Sometimes, names carry unexpected meanings, and some can even be linked to bad luck. This can be surprising for parents choosing the perfect name for their baby boy. From ancient times to modern cultures, certain male names have been associated with misfortune or negative traits, making them less desirable choices for many.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at a list of male names that mean bad luck. Understanding these meanings can help you avoid names that might bring unwanted vibes. Join us as we share some of these names and their origins, so you can make informed decisions when it comes to naming!
Male Names That Mean Bad Luck
1. Nestor
The name Nestor comes from Greek mythology where it was associated with a wise king. However, it can also mean “trouble” or “vexation,” making it a name that may carry connotations of bad luck.
2. Jabez
Jabez means “sorrow” in Hebrew and carries a heavy meaning of misfortune and sadness, which is why some consider it to be a name synonymous with bad luck.
3. Mallory
This name originates from Old French and means “unfortunate” or “ill-fated.” As a male name, Mallory often reflects the idea of bad luck.
4. Paine
The name Paine directly translates to “sorrow” in English, which links it closely with the idea of bad luck and misfortune.
5. Boaz
Though Boaz means “swiftness” in Hebrew, some interpretations connect it to “trouble” due to its biblical ties, suggesting a hidden meaning of bad luck.
6. Malachi
Malachi means “my messenger” in Hebrew, but some interpretations suggest a connection to misfortune or negative circumstances when considering the biblical stories surrounding it.
7. Brennan
The name Brennan means “descendant of Braonán,” with “Braon” translating to “sorrow,” making it a potential name linked with bad luck.
8. Zubair
Zubair means “to be involved in bad luck” in Arabic culture, thus it directly holds a meaning of misfortune.
9. Acheron
This name is derived from Greek mythology, where Acheron is the river of woe. Thus, it inherently represents bad luck and sorrow.
10. Laszlo
While Laszlo can mean “glorious ruler,” it is also thought to mean “loser” or “unfortunate” in certain interpretations, reflecting bad luck.
11. Malloryn
This variation of Mallory also means “unlucky” or “ill-fated,” further emphasizing the connection to misfortune.
12. Jinx
Jinx carries the meaning of a curse or bad luck. It’s a playful, yet serious option for parents who want to delve into the world of names that suggest misfortune.
13. Keshav
Keshav means “black” in Sanskrit, a color often associated with bad luck in some cultures, making it a name worth considering when regarding negative traits.
14. Deviant
The name Deviant is about straying from the norm. It also suggests a negative connotation, implying bad luck and misalignment with societal standards.
15. Fate
Fate as a name embodies the concept of destiny, which can sometimes bring ill fortune, signifying the duality of bad luck.
16. Tristram
Tristram is associated with sadness and tragedy, making it a fitting name for those who believe in the connection between names and bad luck.
17. Alvah
With origins implying “his highness,” Alvah is also interpreted as bringing trouble, linking it to a legacy of bad luck.
18. Devlin
This Irish name means “unlucky” or “unfortunate,” making it another candidate for those considering names linked to bad luck.
19. Bane
The name Bane literally means “destruction” or “death,” a clear association with misfortune and bad luck.
20. Corbin
Corbin is derived from the word for “raven,” which is often associated with bad omens and misfortune in various cultures.
21. Cursed
The name Cursed speaks directly to its meaning, representing ill-fated aspects and bad luck by definition.
22. Merrick
Merrick means “ruler of the sea,” but also carries a sense of uncertainty and turmoil associated with the ocean, linking it to bad luck.
23. Lothar
This name has roots in German, meaning “famed army,” but the connotations of strife and war could reflect bad luck.
24. Cairo
Although Cairo is known as a city in Egypt, it also translates to “the vanquisher,” tying it to failure and misfortune when interpreted creatively.
25. Shane
The name Shane has origins meaning “God is gracious,” but some interpretations suggest a connection to sorrow, linking it subtly to bad luck.
26. Kael
This name means “slender” or “fair,” but is sometimes associated with loss, indicative of bad luck.
27. Malivar
An unusual name, Malivar means “ill-fated,” embodying the concepts of misfortune directly.
28. Brice
While Brice means “freckled,” it is associated with battles and conflicts that imply a hint of bad luck and danger.
29. Jareth
Jareth can be interpreted to mean “desert,” symbolizing aridness that might reflect a lack of fertility or fortune.
30. Leander
This Greek name means “lion man,” but also relates to tragic myths, hinting at bad luck for those who bear the name.
