Names carry deep meanings and can reflect various qualities, including darkness. Many people search for names that are gender-neutral and have unique, intriguing meanings. Dark-themed names often symbolize mystery, depth, or strength, and can be a great choice for parents looking for something special.
Today, we will share a list of gender-neutral names that mean dark. These names can represent different cultures and languages while retaining their rich significance. Whether you are naming a child or looking for a unique name for yourself, you’ll find great options that combine a sense of intrigue and individuality.
Names That Mean Dark Gender Neutral
1. Ash
The name Ash refers to the dark remnants left after something has burned, symbolizing rebirth and renewal. It is short and catchy, making it a popular choice.
2. Blaise
With a meaning of “fire,” Blaise can evoke the dark tones of charred wood, making it a bold name that embraces the duality of light and dark.
3. Ciaran
This traditional Irish name means “little dark one,” perfect for a gender-neutral choice embodying both charm and mystery.
4. Dorian
Dorian can be tied to the Greek word for “of the sea” and possesses an air of sophistication along with a depth of character.
5. Jet
This name refers to a glossy black mineral, which embodies a rich darkness and elegance, making it a great unisex name.
6. Jett
Similar to Jet, Jett conveys a sleek and modern vibe while still representing deep dark shades.
7. Kieran
Kieran also means “dark” and is a versatile name that works well across cultures while retaining its rich significance.
8. Lior
This Hebrew name means “light” or “my light,” but it can also carry a theme of shadow, showcasing complexity.
9. M I A
With its meaning of “dark,” this unique name brings a playful and cute touch while still embracing the essence of darkness.
10. Moros
From Greek mythology, Moros personifies doom, referring to deep darkness, making it a striking choice for those who lean into the enigmatic elements of life.
11. Ned
Ned, meaning “dark-haired,” is a charming and light-hearted name that aligns well with the theme of darkness.
12. Noir
This French word for black translates beautifully into a chic and mysterious name that stands out.
13. Onyx
A name inspired by the black stone, Onyx symbolizes strength and the enduring beauty of darkness.
14. Raven
This name evokes imagery of the dark, intelligent bird that symbolizes mystery and magic, giving it a haunting charm.
15. Sable
This name takes inspiration from the dark fur of the sable animal, embodying elegance and a sleek quality for any gender.
16. Shadi
This name, which means “dark” or “black,” is associated with strength and depth, popular across cultures.
17. Taboo
Embodying the idea of the forbidden and mysterious, Taboo sounds provocative and intriguing for a gender-neutral name.
18. Zane
Zane can relate to the phrase “God is gracious” but also has a mysterious quality that resonates with the theme of darkness.
19. Kyra
This name has roots in the meaning of “dark” and “lady,” making it a captivating and timeless choice.
20. Gloom
As a name that acknowledges shadows and obscurity, Gloom brings forth a dramatic and fascinating choice for a child.
21. Shadow
This name signifies the darker side of light, perfect for someone with a spirited yet mysterious personality.
22. Sterling
While having connotations of quality and value, Sterling can also denote a more shadowy appeal when thinking of tarnished silver.
23. Umbra
Meaning “shadow” in Latin, Umbra carries an air of mystique while serving as a lovely name choice for anyone.
24. Knight
This name embodies the concept of a dark knight, conjuring images of grandeur, valor, and strength.
25. Ravenel
This charming variation of Raven expands its dark imagery into a refined name choice that feels sophisticated.
26. Steele
Referring to the dark metal, Steele evokes a sense of strength and resilience, perfect for modern naming.
27. Tansy
Tansy has roots meaning “immortal,” yet the name also carries a unique sense of playful darkness.
28. Thorne
This name conjures images of dark woods and nature’s more intricate aspects, making it a beautifully mysterious choice.
29. Zephyr
The name Zephyr means “west wind,” offering a gentle contrast to the name’s dark connotations, evoking complexity.
30. Yara
Of Arabic origin meaning “water lady,” Yara can be associated with dark water depths, adding intrigue to the name.
31. Alaric
This powerful name means “ruler of all,” yet its historical context often ties to darker themes, adding to its allure.
32. Cobalt
Cobalt is a dark blue color, reflecting both uniqueness and a strong connection to mineral origins, providing depth to the choice.
33. Dexter
Meaning “right-handed” or “skilled,” it also conjures the mystery of dark tales and characters in literature.
34. Indigo
Indigo represents a deep blue color with a dark essence, symbolizing spirituality and intuition, perfect for any gender.
