Choosing a name for your baby girl can be a fun yet daunting task. Some parents look for names that carry unique meanings or stories. Among these, names that mean “nightmare” might catch your attention. These names often have origins in mythology, literature, or culture, embodying mystery and depth.
Today, we will highlight some intriguing girl names that mean nightmare. Each name comes with its own history and significance, making it a special choice. Whether you’re looking for something unusual or meaningful, these names might just inspire you. Let’s take a look at some fascinating options!
Girl Names That Mean Nightmare
1. Mara
Mara is a Hebrew name meaning ‘bitter’, and in folklore, Mara is known as a spirit or demon that induces nightmares, making it a fitting name that symbolizes a nightmare.
2. Lilith
Lilith has roots in ancient mythology, where she is often depicted as a night demon. Her associations with darkness and nightmares make this name a powerful option.
3. Moros
Moros is a name that hails from Greek mythology representing the personification of doom. It resonates with the idea of nightmares, bringing a mysterious touch to the name.
4. Nightmare
While unconventional, using Nightmare directly as a name can embody the theme strictly. It evokes deep emotions and creates an edge of darkness in a name.
5. Enid
Enid is derived from Welsh origins meaning ‘spirit’, also associated with the idea of nightmares as a presence in dreams and the night.
6. Desdemona
Desdemona is a Greek name meaning ‘ill-fated’, which can align with the essence of a nightmare, emphasizing misfortune and despair.
7. Sombra
Sombra is a Spanish name meaning ‘shadow’, representing the dark theme associated with nightmares and evoking imagery of fear and uncertainty.
8. Hecate
In Greek mythology, Hecate is the goddess of witchcraft and night. The association with darkness gives this name a direct link to nightmares.
9. Nyx
Nyx is a Greek name meaning ‘night’. As a primordial goddess, she represents the darkness of night, often overshadowed by nightmares.
10. Kali
Kali, a name from Hindu mythology, represents time and change. She embodies chaos and destruction, which can relate to the turmoil of nightmares.
11. Dira
Dira carries a meaning of ‘fear’. This name perfectly encapsulates the essence of a nightmare and everything that comes with it.
12. Lamashtu
Lamashtu is a demoness in Mesopotamian mythology associated with causing nightmares and death, making it a strong name connected to nighttime terrors.
13. Marzanna
This Slavic name signifies death and is often associated with winter. The formidable nature ties in with dark, nightmare-like connotations.
14. Keres
Keres in Greek mythology represent female death spirits, making it a chilling yet unique name linked to nightmares.
15. Namtaru
Namtaru means ‘spirit of the night’ in some folklore, connecting directly with the essence of nightmares and the dream world.
16. Tenebris
This Latin name translates to ‘darkness’, making it a poetic reference to the fear inspired by nightmares.
17. Luna
Luna, while commonly associated with the moon, can also signify the dark side of night that brings forth unsettling dreams.
18. Apollyon
Apollyon is a name linked to destruction and demonology in the Bible. It holds connotations of nightmares and fears coming to life.
19. Sable
Sable signifies a ‘black color’ and represents the deep darkness of night, connecting to the fears that nightmares create.
20. Nocturna
Nocturna directly means ‘of the night’, and its charm lies in the dark, mysterious essence it brings, akin to nightmares.
21. Acheron
Acheron refers to the river of pain in Greek mythology; the connection to suffering aptly fits the theme of nightmares.
22. Morrigana
Morrigana comes from Celtic mythology and embodies fate and war. It creates associations with nightmares through its mystery and darkness.
23. Vespera
The name Vespera means ‘evening star’ and has a darker undertone with its reference to night, the time often associated with nightmares.
24. Synnove
Synnove is of Norwegian origin meaning ‘sunbeam’, but its association with night creates an interesting contrast with the concept of nightmares.
25. Umbria
This name originates from the region in Italy named after its shadowy, dark landscapes, providing a direct link to nightmares.
26. Selene
Though Selene means ‘moon’, it also hints at the shadows cast at night, intertwining with the theme of nightmares.
