Names can carry deep meanings and reflect cultural beliefs. Some names are linked to misfortune or hardship, often drawing from history, mythology, or folklore. These names might carry a heavy weight or serve as reminders of struggles. While they may not be common choices, they can also spark curiosity and conversation.
Today, we will explore a selection of girl names that mean misfortune. Each name comes with its own story and significance, revealing fascinating insights into why someone might choose such a name. Whether you’re looking for unique baby names or simply curious about their meanings, this list will offer intriguing options to consider.
Girl Names That Mean Misfortune
1. Mara
The name Mara means “bitter” in Hebrew and is associated with bitterness or sorrow. It reflects the struggles and hardships faced in life, making it a fitting name for someone connected to misfortune.
2. Mallory
This French name means “unfortunate” or “ill-fated.” It directly relates to misfortune, giving it a strong association with adversity and bad luck.
3. Caia
Caia is derived from a Roman family name that means “to be happy.” Ironically, it can also refer to certain historical figures associated with misfortune, making it an interesting contradiction.
4. Acheron
Acheron is the name of one of the rivers in the underworld according to Greek mythology. It symbolizes sorrow and is linked to tragic stories, capturing the essence of misfortune.
5. Jabez
This Hebrew name means “sorrow.” Jabez’s story in the Bible revolves around hardship, which adds depth to its meaning as a name associated with misfortune.
6. Dismal
As a name that directly means “gloomy,” Dismal evokes feelings of sadness and discouragement. It perfectly conveys a sense of ongoing misfortune.
7. Laika
Laika is derived from the Russian word for “barking” but is associated with the first dog in space, who did not return. The narrative signifies sacrifice and misfortune, creating a deep connection to the name.
8. Brie
This name, while meaning “strength” in Gaelic, can also resonate with the fate of Brie in folklore, who experienced significant misfortune, enhancing its emotional weight.
9. Tamsin
Tamsin, a variant of Thomasina, carries a meaning of “twin.” Yet in some interpretations, it links to stories of loss and misfortune, adding an intriguing aspect to the name.
10. Astraea
This Greek name means “star,” however, it also refers to a celestial maiden who abandoned Earth due to the misfortunes of humans, connecting it to themes of despair and misfortune.
11. Tristana
Tristana is a romantic name that suggests “sadness.” Its implication of sorrow fits beautifully into the theme of misfortune, making it a poignant choice.
12. Aisling
This Irish name meaning “dream” can be tied to the symbol of misfortune when the dreams do not come true, making it a bittersweet connection.
13. Laila
Laila means “night” in Arabic and carries a connotation of darkness and mystery. This association with night can signify misfortune and struggles.
14. Zillah
An ancient name from the Bible meaning “shade” or “shadow,” Zillah can represent the darker sighs of life and misfortune that linger in the background.
15. Adria
Adria means “dark” in Latin, which can refer to the darker aspects of life and serves as a reminder of misfortune in various narratives.
16. Talia
Talia can mean “dew from God,” but in certain contexts refers to sorrow and misfortune, as life can be both a blessing and a burden.
17. Delilah
Delilah means “delicate” or “weak,” but she is known in the Bible as a traitor who brought misfortune to Samson, which adds a layer of complexity to the name.
18. Malina
This name means “calamity” in some cultures. It strongly ties to the notion of experiencing misfortune, making it evocative and meaningful.
19. Isolde
A name often linked to tragedy in Arthurian legends, Isolde embodies the concept of ill-fated love and misfortune.
20. Calypso
Calypso, from Greek mythology, is linked to a nymph whose life was marked by the sorrow of unrequited love, highlighting misfortune embedded in her story.
21. Tempest
Tempest signifies a storm, often associated with turbulence and chaos, thus serving as a strong metaphor for misfortune.
22. Thea
The name Thea means “goddess” but is often associated with struggles in mythology, intertwining beauty with misfortune.
23. Rhiannon
This Welsh name means “great queen” but also relates to a myth where Rhiannon faced huge misfortune, offering layers of meaning to her story.
