Choosing a name for your baby boy can be exciting, but it also comes with its challenges. Some names carry meanings that might not be as sweet as you hoped. Certain names are associated with bad luck, misfortune, or dark histories. Understanding these meanings can help parents make informed choices and avoid any unwanted associations.
Today, we will look at some boy names that mean bad luck. Whether you’re looking for a unique name or just curious about their meanings, this list might surprise you. Knowing the stories behind these names can help protect your little one from any unfortunate vibes.
Boy Names That Mean Bad Luck
1. Mallory
The name Mallory is often interpreted as meaning ‘unfortunate’ or ‘ill-fated.’ It’s a French-origin name that highlights the idea of misfortune, making it a classic example of a name associated with bad luck.
2. Jabez
Jabez is a biblical name that translates to ‘sorrow’ or ‘pain.’ It signifies the suffering of the mother during childbirth, which associates it with pain and misfortune.
3. Laban
A name of Hebrew origin, Laban means ‘white’ but is also associated with misfortune in the biblical context. He is known for trickery, which links the name to bad luck.
4. Acheron
Acheron comes from Greek mythology and is known as the ‘river of sorrow.’ This name relates directly to bad luck through its association with the underworld and misfortune.
5. Brennan
This Irish name means ‘descendant of Braonán,’ who was known to have a life associated with sadness and misfortune. Therefore, it carries a hint of bad luck with it.
6. Saul
The name Saul has Hebrew origins and means ‘asked for’ or ‘prayed for’, but King Saul’s tragic story in the Bible associates it with misfortune and downfall.
7. Caelan
Caelan is an Irish name that means ‘slender’ or ‘narrow,’ but due to historical figures associated with the name who faced challenges, some may link it to bad luck.
8. Kader
Kader is an Arabic name meaning ‘powerful’ but often also tied to misfortunes suffered by historical figures, making it a name with dark associations.
9. Malachai
This name means ‘messenger’ but is commonly linked to misfortune and is often associated with significant struggles in life.
10. Hugo
While the name itself means ‘mind’ or ‘intellect,’ it can relate to characters in literature who faced unfortunate circumstances, giving it a hint of bad luck.
11. Gideon
Gideon is a Hebrew name often associated with a troubled past, as he faced considerable challenges, thus carrying an undertone of misfortune.
12. Roderick
Of Germanic origins, Roderick means ‘famous ruler,’ but many historical Rods faced unfortunate endings, linking the name with bad luck.
13. Devereux
This French surname-turned-first name can mean ‘from Evreux’ and is associated with families that faced much misfortune over the ages.
14. Zarek
Zarek, which means ‘God protects’ in Slavic cultures, ironically carries a sense of bad luck through tales of those named Zarek dealing with unanticipated hardships.
15. Simon
Simon means ‘he has heard.’ However, tales of betrayal associated with biblical Simon add a layer of bad luck to the name choice.
16. Leland
Meaning ‘fallow land,’ this name can imply barren landscapes, translating to bad luck or lack of fertility in a metaphorical sense.
17. Beckett
Beckett, originally a surname, suggests a ‘bee cottage’ but is often linked to characters experiencing misfortunes, calling into question its luck.
18. Mallik
A name of Arabic descent which means ‘king.’ Historical figures with this name have often faced a great deal of turmoil, giving it bad luck connotations.
19. Alastair
This Scottish name means ‘defender of mankind’ but often relates to unlucky historical narratives that diminish its bright connotation.
20. Balthazar
Though Balthazar means ‘Baal protects the king,’ he also embodies tales of misfortune, which places it into the category of names connected to bad luck.
21. Quillon
This name means ‘sword,’ but is synonymous with struggles and conflicts that one may face, thus associating it with misfortune.
22. Brady
Meaning ‘spirited’ or ‘descendant of Brádaigh,’ historical narratives surrounding Brady’s associated families suggest a past filled with struggles.
23. Felix
Ironically, Felix means ‘happy’ but is associated with unlucky tales of various historical figures, giving it an unfortunate twist.
24. Cato
With Latin origins meaning ‘wise,’ Cato’s association with numerous political figures who met disastrous ends makes it link to misfortune.
25. Bates
This name means ‘one who is blessed,’ yet it’s often associated with ill-fated historical tales which throw a shadow on its perceived good fortune.
