Choosing a name for a baby girl can be a fun yet challenging task. Some parents look for unique meanings, while others want something that stands out. This blog post will focus on an intriguing theme—names that mean “nightmare.” While many names have positive and light meanings, these names can add an edgy twist to your choices.
Today, we’ll highlight several girl names with connections to dreams, nightmares, and darkness. These names may evoke strong feelings or spark curiosity. Whether you’re looking for something unusual or simply want to learn more, keep reading to find a name that resonates with you!
Girl Names That Mean Nightmare
1. Lilith
Lilith is a name linked to mythological figures often associated with night and darkness. In folklore, she is sometimes viewed as a succubus, making this name a perfect fit for the meaning of nightmare.
2. Mara
The name Mara derives from Hebrew and means “bitter.” In some cultures, Mara is seen as a demon who causes nightmares, perfectly aligning with the theme.
3. Nox
Nox means “night” in Latin. It’s an elegant and straightforward name that suggests the mysterious allure of nighttime, tying closely to the idea of nightmares.
4. Dreama
Dreama is a playful name that implies a connection with dreams. However, its uniqueness makes it edgy and is great to contrast the gentle side of dreams with the nightmare aspect.
5. Omen
The name Omen refers to a sign, typically foreboding. Although it’s not traditionally a girl’s name, its association with dark premonitions and nightmares can give it a bold twist in modern naming.
6. Nacht
Nacht is the German word for “night.” This name emphasizes darkness and could be a unique way to signify the potential for nightmares during the night.
7. Lamia
Lamia is a figure from Greek mythology that was said to prey on children and was associated with nightmares. It’s an unusual but significant name reflecting the darker side of dreams.
8. Sombra
The name Sombra means “shadow” in Spanish. Shadows evoke the unseen fears and potential nightmares that lurk in the dark, making this name quite ideal.
9. Selene
Selene is the Greek goddess of the moon. The moon lights the night sky and has been associated with dreams and nightmares alike, making this a beautiful and mysterious choice.
10. Chione
Chione, the Greek goddess of snow, has associations with cold and night. Her link to winter can imply the chilly, eerie feeling often found in nightmares.
11. Nyx
Nyx is a goddess of the night in Greek mythology. She embodies the darkness and can signify the fear and mystery found in nightmares.
12. Elda
Meaning “warrior,” Elda also brings a sense of power and resilience. It represents the toughness needed to face one’s nightmares.
13. Kali
Kali is a powerful goddess in Hindu mythology known for destruction and transformation, often associated with dark and scary imagery, making it a fierce name to consider.
14. Misha
This name has Slavic roots, meaning “who is like God.” Although not directly related to nightmares, its sound and feel bring an edgy twist that fits the theme.
15. Isolde
Isolde comes from Arthurian legend, often associated with tragedy and unfulfilled desires—elements that can lead to nightmares.
16. Raven
The name Raven directly connects with darkness. Ravens are often depicted in literature as omens of bad news or nightmares, making the name very suitable.
17. Hecate
Hecate is the Greek goddess of magic, witchcraft, and the moon. She lends a darker energy that complements the nightmare theme.
18. Vesper
Vesper means evening star. The evening is the transition into the night, where nightmares usually reside, connecting beautifully to the meaning of the name.
19. Thorne
Thorne brings to mind sharpness and danger, traits that can be related to the nightmares we face in life—even if they are just imaginary.
20. Zilla
Zilla is a name with biblical roots. It means “shadow”, which makes it evoke the feelings of eeriness often associated with nightmares.
21. Drusilla
Meaning “dewy,” Drusilla has the potential to evoke images of darkness and the unknown, fitting perfectly into the nightmare theme.
22. Kenna
Kenna means “born of fire”. The fiery association adds intensity that can often be present in nightmares.
23. Crescent
This name refers to the crescent moon, suggesting night and the mysterious feelings that come with darkness, including nightmares.
