Names often carry deep meanings and emotions. Some female names represent sorrow, capturing the essence of sadness and loss. These names can be tied to history, culture, or personal stories. Choosing a name with such a significant meaning can reflect strength and resilience in facing life’s challenges.
Today, we will look at a selection of female names that mean sorrow. Each name has its own unique background and significance. Whether you’re seeking a name for a character, a story, or even inspiration, these names offer a poignant reminder of the complexities of life and emotions.
Female Names That Mean Sorrow
1. Mara
Mara is a Hebrew name meaning ‘bitter.’ It captures a feeling of deep sorrow and aligns with the biblical story of Naomi, who referred to herself as Mara due to her grief.
2. Lenore
This name has origins in both English and French, meaning ‘light’ but is often associated with sadness due to its popularity in Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven.” The character Lenore embodies lost love and melancholy.
3. Triste
A name from the French word for ‘sad,’ Triste conveys a sense of sorrow beautifully and poetically, making it evocative and emotional.
4. Brene
Derived from the Gaelic name Brón, Brene means ‘sorrow.’ It is a unique and heartfelt name, reflecting a deep emotional connection.
5. Alayna
Alayna, with influences from various cultures, can mean ‘sorrowful.’ Its melodious sound hides a profound meaning.
6. Jabez
This name from the Hebrew means ‘sorrow.’ It’s traditionally been more popular for boys, making it a unique choice for a girl, adding a twist on classic gender norms.
7. Devlin
Devlin, an Irish name meaning ‘unlucky’ or ‘unfortunate,’ reflects sorrow and adversity, perfectly embodying the struggles one may face.
8. Mallory
This name originates from French and means ‘unfortunate.’ It provides a sense of sympathy and understanding of life’s harsher realities.
9. Keren
A name from Hebrew that means ‘horn of sorrow,’ Keren evokes imagery of strength alongside feelings of grief.
10. Alva
Alva can mean ‘elf’ but also connects to sorrow through its ancient roots. It’s a name that brings a vintage charm while holding deeper meaning.
11. Hanelore
This name has German roots meaning ‘graceful’ but is linked to pain in folklore, adding a layer of sorrowful depth to its beauty.
12. Ailsa
A Scottish name meaning ‘elf victory,’ often associated with sorrow in legendary tales and history, making it rich with poignancy.
13. Isolde
An old and romantic name rooted in legend, Isolde means ‘ice ruler’ or ‘sorrowful.’ Its connections to tragic love stories echo strong themes of loss.
14. Aviva
This name from Hebrew means ‘spring’ but is also associated with themes of sadness, as spring can symbolize rebirth after loss.
15. Tegan
Welsh in origin, Tegan means ‘beautiful’ but has also been used in poetry to relate to sorrow and heartache, drawing from deep emotions.
16. Bellatrix
Meaning ‘female warrior’ in Latin, Bellatrix can also be linked to dark and sorrowful tales, adding a dramatic flair.
17. Kalia
This Hawaiian name means ‘brightness,’ yet it’s often associated with stories of overcoming sorrow, highlighting resilience.
18. Dierdre
A name with Irish origins meaning ‘sorrowful’ or ‘brokenhearted,’ perfect for embracing the sadness that can come with life experiences.
19. Calantha
This Greek name means ‘beautiful flower,’ but is often tied to tragic historical figures, evoking complex emotions and sorrowful tales.
20. Alectra
A name that refers to a character in ancient tales associated with loss and tragedy, Alectra means ‘bright,’ but brings a somber contrast.
21. Bethany
This name has biblical origins related to sadness, specifically the town near where Jesus healed Lazarus, symbolizing loss and healing.
22. Raina
derived from Slavic origins meaning ‘pure,’ but in some cultures, it’s tied to sadness connected with rain and emotional release.
23. Thalassa
A Greek name meaning ‘the sea,’ often linked metaphorically to sorrow, as the vastness of the ocean can reflect deep feelings of grief.
