Choosing a name for a baby boy is an important decision. While many parents look for names with positive meanings, some might be curious about names that have darker connotations. Certain names are linked to misfortune, and these can carry interesting stories and histories. This can be appealing to those who enjoy unique or unconventional choices.
Today, we will explore various boy names that mean misfortune. Some of these names come from different cultures and languages, each with its own background. Whether you’re looking for a name with a deep meaning or just a conversation starter, this list provides a range of options that might catch your interest.
Boy Names That Mean Misfortune
1. Acheron
The name Acheron originates from Greek mythology and means ‘river of sorrow’. It represents a river in the underworld, which links it directly to misfortune.
2. Banshee
Banshee is infused with folklore meaning ‘woman of the fairy mound’, indicating a wailing spirit. This name has a strong connection to foretelling doom or misfortune.
3. Caelan
The name Caelan, of Irish origin, means ‘slender’ but can also imply misfortune as it is often linked to the frailty of life.
4. Jabez
Jabez is a biblical name that means ‘sorrow’. The name reflects misfortune, as stated in the scripture where his mother gave him this name due to her pain during childbirth.
5. Mallory
This French name means ‘unfortunate’ or ‘ill-fated’. It clearly ties in with the theme of misfortune, making it an intriguing choice.
6. Saul
The name Saul has biblical roots and is often associated with tragedy, particularly regarding King Saul’s downfall, hence linking it to misfortune.
7. Maverick
Maverick, while often seen as a strong name, can also symbolize a lone wolf whose misfortunes lead him astray from the pack.
8. Tristan
Tristan is derived from the Welsh word meaning ‘sorrowful or sad’, connecting it closely to themes of misfortune and heartbreak.
9. Phelan
This Irish name means ‘wolf’, but the predatory nature of wolves also hints at misfortune for those crossed by them.
10. Otis
Otis carries the meaning ‘wealthy’, but the historical Otis name is often linked to tragic events, rendering it a name of irony.
11. Beauregard
The name Beauregard translates to ‘beautiful view’, yet its heavy French aristocratic ties often convey stories of downfall and misfortune.
12. Donal
Donal means ‘world ruler’, yet stories of rulers often reveal misfortunes that accompany power, making this name fitting.
13. Loki
The name Loki is derived from Norse mythology, where he is the god of mischief and misfortune, making him an excellent choice for those intrigued by chaos.
14. Job
Job is a classic name associated with suffering and trials, making it deeply intertwined with the notion of misfortune.
15. Jett
This name, meaning ‘black’, can signify dark times or misfortunes. It embodies the idea of being shrouded in darkness.
16. Azrael
Azrael, meaning ‘help of God’, is often depicted as an angel of death, representing the misfortune associated with mortality.
17. Vesper
Vesper means ‘evening star’, yet it is often associated with darkness and misfortune that comes as night falls.
18. Hades
Named after the Greek god of the underworld, Hades carries a heavy burden of misfortune and the inevitability of death.
19. Mortimer
This Old French name means ‘dead sea’, directly linking it to themes of death and misfortune.
20. Achilles
Achilles, a hero of Greek mythology, is renowned for his tragic misfortunes, making this name a deep symbolic choice.
21. Alvah
The name Alvah means ‘his highness’, yet its association with biblical figures brings forth themes of misfortune and fall from grace.
22. Malachi
Malachi, meaning ‘my messenger’, has biblical roots; however, stories associated with this prophet often exhibit misfortune.
23. Belmont
Belmont translates to ‘beautiful mountain’, yet its historical associations can signify lofty ideals crushed by misfortune.
24. Rocco
This name of Italian origin means ‘rest’ but is often linked to the misfortunes faced by various historical figures.
25. Brennan
Brennan signifies ‘descendant of Braonán’, with ‘Braon’ meaning ‘sorrow’, solidifying a direct connection to misfortune.
26. Hecatomb
This name evokes images of major sacrifices in ancient times, representing significant misfortunes in history.
27. Banquo
Banquo is a character in Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’, associated with tragic misfortune throughout the story.
28. Durand
Durand means ‘enduring’ but is often linked to tales of enduring hardship and misfortune.
29. Gideon
This biblical name means ‘hewer’ but represents a life filled with struggles and misfortunes.
30. Magnus
Magnus means ‘great’, yet it often carries an irony through the many leaders who faced downfall and misfortune.