35. Nyx
Named after the Greek goddess of night, Nyx embodies deep darkness and is a striking choice for modern names.
36. Orion
A renowned constellation that evokes images of the night sky, Orion holds both mystery and appeal, fitting into the theme of darkness.
37. Reverie
Meaning “daydream,” Reverie can also reflect the dreamy darkness one has to explore the depths of their mind.
38. Sable
Another reference to the luxurious dark fur, Sable is elegant, indicating rich darkness while being a soft feminine choice.
39. Tryst
This name means a secret meeting, tying into the mystique of hidden places and shadowy themes, enriching its gender-neutral aspect.
40. Vesper
Meaning “evening star,” this name pays homage to the twilight transition, where darkness and light meet beautifully.
41. Wren
Wren is a small dark-feathered bird, embodying a spirit of grace while evoking a slightly darker undertone.
42. Vale
This name refers to a valley, often darkened and mysterious while offering a serene sound and imagery.
43. Haze
This ethereal name represents significant visibility which can be somewhat obscured, touching on darker themes effortlessly.
44. Selene
As the name for the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene symbolizes the beauty found in nighttime darkness.
45. Quinn
This clever Irish name carries meanings of wisdom and intelligence, blending beautifully into dark gender-neutral names.
46. Zelig
Of Yiddish origin meaning “blessed,” Zelig also offers a sense of strong mystery in its sound and essence.
47. Lark
In contrast to its chirpy tone, the Lark can also symbolize the deep stillness of night, bridging brightness and darkness.
48. Ashby
A name that combines ash trees with “farmstead” evokes images of dark forests and nature, resonating strongly with its roots.
49. Cedar
This strong and enduring name comes from the dark and aromatic wood, representing resilience while connecting to nature.
50. Fable
Fable suggests the darker twists and tales told through storytelling, making it a uniquely intriguing choice.
51. Delphi
Delphi, from Greek mythology, symbolizes a sacred dark site, perfect for those who appreciate historical depth.
52. Zora
This Slavic name means “dawn,” but it also touches on the edge between day and night, signifying the beauty of darkness.
53. Acheron
From Greek mythology, Acheron is often connected to the river of the underworld and symbolizes dark depths, rich in meanings.
54. Caligo
Meaning “dark fog” in Latin, Caligo evokes a sense of clouds and shadows, embodying mystery in its essence.
55. Hemlock
This name refers to a dangerous dark plant but can also suggest resilience. Its sound and visuals contribute to dark themes.
56. Lavelle
Lavelle holds a regal meaning of “the valley,” hinting at dark canyons that hold secrets and silence.
57. Tempest
This name represents a dark storm, bringing connotations of wild energy and intensity that are gender-neutral.
58. Zephyrus
With ties to the Greek god of the west wind, Zephyrus carries a sense of mysterious beauty linked to both dark and light.
59. Eve
The name Eve symbolizes beginnings and can also signify the darker parts of life, embracing complexity in simplicity.
60. Twilight
This evocative name captures the enchanting moments between night and day, representing darkness beautifully.
61. Sable
The name Sable draws inspiration from black fur, denoting elegance and strength that is suitable for any child.
62. Myrrh
This aromatic resin has a warm dark essence, offering both a rich fragrance and a symbol of beauty in darkness.
63. Opal
Though it is a gemstone reflecting multiple colors, the muted tones can signify shadows, making it an alluring choice.
64. Stone
This name exudes strength and durability, aligning perfectly with concepts of darkness in rock formations and caves.
65. Wisp
The soft, dark touch of a wisp of smoke denotes something both light and shadowed, offering a whimsical name choice.
66. Crevan
This name signifies “dark” and carries a weighty history, imparting a robust resonance for any gender.
67. Merlin
Named after the legendary wizard, Merlin has associations with magic and darkness, creating a mystical vibe.
68. Nox
Nox is a Latin word for “night,” making it an evocative name choice directly linking to themes of darkness.
69. Rune
This name refers to ancient symbols often linked to mystery and magic, exuding an air of enigma and darkness.
70. Vespera
A form of Vesper, this name means “evening star,” providing gentle connections to darkness in a charming way.
71. Gloam
Meaning twilight, Gloam evokes imagery that captures the beauty of the darkening sky as day fades away.
72. Ygritte
Famous from “Game of Thrones,” this name has harsh sounds yet carries an underlying beauty amid darkness.