27. Khira
Khira means ‘dark’ and implies an association with the night, establishing a connection to the darker aspects of dreams.
28. Broadhead
This name signifies ‘a dark place’, referring to areas that could be harbingers of nightmares.
29. Valak
A name associated with the demon from folklore, Valak embodies fear and darkness, forming a strong relationship with nightmares.
30. Banshee
Banshee means ‘fairy woman’ in Irish folklore but is often associated with omen and death, linking it to nightmares.
31. Ligeia
Named after the character in Edgar Allan Poe’s work, Ligeia carries connotations of mystery and haunting dreams.
32. Cimmerian
Taking from the myth of a dark and shadowy realm, Cimmerian represents a world of nightmares and darkness.
33. Bruxa
Bruxa translates to ‘witch’ in Portuguese, drawing connections with the night and the fear often invoked in nightmares.
34. Eclipse
The name Eclipse captures the essence of darkness overshadowing light, much like the horror of a nightmare.
35. Tansy
Tansy symbolizes revenge in mythology, representing the darker feelings associated with nightmares.
36. Zarae
Zarae conveys ‘blooming’, yet its inclusion creates an intriguing juxtaposition against fears that nightmares bring.
37. Cressida
Cressida, from literature, has connections to betrayal, reflecting themes aligned with unsettling dreams.
38. Remiel
Representing ‘mercy of God’, the name carries both light and dark meanings, reminiscent of dreams that turn dark.
39. Shadoe
The alternative spelling of Shadow, Shadoe evokes fears of night and nightmares that lurk in the dark.
40. Thalassa
This name means ‘the sea’ in Greek but carries an air of mystery akin to the depths and fears found in nightmares.
41. Veil
The name Veil creates associations with hiding and darkness, connecting directly with the experience of nightmares.
42. Akasha
Meaning ‘sky’ or ‘ether’, Akasha hints at the boundless but also abstract darkness found in nightmares.
43. Vesper
Vesper means ‘evening star’, embodying the onset of night—a time often filled with troubling dreams.
44. Uma
Uma is a name from Hindu tradition, representing darkness and mystery, apt for a girl linked to nightmares.
45. Winona
Winona means ‘first-born daughter’, yet can represent a sense of loss associated with nightmares.
46. Malika
Malika means ‘queen’ in Arabic, but can also signify a feared queen of nightmares in folklore.
47. Ashira
Ashira has roots in Hebrew and can mean ‘to sing’, yet can also represent ominous songs that haunt dreams.
48. Nyssa
Nyssa means ‘beginning’ in some cultures but also can symbolize twilight, the time before nightmares unfold.
49. Greer
Greer means ‘watchful’, an interesting choice for a girl embodying the vigilant spirit fighting nightmares.
50. Vale
Vale signifies a valley, often dark and secluded, connecting well with themes of haunting nightmares.
51. Crone
The term Crone refers to an old witch, symbolizing the darker elements of nightmares through folklore.
52. Thorn
Thorn evokes natural darkness and danger, representing the fears that nightmares can unleash.
53. Krystine
Krystine means ‘follower of Christ’, but can also have twists referencing struggles against personal demons, akin to nightmares.
54. Nyxie
As a variation of Nyx, Nyxie represents a playful take while still embodying the depth associated with darkness and nightmares.
55. Jezebel
The name Jezebel carries strong negative connotations, touching upon themes that link to nightmares of betrayal and fear.
56. Grier
As a variation of Greer, Grier shares the same meaning of vigilance, linking to the awareness necessary against nocturnal fears.
57. Wraith
Wraith signifies a ghost or spirit, directly tied to haunting dreams and nightmares.
58. Drusilla
This old-fashioned name holds connections to darkness and strength against fears stemming from nightmares.
59. Raven
Raven typically represents darkness and mystery, heralding themes often found in nightmares and folklore.
60. USS Corona
The name USS has links to the universe while Corona evokes a dark ring around the sun, symbolizing night terrors.
