Names can carry deep meanings, often reflecting powerful themes from history and culture. One intriguing category of names is those that signify death. These names might originate from ancient languages, mythologies, or even specific traditions, and they often tell unique stories worth knowing. Some names evoke a sense of mystery, while others can be quite stark.
Today, we will look at various names that mean death. We’ll explore their origins and what they signify, offering insight into the cultures that created them. Whether you’re curious about their meanings or considering a name for your creative project, these names hold fascinating tales.
Names That Mean Death
1. Azrael
Azrael is known as the angel of death in various religions. The name is steeped in mystique and represents the transition to the afterlife.
2. Mortimer
This Old French name literally means ‘dead’ or ‘still water’. It holds a certain somber charm while conveying its meaning directly.
3. Thanatos
Rooted in Greek mythology, Thanatos represents the personification of death. This name carries a weighty significance and a timeless appeal.
4. Kali
Kali is a Hindu goddess associated with time, change, and destruction. Her name evokes notions of death and rebirth.
5. Mara
Of Hebrew origin, the name Mara means ‘bitter’, which often symbolizes the sorrow of death in various cultures.
6. Morta
Morta is the Latin word for ‘death’. This name has historical roots and is often used in literature and poetry.
7. Neith
In Egyptian mythology, Neith is a goddess linked to war and weaving, often associated with death due to her formidable nature.
8. Morte
This Italian word means ‘death’ and is often used in literature to evoke a sense of the inevitable.
9. Libitina
In Roman mythology, Libitina is the goddess of funerals and death, making this name deeply intertwined with themes of mortality.
10. Hades
The god of the underworld in Greek mythology, Hades’ name signifies the place where the souls of the deceased reside.
11. Rhiannon
This Welsh name signifies ‘great queen’ but is often associated with the otherworldly, hinting at the nature of death as a transition.
12. Styx
Styx is named after the river in Greek mythology that separates the living from the dead, linking it directly to death themes.
13. Cimmerian
Referring to the mythical people from Homer’s works who dwelled in eternal darkness, this name evokes imagery connected to death.
14. Alvah
The Hebrew name Alvah translates to ‘his highness’ but also means ‘the wicked’, highlighting death’s harsh reality.
15. Kesten
Although Kesten can refer to a chestnut tree, it can also imply something dark, connecting it indirectly through nature and mortality.
16. Corbin
Corbin comes from the Latin word ‘corvus’, which means raven. Ravens are often associated with death and mystery.
17. Rami
This name means ‘an archer’ in Hebrew but can also evoke themes of fate and mortality, linking to death.
18. Sabela
The name Sabela has roots in Hebrew, meaning ‘to be delivered’, often alluding to death’s spiritual aspect.
19. Kira
Kira can mean ‘the light’ in some cultures; however, it also associates with ‘death’ in Japanese, showcasing its duality.
20. Talia
Talia translates to ‘dew from God’ in Hebrew, but it also symbolizes life’s fleeting nature, touching on mortality.
21. Devorah
This Hebrew name means ‘bee’, yet it is often interpreted as synonymous with death and sacrifice in literature.
22. Moros
Moros symbolizes fate or doom in Greek mythology. This name’s essence is intertwined with death and inevitability.
23. Bertha
Although Bertha means ‘bright one’, the name has connections to warrior queens, often hinting at battles and death.
24. Ereshkigal
The Sumerian goddess of the underworld, Ereshkigal embodies death’s power and mystery, making it an evocative name.
25. Namtaru
Namtaru refers to death in Sumerian culture and encapsulates the essence of finality and judgment.
26. Selene
In Greek mythology, Selene is associated with the moon and night, naturally linking to themes of death and the unknown.
27. Alva
Alva means ‘elf’ in some contexts but can also mean ‘white’ or ‘bright’, indirectly tying to the cycle of life and death.
28. Hela
In Norse mythology, Hela is the goddess of the underworld, representationally linked to death and the afterlife.
29. Apollyon
A name linked to destruction, Apollyon is derived from the Greek verb apollymi, which means to destroy, lining it directly with death.
30. Ianna
Ianna translates to ‘moon goddess’ in Sumerian but is also associated with transitions, including death.
31. K死suki
This Japanese name translates to ‘little death’, weaving both confusion and charm, relating directly to the concept of death.
32. Lothar
Lothar, which means ‘army of the people’, can imply mortality through war and its direct consequences.