24. Uma
Uma is a Hindu goddess associated with light, but her connection to the night adds an edge that ties to nightmares.
25. Vespera
Vespera means evening in Latin. It ties directly to the arrival of night and the frightening dreams that can come with it.
26. Belladonna
Belladonna is a poisonous flower, whose name means beautiful woman in Italian. The allure mixed with danger perfectly suits the theme of nightmares.
27. Caitlin
This name has roots meaning “pure,” but its association with dark folklore can reflect a more complex understanding of the meaning.
28. Dusk
Dusk signifies the start of the night, an excellent association with those eerie feelings that are tied to nightmares.
29. Tempest
Tempest refers to a storm, demonstrating chaos and fear or the feeling of nightmares that can leave you unsettled.
30. Evadne
Evadne can indicate freshness, but its origins tie to dark and troubled stories from mythology, exemplifying the contrasts in nightmares.
31. Nimbus
Nimbus refers to a type of cloud, often dark and stormy. It symbolizes gloomy thoughts or fears, akin to those lurking in nightmares.
32. Zephyr
Zephyr means gentle breeze. Though seemingly peaceful, the calm before the storm is often when nightmares hit.
33. Leila
Leila translates to “night” in Arabic. It emphasizes the idea of darkness and can be closely tied to the concept of nightmares.
34. Morgana
Morgana is related to the legendary sorceress who embodies magic and darkness, often inspiring intrigue or fear in folklore.
35. Siren
This name invokes the mythological creatures known for their enchanting songs. Their beauty can lead sailors to their doom—much like a terrifying nightmare.
36. Tempesta
Tempesta is rooted in the concept of a storm, adding an unnerving quality that relates well to nightmares.
37. Zephira
Zephira, a variation of Zephyr, means “west wind.” This name is connected to the transition from day to night, leading into the realm of nightmares.
38. Ravenna
Ravenna is a city name that links itself to the mysterious birds—ravens—often seen as omens, adding an association with nightmares.
39. Sable
Meaning black, Sable is a name directly related to darkness. It evokes all the fears that can turn into nightmares.
40. Acheron
Acheron is the name of the river of pain in Greek mythology. It portrays deep feelings and dark tales that can become nightmares.
41. Cerberus
Cerberus is the mythological three-headed dog guarding the underworld. It symbolizes fear and can be easily related to the nightmares one might endure.
42. Selkie
Selkies are mythical creatures capable of transformation, often associated with dark and mysterious tales that could induce nightmares.
43. Nyssa
Nyssa means “beginning” but is also linked to night elements, giving a sense of mystery connecting to dreams and nightmares.
44. Astraea
Astraea means “starry night,” hinting at both light and darkness, symbolizing the dualities often found in nightmares.
45. Umbra
Umbra translates to “shadow” in Latin, meaning that it directly ties to the dark accompaniments of nightmares.
46. Viatrix
This name means “voyager” but also hints at journeys that can take dark turns, leading to potential nightmares.
47. Sanguine
Sanguine means cheerful but can reference the darker elements of life, relatable to nightmarish experiences.
48. Étoile
Étoile translates to “star” in French. This brings a connection to the night, hinting at the fears encountered in dreams and nightmares.
49. Threnody
Threnody means a song of lament. This can reflect upon the darker emotions often involved in nightmares.
50. Kaida
Kaida means “little dragon.” Dragons often symbolize fierce tales, which can lead to nightmarish imagery.
51. Nocturne
Nocturne pertains to a piece of music inspired by the night. Its name directly evokes the nighttime and the feeling of nightmares.
52. Moros
Moros in mythology is the personification of impending doom or fate, reflecting the fears often manifest in nightmares.
53. Nyctophilia
This name describes one who loves the night. While it seems positive, it also brings a touch of the mysterious and potential nightmares.
54. Runihura
Runihura signifies “dark tales” in some usages, and it supports the connection with nightmares through storytelling.