24. Morrigan
A name from Irish mythology representing war and fate, often associated with death and sorrow, making it rich in history.
25. Alina
This name emphasizes brightness but has various interpretations that hint at sadness in literary works.
26. Mabel
This vintage name means ‘lovable,’ but could also suggest a longing for love lost, linking it to sorrowful narratives.
27. Youka
A name of Japanese origin meaning ‘gentle blossom’ but often tied to gentle sadness in poetry and art.
28. Liadan
A Gaelic name meaning ‘grey lady’ or ‘grey-haired,’ invoking images of sorrow and mystery through its elegant sound.
29. Brona
This name comes from the Gaelic word for ‘sorrow,’ directly tying it to feelings of sadness and heartache.
30. Rhea
A name from Greek mythology often associated with the earth and motherhood, but can also relate to sorrow in the context of loss in myths.
31. Blythe
Although it typically means ‘free spirit’ or ‘happy,’ the dichotomy of its sunny exterior can contrast with deeper sorrows.
32. Melancholy
This name can be interpreted literally, representing a feeling of deep sadness. It’s a bold choice to embrace the sentiment of sorrow.
33. Amina
This Arabic name means ‘trustworthy’ but can also evoke the sorrow of lost promises in stories.
34. Edda
A name tied to the Old Norse literary tradition linked to tales of sorrow and loss, reflecting the weight of history.
35. Antheia
Meaning ‘flower’ in Greek, Antheia can represent beauty amidst grief, common in poetry through the symbolism of flowers.
36. Kira
An elegant name that means ‘light’ in some languages, and sorrow in others, representing the dichotomy of hope and grief.
37. Darina
This name means ‘gift’ but, in many cultures, is interwoven with themes of sorrow and loss in folklore.
38. Elspeth
Scottish name meaning ‘pledged to God,’ often connecting to narratives of loss and mourning.
39. Kalila
This beautiful name means ‘beloved’ in Arabic and can resonate with themes of sorrow when considering farewells.
40. Miku
A name of Japanese origin meaning ‘future’ but often linked with poignant moments of loss and remembrance.
41. Niamh
With Irish roots, this name suggests radiance but is also associated with loss since it’s tied to mythical stories of unfulfilled love.
42. Alarice
This name means ‘ruler of all’ in Germanic roots but has been connected to tales of sorrow and strife in historical contexts.
43. Zaira
Meaning ‘blooming flower’ in Arabic, but often associated with beautiful yet tragic stories which impart sadness.
44. Elysia
This name comes from Greek mythology for the Elysian Fields, a resting place for souls, embodying sorrow and tranquility.
45. Vespera
Meaning ‘evening star’ in Latin, it evokes feelings of melancholy, representing the beauty found in endings and loss.
46. Raffaella
Though it means ‘God has healed,’ it carries stories of deep sorrowful trials and conversations about healing from grief.
47. Coraline
This name has meanings tied to coral, but its usage in modern literature connects it to darker, sorrowful themes.
48. Thora
Of Norse origin, meaning ‘thunder,’ often seen in tales that reflect sorrow through loss and strength in adversity.
49. Sabelle
Derived from Hebrew meaning ‘God is my oath,’ but in storytelling, it aligns often with fate and tragic ends.
50. Fleur
Although it means ‘flower’ in French, Fleur can symbolize the fleeting nature of beauty and life, tying it to the theme of sorrow.
51. Wren
This name represents a bird but carries with it literary connections to loss and longing, reflecting a deep sense of sorrow.
52. Ottawa
A tribal name meaning ‘to trade,’ also has connections to stories of sorrow in intertribal relations and histories.
53. Nevaeh
This name, which means ‘heaven’ spelled backward, often reflects hope but can also symbolize grief over those lost as one looks upward.
54. Melisande
A romantic name that means ‘strong in work,’ famously linked to stories of heartbreak and loss, adding sorrowful depth to its beauty.
55. Calista
Although meaning ‘most beautiful,’ the beauty can stem from narratives filled with sadness, capturing the essence of both.
