Names carry meanings that can influence how we see the world. Some names, however, have darker meanings that are associated with curses or bad luck. These names can come from various cultures and languages, often tied to stories or legends. Understanding these names can be intriguing, as it reveals the histories and beliefs behind them.
Today, we will look at a few names that mean “curse” or have negative connotations. You might be surprised by how common some of these names are and what they symbolize. Join us as we uncover the meanings behind these interesting names!
Names That Mean Curse
1. Malediction
This name means ‘a curse’ directly. It’s used in literature and mythology to indicate a significant curse placed upon someone or something.
2. Acheron
This name refers to a river in Greek mythology known as the ‘river of pain’ or ‘river of woe’, symbolizing despair and curses.
3. Jinx
Jinx is a playful name denoting ‘a curse or spell’. It’s often used in modern language to refer to bad luck or misfortune.
4. Cassandra
In Greek mythology, Cassandra was cursed to utter prophecies that would never be believed, representing the idea of a tragic curse on knowledge.
5. Mara
Mara is a name with roots in Hebrew meaning ‘bitter’ and is often associated with sorrow and a cursed life.
6. Banshee
A banshee is known in Irish folklore as a female spirit whose wailing warns of impending death, often seen as a curse on families.
7. Meshullam
This Hebrew name means ‘cursed’, often tied to religious narratives involving punishment and strife.
8. Azazel
In some Jewish traditions, Azazel is associated with a scapegoat that carries away the sins of the people, marking it with a curse.
9. Laila
Laila means ‘night’ in Arabic and can symbolize a dark fate or cursed existence in various tales.
10. Delilah
Delilah, known for her betrayal of Samson, is often seen as a symbol of treachery, almost like a cursed name in biblical stories.
11. Sorrow
This name directly reflects feelings of sadness and is often interpreted as a burden or curse on one’s life.
12. Hecate
This name belongs to the Greek goddess of magic and witchcraft, often associated with curses, darkness, and the unknown.
13. Maledicta
Diving deeper, Maledicta signifies ‘a cursed woman’, illustrating the depth of its negative connotations.
14. Loki
In Norse mythology, Loki is known as a trickster god who brings chaos and curses upon both gods and men.
15. Dolorous
This name meaning ‘sorrowful’ indicates a heavy weight, like a curse to carry throughout life.
16. Chione
A figure in Greek mythology who is linked to snow and often depicted as a curse or punishment.
17. Jabez
This name means ‘sorrow’, as noted in the Bible, representing a life touched by a significant burden or curse.
18. Cursed
This straightforward name directly signifies ‘one who is cursed’, making its meaning abundantly clear.
19. Zimri
This name refers to a biblical character who was associated with sin and punishment, evoking the idea of a cursed legacy.
20. Devlin
A name of Irish origin meaning ‘unlucky’, ingrained with the negative aspect of a curse.
21. Mctavish
This name means ‘son of the cursed one’. Its etymology ties it directly to the theme of curses.
22. Laylah
This variant of Laila also means ‘night’, touching upon the essence of darkness and misfortune which can be cursed.
23. Belladonna
This name refers to a poisonous plant known for its wicked traits and associations with witches and curses.
24. Imogen
Imogen means ‘maiden’ but is often seen through the lens of Shakespearean drama where bad luck follows the character.
25. Devaka
This Indian name symbolizes ‘bad luck’ and is often avoided in naming due to its negative meaning.
26. Hades
This mythological name represents the god of the underworld and can symbolize the curse of death.
27. Nimrod
Often associated with foolishness and, in some interpretations, a meaning of a cursed warrior in biblical narratives.
28. Despair
A direct representation of hopelessness, Despair carries a haunting legacy of suffering and curses.
29. Taranis
Taranis is linked to the Celtic god of thunder, whose anger could be construed as a curse upon humanity.
30. Sin
This name indicates transgression and can symbolize the curse of moral failing or wrongdoing.
31. Malice
This name conveys intent to do harm, thus carrying a sinister association with curses.
32. Tristesse
A French term for sadness, it captures the essence of a burdensome curse.