33. Osiris
The Egyptian god of the afterlife, Osiris speaks to the themes of death and rebirth, making this name a powerful symbol.
34. Malaika
Malaika means ‘angel’ in Swahili, but it often alludes to spirits of the deceased watching over the living.
35. Lethe
Lethe refers to the river of forgetfulness in Greek mythology, highlighting the forgetfulness that follows death.
36. Cale
Cale means ‘slim’ in some cultures and is also used pejoratively to signify something close to death.
37. Damaris
The name Damaris is Greek and can mean ‘gentle’ or ‘calf’, yet often represents soft mourning connected to death.
38. Issac
Issac, a prominent biblical name meaning ‘laughter’, can carry the weight of sacrifice and death in its narrative.
39. Sorrow
As a direct reference to grief, this name evokes the heavy emotions associated with loss and death.
40. Deidra
Of Irish origin, Deidra means ‘broken-hearted’, touching directly on the sadness often linked to death.
41. Jareth
This name can mean ‘destruction’, providing a strong association with death’s impact.
42. Kivara
Kivara means ‘death’ in one of the dialects of the Bantu language. It provides a direct nod to the themes of mortality.
43. Eamon
This name stands for ‘wealthy protector’, indirectly referring to the preservation of life against the backdrop of death.
44. Nyx
In Greek mythology, Nyx is the goddess of night, embodying darkness and concepts linked to death.
45. Oren
In Hebrew, Oren means ‘pine tree’, often associated with life and afterlife, connecting to themes of death.
46. Sabel
Sabel means ‘to deliver’, often hinting at spiritual undertones linked to life and death.
47. Draco
Draco, meaning dragon in Greek, often symbolizes wisdom through experience, including that of death.
48. Elysia
Elysia is derived from Elysium, the paradise for heroes in Greek mythology, linking back to death and rebirth.
49. Hecate
The goddess of witchcraft and magic in Greek mythology, Hecate is linked to the power of death and the unseen.
50. Asherah
Asherah is linked to ancient goddess worship, often reflecting themes of life, death, and the continuum of existence.
51. Thana
A name rooted in its Greek origins, Thana translates directly to ‘death’, showcasing its explicit connection to mortality.
52. Sorrel
Sorrel refers to a type of herb but is often associated with bitterness, linking metaphorically to death.
53. Nuit
Nuit is an Egyptian goddess representing the night sky, often symbolizing mystery and death.
54. Voldemort
Famous from the Harry Potter series, Voldemort represents darkness and the pursuit of immortality, twisting concepts of death.
55. Caligo
Caligo means mist or darkness in Latin, symbolizing the obscurity of death.
56. Darya
Darya means ‘sea’ in Persian, often signifying the vastness that symbolizes life and death.
57. Kiya
Of Egyptian origin, Kiya means ‘the beloved’, and her context in history speaks to the heartache of loss.
58. Persephone
The queen of the underworld in Greek mythology, Persephone links deeply with death and rebirth in her story.
59. Niamh
Niamh means ‘bright’ in Irish, but can also signify the light at the end of a dark journey known as death.
60. Delilah
Famous from the biblical story, Delilah represents betrayal, often leading to Death’s inevitability.
61. Nissa
This name can mean ‘to tear’, often symbolizing the emotional pain linked to mortality.
62. Genocide
This name, though stark, directly points to the large-scale death associated with its meaning.
63. Mortally
This name is directly connected with the essence of death, evoking the awareness of mortality.
64. Zephyrus
Referring to the god of the west wind, Zephyrus is often connected to the concept of the life cycle and death.
65. Deleth
A form signifying death in various languages, Deleth emphasizes the finality of the cycle of life.
66. Morwenna
This Welsh name means ‘maiden’ but often embodies themes of loss, darkness, and death.
67. Moura
Moura represents a spirit of the deceased in Portuguese folklore, linking closely to the theme of death.
68. Tundra
Tundra can evoke a cold, lifeless landscape, symbolizing the harshness associated with death and decay.
69. Decima
Decima, whose name means ‘tenth’, was a Roman goddess representing fate and the finality of life.
70. Perenna
Perenna means ‘everlasting’, often seen in connection with concepts surrounding the afterlife.
71. Enid
This Welsh name signifies ‘soul’, invoking the spiritual aspect of life and death.
72. Vesper
Vesper means ‘evening’ in Latin, often suggesting transitions leading to night and the metaphorical death of the day.
