Names with meanings related to death have a fascinating history and cultural significance. Many ancient civilizations believed that names could hold power, even influencing a person’s destiny. Some names symbolize endings, while others may reflect a more mystical connection to the afterlife. These names often carry deep stories and cultural meanings.
Today, we will look at various names that mean death or are associated with it. From names in mythology to those used in modern times, each has its own unique significance. Whether you’re curious about name meanings or looking for something with a darker twist, you’ll find interesting options here.
Names That Mean Deth
1. Abaddon
Abaddon is a name derived from the Hebrew word meaning ‘destruction’ and is often associated with the angel of the abyss in the Book of Revelation. It signifies a deeper connection to death and the end of times.
2. Acheron
Acheron is a river in Greek mythology known as the ‘river of pain.’ It symbolizes a passage to the underworld, making it a poignant name connected to death.
3. Azrael
In many traditions, Azrael is the name of the angel of death. Its roots in Arabic mean ‘helper of God,’ which directly relates to the theme of death.
4. Malachi
The name Malachi means ‘my messenger’ in Hebrew and is often seen in the context of messages from the afterlife or death, signifying transitions in existence.
5. Thanatos
Thanatos is the personification of death in Greek mythology. This powerful name directly embodies the concept of death and endings.
6. Mortimer
The name Mortimer means ‘dead sea.’ The linkage between the ocean and death gives this name a hauntingly beautiful quality.
7. Morticia
Famous from the Addams Family, Morticia’s name roots back to ‘mortis,’ which means death in Latin. It represents a blend of elegance and the macabre.
8. Keres
The Keres are female spirits of death in Greek mythology. They symbolize the darker aspect of mortality, making this name powerful and meaningful.
9. Mara
Mara is a name found in multiple cultures, often associated with death or illusion. In Hebrew, it means ‘bitter,’ reflecting the darker sides of life.
10. Lethe
In Greek mythology, Lethe is a river that causes forgetfulness about the past life. It delves into death and rebirth themes, making it an intriguing name.
11. Raven
The raven is often viewed as a symbol of death and mystery in various folklore. Naming someone Raven can evoke a connection to the dark and unknown.
12. Nox
Nox, meaning ‘night’ in Latin, often relates to darkness and the unknown of what lies beyond death, resonating with themes of the afterlife.
13. Duffy
Duffy is an Irish name meaning ‘dark,’ which can symbolize the mysteries surrounding death and the unknown.
14. Hades
The name Hades, stemming from Greek mythology, is associated with the god of the underworld. It is inherently tied to the concepts of death and the afterlife.
15. Lethia
Lethia sounds melodious and means ‘oblivion,’ connecting it directly with forgetfulness and the passage from life to death.
16. Darius
Darius, from Persian origin, means ‘possessing goodness.’ However, it also reflects the inevitability of death and its journey.
17. Kali
Kali, from Hindu mythology, represents the goddess of destruction and transformation, emphasizing the themes of death and rebirth.
18. Devlin
This Irish name means ‘unlucky’ and can relate to the darker motifs of life, including death.
19. Samara
Samara is an Arabic name meaning ‘protected by God,’ which can have interpretations regarding the afterlife and death’s assurance.
20. Lila
Lila, meaning ‘night’ or ‘dark beauty,’ symbolizes the unknown aspects of death while also embodying elegance.
21. Orpheus
Orpheus is a name from Greek mythology linked to the underworld. He’s known for his journey to retrieve his beloved, symbolizing love and loss within death.
22. Ash
Ash symbolizes the remains of burnt matter, often used metaphorically to represent the end of life, making it a compelling name.
23. Zoltan
A name of Hungarian origin meaning ‘life,’ but often associated with the idea of the fleeting nature of existence and inevitable death.
24. Druantia
Druantia, known as the ‘tree goddess,’ symbolizes the cycle of life and death through nature, representing both growth and decay.
25. Deirdre
In Irish mythology, Deirdre is a tragic name meaning ‘sorrow,’ thus connecting it to themes of death and loss.
26. Vesper
Vesper means ‘evening star,’ representing the end of a day, metaphorically relating to death as an end.
27. Nyx
Nyx meaning ‘night’ in Greek mythology signifies shadows and the secrets of the dark, often associated with death.
28. Kalia
Kalia means ‘pure’ or ‘beloved’ in some cultures, but its associations with death in others create a poignant balance.
29. Kisaya
Kisaya means ‘death’ in several African languages, making it a heartfelt name within many communities.
