Many cultures believe that names carry meanings and can influence a person’s life. Some names are thought to bring bad luck or misfortune based on their meanings, stories, or historical connections. For example, certain names may be linked to cursed figures in mythology or negative events in history. These associations can make people hesitant to use them for their children.
Today, we will take a closer look at names that are often seen as unlucky. We’ll explore their origins and meanings, helping you understand why some believe these names may bring bad fortune. Whether you’re curious about their stories or just want to avoid them, this information could be valuable.
Names That Mean Bad Luck
1. Mallory
The name Mallory originates from the Old French word meaning ‘unfortunate’ or ‘ill-fated’. This historical connection has made it associated with bad luck throughout the years.
2. Jinx
Traditionally used to refer to someone who causes misfortune, Jinx carries an obvious connection to bad luck, making it a rather unique choice.
3. Apollyon
Apollyon is a name that means ‘destroyer’ and is often associated with the biblical figure who brings ruin, linking it closely to bad luck.
4. Kaliya
Kaliya, a serpent in Hindu mythology, represents chaos and destruction, giving this name an unfortunate undertone that can be equated to bad luck.
5. Laila
In some cultures, Laila means ‘night’. While beautiful, nights are often connected with fear and bad luck due to darkness.
6. Chione
Chione, a Greek goddess of snow, is sometimes associated with harsh weather, indicating struggles and misfortune, linking it to bad luck.
7. Krieger
Meaning ‘warrior’ in German, Krieger can have a negative connotation of conflict and struggle, thus subtly hinting at bad luck for the bearer.
8. Deryn
Deryn means ‘bird’ in Welsh, but when considering the unlucky undertone of caged birds, it can symbolize confinement and bad fortune.
9. Malina
Though Malina has other meanings such as ‘moon’, it also holds connections to misfortune in some myths, which creates an association with bad luck.
10. Mara
The name Mara means ‘bitter’ in Hebrew, which highlights a negative aspect and can be linked to themes of misfortune.
11. Maud
Resonating with ‘battle-mighty’, the name Maud can be perceived as inherently linked to conflict and unlucky circumstances.
12. Hecate
Hecate is the Greek goddess of magic and witchcraft, often associated with the darker side of luck and fortune.
13. Belladonna
Belladonna, a plant often used in folklore as poison, carries a strong association with danger and misfortune.
14. Draven
The name Draven can evoke a sense of foreboding, making it feel linked to bad luck through dark imagery.
15. Valdis
Valdis, meaning ‘the dead’, has a direct implication of death, making it a name often avoided due to its unlucky connotation.
16. Avalon
Avalon, a mythical island, is often seen as a place where lost souls dwell, suggesting bad luck and misfortune.
17. Beatrice
While generally considered beautiful, some historical connotations of Beatrice are linked to ill fate and bad luck.
18. Niamh
An Irish name meaning ‘bright’, Niamh also has ties to ghost stories, suggesting a connection to bad luck and misfortune.
19. Raven
Ravens are often symbols of bad omens and misfortune throughout various cultures, giving this name a double-edged meaning.
20. Rowan
Rowan, associated with the rowan tree believed to ward off bad luck, can ironically be seen as linked to unlucky omens in some traditions.
21. Casilda
This name has roots in Norse mythology and hints at misfortune, making it a culturally connected choice for unlucky symbolism.
22. Sombra
Meaning ‘shadow’ in Spanish, Sombra evokes images of darkness and hidden dangers, symbolizing bad luck.
23. Tempest
Tempest refers to a violent storm, reminiscent of chaos and misfortune, directly connecting it to bad luck.
24. Rhiannon
In Welsh mythology, Rhiannon has ties to the mystical, but also brings a sense of foreboding and bad luck.
25. Edric
This old English name means ‘wealthy ruler’. However, its historical ties to battles and wars hint at misfortune.
26. Merle
Meaning ‘blackbird’, Merle is associated with foreboding and bad luck due to cultural beliefs surrounding black birds.
27. Acheron
Acheron translates to ‘river of pain’ in Greek mythology. The direct association with suffering links this name to bad luck.
28. Tempestt
This spin on Tempest draws attention to turbulence and chaos, amplifying ties to unlucky circumstances.
29. Drostan
Drostan is rooted in Scottish tradition, but is often connected to themes of betrayal and misfortune.
