Choosing a baby name can be an exciting but challenging task. Some parents look for unique meanings or cultural significance. Among these meanings, names that relate to death can be powerful and thought-provoking. They often carry deep historical roots and can represent strength or rebirth.
Today, we’ll explore a variety of baby names that mean death and their origins. These names can offer a different perspective, reminding us of the cycle of life. From ancient languages to modern interpretations, you’ll find names that may be unusual yet meaningful for your little one.
Baby Names That Mean Death
1. Abaddon
Abaddon is a name derived from Hebrew meaning ‘destruction’. This name is often associated with the angel of the abyss, representing death and the afterlife.
2. Acheron
Acheron is known as a river in Greek mythology that signifies pain and distress. In literary contexts, it is linked to death and the underworld.
3. Apollyon
Apollyon is derived from Greek, meaning ‘the destroyer’. This name embodies themes of death and endings, often found in religious texts.
4. Azrael
Azrael is the angel of death in various religious traditions. Its origin in Hebrew means ‘help of God’, lending a powerful spiritual aspect to the name.
5. Daghda
Daghda is a name from Irish mythology meaning ‘the good god’. He is associated with death and rebirth, making it a poignant choice.
6. Deirdre
Deirdre is a name of ancient Irish origin meaning ‘sorrowful’. This name is tied to a tragic love story that ends in death, enriching its significance.
7. Keres
Keres, from Greek mythology, refers to female spirits of violent death. The name carries a strong link to the concept of mortality.
8. Mara
Mara is a name derived from Hebrew meaning ‘bitter’. In some traditions, it symbolizes death and despair, reflecting darkness.
9. Mortimer
Mortimer is a name with Norman French origins, meaning ‘dead sea’. It carries connotations of death while sounding elegant.
10. Oya
Oya stands as a powerful African goddess of winds and storms, often linked with death and the change of seasons. It’s a strong choice for a girl.
11. Valkyrie
Valkyrie comes from Norse mythology, signifying ‘chooser of the slain’. This name represents bravery in the face of death.
12. Chione
Chione, a name from Greek mythology, means ‘snow’. As death is often associated with the changing of seasons, this name reflects that cycle.
13. Hades
Hades, from Ancient Greek, means ‘the unseen’. As the god of the underworld, the name uniquely ties to death and what lies beyond life.
14. Kali
Kali is a Hindu goddess associated with destruction and transformation. This name speaks volumes about death as a part of rebirth.
15. Leila
Leila means ‘night’ in Arabic. It symbolizes darkness and the death of the day, linking to themes of finality.
16. Malkuth
Malkuth, meaning ‘kingdom’, references the physical world and can symbolize the cycle of life and death, particularly in cabalistic traditions.
17. Moros
Moros is a Greek name that translates to ‘fate’ or ‘doom’. The name is entwined with concepts of mortality and destiny.
18. Namtaru
Namtaru is a Sumerian name meaning ‘killer.’ It embodies the finality associated with death and the lifecycle.
19. Necropolis
Necropolis, of Greek origin, refers to a ‘city of the dead’. This name represents the ancient understanding of burial places and remembrance.
20. Nyx
Nyx, meaning ‘night’ in Greek, is a goddess associated with darkness and the unknown, tying it closely to themes of death.
21. Perdita
Perdita means ‘lost’ in Latin. This name signifies loss and can hold deep meanings related to death and mourning.
22. Pluto
Pluto, derived from Latin, means ‘wealth’ but is also known as the god of the underworld, symbolizing death and the afterlife.
23. Rhiannon
Rhiannon, from Welsh mythology, reflects a deep connection to the otherworld and can signify transformations associated with death.
24. Samhain
Samhain is a Gaelic term meaning ‘summer’s end.’ It is celebrated as a festival to honor the dead, making this name deeply meaningful.
25. Tamas
Tamas, a name from Sanskrit, signifies darkness and lethargy, which can relate to mortality and the end of life.
26. Thanatos
Thanatos is the Greek personification of death. This name directly relates to death, offering a powerful connection to the theme.
27. Yama
Yama is a name from Hindu mythology, meaning ‘control’. He is the god of death, reinforcing the understanding of life’s end.
28. Zephyrus
Zephyrus, meaning ‘west wind’, represents a gentle breeze that can symbolize the arrival of death or change.
29. Aisling
Aisling means ‘dream’ or ‘vision’ in Irish. In some traditions, dreams are seen as omens of death or transformation.