31. Kieran
Kieran means ‘little dark one’, which ties into themes of unseen misfortunes lurking underneath the surface.
32. Loki
Loki is a trickster god in Norse mythology whose actions lead to much misfortune, making it an intriguing choice.
33. Cade
This name means ‘barrel’, implying someone who carries their misfortunes like heavy weights.
34. Azrael
This name heavily associated with death and the afterlife, paints a clear connection to misfortune.
35. Hades
It refers to the god of the underworld from Greek mythology, synonymous with misfortune in its association with death and despair.
36. Kayin
Derived from the biblical Cain, whose story is viewed as one filled with misfortune and tragedy.
37. Sorrow
This name explicitly means ‘sadness’ and is a powerful representation of misfortune.
38. Lacan
Lacan means ‘the one who creates’, but it often carries the weight of misfortune tied with creativity.
39. Endeley
This name suggests an ‘end’, foreboding hints of misfortune in its meaning.
40. Halford
This name translates to ‘ford by the hall’ yet historically tells tales of societal misfortune.
41. Mathis
While it means ‘gift of God’, the biblical background can indicate divine misfortune.
42. Tiberius
This name means ‘of the Tiber River’, often associated with misfortunes of Rome’s leaders.
43. Regulus
This Latin name means ‘little king’, indirectly linking those who are elevated with misfortunes.
44. Flint
Flint denotes ‘hard rock’, often associated with obstacles and misfortunes faced in life.
45. Nero
This name carries historical significance linked to misfortune, as it belonged to a Roman emperor infamous for chaotic rule.
46. Sinbad
Sinbad is a name from literature who experiences extraordinary and perilous misfortunes on his adventures.
47. Dereon
This name parallels ‘sorrow’, marking it as a reminder of the potential misfortunes ahead.
48. Jarius
This biblical name means ‘he will awaken’, yet involves themes of misery within its narrative.
49. Aiken
The name Aiken means ‘little fire’, which can symbolize destruction and misfortune.
50. Merrick
Merrick means ‘ruler’, but also shares narratives of rulers facing great misfortunes, making it fascinating.
51. Dragon
This intriguing name highlights mythological creatures often brought misfortune or great challenges.
52. Leo
While it means ‘lion’, often considered brave, it signifies those who sometimes face misfortunes in the pursuit of courage.
53. Felix
Felix translates to ‘happy’ but is often surrounded by tales of irony and misfortune.
54. Nestor
Nestor is a name loaded with historical significance and misfortunes attached to ancient leadership.
55. Rainer
This name signifies ‘wise army’, but historical armies often bear stories of misfortune.
56. Raven
Raven represents darkness and mystery, often symbolizing unfortunate or ominous occurrences.
57. Astaroth
This ancient name refers to a demon, symbolizing misfortune and darkness.
58. Orville
Orville means ‘gold town’ but represents the tragedy that can befall those searching for wealth.
59. Claudius
This name of Roman origin carries associations with misfortune due to infamous rulers.
60. Tarquin
The dark themes surrounding this name, linked to tyranny and misfortune in history, make it stand out.
61. Heracles
This name, tied to Greek mythology, symbolizes great strength overshadowed by numerous misfortunes.
62. Brutus
Brutus means ‘heavy’, but its connection to betrayal showcases the misfortunes of friendship.
63. Rowan
This name represents ‘little redhead’ but carries associations with misfortune in Celtic mythology.
64. Anakin
This modern name carries a heavy burden of misfortune through its association with the fall from grace in a legendary story.
65. Tilman
The name Tilman means ’tilled land’ but can symbolize the hard work facing misfortune.
66. Kenzo
Kensho translates as ‘strong’ but often symbolizes the challenges, trials, and misfortunes faced by those who are strong.
67. Virgil
This Latin name is associated with tragic tales of misfortune, adding depth to its meaning.
68. Abaddon
Abaddon means ‘destroyer’, tracing a direct line to the misfortunes that accompany destruction.
69. Alaric
Alaric translates to ‘ruler of all’, but often carries the weight of historical misfortunes.
70. Drystan
This variant of Tristan also shares the connotation of sorrow and ties in with misfortune.
71. Phoenix
The mythical creature signifies rebirth, often rising from the ashes of previous misfortunes.
72. Marcellus
A name meaning ‘little warrior’, can show the struggles warriors face marked by misfortune.
73. Pyotr
This Russian variant of Peter can also symbolize misfortune through its historical tales of rulers.