56. Symone
Derived from Simon, often retains meanings tied to listening which links to stories of heartache and sorrow expressed in heartful dialogue.
57. Nerys
This Welsh name means ‘lady’ but can embody themes of sorrow intertwined with noble tales of loss.
58. Edna
This name means ‘rebirth,’ often tied to moments of loss and restoration, linking sadness with hope beautifully.
59. Annalise
Combining Anna and Lise, bringing profound meanings related to grace, but often tied to stories of lost love.
60. Vanya
A Slavic name meaning ‘God is gracious,’ can also echo stories of heartbreaking losses leading to newfound strength.
61. Tatiana
Meaning ‘fairy queen’ in Latin, often linked with stories that encompass great joy and overwhelming sorrows.
62. Echo
A Greek name meaning ‘reverberating sound,’ which reflects feelings of loss and memory, tying this name to narratives of sorrow.
63. Eurydice
This name ties deeply to Greek mythology where Eurydice’s tragic story embodies ultimate sorrow and longing for lost love.
64. Lila
This name means ‘night’ in Arabic, often linked to themes surrounding the beauty of sadness and darkness in poetic expressions.
65. Seraphina
This name carries the meaning of ‘fiery’ in Hebrew, but its connection to stories about angels often touch on sorrowful farewells.
66. Diana
Meaning ‘divine’, the name has been tied into tragedies in Roman mythology, embodying sorrow in its narratives.
67. Ventia
Meaning ‘wind’, this name symbolizes change but is often used in poetry to reflect melancholy and sorrowful tales.
68. Elara
A name of Greek origin often associated with myth, brings together themes of beauty surrounded by tales of sorrow.
69. Rebel
While typically associated with defiance, many stories showcase rebels facing sorrow through their struggles.
70. Florina
A name that means ‘flower’, often associated with fleeting beauty and sorrow through the narratives that surround it.
71. Destiny
This name translates to ‘fate’, intertwining stories of joy and sorrow, giving it a multi-faceted meaning.
72. Gray
A name that captures the essence of sadness in its very color, often symbolizing sorrow and uncertainty through an artistic lens.
73. Moriah
An ancient name that can link to feelings of sadness and pilgrimage in some traditions, offering a rich historical context.
74. Calliope
This name means ‘beautiful voice’ but is often tied to sorrow through the stories spun by the muse of epic poetry.
75. Corlette
A name with French origins, symbolizes sorrow through storytelling as it signifies ‘heart’ and connection to emotional themes.
76. Lavinia
This name combines elements of beauty and deep historical sorrow through its roots in Roman history and literature.
77. Zephyra
Meaning ‘west wind,’ it can bring a sense of anxiety and transient sorrow associated with change and loss in narratives.
78. Selene
A name derived from the Greek meaning ‘moon,’ which often has associations with loneliness and sadness in poetic context.
79. Ivette
This delicate name has ties to the ivy plant, which symbolizes fidelity and is often associated with sorrow through companionship.
80. Ashling
Of Irish origin, this name means ‘dream or vision,’ often explores sorrowful themes woven into dreams and lost hopes.
81. Noelle
A French name that means ‘Christmas’, but can symbolize sorrow when associated with themes of absence during festive times.
82. Anwen
This Welsh name means ‘very fair’ but is tied to stories of deep love and loss, highlighting the struggle of beauty in grief.
83. Clover
Though generally seen as a symbol of luck, its fleeting beauty can also evoke bittersweet feelings tied to sorrow.
84. Niamh
As mentioned previously, ties to Irish mythology that link deep meaning to sorrowful loves and experiences.
85. Delta
A name related to the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet, often symbolizing change that accompanies deep emotional shifts.
86. Calypso
This name ties into the themes of forgotten love and sorrow as seen in Greek mythology, encapsulating emotions from bittersweet tales.
87. Lilith
A name rooted in various myths connected to sorrow and loss of family ties, often exploring themes of betrayal.