30. Lilith
This name is linked to various myths portraying Lilith as a figure of misfortune, reinforcing its unlucky implications.
31. Farren
The meaning of Farren may be related to ‘adventurous’, but it also references unpredictability, which is often linked to bad luck.
32. Tamsin
Tamsin has many variations, but at times it can connote misfortune which has led some families to avoid it.
33. Vesper
This name referring to ‘evening star’ can symbolize the coming of darkness which represents bad luck in various traditions.
34. Ethelred
Of Old English origin meaning ‘noble counsel’, the name Ethelred has a history riddled with the misfortunes of English kings.
35. Icarus
Icarus, from Greek mythology, is known for his tragic fall, which makes his name synonymous with misfortune.
36. Urania
Urania, while beautiful, hints at celestial misfortune, owing to astrological beliefs about unlucky stars.
37. Isolde
Often associated with tragic love stories, the name Isolde evokes themes of heartbreak and bad luck in relationships.
38. Lysander
This name means ‘liberator’ but has been associated with battles which tie it indirectly to bad luck.
39. Reaper
The name Reaper directly connotes death, thus carrying a heavy association with bad luck.
40. Jezebel
Historically linked to deceit and wickedness, Jezebel is avoided for its strong connotation to bad luck.
41. Thana
Thana means ‘death’ in Sanskrit, overwhelmingly branding it with the mark of bad luck.
42. Dorian
Dorian, often reminding people of Dorian Gray’s tragic story, is closely associated with negative themes and bad luck.
43. Cerberus
The name of the multi-headed dog guarding the underworld symbolizes danger and bad luck.
44. Xanthe
A name meaning ‘yellow’, yet associated with curses in mythology, linking it to bad luck.
45. Venus
Despite being known as the goddess of love, Venus carries an element of jealousy that could contribute to bad luck.
46. Clio
An epithet of history, Clio may signify the retelling of unfortunate events, hinting at bad luck.
47. Kali
Kali, the Hindu goddess of destruction represents chaos, directly correlating with the essence of bad luck.
48. Zilla
Zilla means ‘shade’ which relates to darkness and reflects the themes of misfortune.
49. Nyx
In Greek mythology, Nyx personifies night, which can bring ominous feelings and connections to bad luck.
50. Viktor
Although meaning ‘victorious’, Viktor is often connected to battles and resulting failures, opening a door to bad luck.
51. Craven
Craven means ‘cowardly’, a trait often resulting in misfortune and linking the name with bad luck.
52. Famine
Famine denotes great suffering and scarcity, directly linking it to bad luck and misfortune.
53. Sorrow
Named after the deep emotional state, Sorrow reflects hardship and can represent bad luck.
54. Erebus
Erebus refers to darkness in Greek mythology, symbolizing the bad luck found in shadow.
55. Leroy
Leroy, meaning ‘the king’ in French, has historical ties to tyrants, thereby suggesting bad luck.
56. Omen
Omen directly refers to an indication, often of misfortune, which cemented its unlucky association.
57. Nephilim
Nephilim are often depicted as giants in biblical texts, indicating their context in bad luck narratives.
58. Esmeralda
This beautiful name also has associations with misfortune stemming from its use in tragic tales.
59. Vespera
A variation of Vespre, linked to the evening which often brings shadows of bad luck.
60. Bellatrix
Meaning ‘female warrior’, Bellatrix is connected with chaos and misfortune in various tales.
61. Talon
Talon, implying claws or a grip, often evokes dark imagery linked to bad luck.
62. Erela
This name means ‘angel’ but also references a fallen perspective, thus hinting at unlucky undertones.
63. Banshee
A spirit in Irish mythology associated with death, the name Banshee is often avoided due to its ties to bad luck.
64. Desdemona
This name is associated with tragedy and misfortune in Shakespeare’s Othello, marking it with an unlucky label.
65. Felix
Meaning ‘fortunate’, sometimes Felix ironically embodies the concept of misfortune when inversed.
66. Sable
Sable symbolizes dark fur and is linked to bad luck through cultural interpretations.
67. Asmodeus
As a figure associated with mischief in various traditions, the name can easily link to themes of bad luck.
68. Samael
Meaning ‘venom of God’ in Hebrew, this name has strong ties to misfortune and ominous relationships.
69. Malachai
Often connected to darkness and negativity in some interpretations, Malachai carries unlucky implications.
