Betrayal is a powerful theme found in many stories and cultures. Some female names carry meanings that relate to betrayal or treachery. These names can evoke strong emotions and often have rich histories behind them. Knowing these names can add depth to character development in writing or simply pique your interest.
Today, we’ll look at a selection of female names that mean betrayal. Each name has a unique story, showing how language and culture connect. Whether you’re searching for the perfect name for a character or just curious, these names offer fascinating insights into the concept of betrayal.
Female Names That Mean Betrayal
1. Delilah
This Hebrew name means “delicate” or “weak” and is popularly associated with betrayal due to the Biblical story of Samson and Delilah, where she betrays him for silver.
2. Judith
Judith means “woman from Judea” and is linked to betrayal through the tale of Judith and Holofernes, where she deceives and kills the invading general, embodying a form of treachery.
3. Tanith
A name of Phoenician origin, Tanith means “serpent” and is often associated with treachery and betrayal in mythological contexts.
4. Jezebel
This name is well-known for its associations with immorality and betrayal, as Jezebel in the Bible was a queen who led her husband, Ahab, astray.
5. Malia
Malia has Hawaiian roots, meaning “calm.” However, in some tales, it signifies betrayal due to its association with sorrow and loss.
6. Hester
Meaning “star,” Hester is linked to betrayal from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter,” where she carries the stigma of adultery and betrayal.
7. Magda
This name, derived from the Greek word for “tower,” is associated with betrayal due to its connection to harsh realities and trust issues in literature.
8. Claudia
Claudia means “lame” but in historical contexts, it is tied to betrayal through characters who faced disloyalty or were seen as a source of betrayal.
9. Lila
Lila means “night” and is sometimes associated with the concept of darkness and betrayal, as darkness often hides secrets.
10. Sable
Meaning “black,” Sable can symbolize deceitfulness, as black is often associated with mystery and treachery in storytelling.
11. Agnes
Agnes, meaning “pure,” contrasts sharply with betrayal, often representing the victim of disloyalty in classic tales.
12. Zara
Zara, meaning “princess,” has ties to betrayal narratives where royalty is often involved in schemes and treason.
13. Calista
This name means “most beautiful,” but it can also refer to betrayals involving alluring temptation, a common trope in stories of disloyalty.
14. Gwendolyn
Gwendolyn means “blessed ring,” a symbol of loyalty that contrasts with betrayal when circumstances lead to the breaking of vows.
15. Isolde
A name from Arthurian legend, Isolde is associated with betrayal through her tragic affair with Tristan.
16. Althea
Meaning “healer,” Althea can symbolize betrayals in relationships where trust and loyalty are vital yet are broken.
17. Seraphina
This name means “burning one” and can symbolize betrayal when linked to characters who cause emotional pain.
18. Lacey
Lacey means “from the lace field,” and it can represent delicate trust, often betrayed in personal relationships.
19. Esmeralda
This name means “emerald,” often associated with jealousy and betrayal, as seen in various works of fiction.
20. Tamsin
This English name means “twin,” which can relate to duality in a character’s nature or duplicity in friendships.
21. Briar
Briar means “thorny bush,” symbolizing the pain often associated with betrayal and the hidden dangers of what may appear beautiful.
22. Miranda
Miranda means “worthy of admiration,” but tales often twist this to depict betrayal, questioning the nature of admiration itself.
23. Celeste
This name means “heavenly,” but has been tied to stories where divine loyalty ends in betrayal or tragedy.
24. Paloma
Meaning “dove,” Paloma is often a symbol of peace but can also represent betrayal when trust is broken.
25. Bella
Bella means “beautiful” and can represent betrayal when beauty leads to deceptive intentions.
26. Lavinia
This name is associated with betrayal through tragic stories where the character’s beauty causes treachery among loved ones.
27. Naomi
Meaning “pleasantness,” Naomi also features in narratives of loss and betrayal of trust in familial binds.
28. Clio
This name, meaning “glory,” has been used in literature to portray characters whose ambitions lead to disloyalty.
29. Veda
Veda means “knowledge,” and knowledge can sometimes lead to tragic betrayals in stories where information is misused.