30. Vale
Vale means ‘a valley’, often associated with the idea of resting places or final homes, reflecting the concept of death.
31. Cerberus
Cerberus is the three-headed dog in Greek mythology guarding the underworld, symbolizing the transition between life and death.
32. Demeter
Demeter, in Greek mythology, is linked to agriculture and the harvest but also to the cycles of life and death, symbolizing rebirth.
33. Lunara
Lunara derives from ‘lunar’, representing the moon and its connections to life cycles, including death and regeneration.
34. Morta
Morta is a Latin word meaning ‘death’. As a name, it directly signifies the topic at hand and its meaning.
35. Persephone
Persephone, known as the queen of the underworld in Greek mythology, represents the cycle of life and death, making it significant.
36. Requiem
Requiem means ‘rest’, commonly associated with rest in peace. It’s an evocative name linking to themes of death.
37. Vespera
Vespera, meaning ‘evening’, symbolizes the end of the day and can represent the transition often associated with death.
38. Alaric
Alaric means ‘ruler of all’, but it’s also associated with ancient leaders who have faced mortality, adding to its depth.
39. Balaam
Balaam means ‘devourer’ in Hebrew. The name relates to consuming and the finality of death.
40. Banshee
Banshee, of Irish origin, symbolizes a spirit associated with death and mourning, fitting perfectly into our theme.
41. Cassius
Cassius, meaning ‘hollow’, can symbolize emptiness that follows death, tying back to the topic of mortality.
42. Danika
Danika means ‘morning star’ in Slavic. It represents the dawn, emphasizing the rebirth aspect often connected with death.
43. Eirene
Eirene means ‘peace’ in Greek and can symbolize peace after death, showing a gentle aspect of our topic.
44. Flavia
Flavia means ‘yellow’ or ‘golden’. In some contexts, gold can symbolize immortality, tying to the permanence of death.
45. Grim
Grim is derived from Old English, meaning ‘fierce’. This name also relates directly to the grim realities of death.
46. Isolt
Isolt, meaning ‘ice ruler’, can symbolize the coldness of death, making it an evocative choice.
47. Jadzia
Jadzia is a name of Polish origin meaning ‘princess’. It can signify the idea of a life cut short, related to death.
48. Kassandra
Kassandra, meaning ‘shining upon man’, was a figure in mythology often associated with predictions of death.
49. Lirael
Lirael is a fantasy name that suggests endearing potential, linking to stories involving the other side of life.
50. Mordecai
Mordecai means ‘warrior’ in Hebrew and often reflects the struggles and eventual death faced in battle.
51. Nox
Nox means ‘night’ in Latin and represents darkness, often linked with death and the absence of light.
52. Octavia
Octavia means ‘eighth’ and can represent completion, a theme directly associated with death.
53. Riven
Riven refers to something split apart, hinting at the division that death brings.
54. Selene
Selene, meaning ‘moon’, embodies cycles, including birth and death, making it a suitable name.
55. Thana
Thana directly refers to death in various languages, fitting squarely within our name theme.
56. Ulva
Ulva means ‘wolf’ in some Scandinavian languages, which can be symbolic of death and transformation.
57. Vanya
Vanya means ‘God is gracious’ but is often associated with mortality and humanity’s relationship with death.
58. Xanthe
Xanthe means ‘yellow’ or ‘golden’, which can symbolize the fleeting beauty of life before death.
59. Yvette
Yvette, meaning ‘yew tree’, is often linked to immortality and death due to its long-living nature.
60. Zephyr
Zephyr means ‘west wind’ and can symbolize the passage to the afterlife.
61. Lila
Lila means ‘night’ in Arabic, representing the peace associated with death.
62. Ankou
Ankou is the grim reaper figure in Breton folklore, strongly associated with death and the afterlife.
63. Cayden
Cayden means ‘battle’, connecting to the struggle of life which can result in death.
64. Ember
Ember refers to the remnants of fire, symbolizing the end of life and the heat of passion before extinguishing.
65. Greer
Greer means ‘watchful’ or ‘alert’, which can link to the vigilance that is sometimes required in facing mortality.
66. Liora
Liora means ‘light’ in Hebrew. It represents hope overcoming darkness linked with death.
67. Moira
Moira refers to fate or destiny, often related to the moment of death in many mythological texts.