70. Zara
Zara means ‘princess’, but its association with betrayal in some tales leads to unfortunate connotations.
71. Solomon
A name that carries wisdom but also reflects the misfortunes in his story, linking back to bad luck.
72. Liberty
While seemingly positive, the name Liberty has ties to struggle and hardship relating directly to bad luck.
73. Morgana
Morgana, often associated with enchantments, hints at the darker side of magic and luck.
74. Malcolm
Historically a royal name linked to strife, Malcolm hints at an ongoing theme of bad luck.
75. Grendel
Grendel is a character from Beowulf, symbolizing chaos, malice, and bad luck.
76. Tempus
Tempus, meaning ‘time’ can indicate the passing of unfavorable times, relating directly to bad luck.
77. Azazel
This name is often associated with misfortune and has roots in various dark mythical traditions.
78. Crux
Crux means ‘cross’, symbolizing suffering and misfortune in various cultures.
79. Maelstrom
This name pertains to whirlpools which can be ominous and indicate unpredictability, linking to bad luck.
80. Riven
Riven conveys division and struggle which can suggest bad luck as a theme.
81. Despair
The term despair refers to hopelessness which symbolizes bad luck and misfortune.
82. Kismet
Kismet means ‘fate’ and depending on the context can reflect an aspect of bad luck.
83. Cimmerian
Related to darkness and gloom, Cimmerian directly connects with bad luck through its meanings.
84. Dusk
Dusk brings about the end of the day and associations with dark times, linking it to bad luck.
85. Nyssa
The name Nyssa projects beauty but has dark references in some narratives hinting at bad luck.
86. Grim
The name “Grim” directly evokes concepts of fear and bad luck due to its descriptors.
87. Ravenna
This name is closely associated with darkness and birds, which are commonly symbols of misfortune.
88. Pandora
Pandora’s box, filled with troubles, makes the name synonymous with calamity and bad luck.
89. Golda
While it translates to ‘gold’, Golda has implications of greed and misfortune in some contexts.
90. Marauders
This term relates to plundering and thievery, symbolizing chaos and bad luck.
91. Nox
The Roman goddess of the night, Nox symbolizes darkness and misfortune.
92. Hades
Hades’ name is synonymous with the underworld and death, emphasizing unlucky meanings.
93. Mortis
Translating to ‘death’, Mortis is in itself a direct route to themes of bad luck.
94. Vespertilio
This ancient name relating to bats brings to light the dark and unfortunate, closely linking it to bad luck.
95. Morrow
Referring to the next day, Morrow can subtly imply missed opportunities and bad luck.
96. Tiberius
Linked to historical figures who met unfortunate ends, Tiberius resonates with ideas of bad luck.
97. Banquo
From Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Banquo is tied to prophecies of doom thereby branding him unlucky.
98. Veil
A name associated with concealment and mystery, the Veil represents the unseen, hinting at bad luck.
99. Allura
While Allura suggests charm, it also carries hidden misfortunes in mythology.
100. Charon
Charon, the ferryman of the dead, is deeply associated with the very essence of bad luck and misfortune.
101. Cursed
This name literally means ‘damned’ or ‘doomed’ indicating a strong association with misfortune.
102. Mistral
The Mistral wind symbolizes unpredictability, suggesting an element of bad luck.
103. Vortex
This name evokes powerful imagery of chaos, leading to associations with bad luck.
104. Sorrowful
A deeply resonant name, Sorrowful directly links to bad luck through its meanings.
105. Maleficent
This name, from the evil fairy in Sleeping Beauty, is strongly tied to bad luck and misfortune.
106. Rapture
While it means ‘ecstatic joy’, it is often contrasted with themes of loss, suggesting bad luck.
107. Dread
The name Dread encapsulates fear and the anticipation of bad luck.
108. Aenigma
A name reflecting mystery and uncertainty can often reflect bad luck’s elusive nature.
109. Curse
Directly defined as a wish of bad fortune, the name Curse embodies the idea of bad luck.
110. Thorne
Thorns are symbols of suffering and pain, deeply associated with the concept of bad luck.
111. Gale
A name representing strong winds can indicate destruction and misfortune, connecting back to the theme of bad luck.
112. Remorse
Remorse indicates deep regret, often linked to the fallout of unfavourable events and bad luck.