30. Rhoda
Rhoda means “rose,” and roses can symbolize beauty that hides painful thorns, representing betrayal.
31. Aria
This name means “song,” and songs often tell tales of heartbreak and betrayal through poetic storytelling.
32. Fiona
Fiona means “fair” and can also symbolize a fair face hiding a treacherous heart as seen in various literary characters.
33. Delphine
From the Greek meaning “dolphin,” Delphine can symbolize duality in character motivation—friendly yet capable of betrayal.
34. Emeline
Emeline means “industrious” and is often used to signify the trust that can be broken through deceitful hard work.
35. Talia
This name means “dew from God,” representing purity but can contrast sharply with betrayal narratives.
36. Rhea
Rhea means “flowing” and can symbolize a flow of emotions that often leads to betrayal in complex stories.
37. Heather
Named after the flowering plant, Heather can represent the fragility of relationships and potential betrayals.
38. Kali
Kali means “black,” often linked to betrayal or dark choices, presenting a compelling character archetype.
39. Luna
Luna means “moon,” and the moon’s changing phases can symbolize fluctuating loyalties and betrayals.
40. Zinnia
Zinnia means “flower” and can represent beauty but also the fleeting nature of trust that may lead to betrayal.
41. Layla
Layla means “night” and is often tied to dark themes, including betrayal, in storytelling.
42. Nova
Meaning “new,” Nova can symbolize a fresh start that may emerge from betrayal, as narratives often depict rebirth through hardship.
43. Sera
Sera means “evening,” which inherently carries a sense of closing chapters and potential betrayals that lead to new beginnings.
44. Brigid
This Irish name represents strength and has connections to characters whose fortitude leads to betrayal.
45. Ethel
Meaning “noble,” Ethel can signify betrayal against the nobility of spirit often depicted in classic literature.
46. Zora
Zora means “dawn,” suggesting the dawn of betrayal that can follow a façade of trust.
47. Ines
Ines means “pure,” but the contrast of purity can often signify betrayal when purity is tainted.
48. Mairead
This name means “pearl,” and pearls symbolize beauty that can hide the pain of betrayal inside.
49. Anya
Meaning “grace,” Anya often appears in stories where gracefulness masks deeper intentions leading to betrayal.
50. Nerida
Nerida means “sea nymph,” symbolizing the unpredictable nature of trust in relationships often leading to betrayal at sea.
51. Simone
This name means “to be heard” and is often linked to being the bearer of bad news, such as betrayal revealed.
52. Freya
Freya means “lady” and is often a figure who navigates love and betrayal in Norse mythology.
53. Juno
Juno means “queen of the heavens” and can symbolize betrayal within royal intrigue and relationships.
54. Augusta
This name means “great” or “magnificent,” often appearing in stories of betrayal amid greatness.
55. Thalia
Thalia means “to blossom,” representing the beauty of innocence that can be betrayed.
56. Xena
Xena means “guest” and is tied to themes of hospitality and betrayal, as guests can sometimes betray hosts.
57. Evangeline
Meaning “bearer of good news,” Evangeline can encapsulate the pain of betrayal when good turns to bad.
58. Rhiannon
This Welsh name means “great queen,” which can often be involved in stories of betrayal among nobility.
59. Cressida
This name is derived from Greek mythology and is surrounded by betrayal stories, often involving love triangles.
60. Tempest
Tempest refers to a storm, emblematic of chaotic relationships that lead to feelings of betrayal.
61. Vida
Meaning “life,” Vida can carry the weight of betrayal where life’s promises are broken.
62. Mira
Mira means “peace” but can symbolize betrayal through stories of trust broken in pursuit of that peace.
63. Lorelei
Lorelei is a German name linked to stories of enchanting sirens and betrayal through seduction.
64. Sadie
Sadie means “princess,” representing noble betrayal in romantic stories.
65. Aisling
This Irish name means “dream” and can symbolize the betrayal of dreams in lore.
66. Celine
Meaning “heavenly,” Celine has ties to betrayal due to the contrast of heavenly promises and earthly reality.
67. Zara
Zara means “blooming flower” and the transient beauty often leads to stories of betrayal.