74. Armand
Meaning ‘soldier’, this name connects to the many misfortunes that accompany conflict and battles.
75. Dragan
Dragan roots mean ‘dear one’, but this Slavic name often shares tales of hardship, tying it to misfortune.
76. Jocasta
This name from Greek tragedy speaks of misfortune and familial strife, making it a powerful name.
77. Pallas
Pallas is tied to wisdom, yet mythological Pallas Athena’s stories are often riddled with misfortune.
78. Tristram
This version of Tristan carries the same meaning, directly linking it again to sorrow and misfortune.
79. Lautaro
Lautaro represents a historic figure whose misfortunes were evident in battles against colonial powers.
80. Orion
Orion refers to a hunter in mythology but is often tied to tragic stories that fall under the category of misfortune.
81. Zane
This name means ‘God is gracious’, yet real-life narratives can be filled with ironic misfortunes.
82. Dorian
Dorian evokes both elegance and misfortune through its literary connections that covey tragic tales.
83. Corbin
The name Corbin, meaning ‘crow’, symbolizes ominous events and misfortune; crows are often seen as harbingers of bad news.
84. Sterling
This name that means ‘of little star’ can signify how small things can bring great misfortunes.
85. Azmodan
A name that is often linked to misfortune through stories of a dark figure in various mythologies.
86. Amias
Amias means ‘loved’, but in difficult tales, the loved ones often face misfortunes.
87. Icarus
This name is tied to the Greek myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun, meeting tragic misfortune.
88. Leroux
Leroux means ‘the red’, hinting at the difficult journeys tied to misfortune.
89. Ragnor
This name indicates ‘wise army’, and invokes thoughts of the struggles faced by a leader.
90. Valen
Valen means ‘strong’, yet it carries tales of individuals who faced calamity, linking it to unfortunate events.
91. Magnus
Magnus may signify ‘great’ but reflects the misfortunes great leaders often face.
92. Artemis
This name tied to the lunar goddess tells stories of dark times and misfortunes hid in the shadows.
93. Cavalier
Cavalier represents a knight’s boldness, yet knights have always faced tragic misfortunes.
94. Oswald
This old-style name means ‘divine power’, but historical figures bearing this name often endured misfortune.
95. Adrian
This name is associated with misfortunes due to historical events faced by those named Adrian.
96. Gideon
This biblical hero faced personal obstacles, linking the name to misfortune.
97. Vanth
This name is derived from a figure symbolizing the connection between death and the misfortunes of the human experience.
98. Severus
Severus has historical ties to Roman figures often caught in the webs of misfortune.
99. Calder
This name translates to ‘rocky waters’, a potent metaphor for the misfortunes that can accompany life’s journey.
100. Hawthorne
This name references the thorny tree, symbolizing the misfortunes and difficulties of life.
101. Jasper
This name may mean ‘treasurer’, but there are tales of misfortune surrounding those in charge of wealth.
102. Xerxes
Xerxes is a historical figure deeply associated with battlefield misfortunes, making it a strong name.
103. Julian
This name means ‘youthful’, yet carries stories of tumultuous relationships and unfortunate tales.
104. Pax
Meaning ‘peace’, yet encompassing stories of lost peace, thereby leading to misfortune.
105. Cassius
The name Cassius means ‘hollow’, often depicting empty chairs of misfortune left behind.
106. Thaddeus
This biblical name implies ‘courageous heart’, diving deep into tales filled with misfortunes.
107. Desmond
Desmond means ‘from South Munster’, yet the historical tales associated with regions often link to misfortunes.
108. Zenith
A name meaning ‘highest point’, sharing stories of those who met unfortunate ends despite rising to great heights.
109. Orlando
This name signifies ‘famous land’, yet carries the stories of misfortunes that befell the rulers of the celebrated lands.
110. Cruce
This name implies ‘cross’, symbolizing the burdens of cross to bear, highlighting misfortunes.
111. Felician
While this name translates to ‘happy’, it can ironically narrate tales of underlying misfortunes.
112. Lennox
The name Lennox has Scottish roots, often tying back to stories filled with personal strife or misfortune.
113. Aidan
The name Aidan means ‘little fire’, suggesting burn sites of misfortunes left behind.
114. Quillon
Although it means ‘crossing swords’, it often hints at misfortunes entwined with battle.