68. Ophelia
Ophelia means ‘help’ in Hebrew. This name became famous through literary works that often portray the themes of death.
69. Remy
Remy means ‘oarsman’ in French, symbolizing the journey across life that ends with death.
70. Sorcha
Sorcha, meaning ‘bright’, can symbolize the light that follows death in many cultural beliefs.
71. Tanith
Tanith is associated with love and war, reflecting the tensions between life and death.
72. Ulysses
Ulysses, a character in Greek mythology, faced death repeatedly, signifying its inevitability throughout life.
73. Vaal
Vaal refers to ‘valley’ known as a resting place, often associated with death in various cultural narratives.
74. Wynne
Wynne means ‘fair’ or ‘blessed’, which can remind us of the beauty found even in death.
75. Zeth
Zeth represents a culmination, often a term used during discussions of mortality.
76. Elysium
Elysium derives from Greek mythology, representing the afterlife where souls go post-death.
77. Hecate
Hecate, the goddess associated with magic, often guides souls after death, emphasizing her connection to the subject.
78. Juno
Juno, the goddess of women and marriage, also had connotations with death and rebirth.
79. Kynthia
Kynthia means ‘from Kynthos’. It symbolizes strength, but identifies with the end of life in Greek mythology.
80. Lochlan
Lochlan means ‘land of lakes’, a symbol of stillness, often associated with the tranquility of death.
81. Morty
Morty, derived from Latin ‘mors’, means ‘death’, making it very direct regarding its meaning.
82. Neve
Neve means ‘snow’, symbolizing the coldness associated with death.
83. Quillon
Quillon means ‘sword’ in Latin, representing the conflict often associated with death.
84. Rayne
Rayne means ‘queen’ and symbolizes the afterlife, echoing the sovereignty of death.
85. Selah
Selah, meaning ‘pause’, is often used in biblical texts and can symbolize the moment before death.
86. Tamsin
Tamsin means ‘twin’, often interpreted as the duality of life and demise.
87. Ulrica
Ulrica means ‘wolf power’, which reflects themes of ferocity often linked with death.
88. Valen
Valen translates to ‘strength’, a notion that connects with the struggles faced around death.
89. Wilhelmina
Wilhelmina means ‘will’ and ‘helmet’, signifying the warrior spirit facing death.
90. Vivienne
Vivienne means ‘alive’, often contrasting the idea of death.
91. Xandria
Xandria can mean ‘defender of men’, often linking to issues of mortality faced in battles.
92. Yara
Yara means ‘small butterfly’, symbolizing transformation from life to death.
93. Zendaya
Zendaya means ‘to give thanks’, reminding us to appreciate life before its end.
94. Allara
Allara means ‘light’, symbolizing hope in the face of darkness associated with death.
95. Beryl
Beryl symbolizes endurance and courage, connected to the battle against death.
96. Kalila
Kalila means ‘beloved’, often used in the context of mourning those we’ve lost.
97. Lark
Lark refers to a joyous song, often seen as a celebration of life amidst the inevitabilities of death.
98. Nightshade
Nightshade is linked with poison and darkness, familiar symbols of death.
99. Orion
Orion, in mythology, represents a constellation and can signify the eternal aspect of those who have passed.
100. Requena
Requena means ‘comfort’, often sought when grieving over death.
101. Sable
Sable means ‘black’, often associated with mourning and the themes connected to death.
102. Thorne
Thorne represents protective spirits, which are sometimes linked with death as a means of guarding souls.
103. Ursus
Ursus means ‘bear’ and can represent strength amidst the trials surrounding death.
104. Vesper
Vesper means ‘evening’, symbolizing both endings and the peace that follows death.
105. Wren
Wren, meaning ‘small bird’, symbolizes flight and can represent the soul’s journey after death.
106. Xena
Xena means ‘guest’, often a metaphorical representation of life being temporary before death.
107. Yvonne
Yvonne means ‘yew’, a tree often linked with death and eternity.
108. Zhane
Zhane means ‘God is gracious’, hinting at the blessings of life that can be cut short with death.
109. Alva
Alva means ‘elf’, which represents the ethereal connection to spirits and themes surrounding death.
110. Bajra
Bajra means ‘thunderbolt’, often symbolizing the suddenness of death.
111. Calista
Calista means ‘most beautiful’, a mark often used when memorializing those who have died.
112. Dusk
Dusk symbolizes the end of the day, embracing the themes related to death.