55. Shade
Shade pertains to darkness or an area sheltered from light, often leading to reflections similar to nightmares.
56. Mavka
Mavka comes from Slavic folklore, often linked with mythical forest spirits. They have dark tales, making the name relevant to our theme.
57. Scylla
Scylla is a sea monster from Greek mythology associated with peril, often adding to the fears we face during nightmares.
58. Nysa
This name has ties to night and darkness, distinctly positioning it within the realm of nightmares.
59. Forseti
A name from Norse mythology representing justice and truth. However, it can also imply dark truths that lead to nightmares.
60. Rhiannon
Rhiannon is associated with a Welsh goddess linked to the moon and the night, suggesting a deeper connection to the boundaries of dreams and nightmares.
61. Elysia
While Elysia is often tied to the Elysian fields of paradise, it can also allude to rebirth from the horrors of nightmares.
62. Felice
Meaning “happy,” this can contrast the feeling of fear often found in nightmares, representing the balance in life.
63. Adira
This name means “strong” or “noble,” supporting resilience against the fears induced by nightmares.
64. Saga
Saga means “story,” often referring to tales that encompass darkness, hinting at the nature of nightmares.
65. Eja
Eja relates to the concept of waves, suggesting fluidity and the balance between calm and chaos—like a nightmare.
66. Lenore
Lenore implies sorrow or loss, which could signify the emotional depth found in nightmares.
67. Morwenna
This name signifies “sea maiden” in Cornish origin but can stretch into dark tales of sea legends and their resultant nightmares.
68. Lumia
Lumia relates to light, but in contrast, light casts shadows—indicating the presence of nightmares lurking behind.
69. Nyssa
Nyssa means “goal” but can be used poetically to explore darker desires and fears, connecting to nightmares.
70. Calliope
Calliope means “beautiful voice,” but in mythology, she sings of the epic tales—including those that can be dark and nightmarish.
71. Obsidian
Obsidian is a dark volcanic glass, bringing to mind the night and the sharpness that may accompany nightmares.
72. Belladonna
This works as both a name and a plant associated with beauty and poison, evoking visceral feelings like those encountered in nightmares.
73. Myst
Myst implies a fog or darkness that can hide nightmares, an elegant name reflecting the mysteriousness of dreams.
74. Corvina
This elegant name infers black birds, notably crows, who are often omens of darkness, connecting with dreams and nightmares.
75. Vesperina
Vesperina is a derivative of Vesper, related to evening and night, easily representing the transition to dreaming and nightmares.
76. Morgause
This name has folklore connections, often related to dark tales and dangers, tying into the theme of nightmares.
77. Enigma
Enigma illuminates the mysteries of the unknown, echoing the essence of nightmares lurking in the subconscious.
78. Cimmerian
This name refers to the dark, mythical land. The deep connections to shadows and nightmares illustrate its significance beautifully.
79. Banshee
A mythical figure known for her haunting cries, often linked to death—the perfect embodiment of nightmarish themes.
80. Thalassa
Thalassa signifies “the sea,” where many myths and nightmares find their roots. Its depth represents the unexplored fears we face.
81. Lumina
While meaning light, it indirectly connects with shadows and the darkness of night and our subconscious fears.
82. Elysian
This rooted name represents a place of beauty and joy but also hints at the dark contrast of nightmarish experiences.
83. Elowen
With a meaning of “elm tree,” its connection to shadows evokes the eerie aspect of dark, unsettled dreams.
84. Lysandra
Lysandra can symbolize freedom but also resonates with the tales of chaos, often reflective of nightmares.
85. Ravena
This name plays on raven lineage, a bird associated with darker omens, perfect for the realm of nightmares.
86. Tindra
Tindra means “sparkle,” but the contrast with the night creates a cosmic connection to the surreal nature of dreams.