24. Seraphine
Seraphine implies “fiery” but can also connect to stories of fallen angels often rooted in misfortune.
25. Lilith
Lilith means “of the night” and in folklore, she is often associated with misfortune and darkness, making her name historic and meaningful.
26. Amarantha
This Greek name meaning “unfading” also ties to themes of loss and misfortune, embodying beauty amidst sorrow.
27. Thalia
Thalia can mean “to blossom,” yet in certain stories, it connects to themes of misfortune, softly echoing life’s fragile nature.
28. Elowen
This beautiful name meaning “elm tree” can symbolize strength but can also relate to tales of misfortune associated with trees and the hardships they face.
29. Niamh
Niamh means “bright” in Gaelic, but her story in mythology includes aspects of unfulfilled love and misfortune, adding depth to the name’s meaning.
30. Drusilla
Drusilla means “strong,” but her historical association with misfortune makes it a name that carries weight and significance.
31. Ines
Ines can mean “pure” but has stories of betrayal that link it to misfortune, creating a complex narrative around the name.
32. Nyx
Nyx is the Greek goddess of the night, embodying darkness that often pairs with misfortune in various myths.
33. Maureen
Maureen means “bitter,” which ties to hardship and misfortune, giving the name a poignant emotional layer.
34. Corisande
Corisande hints at darkness and strife, connecting to themes of misfortune in literature and history.
35. Verity
This name means “truth,” but its association with harsh realities links it to concepts of misfortune and struggle.
36. Odalys
Odalys arises from old German roots implying “wealth” but can depict lost fortunes and misfortune in narratives, adding depth to the name.
37. Faye
Faye means “fairy,” but in many tales, fairies bring both good luck and misfortune, connecting the name to a dual nature.
38. Hyacinth
This flower name can connote beauty but is tied to the tragic tale of Hyacinthus from Greek myths, leading to associations with misfortune.
39. Luna
Luna means “moon,” a symbol of light amidst darkness, which can doubling as both hope and misfortune in stories.
40. Pandora
Pandora is known for her box that unleashed misfortunes into the world, making her name synonymous with hardship and struggle.
41. Ailani
Ailani means “high chief” in Hawaiian but has been linked to stories of loss and misfortune, resonating richly within different contexts.
42. Ciara
This Irish name means “dark” and relates to tales of misunderstood characters often laden with misfortune.
43. Sable
Sable reflects darkness and shadows, connecting it to a theme of misfortune through its connotations and historical associations.
44. Lorelei
A name signifying a mythical siren, Lorelei represents temptation but carries a history of misfortune and despair for those who fell victim.
45. Raven
Raven can symbolize mystery and danger, often linked to foreboding outcomes or misfortune within folklore.
46. Zephyrine
This name means “west wind” but is often associated with stormy weather, symbolizing the tumult of misfortune.
47. Edna
Edna means “reborn,” but many literary references connect it to trials and misfortune, giving it a deeper significance.
48. Consuela
Often translated as “comfort,” this name can also be linked to the hardships that necessitate comfort, reflecting a connection to misfortune.
49. Twilight
This name evokes imagery of darkness and transition, often aligning with themes of misfortune and change.
50. Sybil
Sybil signifies a prophetess whose predictions could bring misfortune, adding an intriguing depth to the name.
51. Elysia
Elysia brings to mind “Elysium,” the afterlife in mythology, which frequently involves themes of struggles and misfortune.
52. Nyssa
Nyssa can mean “beginning” but often hints at stories filled with trials, reflecting a connection to misfortune.
53. Amaya
Amaya signifies “night rain,” which can symbolize sorrow and hardship linked to life’s misfortunes.
54. Tindra
This unique name means “to shine” but has connections to light emerging amidst darkness, symbolizing overcoming misfortune.
55. Eira
Eira means “snow,” reflecting both beauty and the harsh outcomes of winter, symbolizing misfortune in a delicate way.
56. Hecate
This powerful goddess in Greek mythology represents magic, but she also embodies darkness and misfortune in her tales.