113. Elowen
Elowen means ‘elm tree’, a symbol of life that often has connections to loss and death as well.
114. Fey
Fey refers to fairies, spirits of the otherworld, closely relating to death and the afterlife.
115. Garnet
Garnet is a deep red stone, linked to sacrifice and themes surrounding death.
116. Halcyon
Halcyon symbolizes peace and tranquility often aspired for after death.
117. Idris
Idris means ‘interpreter’ or ‘studious’, representing knowledge about life and death.
118. Juniper
Juniper tree signifies protection against spirits and is often directly related to death.
119. Kestrel
Kestrel refers to a small falcon but can represent the soul’s journey towards death.
120. Lyra
Lyra symbolizes music and the arts often connected with commemorating those who have passed.
121. Mistral
Mistral signifies a strong wind, symbolizing life’s breath departing during death.
122. Nova
Nova means ‘new’, which can symbolize rebirth following the cycle of death.
123. Opal
Opal is a gemstone often associated with mystery and the depth of emotional experiences surrounding death.
124. Pallas
Pallas links to wisdom and can symbolize the journey of understanding one’s mortality.
125. Quasar
Quasar means ‘star-like’ and can signify the brightness of souls after death.
126. Rivka
Rivka means ‘to bind’, which can represent the connections that remain even after death.
127. Solstice
Solstice refers to the longest or shortest day of the year, symbolizing changes in life and death.
128. Tinker
Tinker means ‘to fix’ but can represent fixing what is broken, like the loss brought by death.
129. Una
Una means ‘one’ in Gaelic and symbolizes the singular nature of a living being’s journey to the end.
130. Valea
Valea refers to ‘valley’, often a resting place in representations of death.
131. Wisteria
Wisteria flowers symbolize grace and beauty, often present during memorials of those who’ve passed.
132. Xylo
Xylo means ‘wood’ in Greek, often linked with the natural cycle that includes death.
133. Yeva
Yeva meaning ‘life’ can provide a duality considering death’s impact.
134. Zephira
Zephira means ‘the west wind’ and carries connotations of transitioning to death.
135. Ashwin
Ashwin means ‘light’, symbolizing the journey beyond life to a brighter plane after death.
136. Bracken
Bracken symbolizes ‘ferns’, named after the wrapping of life and death in nature.
137. Clio
Clio denotes ‘glory’, often associated with remembering those who have died.
138. Darius
Darius means ‘upholder of good’, a name often tied to legacy, even in death.
139. Elara
Elara means ‘bright’ and symbolizes the light that can emerge amidst darkness of death.
140. Fender
Fender means ‘defender’ that reflects the struggle for life against death.
141. Ginevra
Ginevra derives from the Welsh word for ‘fair one’, often a reminder of fragility in life before death.
142. Hespera
Hespera refers to evening, enfolding themes of endings akin to death.
143. Icarus
Icarus signifies ambition but ultimately portrays the fatality that follows hubris.
144. Jora
Jora means ‘autumn’, symbolizing the end of the year and tying strongly with death.
145. Kynan
Kynan means ‘handsome’, often used to memorialize beauty that reflects mortality.
146. Lorne
Lorne means ‘from the laurel’, a plant often associated with mourning and remembrance of the deceased.
147. Mordechai
Mordechai signifies ‘warrior’, alluding to the fight surrounding concepts of mortality.
148. Niamh
Niamh means ‘bright’, embodying the hope of afterlife beyond death.
149. Omri
Omri means ‘my sheaf’, linking agriculture to life’s cycles that culminate in death.
150. Pascal
Pascal means ‘born at Easter’, hinting at themes of resurrection following death.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a baby name that means death can be a meaningful way to connect to themes of life, change, and transformation. These names often embody deep cultural significance and can be a reminder of the cycle of life and the inevitability of death. Whether you choose a name associated with strength, comfort, or transformation, you are adding a profound layer of meaning to your child’s identity. Each name we’ve covered, from Azrael to Mortimer, connects beautifully to the complex themes of existence, growth, and the changes that come with life.
If you are intrigued by these names, you may also enjoy exploring other unique [baby names that mean death](https://explainnames.com/names-that-mean-death/) or dive into [Japanese girl names that mean death](https://explainnames.com/japanese-girl-names-that-mean-death/).
Remember, a name carries a story and a legacy, and choosing thoughtfully can enrich your child’s narrative in beautiful ways.