26. Tristram
Tristram is derived from Latin, meaning ‘tumult’ or ‘upheaval.’ This name symbolizes chaos associated with bad luck, representing turbulence in life.
27. Wilhelm
An old German name meaning ‘resolute protector,’ it’s tied to the uncertainties of war and suffering, linking it to misfortune.
28. Cassius
This name means ‘hollow’ or ’empty,’ and the history of various Cassiuses has often been marked by betrayal, filtering into the realm of bad luck.
29. Abaddon
Deriving from Hebrew, it means ‘destroyer.’ This dark meaning links it closely to doom and misfortune, making it synonymous with bad luck.
30. Tiberius
Tiberius, referring to the river Tiber, is synonymous with influence in historical stories that reflect tragedy and bad luck.
31. Drexel
A name that means ‘from the leader,’ yet many leaders with this name faced battles that ended unfavorably, linking it to misfortune.
32. Phelan
This Irish name defines a ‘wolf’ but often symbolizes destruction or bad luck through folklore, linking it with unfortunate tales.
33. Orion
This mythological name translates to ‘rising in the sky’ but historically carries unfortunate tales of betrayal and danger, kindling bad luck associations.
34. Cian
Cian means ‘ancient’ or ‘enduring’ deeper meanings tied to misfortunes faced through quite a few figures in Irish legends designate it to bad luck.
35. Deimos
From Greek mythology, Deimos represents ‘terror’ and is linked directly to misfortunes, making it a name representing darkness.
36. Odysseus
With roots in Greek mythology, Odysseus ties in with themes of struggle and misfortune throughout his adventurous yet perilous story.
37. Jareth
Though a unique name meaning ‘bitter,’ the narrative surrounding Jareth’s figures makes it reside in the realm of bad luck.
38. Desmond
Meaning ‘from South Munster’, Desmond reflects historical strife and misfortunes in Irish history, lending it an unlucky aura.
39. Oren
This Hebrew name means ‘pine tree,’ often tied to tragic narratives that associate with bad luck through historical tales.
40. Lear
The name Lear is linked to Shakespeare’s tragic character King Lear, who endures immense suffering and misfortune, making it synonymous with bad luck.
41. Azael
Azael, meaning ‘scapegoat,’ draws connections to misfortune through cultures emphasizing sacrifice and doom, linking it to bad luck.
42. Thorne
This name, meaning ‘thorn bush,’ implies difficulty and pain, connecting it with bad luck through its unfortunate plant symbolism.
43. Vlad
Derived from Slavic origin, meaning ‘to rule,’ Vlad is often associated with historical figures whose stories are woven with terror and misfortune.
44. Hades
Hades, from Greek mythology, is the god of the underworld and is inherently tied to death and misfortune, making it a powerful name linked to bad luck.
45. Icarus
This name is associated with the tragic figure of Greek mythology who flew too close to the sun. His misfortune creates a direct association with bad luck.
46. Armand
This name means ‘soldier’ or ‘warrior,’ but many warriors face demise, aligning Armand with stories of loss and bad luck.
47. Nero
A name that means ‘black,’ Nero carries negative connotations linked to historical figures known for their misdeeds, bringing bad luck associations with it.
48. Boreas
Boreas is the Greek god of the North Wind, often associated with destructive storms, symbolizing chaos and bad luck.
49. Eeyore
A whimsical yet melancholy character from literature, Eeyore has come to represent sadness and misfortune, fundamentally fitting the bad luck theme.
50. Loki
A character from Norse mythology known for causing chaos and mischief, Loki is deeply linked with bad luck and unfortunate events.
51. Cruz
Cruz means ‘cross’ in Spanish but often symbolizes struggles and burdens, making it relatable to bad luck narratives.
52. Harlan
This name means ‘land on a hare’s hill,’ but bear stories of misfortune connect it to unfortunate fates throughout history.
53. Cerberus
The name of the three-headed dog in Greek mythology symbolizes guarding the underworld, giving it a dark reputation associated with bad luck.
54. Isolde
This name links to the tragic love story of Tristan and Isolde, representing themes of misfortune and heartache.
55. Vesper
This Latin name means ‘evening star,’ but are often associated with darkness and misfortune, adding a layer of bad luck to its meaning.