57. Acacia
Acacia may symbolize strength but can also refer to times of adversity and misfortune experienced by the tree in various cultures.
58. Selene
Selene means “moon,” associated with night, often embodying loneliness and misfortune associated with solitude.
59. Zephyr
As a name symbolizing the west wind, Zephyr can represent calm but also storms and misfortunes lurking beneath the surface.
60. Serene
This name means “peaceful,” but can ironically reflect the absence of peace and associated misfortunes in life.
61. Maeve
Maeve, a queen in Irish mythology, is entangled in battles and tragedy that echo misfortune throughout her stories.
62. Iris
Iris is often a symbol of hope, yet many historical interpretations link it to misfortunes faced by those seeking beauty.
63. Danica
This name signifies “morning star” but often connects to stories of lost opportunities, representing misfortune in its narrative.
64. Calista
Calista means “most beautiful,” yet the story surrounding her can reflect themes of misfortune and tragedy, making it rich in meaning.
65. Lirael
Lirael means “song” but is linked to hardship in the narrative when the melody evokes memories of misfortune.
66. Gwendolyn
Gwendolyn means “blessed ring,” yet its folklore often entwines with tales of misfortune, adding layers to the name.
67. Esmeralda
Meaning “emerald,” Esmeralda’s story in literature involves immense struggle and misfortune, giving her name a bittersweet touch.
68. Astra
Astra, meaning “star,” connects beautifully to the hopeful light that often shines through times of great misfortune.
69. Minerva
Founded in myth, Minerva is a goddess of wisdom often dealing with stories of challenges, linking her name to themes of misfortune.
70. Harlow
The name Harlow can mean “army hill,” but through various cultural lenses, it embodies themes of struggle and misfortune.
71. Elysian
Elysian relates to paradise but evokes the struggles faced to reach such a state, often tied to misfortune in cultural stories.
72. Carlynn
Carlynn blends elements of femininity and strength, yet can often refer back to stories that encompass trials and misfortunes.
73. Deirdre
Deirdre, from Celtic mythology, symbolizes tragedy and unfulfilled love, echoing heavy themes of misfortune throughout her narrative.
74. Jobina
Jobina hints at “to suffer,” making it directly relatable to misfortune and showcases life’s challenging struggles.
75. Desdemona
This character from Shakespeare means “ill-starred,” perfectly reflecting names influenced by misfortune and tragedy.
76. Ravenna
Ravenna may remind us of “raven,” a bird often linked to omens and misfortune, adding a mystical layer to the name.
77. Elara
Elara, linked to the moon and darkness, often symbolizes mystery and can represent misfortune through its layering.
78. Valdis
A name with roots in old Norse mythology, Valdis means “to die,” which carries a heavy connection to misfortune.
79. Kiara
Kiara means “bright,” yet stories surrounding its origin include mishaps and misfortune, highlighting duality.
80. Nia
Nia means “bright” in Swahili but can also be tied to unwanted happenings in various tales, symbolizing misfortune.
81. Nyssa
This name ties to the meaning of “goal” but can embody misfortunes stemming from life’s pursuits unfulfilled.
82. Velvet
Velvet conveys softness but is often expressed in narratives shaded with hardships, symbolizing a significant connection to misfortune.
83. Astraea
Astraea, representative of justice, can also symbolize the misfortunes faced when truth fails to prevail.
84. Tempest
Tempest means “storm” and is directly related to tumultuous experiences and misfortunes in life.
85. Aurora
Aurora, a name linked to dawn, can signify the light emerging from misfortunes but reflects dark struggles endured before that dawn.
86. Cleo
Cleo may mean ‘pride,’ yet can reflect cultural tales that shed light on misfortunes experienced over time.
87. Symone
Symone hints at “to hear or be heard,” but can reflect themes of misfortune found in the fight for one’s voice.
88. Rhea
This name, meaning “flowing,” is often entangled with stories of struggle, misfortune, and resilience in mythology.
89. Echo
Echo is deeply connected to Greek mythology showing how misfortune and love intertwine dramatically.