73. Elowen
Elowen means ‘elm tree’ in Cornish, often associated with the ancient symbolism of life and death.
74. Belladonna
This plant’s name means ‘beautiful lady’ in Italian, yet it is toxic, linking beauty to danger and possible death.
75. Nyssa
Nyssa signifies ‘beginning’ in some contexts but can also symbolize the end, domains deeply intertwined with death.
76. Lesath
A name tied to the star in the Scorpius constellation, Lesath carries meanings that connect it with darkness and death themes.
77. Arioch
This ancient name has Biblical roots, symbolizing the power of death and judgment.
78. Xanthe
Xanthe means ‘golden’ in Greek and can allude to the beauty of life that fades with death.
79. Druantia
Druantia is known as a goddess of trees and fertility, her name often brings forth ideas regarding the cycle of life and death.
80. Taliah
Taliah means ‘dew from God’, touching on life’s fragility and its connection to mortality.
81. Sidony
This name brings associations of ancient city-states, often tied to tales of life, death, and everything in between.
82. Zephara
Similar to Zephyrus, this name can often refer to winds of change, including the inevitable approach of death.
83. Tristana
This name means ‘sad’ or ‘sorrowful’, perfectly representing the emotional side of death.
84. Benita
As a name signifying ‘blessed’, Benita can imply a peaceful resolution at the end of life.
85. Fareeda
Fareeda means ‘precious’ in various cultures and can reflect the value of life before death.
86. Rabia
This name means ‘spring’ in Arabic but connects to themes of rebirth following death.
87. Acheron
Acheron is referred to as the river of sorrow in Greek mythology, directly alluding to the themes surrounding death.
88. Malachai
Malachai means ‘messenger’ and can be linked to the delivery of fateful news surrounding death.
89. Tenebris
In Latin, Tenebris means ‘darkness’ symbolizing the unknown that comes with death.
90. Vespera
This name signifies ‘evening’, repeating themes of transition and the looming nature of death.
91. Cerberus
As the three-headed guard dog of the underworld, Cerberus connects directly to the essence of death in mythology.
92. Aiden
Although often representing ‘fiery’, Aiden’s associations can also entwine with the concepts of fate and its effects on life and death.
93. Atalanta
Representing the fierce huntress in mythology, Atalanta brings together imagery of life’s fragility and the inevitability of death.
94. Jove
This Roman god of sky and thunder, Jove indirectly represents the balance of life and death through his divine decrees.
95. Keres
Keres were female spirits representing violent death in Greek mythology, perfectly associating this name with death.
96. Requiem
The term ‘Requiem’ refers to a mass for the dead, emphasizing the spiritual aspect of death.
97. Layla
This Arabic name meaning ‘night’ often reflects the closed doors of life after death.
98. Sahasrara
Representing the crown chakra, Sahasrara can symbolize enlightenment that comes post mortem.
99. Sidena
Though the meaning leans toward ‘heavenly’, its association with the afterworld links it to mortality.
100. Morosini
An Italian surname that derives from the word death, thus encapsulating the essence of finality.
101. Belial
A biblical name that signifies worthlessness, Belial speaks to the destructive side of human nature leading to death.
102. Yeva
Of Slavic origin, Yeva means ‘life’ but ties closely to the cycle that encounters death.
103. Surtr
Surtr in Norse mythology represents fire and destruction, emphasizing death’s powerful nature.
104. Phaedra
The name Phaedra means ‘radiant’ but often carries a tragic connection to death in its myths.
105. Elazar
Elazar means ‘God has helped’, often implying the deliverance from life’s struggles leading to death.
106. Hecatomb
Meaning a large-scale sacrifice, this term is intrinsically linked to themes of death and offering.
107. Destin
Although meaning ‘fate’, Destin evokes feelings surrounding death and the unknown.
108. Korrigan
These mythical beings in Breton folklore are associated with death, guiding souls to the afterlife.
109. Macabre
This term often points directly to the darker aspects of death, emphasizing its cyclical nature.
110. Cassandra
This name, steeped in mythology, connects to forewarnings, often associated with death.
111. Calantha
Means ‘beautiful flower’ but highlights the fleeting nature of life, invariably linked to death.
112. Xibalba
This Mayan term refers to the underworld, directly entwined with the concept of death.
113. Djinn
In folklore, Djinn can represent spirits of the deceased, bringing hints of death to the narrative.