73. Rune
Inspired by ancient scripts, Rune embodies the idea of hidden knowledge, strongly connected to dark themes.
74. Draven
This name means “hunter,” often associated with shadows, perfect for parents looking for something bold and strong.
75. Harlow
Meaning “army hill,” this name relates to dark historical stories, adding layers to its simplicity.
76. Morrow
This unique name signifies “the next day,” but can also connect to dark nights and the intrigue they hold.
77. Oakley
This name signifies strength through oak trees that often hold the shadows of forests, making it beautifully dark.
78. Briar
Evoking images of thorn-covered shrubs, Briar has connections to darker themes while retaining an air of nature.
79. Clove
This aromatic spice has a warm dark essence and can signify complexity, making a unique choice for a name.
80. Orion
A celestial reference, Orion connects to deep night skies and holds the intrigue of stars that shine with darkness.
81. Rook
This name means “blackbird” or “the dark”, contributing to its mystical and shadowy elements.
82. Elowen
This name means “elm tree,” suggesting a tie to dark woods and nature, perfect for those embracing the outdoors.
83. Zephyra
The feminine version of Zephyr can lead to associations with gentle breezes at night, subtly connecting to darkness.
84. Coal
This straightforward name reflects deep black tones, symbolizing warmth and resilience through its earthy meanings.
85. Kestrel
Referring to a type of bird, Kestrel embodies the beauty of nature’s darkness, while pleasing to the ear.
86. Elara
This name, associated with one of Jupiter’s moons, holds connotations of celestial mystery and darkness.
87. Basil
Basil symbolizes the dark herb’s rich flavors, making it a name that merges culinary themes with shadowy intricacy.
88. Finch
Finch brings forth images of various dark-feathered birds while being a charming and unisex choice.
89. Cayden
This name means “fighter,” capturing essence tied to dark intensity and determination in a gender-neutral way.
90. Mercer
This name means “merchant” and carries historical links often associated with dark trading and craftsmanship themes.
91. Gale
The name Gale symbolizes strength and stormy weather, linking to the upheaval of dark elements, perfectly unisex.
92. Evening
This name signifies the transition from day into night and can embody both peaceful and dark aspects of life.
93. Ashwin
This name carries meanings of light yet can also reflect upon darkness and shadows implied within the light.
94. Faelan
This Irish name means “little wolf”, connecting to dark themes often tied to nature and wildness.
95. Heath
Referring to open lands, Heath is often tied with darker themes of nature due to its textures and colors.
96. Kael
This name means “slender” and “fair” but can also be associated with beautiful darkness, making it a versatile choice.
97. Ophelia
Meaning “help,” this name takes on darker connotations through its literary connections, making it intriguing.
98. Ravenel
This name ties back to the elegant crow, symbolizing intelligence and mystery, perfect for those seeking depth.
99. Sphere
A name that suggests completeness while connecting to shadowy figures and shapes enhancing the mystery of the dark.
100. Vale
This name reflects landscapes that can be darkened by shadows or time, offering a serene appeal.
101. Julep
Julep’s association with dark, flavorful drinks evokes an intriguing essence, making it a unique choice.
102. Quinn
This name implies intelligence and wisdom while reflecting so many dark themes through various cultures.
103. Indigo
With its hue of deep blue combined with black, Indigo connects richly to both color and darkness.
104. Morwen
Meaning “dark maiden” in Welsh, Morwen is poised to represent both beauty and strength in its connection to darkness.
105. Noir
Directly translating to black in French, Noir combines elegance with a powerful sense of darkness, making it chic.
106. Elm
This name signifies a strong and enduring type of tree that can evoke mystery through dark wooded images.
107. Mystic
This name connects to the unknown and unseen, embodying the darker aspects of spirituality and magic.
108. Charm
Though not the traditional dark name, Charm carries an allure that can attract darker elements of the night.
109. Vale
Intertwined with dark imagery of valleys, Vale encompasses tranquil aspects while emphasizing its depth.
110. Tempest
This fierce name suggests storms that bring darkness and intensity, making it a powerful choice.
111. Astraea
Meaning “star,” Astraea connects to celestial nights that can be both beautiful and shadowy.
112. Fox
This clever animal is often viewed as mysterious and cunning, putting forth a name linked to dark woods and shrouded paths.
113. Finch
Finch adds whimsy with a touch of mystery as it reflects the darker shades found in nature.