33. Hecuba
In Greek mythology, she was cursed with tragedy and represents a name fraught with sorrow.
34. Grim
This name portrays a sense of gloom and darkness, often associated with cursed scenarios or beings.
35. Chayim
This Hebrew name embodies ‘life’, but its association with struggle can impart a cursed notion.
36. Adverse
This name means ‘opposing’ or ‘hostile’, reminiscent of outcomes that can feel cursed.
37. Nemesis
In Greek lore, Nemesis is the goddess of retribution, often implicated in curses and fate.
38. Persis
This ancient name means ‘to destroy’, tying it directly to themes of curses and misfortune.
39. Lycoris
This name refers to a flower linked to various myths involving ill-fated love, almost like a curse.
40. Rue
In herbal lore, rue is considered to be protective against curses, making the name itself ironic.
41. Moros
A personification of doom in Greek mythology, Moros brings the theme of an unavoidable curse upon lives.
42. Pestilence
This name evokes disease and strife, often viewed as a curse on a community or individual.
43. Obsidian
This volcanic glass not only indicates beauty but is often associated with dark and cursed vibes.
44. Caduceus
This symbol of commerce is paradoxically tied to health and healing yet can invoke curses in mythology.
45. Kalika
A name in Hindu culture tied to the goddess Kalika that symbolizes destruction and curses.
46. Kresnik
This name denotes a Slavic deity associated with life and death, underscoring themes of curses.
47. Umbra
A term for shadow, Umbra carries connotations of darkness and lurking curses.
48. Cursedharo
A name that directly means cursed, showing the impact of misfortune in its meaning.
49. Abaddon
This name signifies ‘destruction’ and is often intertwined with concepts of curses in various texts.
50. Calamity
This name directly reflects disaster and misfortune, synonymous with a cursed existence.
51. Kismet
This name represents fate but often implies a curse that is unavoidable.
52. Rivka
This Hebrew name means ‘to ensnare’, often interpreted through the lens of misfortune and curses.
53. Zephyr
A name meaning ‘west wind’ but has associations with lost and turned fortunes as a curse.
54. Vespera
A name meaning ‘evening star’ but linked with darkness and ominous omens or curses.
55. Damaris
Though it means ‘gentle’, biblical references sometimes twist it into a narrative of a cursed life.
56. Veil
This name signifies concealment, often relating back to hidden misfortunes or curses.
57. Lament
This name represents deep mourning, synonymous with curses in times of loss.
58. Doom
Plainly put, this name signifies a dark fate, often connected with a cursed destiny.
59. Betrayal
This name reflects the act of treachery, which often leads to a heavy curse upon relationships.
60. Ruin
A name denoting destruction and failure that can feel like an inescapable curse.
61. Tempest
This name evokes tempestuous storms—often a metaphor for turmoil brought on by curses.
62. Vesper
Meaning evening, Vesper evokes dark and ominous themes associated with a cursed fate.
63. Gloom
This name directly signifies darkness and sadness, much like being under a curse.
64. Kaliya
In Hindu mythology, Kaliya represents a multi-headed serpent defeated by Krishna, symbolizing the curse of evil.
65. Abaddon
This name signifies destruction and is deeply connected with narratives of curses in various texts.
66. Sinbad
The character Sinbad’s many trials reflect tales of cursed voyages and adventures.
67. Mistral
This cool wind carries with it tales and curses of tempestuous weather patterns.
68. Barbros
This name, tied to disruption, often alludes to curses affecting both peace and life.
69. Deirdre
In Irish mythology, Deirdre’s tragic life story resonates with themes of love intertwined with curses.
70. Galen
This name means ‘calm’ but its historical context illustrates a life affected by curses of the past.
71. Devika
This Indian name suggests the idea of a deity but often linked with stories of curses and struggles.
72. Stygian
A name derived from the River Styx in mythology, often representing themes of curses and dark journeys.
73. Lilith
In various myths, Lilith is portrayed as a demonic figure, embodying a curse of sorts over women.
74. Morwen
This Welsh name meaning ‘dark maiden’ hints at themes of curses shrouded in mystery.