114. Aodh
This Irish name represents ‘fire’, often symbolically linked to passions that can lead to death.
115. Treva
A name meaning ‘crossing’, often symbolizing the journey from life to death.
116. Tarquin
Tying back to ancient Roman history, Tarquin’s tumultuous themes echo the conflicts often ending in death.
117. Quirinus
This Roman god represents war and its consequences, directly linking to themes of death.
118. Verity
Verity can stand for truth but often leads to the acceptance of death in various literary contexts.
119. Galadriel
From Tolkien’s lore, Galadriel embodies twilight, symbolizing the interplay of light and death.
120. Jacinth
This gemstone’s name encompasses themes of resilience, often with ties to loss and death.
121. Sotiris
A Greek name translating to ‘savior’, it reflects the dichotomy of life saved and life lost.
122. Tantalus
Another figure from mythology, Tantalus underscores the pains associated with death along the spectrum of life.
123. Aisling
This dream-related name in Gaelic can also symbolize visions of the afterlife and death.
124. Raiden
This name, meaning ‘thunder and lightning’, can symbolize the dramatic strikes that lead to death.
125. Leander
A name meaning ‘lion man’, Leander often symbolizes bravery that might lead to tragic death.
126. Quintus
This Roman name, meaning ‘fifth’, is often associated with the cycles of life leading to death.
127. Sanguine
Though typically suggesting optimism, Sanguine also references a blood connection often aligning with life and death.
128. Galatia
The name of the ancient region, reflecting ties to both life and death through historical context.
129. Seraphina
Meaning ‘fiery’, Seraphina often relates to the purification that comes with death.
130. Desdemona
Shakespeare’s tragic heroine, Desdemona’s tale ultimately intertwines love and death.
131. Judith
This strong name means ‘woman from Judea’, often connoting themes of war, bravery, and associated deaths.
132. Astrid
This Scandinavian name meaning ‘divine strength’ often reflects challenges leading to life’s end.
133. Xanthe
Rooted in Greek mythology, the name Xanthe can translate to ‘yellow’, symbolizing life as it fades toward death.
134. Keturah
Keturah, meaning ‘incense’, symbolizes spiritual connection and contemplation of mortality.
135. Gwendolyn
This Welsh name ties to themes of bravery and battles, often leading to the consequences of death.
136. Valhalla
A banquet hall in Norse mythology, Valhalla symbolizes warriors welcomed into the afterlife, directly linking to death.
137. Carnage
Referring to the killing of many, Carnage directly symbolizes mass death in literature and history.
138. Dusk
Dusk signifies the end of the day, linking beautifully with themes connected to death.
139. Juno
The Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth, Juno’s name can represent the cycle leading to death.
140. Mortis
Deriving from Latin, Mortis stands explicit in its implications, directly related to death.
141. Thalassa
The personification of the sea in Greek mythology, Thalassa evokes feelings of life, darkness, and death.
142. Daria
This name translates to ‘possessor of goodness’, often highlighting the contrast of life’s goodness to death.
143. Lameron
Meaning ‘tender’, Lameron’s implications provide depth to the emotions connected with death.
144. Aberforth
Showcasing ties to heritage and tradition, Aberforth can hint at mortality within its context.
145. Mjolnir
Thor’s hammer represents both destruction and creation, frequently adding to the chaos of life and death.
146. Nephthys
A goddess associated with funerary rites in Egypt, Nephthys embodies death and the afterlife.
147. Delve
This name signifies ‘to dig’, often referencing the grave, representing a direct tie to death.
148. Kermode
The Kermode bear symbolizes renewal and cycles, linking to the concept of death and rebirth.
149. Morteza
A name meaning ‘death’ in Persian, definitively connecting to the central theme.
150. Plutarch
This name relates to the Greek god of the underworld, showcasing a straightforward representation of death.
Final Thoughts
Names that signify death carry deep meanings, often illustrating the human experience with loss and the cycle of life. Through exploring these names, we uncover their historical, cultural, and mythological relevance all tied to mortality. Each name tells a story—whether it’s about gods, elements of nature, or the emotional weight of grief. They remind us that life and death are intertwined, creating a tapestry of experiences that define us.
Whether selecting a name for a character or simply exploring the rich histories behind them, the significance is profound. To delve deeper into names with powerful meanings, consider exploring names that mean poison or names that mean sacrifice.
Embrace the journey of learning about names and their stories, as they expand our understanding of life, death, and beyond.