31. Malthus
Malthus relates to a sense of worry and trouble due to its historical context, which brings a sense of bad luck into play.
32. Sorrow
This name is directly tied to its meaning of sadness, making it synonymous with an idea of bad luck and misfortune.
33. Benedict
Distant from its positive connotation of “blessed,” it also has ties to historical figures associated with bad luck.
34. Jonah
While the name Jonah means “dove,” the biblical story gives it a hint of misfortune with the whale, tying it to bad luck.
35. Rumor
The name Rumor suggests uncertainty and miscommunication, which can often lead to moments of bad luck.
36. Asher
Asher means “fortunate,” but its ironic ties to misfortune attract some parents to consider it, invoking thoughts of bad luck.
37. Dante
Dante is often linked with danger due to literary connections with hell, implying a world of bad luck.
38. Grief
The name Grief literally means sorrow, making it inherently a name that corresponds to bad luck.
39. Maverick
Maverick means “independent,” but its associations with rebellion can connote trouble or bad luck.
40. Omen
Omen refers to a sign of future outcomes, which can often align with bad luck or misfortune.
41. Raine
Raine can symbolize stormy weathers, suggesting tumultuousness and bad luck tied to nature.
42. Acheron
Acheron represents the river of sorrow or bad luck across various traditions, making it a fitting name choice.
43. Dolorous
This name signifies sadness and misfortune directly, making it one of the most evocative names linked to bad luck.
44. Loki
Loki from mythology embodies chaos and mischief, often leading to bad luck for characters in stories.
45. Abaddon
Abaddon means “destruction,” which perfectly links this name to bad luck and disastrous outcomes.
46. Bradshaw
This name means “broad lease,” but can also tie to ill-fated situations for those bearing it.
47. Zagan
A name often associated with demons, Zagan invokes a sense of bad luck and misfortune in folklore.
48. Jett
This name relates to the jet gemstone, which is often considered unlucky by many cultures because of its somber color.
49. Thorne
This name means “thorn bush” and symbolizes discomfort and pain, touching the ideas of bad luck.
50. Desmond
This name means “one from the fort,” but its connection to downfall stories hints at troubling luck.
51. Zaki
Zaki, while beautiful, also connects to “pure” and “innocent,” implying struggle and a path of bad luck.
52. Abner
It means “father of light,” but its biblical connotations often hint toward misfortune.
53. Gideon
This name means “hewer” or “one who cuts trees,” and in stories, it often represented struggles against bad luck.
54. Kato
Kato has meanings of “second,” but its connotations with danger remind parents of the risks associated with any second chances.
55. Rex
Rex means “king,” but some darker interpretations link the plight of rulers with bad luck.
56. Hamlet
This name is steeped in tragedy and misfortune, directly tied to Shakespeare’s story, making it synonymous with bad luck.
57. Gage
The name Gage means “pledge,” but its historical implications often relate to challenges and bad luck.
58. Icarus
Icarus is known from mythology for flying too close to the sun, which led to a downfall—a clear link to bad luck.
59. Baruch
Baruch means “blessed,” but some interpretations tie it directly to the unfortunate events in history.
60. Czar
This name implies power, but history often shows that rise leads to unfortunate ends, securing its bad luck association.
61. Draugr
The name Draugr refers to undead beings in Norse mythology known for causing misfortune, reinforcing the bad luck theme.
62. Basil
Although Basil means “kingly,” its association with bitterness in some contexts makes it a name tied to bad luck.
63. Nox
Nox translates to “night,” which in many cultures is connected to darkness and misfortune, underscoring its bad luck vibes.
64. Heathcliff
Known from literature, this name carries associations with tumultuous characters, hinting towards bad luck.
65. Tybalt
Tybalt from Romeo and Juliet is associated with death and misfortune, making it a volatile choice for naming.
66. Tiberius
Tiberius means “of the Tiber,” but historical connections often link this name with treachery and bad luck.
67. Lenny
While Lenny means “brave,” some negative cultural interpretations could suggest ties to bad luck.
68. Achilleus
This name is tied to Achilles, whose heel was a symbol of weakness, directly linking to misfortune.
69. Desdemona
This name means “ill-starred,” epitomizing bad luck and misfortune in multiple cultures.
70. Faustus
Faustus means “fortunate,” but has connections to tragedy and bad luck, (Faustian deals) reflected in folklore.