75. Dostoyevsky
This surname connects to a dark side of literature, where cursed destinies unfold through characters.
76. Rosamund
This name stands for ‘rose of the world’ but can symbolize fragility under a curse.
77. Ligia
Meaning ‘light’, it ironically touches on themes of cursed light or hope that does not endure.
78. Thusnelda
This ancient name, meaning ‘powerful’ or ‘valiant’, can link to cursed legacies of brave women.
79. Talitha
Meaning ‘little girl’, but often has tales intertwined with mystery and curses.
80. Orpheus
The legendary musician whose tale includes curses and tragic endings, tying him deeply with misfortune.
81. Morgana
This name is known from Arthurian legend, representing dark magic and a cursed existence.
82. Paloma
This name means ‘dove’ but can symbolize peace often disrupted by chaotic, cursed events.
83. Tamsin
This name, meaning ‘twin’, can denote duality of fate, sometimes twisted under a curse.
84. Oblivion
A name representing forgetfulness, tied to the idea of losing oneself under a curse.
85. Caitlin
A name that can suggest purity, often contrasted with tales of personal curses in popular narratives.
86. Sable
Meaning black, Sable symbolizes a cursed fate often dwelling in dark realms.
87. Bilbo
This name evokes an adventurous spirit but was tied in a narrative with darker themes.
88. Tiberius
This Roman name carries with it a legacy that reflects a history of tumultuous leadership with curse-like traits.
89. Tristram
This Arthurian name symbolizes tragic romance and often shares characteristics with cursed love stories.
90. Eclipse
The name evokes feelings of darkness and overshadowing, reminiscent of a cursed view of life.
91. Lia
Meaning ‘bearer of good news’, yet in some stories, it’s a contrasting name lost in a cursed fate.
92. Tantalus
A figure from Greek mythology, punished with unending thirst, illuminating the theme of curse through hardship.
93. Endora
A name that seems enchanting but is often tied with witchcraft and dark curses.
94. Uriel
This Hebrew name means ‘God is my light’ but can intersect with themes of haunting curses.
95. Khatru
This name refers to ‘soul’ but hints at darker paths intertwined with curses in folklore.
96. Astraeus
This mythological figure embodies starry skies, linked to fate’s curses in ancient tales.
97. Rhiannon
A figure in Welsh mythology, often depicted with themes of dark horses and considered cursed attributes.
98. Sybil
Often seen as a prophetic figure, the name brings forth narratives of warnings and curses.
99. Serafina
This name signifies ‘burning one’ and can play on themes connected to fiery curses in legends.
100. Basilisk
This mythical creature signifies death and destruction with a mere glance, embodying the extreme nature of curses.
101. Selene
This name meaning ‘moon’ can symbolize transformation often marked with curses in mythology.
102. Blaze
Meaning ‘flame’, it can represent destructive forces, akin to the curse of fire.
103. Kelpie
A water spirit from Scottish folklore associated with drowning, reminiscent of tragic fates and curses.
104. Pandora
Known from mythology as the woman who unleashed misfortunes on the world, her name alone conjures the essence of a curse.
105. Fable
This name signifies a moral story, some laden with themes that involve curses as cautionary tales.
106. Vespertilio
This name means ‘bat’, creatures often cast in dark roles reflecting cursed imagery.
107. Ylva
A name meaning ‘she-wolf’ often tied to wild and dark aspects of myth and folklore, invoking a sense of a curse.
108. Hellebore
A plant historically linked to poison and curses, embodying darker characteristics.
109. Jareth
This unique name derives its roots from darkness and can signify a cursed lineage.
110. Cassiopeia
In mythology, this queen was cursed with vanity that brought upon tragic ends for her family.
111. Panacea
While meaning ‘cure’, its duality sometimes evokes themes of unattainable hope wrapped in curses.
112. Gorgon
A name denoting the monstrous figures in mythology, symbolizing deeper curses with their ominous glances.
113. Zephyrus
This mild east wind can sometimes carry whispers of fate, connected with curses in narratives.
114. Clytemnestra
Known for her tragic tale of vengeance, this name embodies darkness and catastrophic curses.