88. Fayola
A name capturing the essence of joy but can have ties to tragic misfortune in folklore, linking beauty and sorrow.
89. Ziva
This name can mean ‘radiance,’ but is often linked with themes of loss and longing, particularly in Hebrew narratives.
90. Swana
This name can evoke images of water or serenity, but often reflects deep emotional undertones connecting to sorrow and its fluidity.
91. Isis
An ancient Egyptian name often symbolizing motherhood, it also encapsulates the theme of loss experienced through mythological stories.
92. Kanya
While this name means ‘young girl’, it often ties to tales of innocence lost, reflecting sorrowful transitions in life.
93. Sakari
This name translates from Sami as ‘bitter,’ deeply capturing the essence of sorrow in its very meaning.
94. Yara
A name with roots in Arabic meaning ‘small butterfly’ but captures sadness in the fleeting nature of beauty.
95. Verity
This name means ‘truth’ but can encompass sorrow through experiences and the hard truths of life.
96. Adira
A name meaning ‘strong,’ but can have ties to tales of sorrow, resilience through loss is captured artistically.
97. Sabina
This name derives from Sabine, connected to storytelling that includes elements of heartache, bridging beauty into sorrow.
98. Cleo
A name meaning ‘glory,’ often associated with the loss of those once famous, evoking feelings of sorrow in her legacy.
99. Neith
An ancient Egyptian name linked with the goddess of war, reflecting sorrow through tales of struggle and sacrifice.
100. Zeller
A name often linked to the musical arts, but those narratives often explore themes of joy shadowed by deep sorrow.
101. Aleida
Of Dutch origin meaning ‘noble kind’, it often reflects struggles of noble families found in tales of heartache.
102. Elysia
Captured from the Elysian Fields of mythology often signifies loss, intertwining joy with the sadness of longing.
103. Mairi
This name, which is the Scottish Gaelic form of Mary, connects deeply with historical sorrow and themes of loss in culture.
104. Zuri
Meaning ‘beautiful’ in Swahili, it resonates with shades of sorrow through the understanding of beauty lost in narratives.
105. Hesperia
A name meaning ‘evening star’, often draws on the melancholic beauty of twilight, linking loss to evening’s sorrow.
106. Astraea
This name represents the goddess of justice, embodying sorrow through tales of balance and loss in Greek stories.
107. Araminta
This name means ‘defender’, often embodying stories of strength despite loving and losing, rich in historical narrative.
108. Hecate
A powerful name tied to the ancient goddess linked with magic, loss, and deep sorrow through her lore.
109. Xiomara
Meaning ‘the one who is ready’, it can reflect readiness to face the sorrowful aspects of life.
110. Sinead
A name of Irish origin meaning ‘God is gracious,’ but often relates to tales of lost grace and mournful histories.
111. Desdemona
Historically tied to Shakespeare, this name represents tragic love stories that encapsulate deep sorrow.
112. Astrid
A Scandinavian name meaning ‘divinely beautiful,’ often found in tales where beauty is marred by tragic loss.
113. Keira
This name means ‘little black one,’ often interwoven with themes of mourning and sorrow in folklore.
114. Cyra
A name meaning ‘sun,’ but often curves into sadness when looking at cycles of night and day represented in myths.
115. Milan
This name is often associated with the city but can symbolize the changes and sorrows experienced in urban journeys.
116. Tamsin
A derivative of Thomasina, resonating messages of heartache pertaining to the journeys woven in historical accounts.
117. Amara
A name of various meanings, linked to both eternal and sorrowful experiences in love and loss leading to resilience.
118. Somerled
A name that connects deeply with nature but often reflects sorrow amidst the calmness of change in seasons.
119. Nyx
This name’s connection to night symbolizes the beauty of darkness while capturing themes of sorrow and dreams.
120. Brigid
This name has ties to the goddess of healing but also carries reminders of loss and the sorrow that comes with it.
121. Calantha
This name meaning ‘beautiful flower’ can tie beautifully into the themes of transience and sorrow through life.