90. Selkie
The name Selkie connects to mythical creatures that symbolize transformation and often encounter misfortune through their journeys.
91. Isolde
Isolde embodies tragedy from the well-known tale of Tristan and Isolde, symbolizing misforutnes in love.
92. Nyx
Nyx means “night” and, as a figure, represents the darker aspects of life and misfortunes found therein.
93. Lira
Lira can symbolize a delicate balance; however, in historical context, it ties to misfortune as it echoes tales of woe.
94. Mabel
Mabel means “lovable,” yet many stories surrounding the name contain elements of sorrow or misfortunes faced in love.
95. Seraphina
Seraphina connects with fiery beings in mythology but also mirrors tales of misfortune intertwined with struggle.
96. Thalassa
Thalassa means “the sea,” often portrayed as unpredictable and mysterious, representing misfortune amidst beauty.
97. Niamh
Niamh means “radiance” but can embody the challenges faced when shining bright in a world full of misfortunes.
98. Inara
Inara can imply light or illumination but can also symbolize paths clouded by misfortunes in various tales.
99. Anya
Anya implies “grace,” yet in folklore, challenges and misfortunes often accompany such elegance, adding complexity to the name.
100. Fern
Fern signifies endurance and can reflect the notion of survival amidst misfortune in nature and life.
101. Marigold
This flower name often associated with positivity has roots in stories where the blooms grow beside misfortunes and sorrows.
102. Chiara
Chiara means “clear” or “bright,” yet can connect through narratives tied to misfortunes and hard times experienced by those who hold the name.
103. Freya
Freya, the Norse goddess of love and fertility, often encounters trials and misfortunes in myths surrounding her, adding depth to the name.
104. Yvonne
Meaning “yew,” Yvonne symbolizes both life and death, woven in tales of misfortune intertwined within nature.
105. Lavinia
Lavinia carries a dignified meaning but is tied to struggles and misfortunes within classical literature.
106. Odette
Odette means “wealth,” and the tragic tale associated with it highlights how quickly fortunes can turn to misfortunes.
107. Zephyra
Zephyra evokes the west wind and its flowing nature but can symbolize the chaotic winds of misfortune in various tales.
108. Calantha
Calantha means “beautiful flower,” yet in stories, beauty often comes with trials, emphasizing themes of misfortune.
109. Sinead
This Irish name can mean “God is gracious” but within certain narratives contains deep layers of misfortune that individuals face.
110. Galatea
This name means “she who is white as milk,” but is linked to the tale of Pygmalion, reflecting on missed chances and misfortunes.
111. Gloriana
This name signifies “glory,” but its historical references often include themes of battles lost, echoing misfortune.
112. Melusine
In folklore, Melusine is half-woman, half-serpent and her story includes themes of love and profound misfortune, deepening her name’s meaning.
113. Thyra
Thyra symbolizes “Thor’s fight,” which can come with tales of misfortune and struggle through life.
114. Vespera
This name means “evening star,” traditionally associated with mystery and the ambiance of misfortune as night falls.
115. Crima
Meaning “to cry,” Crima relates directly to tears shed over misfortunes, connecting deeply to sadness and sorrow.
116. Tanith
Tanith means “serpent lady,” tied to a goddess of love, yet often linked back to themes of hardships and misfortunes in legends.
117. Corina
Corina means “maiden,” but through literature, it connects with tales of vulnerability often marked with misfortune.
118. Azura
This name signifies the sky but also links to stormy weather, reflecting the paradox of beauty and misfortune in life.
119. Isolde
Isolde, a classic name, brings with it the story of tragic love and misfortune from Arthurian legends.
120. Rosmerta
Rosmerta is associated with abundance but is found in tales of struggle and misfortunes endured for prosperity.
121. Nessa
Nessa can mean “pure,” yet players in history often highlight stories of misfortune surrounding those deemed innocent.
122. Minerva
Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, holds narratives of loss and misfortune, adding to the profound meaning behind her name.