61. Vana
Vana means ‘other’, representing the unknown territory of nightmares encountered every night.
62. Helga
Helga means ‘holy’ in Norse, yet can also highlight the idea of divine darkness, linking it with nightmares.
63. Crystal
Crystal signifies clarity, yet its use could imply a facade overshadowed by haunting dreams.
64. Hastur
Hastur is a mythical figure associated with chaos and madness, mirroring the fear invoked in nightmares.
65. Nemea
Nemea symbolizes punishment, linked to the darker side of nightmares, highlighting the suffering they can bring.
66. Enigma
The name Enigma means ‘mystery’, making it an excellent choice for someone linked with the uncertainties in nightmares.
67. Nyxee
Nyxee serves as a cute variation of Nyx while still maintaining ties to the essence of nightmares associated with the night.
68. Zephyr
Zephyr means ‘gentle breeze’ yet can represent the fleeting ease before the storm of nightmares hits.
69. Belladonna
This name reflects both beauty and poison, signifying the duality that nightmares often represent—attraction and fear.
70. Avyanna
Avyanna symbolizes a cherished girl but can have ties to darker aspects in dreams that weave in and out of consciousness.
71. D’>h T
The name D-h T translates to ‘moon’ in Egyptian mythology, representing the shadowy side where nightmares are born.
72. Revna
Revna signifies ‘raven’, a bird that often symbolizes omens and darkness, fitting for the theme of nightmares.
73. Kaida
Kaida means ‘little dragon’ and can represent fierce elements faced during nightmare scenarios.
74. Zafira
The name Zafira means ‘victorious’, yet can take on twists when considered for overcoming nightmares.
75. Harrow
This name means ‘to cause distress’, aligning directly with feelings invoked by nightmares.
76. Phantasma
Phantasma signifies ‘phantom’, linking directly to themes associated with fears and nightmares.
77. Nisha
Nisha means ‘night’ in various languages, establishing a strong connection to the time of nightmares.
78. Sablee
Sablee signifies darkness, making it ideal for a name that embodies the essence of nightmares.
79. Astrid
A name meaning ‘beautiful, loved’, it can take on complexity linked with delightful yet fearful dreams.
80. Lyra
Lyra connects with music—a beautiful sound that can lure one into the dark depths of nightmares.
81. Vesperine
Inspired by the term ‘vesper’, Vesperine symbolizes evening but also brings with it the aura of nightmares.
82. Zilla
Zilla is a name that may seem innocent but denotes ‘shadow’, bridging the gap to the fears in nightmares.
83. Nyxinna
Nyxinna is a variant of Nyx and carries the weight of nighttime, closely associated with the experience of nightmares.
84. Shivani
Shivani means ‘protector of dreams’ yet relates to darker elements of nightmares, weaving a complex narrative.
85. Lux
Although Lux means ‘light’, it can symbolize the thin line between light and dark—standing as a metaphorical guide through nightmares.
86. Celine
This name means ‘heavenly’, offering an interesting contrast with the symbolic darkness present in nightmares.
87. Gloomy
As a descriptor, Gloomy captures the essence of sorrow prevalent in nightmares, adding a unique flair.
88. Haze
The name Haze symbolizes blurred visions, filling the space with mystery akin to nightmare experiences.
89. Morwenna
Morwenna means ‘maiden of the sea’, where chaos can occur, reflecting the untamed nature of nightmares.
90. Ruina
Ruina symbolizes destruction, echoing the themes prevalent in nightmares through destruction and chaos.
91. Icarus
Icarus signifies ‘follower of the sun’, yet his tale is tied to warning against excessive ambition, paralleling the skepticism of nightmares.
92. Mammon
Mammon, often linked to greed and darkness, mirrors nightmares that can plunge one into despair.
93. Azazel
This name is steeped in religious context and signifies darkness, forming a connection to oppressive nightmares.
94. Ravenna
The name Ravenna evokes darkness and depth, creating clear ties to nightmares through its meanings.