122. Nerine
A Greek name meaning ‘sea nymph,’ often associated with deep emotions and sometimes sorrow connected to love at sea.
123. Carys
This Welsh name means ‘love,’ bearing stories of love intertwined with heartbreak and the sorrow that accompanies these unions.
124. Marcelline
A beautiful name tied to historical stories that often contain deep elements of longing and sorrow.
125. Thalia
A name meaning ‘to blossom,’ often signifying the beauty found amidst sorrow, encapsulating complex emotional layers.
126. Calypso
Within mythology, Calypso relates to love and longing, embodying sorrow through her tales of separation and unforgettable loss.
127. Harmony
A name synonymous with balance often captures the contrast with sorrow encountered in life’s journeys through music.
128. Kenna
This name means ‘born of fire,’ often reflects the intensity of emotions that can lead to sorrowful experiences.
129. Zadie
A name that is bright can conceal shadows of sorrow through its storytelling in historical contexts and literary ties.
130. Vivienne
A name meaning ‘alive,’ often juxtaposed against tragic tales of loss that resonate with strength through sorrow.
131. Cambria
A name linked to Wales, which holds historical tales often faced with deep-seated sorrow amidst the lore.
132. Ffion
A Welsh name meaning ‘foxglove,’ representing beauty that blooms yet reflects a cautionary tale of sorrow and fragility.
133. Zenith
Though it usually means ‘the highest point,’ it presents themes contrasting with stories of loss and sorrow as one descends from heights.
134. Vashti
A name of Persian origin related to the Biblical story of a queen, often echoing themes of sorrow and rejection in her narrative.
135. Soraya
A name meaning ‘princess,’ often captured in tales that emphasize loss and heartache, adding complexity to its surface beauty.
136. Zinnia
Named after a flower, zinnias can symbolize endurance but also the passing nature of beauty amidst sorrow.
137. Lysandra
A name meaning ‘liberator,’ frequently tied to struggles and resulting sorrow within historical contexts associated with freedom.
138. Emlyn
An old English name connecting to stories about emotional journeys encountering deep sadness and reflection.
139. Shira
This Hebrew name means ‘song,’ which often encompasses stories of mourning and sorrow within the arts and music.
140. Cressida
This name originates from Greek legends, often capturing sorrowful love stories that extend over generations.
141. Sidonie
A name that flourishes with meaning but also reflects deep-seated sorrow found within beloved literary works.
142. Marisol
A name combining ‘sea’ and ‘sun,’ often intertwining themes of bittersweet tales capturing both joy and sorrow.
143. Eleonora
This name brings elegance but is often steeped in tales of loss, making it rich in significance and somber beauty.
144. Enid
An English name meaning ‘soul,’ connects to a scorned love story that suggests deep-rooted sorrow through historical narratives.
145. Tabitha
Known for its biblical references, it embodies loss and resurrection, connecting elements of light amidst sorrowful stories.
146. Aelfric
With Old English roots, this name relates closely to tales of strength and sorrow through deep historical connections.
147. Liara
This name means ‘bringer of light,’ but often accompanies themes of loss and overcoming sorrow in various tales.
148. Yelena
This name means ‘shining light,’ but its narratives often connect to heartache and sorrow beautifully.
149. Rain
This name evokes imagery of nature while paralleling tears, capturing themes of sorrow through its representation.
150. Josselyn
A name of French origin meaning ‘member of the Gaut family,’ often interwoven with stories reflecting sorrow through familial ties.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that means sorrow carries deep emotional weight and can reflect complex feelings of loss and resilience. The female names we explored today not only capture the essence of sorrow but also relate to beautiful histories and personal stories. From mythological ties to literary background, these names show how sorrow can interweave through life experiences, reminding us of the strength found in adversity.
Should you wish to explore more about names tied to sorrowful sentiments, you might also find our article on names that mean sorrow and heartbreak insightful.
Ultimately, selecting a name with significant meaning can leave a lasting impression and tells a story of resilience in the face of sorrow.