123. Amira
Meaning “princess,” Amira can symbolize lost royalty, representing misfortune through fallen grace.
124. Portia
Portia implies “an offering,” linking to themes of sacrifice and the misfortunes that often accompany such gestures in literature.
125. Katya
Katya may mean “pure,” yet often the stories associated with this name reflect trials and misfortunes faced by women.
126. Elysia
Elysia signifies blissful attributes, yet carries narratives that connect with hard journeys through misfortune.
127. Zora
This name means “dawn” but can refer to the tragedy of transitioning from darkness, mirroring misfortunes life presents.
128. Taliah
This lovely name can mean “dew from God,” yet can also connect to misfortunes that often accompany fleeting beauty.
129. Briar
Briar signifies a thorny plant, embodying life’s challenges and misfortunes while still maintaining beauty in nature.
130. Zara
Zara represents “princess” but can also hint at themes of battling through life’s misfortunes to achieve greatness.
131. Aella
Aella means “whirlwind,” portraying the chaos within misfortune, representing turbulent experiences beautifully.
132. Lavinia
Lavinia connects to tales of challenges and lost fortunes throughout her historical journey, reminding us of the fragility of success.
133. Fiona
Fiona signifies “fair” but can be linked to the struggles of characters reminiscent of misfortunes faced head-on.
134. Shiloh
Shiloh represents peace but, through stories, embodies how hardships can often lead to finding solace through misfortunes.
135. Amara
The name Amara can mean “eternal,” yet reflects ongoing struggles and the fragility of life intertwined with misfortune.
136. Tamsin
Tamsin signifies “twin,” and the duality can connect to the plight of individuals who face misfortune in lives woven together.
137. Kiera
Kiera can mean “dark” or “little dark one,” linking beautifully with tales that involve hardship and struggles faced in darkness.
138. Elysanne
Elysanne, invoking Elysium, alludes to paradise but is filled with stories of misfortune often depicted in life’s struggles.
139. Calista
This name translates to “most beautiful,” yet reflects tales of tragedy that showcase the unexpected nature of misfortune.
140. Sable
Sable signifies dark and richness, connecting to darker narratives enclosing misfortunes and sadness in nature.
141. Jinx
This name directly suggests “bad luck,” making it an obvious choice while diving into the world of misfortune.
142. Talia
Talia may mean “dew from God,” but can reflect life’s struggles highlighting beautiful yet painful misfortunes.
143. Nyssa
Secured down meaning “goal,” Nyssa connects to obstacles faced in pursuit, cascaded with misfortune and challenges.
144. Eileen
Eileen means “bright, shining one,” yet can reflect on historical tales entwining misfortunes and complexities of life.
145. Elspeth
Elspeth means “pledged to God,” yet carries along implications regarding unfulfilled promises marked by misfortune.
146. Olwen
This name channels romance but lingers in the shadows of misfortunes that touch fairy tales where dismissals leave scars.
147. Aisling
Aisling translates to “dream vision,” but tales often focus on the misfortunes woven with dreams unfulfilled.
148. Isla
Isla means “island,” often signifying sacred spaces facing isolation as well as misfortunes traversed.
149. Astraea
Astraea, linked to “star,” connects celestial beauty with the emotional weight of misfortune stemming from human experiences.
150. Shira
Shira means “singing,” and the melodies often narrate life’s hardships filled with misfortunes, peppering a bittersweet tone through tales.
Final Thoughts
Exploring girl names that mean misfortune has highlighted the deep layers and fascinating stories behind each name. From historical connections to mythical backgrounds, these names remind us that hardship is often intertwined with life experiences. Whether deemed unique or unconventional, names like Mara, Mallory, and Jabez carry moments of reflection and understanding, showing that names don’t just identify individuals; they tell profound stories. If you’ve enjoyed this list, you might want to explore more topics about names and their meanings.
Some more intriguing topics include names that mean misfortune here and names that mean cursed here.
Whether you seek a name that conveys strength or one that reflects melancholy, the right name will carry the essence of its meaning powerfully forward.