30. Tana
Tana has meanings that connect to the earth, where many see the final resting place of those who have passed.
31. Jabez
Known for its meaning ‘sorrow,’ Jabez connects to themes of mourning and the impacts of death.
32. Damaris
This name, meaning ‘gentle,’ can connect to the soft, delicate nature of life, while subtly incorporating death’s inevitability.
33. Sombra
Sombra means ‘shadow’ in Spanish, having a direct link to the idea of death as a permanent shadow that follows us.
34. Shade
Shade carries a straightforward relationship to death, as it is often used metaphorically for the departed spirits that linger on.
35. Morte
Morte is a direct word for death in several languages, making it a raw and powerful name associated with mortality.
36. Phaedra
Phaedra means ‘bright,’ but her story in Greek mythology revolves around tragedy and death, connecting the light she embodies to the darker side.
37. Kairos
Kairos, meaning ‘the right moment,’ can represent the moment of death as a significant turning point in one’s life.
38. Elowen
While Elowen means ‘elm tree,’ elms are often seen as trees associated with death and remembrance, giving it a unique resonance.
39. Clarity
Clarity signifies understanding and insight, especially regarding death’s role in the life cycle, making it a reflective name.
40. Koi
Koi are fish associated with perseverance, but they also symbolize the cycle of life and death in various cultures.
41. Elysia
Elysia, derived from the Elysian Fields, is where the dead reside in Greek mythology, directly connecting it to death.
42. Talia
Talia means ‘dew from God’ in Hebrew, a subtle representation of life’s transient nature and eventual death.
43. Zephyr
Zephyr means ‘gentle breeze,’ symbolizing a soft transition from life to death, much like the passing wind.
44. Fenrir
Fenrir, from Norse mythology, is a wolf associated with destruction and death, representing a compelling dark connection.
45. Rhiannon
Rhiannon is tied to mythology and the afterlife, making it a powerful name linked to death and transformation.
46. Icarus
Although his name means ‘follower,’ Icarus’s story ends in death, representing ambition’s role and outcomes in life.
47. Edda
Edda refers to the Old Norse text that contains imagery and stories of death in mythology, giving it a rich historical connection.
48. Lira
Lira symbolically references the ‘lyre,’ often used in stories surrounding death, music, and remembrance.
49. Inanna
Inanna is a Sumerian goddess representing love and war, with strong connections to themes of death and rebirth.
50. Runa
Runa means ‘secret’ or ‘whisper,’ evoking the idea of death’s mysteries and the secrets it holds.
51. Lumen
Lumen, meaning ‘light,’ can also signify the light that waits beyond death, framing it as a transition instead of an ending.
52. Tallulah
This name means ‘leaping water’ but can evoke themes of flowing through life into death’s waters, emphasizing fluidity in existence.
53. Tempest
Tempest signifies tumultuous storms, much like the chaos of death’s arrival and the aftermath it leaves.
54. Vespera
Vespera, a derivative of Vesper, implies ‘evening’ or the end of the day, metaphorically linking to death and closure.
55. Delilah
Delilah, meaning ‘delicate,’ has ties to stories of betrayal and loss, connecting directly with the theme of death.
56. Adrie
Adrie carries a storied connection to the ‘dark one,’ which can subtly evoke feelings surrounding death.
57. Mairead
While Mairead stands for ‘pearl,’ it has a somber meaning relating to the preciousness of life and the inevitability of death.
58. Calliope
Calliope, the muse of epic poetry, reflects the timeless stories surrounding death and legacy through literature.
59. Canaan
Canaan indicates a land of promise yet also symbolizes the land of the dead, giving it a deeper resonance with death.
60. Odette
Odette means ‘wealthy’ but also carries the weight of tragic endings tied to tales of swans and death.
61. Cato
Cato means ‘wise’ in the context of someone who understands the nature of life, including death.
62. Flavia
Flavia symbolizes brightness, yet within many stories, light often meets darkness in themes of death.
63. Kismet
Kismet is an Arabic name meaning ‘fate,’ emphasizing the idea of predetermined paths that often lead to death.
64. Althea
Althea means ‘healer,’ but also has ties to endings and a cyclical view of death and healing.
65. Sylvan
Sylvan means ‘of the forest’ where many cultures associate trees with life and death simultaneously.
66. Valeria
Valeria denotes strength, but also reflects the drama of life’s frailty when facing death.
67. Zara
Zara means ‘princess’ and carries the weight of elegance that can contrast starkly with the finality of death.