87. Zephyra
Zephyra relates to winds, which can shift unpredictably, similar to the occurrences of nightmares.
88. Calypso
Calypso is related to sea depth and seduction but also to tales that echo with darkness and nightmares.
89. Waverly
Though seemingly joyful, Waverly can imply instability, reflecting the unpredictable nature of nightmares.
90. Ecliptic
This name relates to eclipses, moments often feared or seen as omens—bridging dreams with nightmares.
91. Vesperine
Another variation linked to night, establishing ties with the dreams that linger into the night as shadows.
92. Seraphine
Implying “fiery”, this name juxtaposes beauty with the darker side of dreams, often found in nightmare storytelling.
93. Galadriel
Though tied to fantasy, Galadriel evokes elements of darkness and strength associated with confronting nightmares.
94. Nyctophobia
This name relates to the fear of darkness, perfectly linking with the topic of nightmares and all that stems from an aversion to the dark.
95. Cerulean
This name, suggesting a deep blue reminiscent of night sky, perfectly relates to the fears encountered in the realm of nightmares.
96. Bellatrix
Bellatrix, meaning “female warrior,” can easily relate to the battle one faces against their nightmares.
97. Twilight
Twilight represents the transition of day into night, where both dreams and nightmares reside.
98. Scylla
Another take on mythological figures, Scylla reflects the fierce creatures of nightmare tales, making the name fit perfectly.
99. Callista
Callista means “most beautiful.” However, this beauty can be juxtaposed with the horrors found in nightmares.
100. Umbriel
Meaning “shadow,” Umbriel reflects elements of darkness and fears, encapsulating the essence of nightmares.
101. Ysolde
Ysolde brings connection to tragic tales, symbolizing heartache that often translates into nightmares.
102. Threnos
Implying a song of lament, Threnos is a name that captures the darker emotions often seen in nightmares.
103. Mira
Mira means “wonder.” However, the juxtaposition of the night’s unknown brings forth the feeling of dark imaginations.
104. Viridis
Viridis, meaning “green,” can also tie to natural elements often intertwined with nightmares of the unexplained.
105. Tamsin
A name that suggests twin meanings, Tamsin connects with ideas of duality, much like dreams versus nightmares.
106. Cressida
Cressida is from a tragic love story, directly bringing insights from past nightmarish tales to its meaning.
107. Ismay
This name signifies “respected” or “beloved,” often relating to the feelings of loss that can arise during nightmares.
108. Althea
Althea means “healer.” However, the process of healing often requires facing one’s nightmares.
109. Zoria
Zoria is an Eastern European name related to dawn but suggests confrontations between night and day, perfect for nightmares.
110. Sanguine
This name means optimistic, though it implies darker sides of life that may present themselves during nightmares.
111. Tindra
Tindra means “to sparkle.” The idea of the contrast between beauty and fear captures the elements of nightmares well.
112. Xanthe
Xanthe translates to “golden,” but its luster can be complemented with darker implications connecting to nightmares.
113. Elara
A name with celestial roots, it hints at the night sky and the dreams lurking within its depths.
114. Kallista
Kallista signifies “most beautiful.” This can subtly connect with the allure of nightmares that often lure us into fear.
115. Fala
Fala, meaning “to speak,” gives an element of storytelling—a reflection of the many tales often construed as nightmares.
116. Aconite
This is another name for a plant known for its toxic properties, linking danger with dark and nightmarish tales.
117. Tenebris
Tenebris means “darkness” in Latin, making it directly correlate with the concepts of nightmares.
118. Kaelani
Meaning “sea and sky,” Kaelani can evoke both tranquil dreams and scary nightmares, resting in the waters of the subconscious.
119. Seren
Seren means “star,” which can offer light amidst darkness—a metaphor for hope amidst nightmares.
120. Valeria
Valeria means “strong.” This implies resilience against the horrors that nightmares can bring.