115. Torin
Torin means ‘chief’, but historically, leaders have faced misfortunes that strike hard.
116. Maelstrom
This name refers to a powerful whirlpool, linking it to turbulent events and misfortunes in life.
117. Jagger
This name’s meaning connects to ‘carter’, hinting at the trials and misfortunes faced on the road of life.
118. Odysseus
Odysseus is a figure known for extensive misfortunes and trials on his journey in Greek mythology.
119. Brayden
This name means ‘broad valley’, often signifying the struggles that come from traversing broader ground.
120. Finnegan
Finnegan, meaning ‘son of the fair-haired one’, also touches on unfortunate tales passed down.
121. Silas
This biblical name often hints at the misfortunes endured by those overcoming tribulations of faith.
122. Anton
The name Anton may mean ‘priceless’, yet it tells of the stories of lives lost that often surround riches.
123. Anselm
Anselm, meaning ‘divine protection’, ironically draws attention to misfortunes faced despite seeking protection.
124. Odell
This name connotes ‘woad hill’, linking it to the hardships of survival faced historically.
125. Becker
Becker means ‘baker’, yet the historical implications often imply the struggles facing a trade.
126. Calderon
This name means ‘rocky river’, symbolizing the misfortune represented by tumultuous waters.
127. Emory
This name translates to ‘brave power’, yet bravery is often shadowed by unfortunate consequences.
128. Reuben
A biblical name meaning ‘behold, a son’, known for its connection to tragic tales of siblings.
129. Denholm
The name Denholm means ‘valley’ and can symbolize difficulties faced while traversing deep places, linking it to misfortune.
130. Angus
Though it means ‘one strength’, it often connects to warriors’ misfortunes in battles.
131. Kwame
This name means ‘born on a Saturday’, but bears stories of lives filled with challenges and misfortunes.
132. Albus
Albus means ‘white’, yet can reference the darkness hidden beneath which symbolizes misfortune.
133. Pierce
This name implies ‘rock’, carrying the weight of stories tied to misfortune in life and history.
134. Lucius
The name Lucius traditionally means ‘light’, yet throughout history, its bearers have faced tragedies.
135. Barbatos
This unique name often connects to mysterious spirits representing misfortune and darkness.
136. Asher
Asher means ‘happy’, yet the irony lies in its association with tales of hardships.
137. Cormac
This name means ‘son of the charioteer’ yet is often tied to challenging historical contexts revolving around misfortunes.
138. Regulus
Regulus meaning ‘little king’, often connects with tragic narratives tied to small rulers facing immense challenges.
139. Zorion
This name means ‘happiness’ while telling a tale of unfortunate shifts of fate.
140. Malvin
The name Malvin means ‘bright sea’, implied with fierce storms that often signify misfortune.
141. Aldous
While it means ‘old’, it often carries with it lessons learned through the misfortunes of age.
142. Wilfred
Wilfred means ‘desires peace’, yet his historical counterparts often faced intense misfortunes.
143. Cynric
This unique name means ‘royal power’, but misfortunes often follow those in positions of authority.
144. Jorim
Jorim means ‘to be uplifted’, yet often encompasses tales of fall from grace leading to misfortune.
145. Niko
User-friendly variant of Nicholas means ‘victory of the people’, but many stories tied to victory involved misfortune.
146. Constantius
This name connects to the Roman Emperor whose reign was filled with stories of unfortunate turns.
147. Draal
This name can mean ‘to be proactive’, yet the misfortunes of those who take action are often woven into the stories.
148. Romulus
Foundational name linked with the tragic tale of Rome’s founding, laden with misfortunes.
149. Isidore
This ancient name means ‘gift of Isis’, although the history encompasses misfortunes.
150. Zandor
This unique name translates to ‘defender of men’, a role often tied with life-altering misfortune.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that means misfortune can be a unique way to embrace the complexities of life. Each name carries its own narrative, often steeped in history, mythology, or literature that reflects trials and tribulations. Whether you’re drawn to these names for their haunting beauty or their layered meanings, they can serve as intriguing conversation starters.
From historical figures like Oedipus to literary characters like Job, these names infuse depth into any child’s identity. Each name tells a story of struggle and resilience, reminding us that misfortune can often lead to growth and understanding.
By exploring boy names that mean misfortune, you can find something uniquely compelling. If you’re interested in more names with intriguing meanings, consider looking into names that symbolize curses or explore unlucky names.