Choosing the right name for your baby boy can be a fun and meaningful experience. Sometimes, names carry special meanings that can reflect the life you hope for your child. However, some names have less than lucky meanings. If you’re curious about names with unlucky connotations, you’re in the right place.
Today, we will look at boy names that mean unlucky. Whether you are searching for a unique name or simply want to understand the meanings behind certain names, knowing their backgrounds can be valuable. From folklore to cultural interpretations, let’s examine these names and what they might signify for your little one.
Boy Names That Mean Unlucky
1. Mallory
This name originates from French, meaning ‘unfortunate’ or ‘ill-fated.’ Mallory is a classic example of a name that carries an unlucky connotation.
2. Jabez
Jabez is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning ‘sorrow’ or ‘pain.’ The biblical figure associated with this name was named for the suffering caused during birth.
3. Cruz
Cruz translates to ‘cross’ in Spanish and symbolizes suffering, making it a name connected to hardship.
4. Sorrell
This unique name derives from Old French and means ‘sour.’ The term carries an air of unluckiness, as it can be associated with negative experiences.
5. Brenner
Brenner comes from German, meaning ‘to burn.’ The association with fire can imply destructive situations and struggles.
6. Malachi
This Hebrew name means ‘my messenger’ but is often linked to tales of misfortune and loss in literature.
7. Tristram
A name of Latin origin, Tristram means ‘sad’ or ‘sorrowful,’ reflecting themes of misfortune in various legends.
8. Saulo
This name, meaning ‘asked for’ in Hebrew, has connections to the biblical King Saul, whose story is full of tragedy.
9. Jinx
Jinx, a name tied to superstition, means ‘a curse or spell,’ directly linking it to bad luck and misfortune.
10. Zasha
Of Slavic origin, Zasha means ‘defender’ but also relates to negative experiences in certain folklores.
11. Damaris
Damaris comes from Greek, meaning ‘calf’ or ‘gentle,’ but in literature, characters named Damaris often face unfortunate fates.
12. Lachlan
While Lachlan means ‘from the land of lakes,’ its history is tied to battles and misfortune in Scottish folklore.
13. Caelum
This Latin name means ‘heaven,’ but is sometimes associated with themes of sorrow and loss in poetic works.
14. Hades
This Greek name connects to the god of the underworld, making it synonymous with death and misfortune.
15. Quillon
Quillon has Latin roots, suggesting ‘crossing swords,’ associated with conflict and therefore linked to unlucky consequences.
16. Justus
A Latin name meaning ‘just,’ but in some traditions, it is seen as a name for those who struggle for fairness in unfair situations.
17. Abaddon
This Hebrew name means ‘destroyer,’ directly suggesting themes of ruin and despair.
18. Azazel
A complex name with Hebrew roots, Azazel is associated with scapegoating and misfortune in biblical texts.
19. Grim
Simply meaning ‘fierce or cruel,’ this name reflects an aura of negativity and sadness.
20. Alvah
Alvah means ‘his highness’ but also has connections to sadness and is linked to misfit characters.
21. Acheron
Named after the river in Greek mythology associated with the underworld, Acheron has connotations of sadness and the fate of the unfortunate.
22. Jehoiakim
This biblical name means ‘Yahweh will raise up’ but carries a story of downfall, making it less than lucky.
23. Desmond
While this name means ‘one from South Munster,’ it also relates to themes of woe in some stories.
24. Nestor
Meaning ‘homecoming’ in Greek, Nestor is also connected to tales of struggle and loss.
25. Clovis
This name means ‘famous warrior’ in French but links to unfortunate battles in history.
26. Adrapan
A lesser-known name meaning ‘miserable’ in Persian, fitting the unlucky theme perfectly.
27. Tynan
Of Irish origin, Tynan means ‘the firebrand,’ hinting at destructive consequences.
28. Abraxas
This mystical name relates to fighting against fate, linking it to unlucky circumstances.
29. Merrick
Merrick, meaning ‘ruler of the sea,’ has legends that twist towards misfortune at sea.
30. Edric
This name means ‘wealthy ruler’ but also resonates with tales of those who lost their fortunes unfairly.
