. Lennox
Lennox is an unusual name often tied to rebellious personas, making it applicable in the criminal context.
103. Bane
Bane implies something harmful, directly connecting to the aspects of crime and negativity.
104. Enzo
Enzo means ‘ruler of the estate’, but can also have criminal associations due to infamous figures bearing the name.
105. Falcon
Falcon represents freedom and agility but often finds itself connected with illegal activities.
106. Quest
Quest implies searching for something valuable, often parallel to criminal pursuits for riches.
107. Ace
Ace conveys exceptional talent but can also symbolize risk-takers in a criminal sense.
108. Riot
Riot instills thoughts of chaos and disorder in society, a common aspect of criminal behavior.
109. Striker
This name conveys action and aggression, linking back to themes of crime and conflict.
110. Viper
Viper suggests danger and treachery, making it a fitting name for criminal associations.
111. Trick
Trick suggests deceit and cunning, reminiscent of many infamous criminals known for their cleverness.
112. Cell
Cell can invoke thoughts of prison, directly connecting to the criminal world.
113. Enigma
Enigma implies mystery and secrecy linked often with the unknown activities of criminals.
114. Chaos
Chaos evokes images of disorder, perfectly fitting for a name related to crime.
115. Zenith
Zenith conveys height but can symbolize the peak of criminal activity or power.
116. Crypt
Crypt hints at something hidden or secret, often linked to illicit activities.
117. Bolt
Bolt suggests speed and suddenness, often characteristics observed in criminal acts.
118. Joker
Joker reflects trickery and mischief, qualities often celebrated in criminal folklore.
119. Hawke
Hawke symbolizes keen observation but has connotations associated with criminal enterprise.
120. Ruckus
Ruckus implies chaos and disturbance; perfect for a name with criminal ties.
121. Shade
Shade invokes imagery of secrecy, often cloaked in a shroud of crime.
122. Haze
Haze suggests ambiguity and confusion, often linked to the criminal world.
123. Tank
Tank denotes strength but can symbolize confrontation often seen in crime-related narratives.
124. Phantom
Phantom implies an elusive presence, often linked to lawbreakers who evade capture.
125. Acheron
Acheron is a river in the underworld, associating it closely with themes of criminality and punishment.
126. Blaze
Blaze signifies fire and passion but can also reference destruction seen in criminal acts.
127. Strike
Strike implies action and aggression, making it worth considering when discussing names that carry danger.
128. Inferno
Inferno symbolizes chaos and destruction, evoking strong ties to criminal activities.
129. Grit
Grit signifies perseverance often within the context of lawlessness, linking it to the spirit of many criminals.
130. Spike
Spike implies danger and suddenness, traits common among those who break the law.
131. Flint
Flint conveys resilience but can also symbolize criminal toughness in narratives.
132. Golem
Golem implies an animated substance rooted in myth, often connected to themes of creation and destruction.
133. Bolt
Bolt suggests swiftness, often reflecting the quick actions of criminals.
134. Thrax
Thrax means ‘to tread,’ often symbolizing the steps taken by those involved in crime.
135. Burst
Burst signifies sudden action and explosion, connecting it to acts of violence.
136. Torque
Torque implies force and tension often found in criminal encounters.
137. Rift
Rift connotes separation and conflict, often mirroring criminal dynamics in society.
138. Raptor
Raptor evokes images of predation, often illustrating the behavior of criminals.
139. Snare
Snare implies entrapment, a clever term when discussing criminals and their tactics.
140. Shade
Shade signifies something hidden or obscure, often linked to the clandestine activities of criminals.
141. Blade
Blade evokes cutting and danger, connecting closely with the tools often seen in criminal activities.
142. Kismet
Kismet means fate; however, often found in stories about criminals fated to their lifestyle.
143. Discord
Discord implies conflict and disagreement, reflective of the criminal life and its challenges.
144. Wraith
Wraith implies a ghostly presence, often linked to supernatural events in criminal folklore.
145. Havoc
Havoc indicates chaos and disorder, perfectly embodying the essence of criminal wrongdoing.
146. Gargoyle
This name suggests a watchful guardian yet is often linked with darker, criminal tales.
147. Dread
Dread evokes fear, a common association in tales of crime and moral ambiguity.
148. Daemon
Daemon implies a controlling spirit, often reflecting the darker sides of human behavior, primarily crime.
149. Shatter
Shatter suggests destruction, directly aligning with many criminal acts.
150. Cinder
Cinder represents remnants of fire, often correlating with the aftermath of criminal activities.
Final Thoughts
Exploring names that mean criminal reveals a fascinating intersection of culture, language, and morality. Many of these names have historical roots or literary ties that enrich their meanings. Whether inspired by notorious characters or imbued with qualities of rebellion, these names carry a unique essence. Remember, while a name may hint at trouble, it can also represent a rich narrative worthy of exploration.
If you’re intrigued by the fascinating world of names and their meanings, consider delving into other topics like names that mean killer or names that mean thief, which also uncover unique stories.