68. Nova
Nova means ‘new’ but can symbolize the new life one finds after death when explored in literature.
69. Zuri
Zuri means ‘beautiful,’ providing a gentle reminder of life’s beauty in a world where death is inevitable.
70. Briar
Briar denotes thorny plants, reflecting the struggles of life often leading to death.
71. Anubis
Anubis is the Egyptian god guiding souls to the afterlife, perfectly encapsulating death’s connection.
72. Loki
Loki, known as a trickster in Norse mythology, indirectly connects to death through chaos and mischief.
73. Asher
Asher means ‘happy’ in Hebrew but connects with themes of joy found within life after death.
74. Davy
Davy is often associated with ‘David’, which can signify beloved, and can resonate with the sorrow of loss.
75. Ember
Ember signifies the dying remains of a fire, a direct metaphor for life’s end and the death of flames.
76. Sable
Sable refers to a dark color, closely tied to the somberness of death and mourning.
77. Soren
Soren means ‘stern,’ a name that can connect with the gravity and seriousness of death.
78. Odalys
Odalys represents the ancestral path, cycling back to the idea of death and remembrance.
79. Nihil
Nihil directly means ‘nothing,’ symbolizing the end and finality of death.
80. Royce
Royce signifies ‘rose’ and connects with the idea of life’s beauty in the shadows of mortality.
81. Zara
Zara, meaning ‘radiance,’ contrasts with death, embodying hope and remembrance of the departed.
82. Faust
Faust symbolizes making deals with the dark, linking deeply with death’s allure in literature.
83. Hecate
Hecate is the goddess of witchcraft and the night, often associated with death and the underworld.
84. Thorne
Thorne signifies a thorn bush, which symbolizes life’s harsh qualities and eventual end.
85. Orin
Orin means ‘light’ yet can also symbolize the enlightening experience of facing death.
86. Wynne
Wynne means ‘fair or blessed,’ providing a softer touch but deeply connected to life and death’s balance.
87. Astrid
Astrid means ‘divine strength’ but is often portrayed unfavorably when addressing death in stories.
88. Niamh
Niamh translates to ‘brightness,’ yet emphasizes the bittersweet nature of life touched by death’s shadow.
89. Raine
Raine means ‘queen’ yet often represents the tears shed when one experiences death.
90. Zephyrus
Zephyrus is a gentle wind messenger, paralleling the gentle passing of souls at death.
91. Denae
Denae signifies ‘follower,’ connected to the idea of those who follow the path leading to death.
92. Hespera
Hespera represents twilight, or the transition period between life and death.
93. Lila
Lila, meaning ‘night,’ can serve as a fundamental connection between the living and the dead.
94. Selene
Selene, goddess of the moon, connects to themes of light associated with the veil between life and death.
95. Calla
Calla refers to ‘beautiful’ but symbolizes death in many cultures through the symbolism of lilies.
96. Skylar
Skylar means ‘scholar,’ representing those who study mortality and death’s nature.
97. Melisande
Melisande translates to ‘strong in work’ but symbolizes the effort made to contend with mortality.
98. Garin
This name means ‘guardian’ and can symbolize guiding souls through death’s passage.
99. Una
Una means ‘one’ or ‘unity,’ reflecting life’s singularity before the experience of death.
100. Nyssa
Nyssa signifies ‘beginning’ in one context but also connects to the beginning of the afterlife.
101. Astra
Astra means ‘star,’ often seen as a light beyond death, showing eternal connections.
102. Elysium
Elysium is the name of the heavenly abode for the righteous dead, rooted deeply in death’s narrative.
103. Rhea
Rhea, mother of gods in mythology, symbolizes the cycle of life and death.
104. Fenella
Fenella means ‘fair’ but often depicts the contrasts with loss and death.
105. Vale
Vale means ‘valley,’ often used to describe the resting places associated with death.
106. Liora
Liora translates to ‘light,’ linking the brightness to the other side of death.
107. Juno
Juno represents the protector of the afterlife, making it a direct link to themes of death and rebirth.
108. Seraphine
Seraphine presently symbolizes an angel, often connecting with contamination at the eclipse of life and death.
109. Gwynne
Gwynne means ‘fair or blessed,’ linking the idea of beauty with loss, often experienced at death.
110. Draven
Draven means ‘to be strong,’ uniquely tying power with issues of mortality as well.
111. Tamsin
Tamsin translates to ‘twin,’ often suggesting duality and the intertwined nature of life and death.