31. Ansel
Meaning ‘with divine protection,’ this name ironically has its roots in tales of downfall.
32. Garrison
This name means ‘protection’ but is often associated with those who had unfortunate endings in battle.
33. Abernathy
An unusual name that means ‘mouth of the river,’ often seen in stories of tragic floods.
34. Corwin
This means ‘friend of the heart,’ but is tied to stories of heartbreak and loss.
35. Kadeem
Kadeem means ‘the ancient one,’ sounding grand, but hearkens back to unfortunate legends.
36. Thorne
This name suggests ‘thorny bush,’ hinting at painful experiences and misfortune.
37. Malvin
Of Gaelic origin, Malvin means ‘smoothness’ but has associations with hardships in some myths.
38. Fagan
This Irish name translates to ‘the little one,’ but often connects to tales of misfortune.
39. Drennan
A name of Irish origin meaning ‘descendant of Dairi,’ which carries an aura of misfortune in its history.
40. Loki
This name is tied to the Norse god of mischief, a character often creating unlucky situations.
41. Rahel
While Rahel means ‘ewe’ in Hebrew, it is linked to hardships in the biblical story.
42. Darrow
This name suggests ‘the oak tree’ but relates to unlucky fortunes in some tales.
43. Loki
Loki is known as the trickster god in Norse mythology, often associated with causing chaos and misfortune.
44. Alder
This name means ‘old or wise’ but connects to the unlucky fates of trees in folklore.
45. Armand
A name meaning ‘army man,’ often ties to unfortunate stories of soldiers.
46. Bruno
Bruno, meaning ‘brown-haired,’ can also suggest a grounding in unfortunate tales from history.
47. Harlan
Harlan translates to ‘meadow on a hill,’ but in some stories, it echoes themes of loss.
48. Aeson
This name means ‘healer’ but has connections to misfortunes faced by heroes in mythology.
49. Bayard
This name suggests a ‘bay colored horse’ but often connects to unlucky figures in stories.
50. Acheron
Named after the river in Greek mythology associated with dark themes, Acheron often suggests unfortunate journeys.
51. Enzo
While Enzo means ‘ruler of the household,’ some legends tie it with tales of tragedy.
52. Devereaux
This name suggests ‘from the riverbank,’ but riverbanks often face floods and destruction.
53. Orlando
Orlando means ‘famous land,’ but its stories often intertwine with the tragic.
54. Shiloh
This Hebrew name means ‘peace,’ but the place has a history marked by war and misfortune.
55. Corbin
This name means ‘raven’ in Latin, often a symbol of bad luck in folklore.
56. Severin
This Latin name means ‘stern or serious,’ but tales of Severin often twist into unfortunate circumstances.
57. Phelan
A name of Irish origin meaning ‘wolf,’ often associated with foreboding and misfortune.
58. Trenton
The name Trenton means ‘town by the marsh,’ relating to bogs and potentially unfortunate circumstances.
59. Kenton
This name means ‘town on the ridge,’ but areas on high ground often suffer landslides.
60. Holt
Holt suggests ‘wooded hill,’ yet woods hide tragedies throughout history.
61. Merritt
While Merritt sounds positive, it means ‘boundary’ and implies struggles against limits.
62. Tybalt
This French name means ‘bold and brave,’ but carries unfortunate connotations in literary tales.
63. Quinton
This name means ‘the fifth,’ but has associations with misfortune in different eras.
64. Magnus
This name means ‘great’ in Latin, yet holds ties to disastrous events in stories.
65. Knoll
Knoll translates to ‘small hill,’ which can be linked to landslides in some folklore.
66. Gideon
Gideon means ‘great warrior’ but is also associated with tragic conflicts.
67. Orson
This name means ‘bear cub,’ often symbolizing vulnerability and misfortune.
68. Creed
The name Creed means ‘a system of beliefs’, while many beliefs have led to unfortunate ends.
69. Colton
This name means ‘from the coal town,’ linking to industries fraught with danger.
70. Dalrymple
An unusual name meaning ‘from the pasture’, it connects to stories of unfortunate agricultural fates.
71. Maciel
This name suggests ‘a little son,’ tying into stories of loss in families.