56. Jett
While Jett refers to the black gemstone, the color black has long been associated with bad luck in various cultures.
57. Rowan
This name means ‘little redhead’ but embodies tales of danger relating to the plant associated with protection against misfortune.
58. Lumpy
This quirky name implies imperfection, thus representing misfortune and struggles through its connotation.
59. Cassian
Meaning ‘hollow,’ Cassian often relates to stories of emptiness and sorrow, making it a name linked to bad luck.
60. Blaze
This fiery name can symbolize destruction and sorrow stemming from wildfires, thereby linking it to bad luck narratives.
61. Pluto
The Roman god of the underworld, Pluto, relates directly to death and misfortune, making it a powerful name choice associated with bad luck.
62. Talon
This unique name suggests a predatory animal’s grip, associated metaphorically with destruction, thus embodying bad luck themes.
63. Thatcher
A surname turned first name meaning ‘roof maker,’ its historical associations symbolize hardship and struggles in work, linking to misfortune.
64. Acheron
This name represents a river in Greek mythology known for sadness and loss, fittingly symbolizing bad luck.
65. Hades
Relating to the Greek god of the underworld, Hades inherently connects with death and misfortune, making it a name tied to bad luck.
66. Riven
Meaning ‘split’ or ‘broken,’ Riven resonates with themes of struggle and misfortune, fitting it cleanly into the bad luck category.
67. Ender
This name means ‘the last’ but carries heavy connections to conflict and struggle, linking to bad luck experiences.
68. Vesper
Meaning evening star, this name is often associated with darkness and may symbolize misfortune in certain cultures.
69. Kashmir
While it refers to a location, conflicts in the region often link the name to hardship and misfortune, framing it within bad luck.
70. Drake
Meaning ‘dragon,’ associated folklore tells tales of battles between dragons and humans leading to misfortune, connecting the name to bad luck.
71. Goliath
With roots in the biblical story of David and Goliath, this name often relates to the misfortunes faced by the giant warrior, clearly linking it to bad luck.
72. Omen
This strong name directly relates to foreboding signs and predictions of misfortune, tying it deeply to bad luck.
73. Sylvester
Though it means ‘wooded’ or ‘wild,’ the historical Sylvesters often faced times of trouble and strife, subtly associating the name with misfortune.
74. Revenant
Meaning ‘returned,’ this name relates to themes of ghostly figures which often tie into misfortune, linking it to bad luck.
75. Judas
The name carries a strong biblical connotation related to betrayal and misfortune, making it heavily associated with bad luck.
76. Despair
A name that symbolizes hopelessness, Despair directly connects to notions of bad luck and unfortunate outcomes in life.
77. Severin
This name implies ‘stern’ or ‘serious’, but it is often connected to difficult characters or stories, linking it to bad luck.
78. Gideon
A biblical name. Gideon often has ups and downs, symbolizing resilience that connects to bad luck with struggles faced.
79. Cinder
This name symbolizes remnants of something burned, connecting it with destruction and misfortune.
80. Magnus
Meaning ‘great’ in Latin but associated with historical figures suffering defeats, linking this name with bad luck.
81. Erwin
Meaning ‘noble friend,’ Erwin carries a shadow from historical trails of failure and misfortune, subtly reflecting luck themes.
82. Kyrie
A name meaning ‘lord,’ it can relate to figures who have faced misfortune through various historical stories, making it an unlucky choice.
83. Taro
This name means ‘first-born son’ but is often associated with tragic fates, summarizing a yearning for luck without assurance.
84. Tragedy
The name itself means misfortune and sorrow, deeply linking it to bad luck in every context.
85. Ulysses
This name carries the connotations of trouble and complexity, as the character experiences numerous trials, firmly tying it to bad luck.
86. Vulcan
As a Roman god of fire, Vulcan symbolizes destruction paired with occasional creations, leading it into a realm of bad luck.
87. Cressida
A name pronounced ‘Kress-id-ah,’ which symbolizes calamity and unfortunate outcomes in relationships within literature, relating it with bad luck.
88. Cormac
This Irish name means ‘raven,’ an animal historically linked with death and bad omens, giving the name a hint of bad luck.