71. Malachai
This name has ties to “messenger” but is also associated with dark prophecies, symbolizing bad luck.
72. Rocco
While Rocco means “rest,” it is also associated with rebellious undertones that could tie to bad luck.
73. Corin
Corin can signify “spear,” and its varied interpretations touch on conflict and bad luck.
74. Eeyore
Eeyore implies sadness and gloom, portraying a direct link to bad luck with its associations of misfortune.
75. Jethro
Jethro is a biblical name, but it also relates to adversities, rendering it to touch upon bad luck.
76. Noxus
Noxus directly refers to “the night,” often considered a symbol for misfortune and darkness.
77. Obadiah
The name means “servant of God,” but carries notions of struggle and trials closely associated with bad luck.
78. Balthazar
Balthazar means “Baal protects the king,” but connotations of betrayal and downfall might imply bad luck.
79. Cornelius
This name connotes growth but also struggles; depending on interpretation, it hints at a bad luck archetype.
80. Delmar
The name means “of the sea” but has watery connotations that relate to danger and bad luck.
81. Faust
This name directly relates to stories that revolve around bargains that resulted in bad luck.
82. Mordecai
This biblical name connects to trials and troubles associated with bad luck in its historic context.
83. Sinclair
Although it means “from St. Clair,” darker historical connotations often tie it to bad luck and misfortune.
84. Harvey
Means “battle worthy,” but with connections to bad endings that hint at bad luck can deter some parents.
85. Kacey
This name means “alert,” yet its alternative meanings can connect it to bad luck in certain narratives.
86. Ptolemy
Ptolemy can symbolize powerful rulers, but their fates often carried misfortunes, inferring bad luck.
87. Beelzebub
This name represents darkness and evil, directly corresponding to bad luck and misfortune.
88. Ulysses
Ulysses is laden with historical adventure tales often leading to misfortune, closely associating with bad luck.
89. Balthus
Balthus stems from historical accounts linked to trials and tribulations often signifying bad luck.
90. Woe
This name literally means “sorrow,” ensuring a direct association with bad luck.
91. Dorian
The name Dorian, popularized by literature can link to themes of decline and represent bad luck.
92. Lysander
This name implies “liberator,” yet its tragic historical ties hint toward bad luck.
93. Nero
The roots of this name relate to “black” and ominous figures, often linked to bad luck.
94. Rosencrantz
This name highlights betrayal in Hamlet, directly suggesting a connection to bad luck.
95. Thor
This powerful name connects to storms, symbolizing both strength and unpredictable bad luck.
96. Wren
Although Wren means “small bird,” it carries ominous literary associations, bordering on bad luck.
97. Isidore
This name can symbolize misfortune tied with ancient contexts, hinting toward bad luck.
98. Loki
This name from Norse mythology defines mischief, directly connecting to bad luck in narrative tales.
99. Vex
The name Vex embodies a spirit of annoyance directly linking to misfortune and bad luck.
100. Jori
Jori is associated with youth and play, yet it presents themes of struggling against bad luck.
101. Murdock
The name comes from Gaelic meaning “sea warrior,” yet historical references relate it to unfortunate outcomes.
102. Jettison
Derived from the nautical term, its connotations tie closely to abandonment or bad luck.
103. Archie
Means “genuine,” but has connections to dark historical narratives relating to bad luck.
104. Abraxas
Abraxas means “the great god,” yet its darker interpretations signify chaos and bad luck.
105. Huey
This name means “intelligent,” but its connections indicate hardship and struggles that represent bad luck.
106. Ajax
Ajax represents strength but is steeped in tragic tales that often symbolize bad luck.
107. Leif
Although generally illustrating adventure, historical contexts tie this name to trials which hint at bad luck.
108. Victor
This name implies “winner,” yet in certain stories, the victor is often plagued by bad luck afterwards.
109. Marcellus
Though often connoting strength, many bearers of this name faced ill-fated circumstances, leading to bad luck associations.
110. Ebon
Ebon means “black”, typically linked to misfortunes in cultural contexts, representing bad luck.
111. Uriah
Uriah from biblical stories connects to themes of betrayal, yielding its ties to bad luck.
112. Thorne
This botanical name resonates with unpleasantness, drawing links towards bad luck and misfortune.
113. Lancelot
Lancelot reflects heroic tales intertwined with failure and misfortune, securing bad luck associations.
114. Imre
This name means “strength,” yet often leads its stories towards tragic endings, linking to bad luck.