113. Adrift
This name suggests uncertainty and instability, offering ties to bad luck and misfortune.
114. Languish
Reflecting suffering and decline, Languish connects directly to the idea of bad luck.
115. Desolation
This name embodies feelings of emptiness and decay, inherently connecting it to bad luck.
116. Karmic
Deriving from karma, this name hints at the cyclical nature of misfortune often associated with bad luck.
117. Tock
Like the sound of a clock, Tock indicates time passing, often reminding one of unfulfilled desires and bad luck.
118. Arcana
This name, meaning ‘secrets’, often hints at hidden misfortunes and can symbolize bad luck.
119. Shroud
A shroud is used to cover the dead, which directly translates to themes of misfortune and loss.
120. Eclipse
Eclipse implies darkness overshadowing light, thus suggesting a connection to bad luck.
121. Moros
Moros, representing the personification of doom, undoubtedly ties back to unlucky themes.
122. Nyktos
Meaning ‘night’, Nyktos connotes darker aspects of life associated with bad luck.
123. Treachery
This name reflects betrayal and dishonesty, which often leads to bad luck.
124. Forsaken
Representing abandonment, Forsaken connects with themes of misfortune and unlucky fates.
125. Lorelei
Lorelei refers to a siren known for luring sailors to their doom, hinting at misfortune.
126. Obsidian
This black volcanic glass symbolizes protection but also danger, relating to bad luck.
127. Gloom
A name that evokes sadness and melancholy, Gloom links back to concepts of bad luck.
128. Vengeful
Setting expectations of retaliation, Vengeful reflects harsh outcomes often associated with bad luck.
129. Woe
Woe signifies sorrow or distress, making obvious connections to bad luck.
130. Calamity
This name directly translates to disaster or misfortune, cementing its relationship to bad luck.
131. Hex
A hex refers to a spell cast to bring misfortune, connecting it directly to bad luck.
132. Deathwish
Implying a wish for death, Deathwish overwhelmingly links to themes of bad luck.
133. Avarice
Avarice directly denotes greed, implying misfortune arising from one’s desires.
134. Threnody
A threnody is a lament or dirge, naturally linking to ideas of bad luck and sorrow.
135. Malevolence
A name indicating ill will can draw strong connections to the misfortune often faced.
136. Sphinx
The Sphinx is known for her riddles, often leading to misfortune for those who could not answer correctly.
137. Shade
Shade, indicating darkness, carries potential negative implications and links to bad luck.
138. Obscura
This name indicates something hidden or dark, tying back to themes of bad luck.
139. Penance
Penance involves regret and suffering, making it a powerful name tied to bad luck.
140. Rhune
This name relates to ruin or destruction, directly connecting to themes of bad luck.
141. Cadaver
Referring to a dead body, Cadaver brings strong associations with misfortune and bad luck.
142. Ruin
This name implicates destruction, offering clear ties to the theme of misfortune.
143. Betrayal
Betrayal suggests a broken trust, leading to misfortune and luckless turns of events.
144. Midnight
This name directly indicates a transitional time often linked with fear and bad luck.
145. Peril
Meaning danger, Peril directly relates to circumstances of bad luck.
146. Quagmire
This term symbolizes complex trouble and adds an unfortunate sense of bad luck.
147. Folly
This name summarizes foolishness which is often tied to unfavorable outcomes and bad luck.
148. Ruinous
Translating to destructive, Ruinous connotes directly to the theme of bad luck.
149. Vex
Vex means to torment and directly implies themes of bad luck.
150. Wraith
The spirit of someone who has died, Wraith symbolizes loss and bad luck in its essence.
Final Thoughts
Exploring names that mean bad luck reveals a rich tapestry of meanings and cultural backgrounds. Each name tells a story, often rooted in historical myths, literature, or cultural beliefs. While many may find these names intriguing, others may choose to avoid them in the hopes of steering clear of any potential misfortunes. It’s clear that names can carry significant weight in their meanings and associations.
Whether you are considering a name for a character, searching for something unique, or just exploring the impact of names on life choices, understanding the implications of these unlucky names can offer insight. Be mindful as you delve into the world of names, as some carry more gravity than others.
To further expand your knowledge on this topic, consider exploring more about names that mean evil or names that mean cursed. Each of these aspects opens new discussions about how names influence perceptions and decisions.