89. Vito
Meaning ‘life,’ the ironic juxtaposition with figures named Vito often associated with hardship makes it fit within the bad luck theme.
90. Grendel
In literary forms, Grendel represents a monstrous figure connected to desolation, closely tying with bad luck narratives.
91. Nihil
A strong name meaning ‘nothing’ directly connects to emptiness and misfortune, perfectly categorizing it within bad luck contexts.
92. Felix
While meaning lucky, this name ironically embodies unlucky tales throughout history adding complexity to its connotation.
93. Taurean
The name derives from ‘Taurus,’ which can symbolize stubbornness or danger, directly translating to misfortune based on horoscopes.
94. Jasper
This name derives from a gemstone but carries historical misfortunes connected with it through literature, aligning it with bad luck.
95. Riot
Meaning ‘a noisy disturbance,’ it clearly reflects chaos and conflict, circularly tying it back to bad luck.
96. Nonus
A name meaning ‘ninth,’ it often connotes the idea of something that arrives too late or not at all, connecting to themes of misfortune.
97. Kade
This name meaning ‘sturdy’ or ’round’ is rooted in stories of struggle, connecting it within a realm of bad luck in its interpretations.
98. Merrick
An Anglo-Saxon name meaning ‘powerful ruler,’ it can also draw connections to rulers falling from grace, aligning it to bad luck.
99. Oswin
This name means ‘God’s friend’ but bears links to tragic turns in history tied to war and conflict, creating nuances of bad luck.
100. Dorian
This name is linked with the tragic character from literature whose life is marked by misflight and disaster, symbolizing bad luck.
101. Rex
Meaning ‘king,’ many characters named Rex in literature experience unfortunate fates, thus linking them to bad luck.
102. Perturabo
A Latin name meaning ‘to disturb,’ it carries heavy connotations of chaos, linking it directly to themes of bad luck.
103. Coyote
This name, often connected to trickery and mischief, bears the hallmark of misfortune in many cultural narratives, creating a link to bad luck.
104. Sorrow
This name means exactly what it suggests—sadness and misfortune, establishing a clear connection to bad luck.
105. Jasper
Though meaning ‘treasurer,’ historical references link Jasper to tales of misfortune, providing conflicting connections to luck.
106. Cady
Meaning ‘pure,’ yet historical connections relate figures of Cady to tragedies, inferring it subtle connections to bad luck.
107. Kellan
This Irish name means ‘slender’ but can denote weakness or struggle, echoing themes of bad luck.
108. Thanatos
This name translates directly to ‘death’ in Greek mythology, summarizing misfortune in its very meaning.
109. Atticus
While it connects to themes of wisdom, Atticus has also faced stories of hardship that denote bad luck significance throughout literary history.
110. Malin
This Scandinavian name translates to ‘little strong warrior’ but often depicts stories tied to unfortunate fates, hinting at bad luck.
111. Ajax
Though it refers to a hero in mythology, Ajax faced unfortunate circumstances culminating in his tragic fate, linking it closely to bad luck.
112. Grayson
While meaning ‘son of the steward,’ this name also resonates with tales of misfortune faced by figures named Grayson, marking it with bad luck.
113. Malik
Meaning ‘king’ in Arabic but often associated with unfortunate historical stories within monarchies reflecting bad luck.
114. Darius
Once a king, the name carries weighty historical narratives filled with war and struggle, aligning it to bad luck themes.
115. Thorin
This name from Norwegian roots means ‘brave’ but has faced many misfortunes through lore, thus linking it to bad luck.
116. Aldous
Meaning ‘wise one,’ it’s often linked to dark themes in literary narratives related to misfortune, translating it into bad luck.
117. Loki
A name synonymous with chaos and betrayal in Norse mythology, carries strong implications of connection to bad luck.
118. Fraser
The name means ‘strawberry’ but historically links to figures with unfortunate spirits, associating it subtly to bad luck.
119. Bane
This strong name means ‘death’ and carries ominous connotations directly linking it to misfortune.
120. Gage
Meaning ‘pledge’ or ‘oath,’ but its association with historical tales of betrayal and misfortune makes it lean towards bad luck.
121. Hollis
Meaning ‘dweller at the holly trees,’ but has narratives tied to ill-fated events throughout folklore connecting it to bad luck.