114. Ember
This name signifies glowing coals or the remains of fire, representing warmth emerging from a dark source.
115. Winter
A name that evokes scenes of the dark season, Winter symbolizes cold and quiet moments rich in darkness.
116. Cinder
This captivating name relates to the remains of burnt wood, symbolizing something dark that can create life anew.
117. Blithe
This name represents happiness with an underlying darkness, highlighting the contrasts that exist between joy and sadness.
118. Dusk
Dusk embodies the moment when day breaks into darkness, symbolizing transition, change, and an enchanting ambiance.
119. Stygian
This name means “of the Styx,” the river in Greek mythology, emphasizing its connection to dark themes and afterlife.
120. Shadow
A straightforward but haunting name, Shadow directly conveys themes of darkness while remaining unique and compelling.
121. Ravyn
A spelling variation of Raven, Ravyn maintains the connections to darkness, mystery, and the allure of the night.
122. Katniss
Famous from literature, Katniss denotes a dark environment tied to survival and strength, fitting perfectly in this list.
123. Astra
This name means “star” in Latin but reflects the darker aspects of the night sky’s vast emptiness.
124. Tegan
The meaning of Tegan can be “fair” but also can symbolize dark qualities found in literature and storytelling.
125. Cedar
Representing stability and strength, Cedar connects with deep forests and dark, rich hues found in nature.
126. Eclipse
This name holds strong cosmic imagery, connecting beautifully to darkness and rarity in its circumstances.
127. Faye
Originally meaning “fairy,” Faye also carries dainty darkness, which plays into the mystical themes found in fairytales.
128. Redd
Although typically representing a shade, Redd can also invoke the deeper, darker shades associated with red, like garnets.
129. Vesper
Meaning “evening,” Vesper softly reflects the dark yet reassuring moments when day transitions to night.
130. Terra
This name means “earth” and can symbolize the dark, rich soil found in the depths of the ground.
131. Lark
This name brings cheerful connotations but also can connected to the darker, quieter parts of nature.
132. Astraea
A name from Greek mythology, Astraea represents the starry night, perfectly aligning with dark themes.
133. Brae
Meaning a “slope” or “hill,” Brae evokes the natural dark shadows found on the earth’s surface.
134. Dalen
This name evokes thoughts of valleys, often shrouded in beautiful darkness and mystery.
135. Gale
This name indicates a strong wind often associated with storms, tying it into darker imagery beautifully.
136. Rune
Representing ancient symbols, Rune is steeped in history and darkness, making it a captivating choice for any child.
137. Umbra
This name means shadow and carries a potential connection to the unseen that intrigues and captivates.
138. Morrigan
A powerful figure from Irish mythology, Morrigan calls forth the shadows of war and the night beautifully.
139. Lyle
Meaning “island,” Lyle evokes darker landscapes often isolated and surrounded by mysteries.
140. Crow
This strong and intense name suggests a connection with dark birds and their symbolic meanings of wisdom and mystery.
141. Indigo
This deep bluish-black name can symbolize the night sky and its mysteries while still being unique.
142. Night
This comforting name expresses both stillness and adventure, encompassing the softer darkness within.
143. Amaya
This name means “night rain,” blending elements of darkness and nature’s Beautiful touch.
144. Clarity
The juxtaposition of clarity and darkness makes this name an interesting exploration of contrasts.
145. Ember
Relating to glowing ashes, Ember carries beautiful warmth derived from dark, fiery origins, making it striking.
146. Ravenna
A unique variation of Raven, this name has rich dark themes tied to both elegance and strength.
147. Nyx
This name explicitly refers to night, connecting directly to darkness and mythological themes.
148. Bosque
This word means “forest” in Spanish, often connoting darker places with tall trees and shades.
149. Jet
A name of deep black mineral, Jet reflects a sense of both elegance and an inherent connection to darkness.
150. Morrow
The name Morrow signifies the days to come but can also call forth dark night stories of transition.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name with a dark theme can help signify mystery, depth, and individuality. We have shared a list of 150 gender-neutral names that embody this idea beautifully. Each name has a unique story or meaning connected to darkness, allowing for a fascinating selection for parents and individuals alike.
Exploring names that evoke dark characteristics provides an opportunity to connect deeply with their meanings. You could also dive into Names That Mean Dark Girl or expand your understanding of darkness through the interesting topic of Names That Mean Darkness as well.
Whatever your reasons, be it for a child or for yourself, consider these captivating names that mean dark as your next choice.