115. Threnody
Means ‘a song of lamentation’, echoing the sentiments of living under a heavy curse.
116. Morbid
Reflecting a nature of darkness and death, it closely ties to themes of being cursed.
117. Nolwen
A name meaning ‘dark beauty’, often painted with infamously cursed images in folklore.
118. Truce
While it denotes peace, it also highlights the fragile nature of resolution under a curse.
119. Verity
Meaning ‘truth’, the contradiction lies in narratives where truth unveils cursed destinies.
120. Verdesca
Meaning ‘green’, symbolizing nature but also portraying ill-fated turning points that can feel like a curse.
121. Calypso
In mythology, a nymph who kept Odysseus captive, her being reflects themes of cursed love.
122. Moira
This name means ‘fate’ in Greek, underscoring a cursed existence tied to one’s destiny.
123. Fortuna
This name stands for fortune but often depicts the fickleness of luck and the effect of curses.
124. Sylvester
This name, while meaning ‘wild’, can invoke thoughts of uncontrolled fates which feel cursed.
125. Icarus
In mythology, he faced a daunting cruel fate, reminding us of the tragedy tied with curses.
126. Radagast
A name that presents powerful connections to nature, often seen in tales affected by cursed environments.
127. Nerissa
This name tied to the sea often symbolizes tragic fates, reminiscent of cursed journeys.
128. Mistral
This strong wind’s name brings to mind the chaos often linked with cursed weather patterns.
129. Zahara
This name means ‘to shine’, contrasting the feeling of a dark destiny resembling a curse.
130. Wylda
A name meaning ‘wild’, it evokes untamed spirits wrapped in intertwining stories of curses.
131. Cerberus
The three-headed dog that guards the underworld, representing the fear that often accompanies curses.
132. Withering
This name reflects decay and loss, symbolizing the pain tied to various cursed narratives.
133. Miasma
This term means a noxious influence, often seen as a curse upon the land.
134. Valdis
This name signifies ‘ruler’ but can hint at tyrannical associations connected with a cursed destiny.
135. Bellona
The Roman goddess of war, her name embodies destruction often viewed through the lens of curses.
136. Selkie
A creature from folklore symbolizing transformation, sometimes viewed through stories of cursed forms.
137. Persephone
This goddess embodies the duality of life and death, caught in a cursed existence of seasonal change.
138. Raggedy
This name represents weariness often associated with a long-lived curse.
139. Elysia
Referring to the Elysian Fields, this name embodies the contrast of being both blessed yet sometimes cursed.
140. Spawn
Often referring to progeny, the roots signify generational curses passed down through families.
141. Caliga
This dark name denotes mist or a feeling of sorrow, reflecting the essence of a curse.
142. Azara
A name meaning ‘sacred’, yet ironical as many tales portray sacredness as cursed due to tragedies.
143. Ambrosia
This sweet substance signifies something divine yet often tied to cursed narratives in myths.
144. Tenebris
A Latin word meaning ‘darkness’ closely relates to the lurking aspects of curses.
145. Runita
This name means ‘credited with’, often seen in contexts connected to burdens or curses.
146. Flavius
This name often linked with joy can curiously reflect the underlying tensions resembling curses.
147. Lavinia
This name is rooted in tragic narratives and families, often intertwining with curses and fate.
148. Odysseus
The wanderer whose journey reflects the trials and darkness of being under a curse.
149. Cimmeria
This name comes from a legendary place of darkness and fog, akin to a cursed atmosphere.
150. Lamentation
This name means a passionate expression of grief, symbolizing feelings often tied to curses.
Final Thoughts
Exploring names that mean curse reveals a fascinating intersection of culture, mythology, and human experience. Many of these names carry deep historical significance and illustrate how societies interpret misfortune and adversity.
Whether through mythological stories or literary references, these names encompass the darker aspects of existence. Though some may seem heavy, they shed light on humanity’s struggle with fate and resilience.
If you wish to explore similar names more, consider looking into names that mean cursed or even names that mean demon, as they evoke equally intriguing meanings from our world’s narratives.
Explore more related topics to dive into the meanings behind names!