112. Summer
Summer references warmth and life while intersecting with themes of loss as seasons shift.
113. Lior
Lior means ‘my light,’ emphasizing the hope that follows after death.
114. Isolde
Isolde means ‘ice ruler,’ often connected to themes of deep sorrow related to death.
115. Deva
Deva means ‘divine’ but embodies the spiritual journey through death into reincarnation.
116. Amara
Amara translates to ‘eternally beautiful,’ linking beauty surrounding life and death’s eternal nature.
117. Liora
Liora means ‘light’ in Hebrew, often indicating brightness after transitions such as death.
118. Saephora
Saephora means ‘the supreme’ in Hebrew and suggests supremacy in life, contrasting with death’s nature.
119. Aislinn
Aislinn means ‘dream’ in Gaelic, connecting dreams and illusions tied to death.
120. Maru
Maru means ‘to be round,’ symbolizing life and the circles we travel in the journey toward death.
121. Bellamy
Bellamy means ‘good friend,’ often representing those that linger after loss has touched their lives.
122. Talia
Talia means ‘dew from God,’ which can signify the fleeting nature of life before death.
123. Aisling
Aisling represents a ‘dream or vision,’ often connecting with themes of what lies beyond death.
124. Rain
Rain signifies purity but also evokes the sadness associated with mourning and death.
125. Hester
Hester means ‘star’ and represents hope amidst the shadows of mortality.
126. Darya
Darya means ‘sea,’ which symbolizes the endless journey connecting life and death.
127. Vespera
Vespera means ‘evening,’ directly relating to the concept of endings tied to death.
128. Adira
Adira means ‘noble,’ linking the concept of nobility with the legacy left behind at death.
129. Adalia
Adalia defines as ‘noble one,’ reflecting the majesty of life and the inevitable aspects of death.
130. Zada
Zada means ‘prosperous,’ exploring life’s journey and the consequences that lead toward death.
131. Azura
Azura means ‘sky blue,’ representing tranquility that can be found in death’s embrace.
132. Quinn
Quinn signifies ‘wisdom’ and reflects the importance of understanding mortality and life.
133. Veda
Veda means ‘knowledge’—often exploring the profound understanding of death and the afterlife.
134. Celeste
Celeste means ‘heavenly,’ directly linking with the ethereal elements often associated with death.
135. Tarren
Tarren means ‘earth mound’ and relates to natural burial traditions, emphasizing life beyond death.
136. Arianne
Arianne means ‘most holy,’ explored through the lens of transcending through death.
137. Zina
Zina means ‘brilliant,’ emphasizing the light found in memories after death.
138. Ramona
Ramona means ‘wise protector,’ suggesting guidance even through death as part of one’s journey.
139. Marisol
Marisol translates to ‘sea and sun,’ reflecting the warmth fading into the depths upon death.
140. Bryn
Bryn means ‘hill’ or ‘mound,’ often implying burial sites’s connection to death.
141. Thaleia
Thaleia, meaning ‘to flourish,’ explores the context of growth and the inevitability of death.
142. Poppy
Poppy symbolizes sleep and is often associated with remembrance in relation to death.
143. Seraph
Seraph means ‘fiery ones’, referring to the angelic hosts, often seen as guides beyond death.
144. Evangeline
Evangeline means ‘bearer of good news,’ often symbolizing solace found after death.
145. Dusk
Dusk represents twilight—the in-between phase of life leading to the finality of death.
146. Orin
Orin translates as ‘light,’ suggesting guidance even in the shadows surrounding death.
147. Darian
Darian means ‘maintains possessions,’ which reflect continuity in memory even after death.
148. Elara
Elara can link to celestial bodies involved in narratives surrounding life and death tribulations.
149. Aveline
Aveline signifies ‘hazelnut,’ often representing enduring traits beyond life and memory right to death.
150. Calista
Calista means ‘most beautiful,’ emphasizing the beauty found within life and its inevitable end through death.
Final Thoughts
Names related to death carry rich meanings and historical significance. They reflect various cultural beliefs about mortality, the afterlife, and the transitions between life stages. Whether inspired by mythology, nature, or symbolism, these names invite contemplation on the life cycle.
Exploring names that mean death, such as Azrael or Thanatos, shows how deeply intertwined cultures are with the idea of mortality. They serve as reminders of the fragility of life and the beauty within existence, even as it meets its end.
If you’re interested in learning more about names related to death, check out our guides on names that mean death and girl names that mean death for even more intriguing options.