72. Leighton
Meaning ‘from the meadow town’, meadows can face floods and misfortunes.
73. Sinclair
A nice French name meaning ‘without a light’, it suggests lack of fortune.
74. Montague
This name means ‘pointed mountain’ and resonates with tales of tragic climbs.
75. Cato
This name means ‘wise’ but also carries implications of bitter learning experiences.
76. Erasmus
A name meaning ‘beloved’, it has historical ties to unfortunate circumstances.
77. Fenton
This name means ‘settlement by the marsh’, often associated with misfortune.
78. Hollis
This name means ‘dweller at the holly trees’ but suggests a history of adversity.
79. Isadora
Meaning ‘gift of Isis’, this name is tied to stories of misfortune from ancient texts.
80. Vaughn
This Welsh name means ‘small’, linking it to tales of struggle and overcoming misfortune.
81. Anselm
This name means ‘divine protection’, but many stories turn tragic regardless.
82. Nicolas
While meaning ‘victory of the people’, it connects to unlucky figures in history.
83. Seth
This ancient name means ‘appointed one’, but connects to themes of loss and tragedy in history.
84. Jermaine
A popular name, Jermaine implies ‘brotherly’ but characters with this name often endure hardship.
85. Quentin
This name means ‘the fifth’, while often associated with misfortune in various settings.
86. Oren
This Hebrew name suggests ‘pine tree’, which connects to stories of stormy fates.
87. Warner
While this name means ‘defending army’, many stories take tragic turns for its bearers.
88. Dermot
Meaning ‘free from envy’, it ties into tales filled with unfortunate rivalry.
89. Malcolm
This name inspires thoughts of rulers, but many Scottish kings met unfortunate ends.
90. Carolus
Meaning ‘free man’, many with this name faced imprisonment and hardship.
91. Renfield
While suggesting ‘ruler’s field’, it carries echoes of unfortunate stories.
92. Wolf
Meaning ‘wolf,’ it connects to themes of predator and prey, often leading to misfortune in folklore.
93. Roderick
This name means ‘famous power’, yet many by this name faced unfortunate losses in tales.
94. Harlan
While this name means ‘from the army land’, it also relates to unfortunate battle stories.
95. Rook
This name connected to the bird often symbolizes bad luck in various cultures.
96. Aldous
Aldous means ‘old’ or ‘wise,’ often tying into stories filled with missed opportunities.
97. Malakai
This name means ‘messenger’, often bearing unfortunate tidings in stories.
98. Ammon
A Hebrew name meaning ‘faithful’, but tied to unfortunate fates in various contexts.
99. Griffin
The name Griffin suggests ‘fierce warrior’, but many stories led its bearers to misfortune.
100. Axel
Meaning ‘father of peace’, Axel carries ironic connections to turmoil in history.
101. Dorian
This name means ‘gift’, often linking to tragic gifts in literature.
102. Lyndon
This name connects to a place near a ‘linden tree’, which has tales of unfortunate weathers.
103. Bartholomew
This biblical name means ‘son of the furrow’, echoes stories of hard labor and less than lucky fates.
104. Rhett
A literary name that can mean ‘advice’ but often involves unfortunate situations in stories.
105. Malcolm
This name suggests ‘devotee of St. Columba,’ often associated with unfavorable events.
106. Gideon
While it means ‘great warrior’, many Gideons faced tragic consequences in stories.
107. Morton
This name translates to ‘from the sea town’, hinting at unfortunate maritime tales.
108. Jarek
This name means ‘fierce’ and often relates to tales of misfortune.
109. Konrad
According to German origin, it means ‘bold counsel’, but many have faced downfall.
110. Basil
This name means ‘royal’, yet often links to unfortunate endings in history.
111. Atwood
This name suggests ‘from the oak tree’, which can relate to many tragic events.
112. Vesper
Translated from Latin meaning ‘evening star’, it suggests endings that can often relate to misfortune.
113. Abner
Abner means ‘father of light’, but in stories, the bearers often faced dark times.
114. Jerry
While this name connects to strength, many Jeremies faced unfortunate turns.
115. Hadraniel
This unique name calls to mind ‘stag of God’, implying themes of misfortune.