68. Alia
Alia means “exalted” and is often intertwined with nobility and betrayal themes within narratives.
69. Reina
This name means “queen,” often entangled in aspects of royalty and betrayal.
70. Eleonora
Eleonora means “light” and can symbolize the harsh realities that come with treachery.
71. Thea
Thea means “goddess” and stories of divine betrayal often feature troubling relationships.
72. Cadi
Cadi means “pure,” but it also embodies betrayal’s depth when purity is lost.
73. Soren
Soren means “stern” and can connect to tales where stern expectations lead to tragic betrayals.
74. Ophelia
This name is associated with tragic betrayal in literature, especially in Shakespearian tales.
75. Masika
Masika means “born during rain,” often used in narratives where love and betrayal intertwine during tumultuous times.
76. Danika
Danika means “morning star” and can signify the light of truth after betrayal.
77. Sonya
Sonya means “wisdom” and reflects on betrayal alongside profound knowledge.
78. Althea
Althea means “healer,” connecting to betrayal as those who heal often bear the burden of trust.
79. Ianthe
This name means “violet flower,” which can symbolize beauty concealing underlying betrayal.
80. Lysandra
Lysandra means “liberator,” often intertwined with tales of liberation through betrayal.
81. Kiara
Kiara means “bright” and may symbolize the glaring truth behind betrayals.
82. Vespera
Vespera means “evening star” and symbolizes the deceit that can arise as day turns to night.
83. Nerissa
Nerissa means “sea nymph,” expressing the alliance with beauty and betrayal in her spirit.
84. Anemone
Anemone refers to the flower and symbolizes how beauty can mask betrayal.
85. Theodora
Theodora means “God’s gift,” but depicting how gifts can lead to betrayal adds complexity.
86. Lumina
Lumina means “light” but in some narratives symbolizes betrayal within the framework of light’s deceit.
87. Celina
Celina means “heavenly” and can connect to betrayal through celestial themes in storytelling.
88. Bramley
Bramley means “broom clearing” and symbolizes the need to clear away betrayals.
89. Yara
This name means “small butterfly,” signifying the fragility of trust and potentially betrayal.
90. Vanya
Vanya means “gracious gift,” but gifting can also lead to feelings of betrayal in relationships.
91. Skye
Skye means “cloud” and invokes imagery where distrust can lead to betrayal.
92. Cressida
Meaning “golden,” Cressida’s name is marked by tales of betrayal across literature.
93. Violette
This name means “purple flower,” symbolizing beauty loved but can betray.
94. Keren
Keren means “ray” or “horn,” illustrating the steps of betrayal across stories.
95. Zinnia
Zinnia means “flower,” indirectly retaining the association with character narrative betrayal.
96. Anya
Anya means “favor,” intertwined messages of grace amidst betrayal.
97. Penelope
Means “weaver,” symbolizing complex relationships where betrayal can unravel tales.
98. Cora
Cora means “maiden,” signifying the transition into betrayal during love stories.
99. Kiera
Kiera means “little dark,” symbolizing how darkness often symbolizes betrayal.
100. Malika
Malika means “queen,” and echoes themes of royal betrayals throughout history.
101. Maura
This name means “bitter,” connecting to hurt and betrayal deeply felt.
102. Estelle
Estelle means “star,” almost always linked to love while representing tragic betrayals.
103. Nyx
Nyx means “night,” a time often associated with secrecy and betrayal.
104. Janus
This name can symbolize duality, representing faithfulness on one side and betrayal on another.
105. Elara
Meaning “bright,” Elara reflects light tied to emerging truths after betrayal.
106. Arwen
A name from Tolkien’s work, symbolizing the blend of beauty and the pain of betrayal.
107. Amara
Amara means “eternal,” and explores the contrast of enduring loyalty and betrayal.
108. Isla
Isla means “island,” representing isolation due to betrayals in relationships.
109. Faye
Faye means “fairy,” which suggests enchanting betrayal amidst magical realms.
110. Leona
This name means “lion,” and often depicts the ferocity of betrayal in narratives.
111. Sybil
Sybil means “prophetess,” connecting to how foreseeing betrayal may alter fate.