121. Pandora
Pandora refers to the mythical figure who opened a box filled with troubles—evoking the fears tied to nightmares.
122. Eirlys
Eirlys means “snowdrop,” connecting to serene imagery that can turn nightmarishly chaotic.
123. Lorelei
Lorelei can symbolize allure combined with danger. The idea of roguish spirits relates well to nightmares.
124. Zephyrine
Zephyrine is connected to winds; it speaks to the calm before the storm often felt during nightmares.
125. Vespera
Meaning “evening,” it’s directly linked to the onset of night, where nightmares come to life.
126. Astra
Astra, like the stars, speaks to nighttime adventures, encompassing both dreams and nightmares.
127. Calantha
Calantha signifies “beautiful flower.” Yet its beauty might mask the darkness that comes with nightmares.
128. Brenna
Meaning “descendant of Braonán,” the dark nuances imbue a subtle connection with the night and the fears that accompany it.
129. Charmianne
Charmianne indicates “grace.” Its connection with allure may reflect enchanting but dark dreams, commonly shown in nightmares.
130. Havoc
This name signifies chaos and destruction, linking to the often tumultuous emotions experienced during nightmares.
131. Morgane
Morgane refers to enchantment, giving a dark twist to the magic of dreams that can transform into nightmares.
132. Sable
Meaning “black,” Sable represents shades of darkness—strongly correlating with the world of nightmares.
133. Caelum
Caelum means sky; however, it incorporates elements of both light and dark complications relating to dreams.
134. Ravenelle
Playing off the name raven, it doubles down on associations with darkness and nightmares.
135. Nocturna
Nocturna is directly related to night, effortlessly linking to the essence of nightmares.
136. Valkyrie
This name draws on the warrior figures in Norse mythology; such power against fears is pertinent for dealing with nightmares.
137. Jinx
Though playful, Jinx implies bad luck, suitable for the many fears lurking in nightmares.
138. Hespera
Hespera can mean evening star, a direct relationship to the dusk arriving before the nightmares come.
139. Cerise
Cerise implies a rich color, often associated with darker tales that inspire nightmares through vivid storytelling.
140. Aerith
Aerith means “of the air.” A name that hints at freedom and the lofty exploration of dreams, but can also lead to nightmares.
141. Scarr
Meaning ‘to mark’, it’s a strong name that resonates well with those experiences from which nightmares arise.
142. Galatea
Galatea illustrates tranquility but can highlight the contrasts of sweet dreams turning into nightmares.
143. Isolde
Isolde holds deep cultural significance, often in dark love stories that draw frightening images—nightmare material.
144. Echo
This name evokes communication but may also suggest the haunting reverberations of dreams and nightmares reflecting back to us.
145. Mermaid
Mermaids are enchanting yet dangerous—this duality speaks to the fine line between beautiful dreams and bitter nightmares.
146. Tamsin
Tamsin means “twin,” suggesting duality, which mirrors the balance between nightmares and pleasant dreams.
147. Adrastia
This name implies ‘not easily shaken.’ It gives strength and resilience against nightmarish experiences.
148. Elysium
Elysium often signifies paradise, yet it brings contrasts with nightmares that pull us under, creating depth in meaning.
149. Xenia
Xenia implies hospitality but can also signify the treachery that can surface in nightmare scenarios.
150. Marcella
This name blends strength and femininity but can suggest complexities that mirror nightmare experiences.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that means nightmare is an intriguing way to express the complex emotions surrounding dreams and fears. Each of the names provided draws from rich stories, mythologies, and intriguing meanings, allowing parents to explore both the beauty and darkness present in the dream world.
Whether you find resonance in the strong mythology of these names or simply appreciate their uniqueness, there are countless opportunities to select an unforgettable name. From shadows to sirens, each name captures a facet of what nightmares might embody.
For more names that delve deeper into the world of darkness or death, explore our other articles on names with dark meanings or girl names with strong themes.