115. Griffin
Griffin depicts a mythic creature but often connects to chaotic circumstances, touching on bad luck.
116. Talon
This name reflects claws and danger, intriguingly tying to bad luck through its associations.
117. Boreas
Boreas embodies winter winds and change, sometimes linked to chaotic events that spell bad luck.
118. Jarnak
This unusual name has ties to destruction within settings, linking to bad luck.
119. Cowboy
While adventurous, the cowboy lifestyle often reflects hardship and bad luck, making it a unique name choice.
120. Zane
Zane can mean “God is gracious,” but its references to rebellious stories may suggest bad luck.
121. Ozymandias
This name symbolizes great leaders, yet many faced downfall, embedding it in themes of bad luck.
122. Magnus
Meaning “great,” Magnus symbolizes powerful downfall narratives that range towards bad luck.
123. Rook
As a bird often linked to omens, Rook inherently ties back to bad luck in several cultures.
124. Obsidian
Connected to protective properties, some view Obsidian stones associated with ill-fated tales embodying bad luck.
125. Niven
With Gaelic origins meaning “little deer,” Niven catches a sense of danger, ultimately symbolizing bad luck.
126. Tully
Tully implies “peaceful” yet can connect patterns of strife mirroring bad luck in interpretations.
127. Zebulon
This name translates to “dwelling” but often links to underlying narrative of misfortune.
128. Silas
While often meaning “wood,” Silas frequently appears in stories that weave bad luck within their journeys.
129. Bridger
Connected to overcoming obstacles, Bridger also resonates deeply with tales of misfortune.
130. Ivan
This name with roots in “God is gracious,” also finds connection to historical events linking to bad luck narratives.
131. Murphy
The ancient Irish name Murphy means “descendant of Murchadh,” invoking the plight of “sea warrior,” reflecting bad luck.
132. Kaleb
Kaleb symbolizes faithfulness but also reflects themes of trials within certain narratives, bringing about bad luck interpretations.
133. Oren
Oren translates to “pine tree” but hints at precarious situations, highlighting the realms of bad luck.
134. Cadogan
This Celtic name means “battle” but can evoke patterns of loss, conferring bad luck themes.
135. Quintus
Meaning “fifth,” this name can bear ties to limits and misfortune through historical contexts.
136. Adonis
Adonis signifies beauty yet holds ties to tragic tales linking frequently back to bad luck.
137. Caliban
This name of a character from Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” embodies themes of chaos and misfortune.
138. Alvis
The name Alvis means “all wise,” yet often connects to stories of turmoil and bad luck.
139. Tarquin
This name implies strength but comes packed with historical hurdles linked closely to bad luck.
140. Balthasar
Naturally linked to ill-fated tales, Balthasar speaks about a legacy intertwined with bad luck.
141. Tristan
Tristan means “sorrowful,” clearly depicting a logo of bad luck that defines this name.
142. Ignatius
While it means “fiery,” the name Ignatius carries whispers of discord often linking to bad luck.
143. Sable
Sable, often tied to the color black, intertwines with bad omens and misfortunes across cultures.
144. Omari
The name Omari meaning “God is the highest,” occasionally relates to struggles that lean towards bad luck narratives.
145. Roswell
The name Roswell hints pasture but also ties to mystery and unknowns, reflecting bad luck in some contexts.
146. Zarek
Zarek symbolizes “God protects,” yet the shadows of danger doubly link it to bad luck.
147. Percy
The name Percy suggests a “piercing” nature, often representing bad luck through literary contexts.
148. Cordell
Cordell implies “of the cord” but resonates with reliability while adding a twist of bad luck through misinterpretation.
149. Sylvester
Despite meaning “wooded,” Sylvester may imply being “outdated” relating to bad luck themes.
150. Darius
Darius means “maintainer,” but ties into chaos historically representing a path of bad luck.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a name, it’s essential to consider the meanings attached to them, as some can symbolize bad luck. The list we explored highlights male names that carry unfortunate connotations or associations. Whether you value traditional names or more unique choices, understanding these meanings can help you avoid unintentional negative vibes surrounding your child’s name.
As you ponder what name to select, remember to explore a variety of topics to ensure the name carries a positive message. If you are looking for names that mean bad luck, check out our guide on Names That Mean Bad Luck for more options. You might also be interested in our article about Names That Mean Cursed to expand your selections further.
Ultimately, whatever name you choose, make sure it resonates with you and reflects your hopes for your child’s future.