112. Yasmin
Yasmin means “jasmine,” beautiful yet intertwined in betrayal stories where the flower is at stake.
113. Ariadne
This name means “most holy,” often seen in contexts where holiness is betrayed.
114. Laran
Meaning “bright,” Laran connects light with narratives of truth revealed after deep betrayal.
115. Mimi
Mimi means “noble” but challenges what nobility stands against betrayal.
116. Flora
Flora means “flower,” representing beauty that hides deeper aspects of betrayal.
117. Alina
Alina means “bright,” and brightness can hide darker betrayals within relationships.
118. Selene
Selene means “moon,” highlighting the secrets and betrayals often found in the night.
119. Aurora
Aurora means “dawn,” often representing hope that follows betrayals in stories.
120. Priya
Priya means “beloved,” yet deep down can signify a sense of betrayal through love.
121. Eira
Eira means “snow,” suggesting purity often shaken by betrayal’s arrival.
122. Naomi
Naomi means “pleasantness,” highlighting the irony when pleasantness drapes the betrayal.
123. Zaria
Zaria means “flower,” adding beauty to the tragedy of betrayal.
124. Kiara
Kiara means “light,” where sometimes light is a tool for deception and betrayal.
125. Lyric
Lyric means “song,” a medium often expressing the nuances of betrayal deeply.
126. Claudia
Claudia means “lame,” but can also symbolize betrayal hidden within grief and loss.
127. Natalya
Natalya means “born on Christmas,” tying growth and renewal with the betrayals of introspection.
128. Minerva
Minerva means “wisdom,” often representing the painful wisdom gained from betrayal.
129. Thora
Thora means “thunder,” echoing the storms brought on by acts of betrayal.
130. Coral
Coral signifies beauty yet can represent disloyalty amid friendships.
131. Viva
Viva means “alive,” often evoking the contrasting feelings associated with betrayal.
132. Shannon
Shannon means “old” or “wise,” adding complicated aspects in betrayal narratives.
133. Zara
Zara means “princess,” echoing tales where princesses navigate betrayal.
134. Phaedra
Phaedra means “bright,” and the brightness is often intertwined with deception and betrayal.
135. Lavender
This name symbolizes beauty but can represent the bittersweet nature of betrayal.
136. Cassia
Cassia means “cinnamon,” marking sweetness that may mask betrayal in relationships.
137. Maud
Maud means “strength,” contrasting strength and betrayal in essential stories.
138. Celestia
Celestia means “heavenly,” tying celestial themes to betrayal and romance.
139. Taryn
Taryn means “rocky hill,” often likened to endurance amid challenging betrayals.
140. Opal
Opal signifies beauty but can symbolize hidden conflicts leading to betrayal.
141. Elowen
Elowen means “elm tree,” which often portrays growth amidst the backdrop of betrayal.
142. Zareen
Zareen means “golden,” reflecting betrayal often themed in preciousness.
143. Alivia
Alivia means “noble,” hinting at characters who bear disloyalty among nobility.
144. Carina
Carina means “beloved,” a compound of loyalties involving betrayal.
145. Daria
Daria means “possessor,” where the possessiveness can lead to conflicts and betrayal.
146. Thalia
Thalia means “to blossom,” links to the beauty of innocence betrayed.
147. Wendy
This name means “friend” but reflects the complexity friendships can face, including betrayal.
148. Felicity
Felicity means “happiness,” contrasting the potential for betrayal amidst joyful moments.
149. Daphne
Daphne means “laurel tree,” embodying triumph and betrayal in victory.
150. Amara
Amara means “eternal,” where the eternal bond is tested by betrayal.
Final Thoughts
Exploring female names that mean betrayal reveals how deeply intertwined betrayal is within storytelling and character representation. From well-known figures to hidden gems, each name carries a rich history and connection to the theme of treachery. They evoke emotions and provoke thoughts on loyalty and trust.
When developing characters, these names can add depth and complexity, enabling their stories to speak to the timeless theme of betrayal and its consequences.
For those interested in diving deeper, consider looking at more names that connect with feelings of betrayal by visiting names that mean betrayal or explore girl names that mean betrayal that might further inspire your creative journey.