116. Macon
This name may indicate ‘a place for dwelling’, but histories tie into unfortunate endings.
117. Tyrese
This name symbolizing ‘from the land of Tyre’, involves connections to themes of loss and hardship.
118. Riven
This name means ‘split apart’, correlating strongly with themes of misfortune and division.
119. Ivan
While meaning ‘God is gracious’, stories often twist into tales of tragedy.
120. Charlton
Meaning ‘free man’, often suggesting struggled freedom throughout history.
121. Walden
This name meaning ‘valley of the Welsh’, can relate to unfortunate events of valleys filled with strife.
122. Santo
Santo means ‘saint’, but ironically, bearers faced their tragedies and misfortunes as legendary figures.
123. Rune
Meaning ‘secret’ or ‘mystery’, Runic tales often involve misfortunes wrapped in riddles.
124. Anakin
Famous from film lore, this name connects to misfortune through its narrative.
125. Achilles
In Greek mythology, Achilles represents great strength but meets unfortunate turns through his story.
126. Ajax
Another hero from Greek lore, Ajax is tied to tragic tales woven with misfortune.
127. Jester
This name implies someone who brings joy but is tied to the sorrowful fates of jesters.
128. Holden
This name suggests ‘hollow valley,’ implying low points or unlucky times.
129. Damion
This name means ‘to tame’, while often associated with figures facing immense challenges.
130. Wylde
While this name relates to something fierce or untamed, it connects to distinct stories of hardship.
131. Uriah
A biblical name meaning ‘light’, it carries stories of unfortunate betrayal.
132. Jarek
Meaning ‘fierce’, yet rooted in unfortunate tales of warriors.
133. Cael
This name means ‘slender’, while character stories often weave in unfortunate elements.
134. Adrien
Often interpreted as ‘dark’, yet captivates tales tied to misfortune.
135. Fortune
Interestingly a name, it converses with irony about how fate holds misfortunes.
136. Sterling
Meaning ‘of the highest quality’, yet many stories twist into grave hardships.
137. Campbell
Meaning ‘crooked mouth’, symbolizes the twist of fate in unfortunate tales.
138. Tarek
This name means ‘morning star,’ yet carries historical tales of misfortunes.
139. Orion
This name comes from Greek mythology, representing a great hunter, yet his story encompasses unfortunate loss.
140. Slater
Meaning ‘one who slates’, links with artisans who often experienced hardship due to their craft.
141. Harlan
This name means ‘from the army land’ but involves unfortunate battle narratives typically.
142. Ulysses
This name, resonating with heroism in Greek myth, embodies unresolved misfortunes throughout tales.
143. Valentine
This name connects to love but also holds stories of heartbreak and tragedy.
144. Arlo
Meaning ‘fortified hill’, while tales often lead to those who faced unfortunate circumstances.
145. Balthasar
This name means ‘Baal protects the King’, yet misfortune unfolds in legends containing it.
146. Clement
Derived from ‘merciful’, stories often portray unfortunate endings despite its appeal.
147. Dunstan
A name meaning ‘dark stone’, steeped in dramatic narratives often involving unfortunate ends.
148. Hadraniel
Suggesting ‘majesty of God’, yet in various mythic stories, misfortunes unfold.
149. Obadiah
Meaning ‘servant of God’, somewhat ironic amongst the various afflictions faced in global religious narratives.
150. Zephaniah
This Hebrew name means ‘God has hidden’, often aligning with tales shrouded in misfortune and neglect.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect name for your baby boy can be both exciting and challenging. As we explored, names that mean unlucky carry unique and often heavy meanings that can tell stories of fate, loss, and struggle. While some of these names may seem less than auspicious, they can also represent resilience and strength in facing challenges.
Understanding the deep meanings behind names allows parents to make informed choices. If you’re intrigued by names with negative connotations, consider exploring more about names that mean unlucky or names that mean cursed, as they can provide even greater insight into the narratives behind names.
In the end, regardless of the name you choose, what truly matters is the love and meaning you impart to your child’s identity. Embracing even the stories of struggle can serve as a reminder of the strength needed to face life’s challenges.