122. Gargamel
This quirky name from the Smurfs lore suggests a character who embodies misfortune, perfectly aligning with bad luck.
123. Thanos
Another Greek translation directly pointing towards death, falls straight into the themes of misfortune, making it a strong bad luck name.
124. Ryker
This name means ‘rich’ but also has laid connections with misadventure themes, linking it directly with bad luck.
125. Arcus
This name implies ‘bow’ but has historical narratives portraying unruly fortunes, giving it a strong association with bad luck.
126. Goliath
Another biblical name intertwined with the unfortunate fall of giants, showcasing bad luck lore.
127. Bertie
A name meaning ‘bright’ but often faces parallels tied to misfortunes and unlucky fables, reflecting bad luck.
128. Rigel
This name means ‘foot of the great one,’ often links with stellar imagery that ties to stories conveying unfortunate turns, marking it unlucky.
129. Brock
This name means ‘badger’ but has historical links drawing to unfortunate conflicts, creating bad luck associations.
130. Orpheus
A figure from Greco-Roman mythology representing lost love, embodying bad luck through tragic narratives associated with him.
131. Keanu
This name meaning ‘cool breeze over the mountains’ also features associations with hardships, indirectly marking it as unlucky.
132. Drax
This name based on literary portrayals symbolizes darker aspects of conflict, suggesting connections to bad luck.
133. Marlowe
A name connected to literary history, often faces a portrayal of darkness and misfortune within narratives, linking it to bad luck.
134. Faust
Associated with the story of selling one’s soul for knowledge, it embodies bad luck through its darker moral themes.
135. Siren
Referring to mythological beings tempting sailors to doom, linking them indiscriminately to themes of bad luck through danger.
136. Zenith
This name means ‘highest point’ but can often contrast with themes of falls from grace, intertwining it with bad luck threads.
137. Smithson
A name meaning ‘son of the smith’, associated with trades bearing heavy histories of struggles, reflecting bad luck.
138. Keegan
This name means ‘son of the fiery one’ but connects with tales related to misfortune faced in struggles with flames and battles.
139. Ignatius
Meaning ‘fiery’, this name links closely to stories of burning and struggle, providing strong connections to bad luck.
140. Brutus
Known as the name of betrayal in history, it paints a bleak image of unfortunate connections to bad luck.
141. Solomon
This name means ‘peace,’ but associated narratives often suggest conflict and trials, mixing it with themes of bad luck.
142. Cyril
Meaning ‘lordly’, this name connects with the fates of leaders often facing misfortune, aligning to bad luck.
143. Remus
Linked to the mythical figure who met a tragic end, this name clearly signifies themes of bad luck through narratives of struggle.
144. Quillan
This name means ‘cub of a certain animal’ but carries connections to unlucky associations through literary portrayals of danger.
145. Kain
While meaning ‘spear,’ the biblical references tie it to betrayal and misfortune, thus connecting to bad luck.
146. Odhran
A name meaning ‘pale green,’ often signifies themes of despair through associations with life and death narratives, projecting bad luck.
147. Atlas
This name means ‘to bear’ but reflects the legend of a titan eternally burdened, hinting at connections of bad luck.
148. Wolf
This name signifies ‘wolf’, often linked with darkness and misfortune through storytelling in various cultures, attaching itself to bad luck.
149. Felon
This name indicates someone who is guilty of wrongdoing, interlacing it finely with unfortunate paths rooted in bad luck.
150. Dusk
This name symbolizes evening or twilight, but shadows often cast images of danger, fundamentally placing it within themes of bad luck.
Final Thoughts
While choosing a name might feel like a joyful journey, exploring the meanings behind names can reveal darker associations that may surprise you. Many of the names here are connected with tales of misfortune, illustrating the reality behind specific choices in naming a child. Understanding which names carry such heavy meanings may help you avoid names that could relate your child to unfortunate elements.
As you select the perfect name for your baby boy, consider the iconic stories and histories wrapped within the meanings of the names. They can serve as cautionary tales along with helping to create a well-rounded perspective towards each name’s implications.
If you’re intrigued by names that symbolize darkness, delve into more topics about names that indicate bad luck or explore names tied to curses. Each name has a story; explore them with care.