95. Malevolence
As a complex feeling associated with malice, Malevolence captures the core essence of nightmares that haunt the mind.
96. Nereida
As a water nymph, Nereida symbolizes the healing aspects of dreams yet maintains ties to oceanic depths connected to nightmares.
97. Paloma
The name Paloma means ‘dove’ but can bring in questions of goodness shrouded in darkness akin to nightmares.
98. Adira
Adira means ‘strong’, and it can symbolize the fortitude needed to confront nightmares.
99. Sadira
Sadira means ‘a flower blooming’ but reflects also the intertwining of beauty and fear present in nightmares.
100. Vespera
Vespera is intimately connected with evening, bringing an aura of mystery coupled with the fear of nightmares.
101. Solstice
Solstice connects to changes in light and dark, embodying the complexities of dreams and nightmares.
102. Tarry
Tarry evokes the image of staying back from the light into darkness, again connecting with fears encountered in nightmares.
103. Perdita
Perdita directly means ‘lost’, often evoking feelings in nightmares of separation and fear.
104. Elysia
Elysia symbolizes paradise; a juxtaposition for the contrasting experiences found in nightmares.
105. Drea
Drea connects with dreams yet by association wraps in the dangers and anxieties found in nightmares.
106. Samara
Samara, translating to ‘guardian of the seed’, can allude to protection from the shadows and nightmares.
107. Twilight
This name illustrates the narrow time between light and dark, beautifully fitting the theme of nightmares.
108. Nova
While Nova signifies a ‘new star’, it also evokes light in darkness, hinting at overcoming nightmares.
109. Zara
This name, meaning ‘princess’, can connect to the alluring yet dangerous patterns of nightmares.
110. Zariel
Zariel integrates meanings of light and may serve as a guide through the darkness invoked in nightmares.
111. Myrrah
Myrrah encapsulates notions of bitterness and darkness, embodying characteristics associated with nightmares.
112. Dread
This unusual name embodies the essence of fear itself, intricately tied to experiences encountered in nightmares.
113. Lorelei
Lorelei is a name associated with enchantment; it embodies both attraction and fear, mirroring dreams gone awry.
114. Valentina
Valentina means ‘brave’, suggesting the power needed to face the horrors of nightmares.
115. Nihil
Nihil means ‘nothing’, referencing the void often explored in the depths of nightmares.
116. Jasmine
The name Jasmine traditionally symbolizes beauty, juxtaposed against darker realms found in nightmares.
117. Ravenya
As a play on Raven, Ravenya extends upon the darkness and mystery present in nightmares.
118. Vivienne
Vivienne means ‘alive’; however, it can reflect the living nightmares that play on one’s subconscious.
119. Phoenix
Phoenix symbolizes rebirth, echoing the cycle through darkness experienced during nightmares.
120. Laney
Laney denotes ‘temple’, symbolizing a sanctuary from nightmares which often invade personal spaces.
121. Tempesta
Tempesta connects to storms, mirroring chaos and turmoil often faced in nightmares.
122. Wynter
Though Wynter signifies ‘the coldest season’, it also brings feelings of isolation akin to nightmares.
123. Shadya
Shadya evokes the imagery of shadows, directly linking to the fears often found in nightmares.
124. Glimmer
Glimmer hints at a speck of light within darkness, representing hope amidst nightmare struggles.
125. Kallista
Kallista translates to ‘most beautiful’, but carries the weight of hidden fears encompassed in nightmares.
126. Mischa
Mischa symbolizes who is ‘like God’ while also subtly alluding to the enchanting yet fearful parts of dreams.
127. Calypso
Named after the nymph associated with the sea, Calypso can connect to the depths of nightmare experiences.
128. Wynne
Wynne translates to ‘fair’, yet holds a duality that links to navigating through nightmares.
129. Kollyns
Kollyns implies a strong spirit while dancing closely to nightmares present in life.
130. Tempest
This name signifies ‘storm’, portraying the wild chaos often felt during night terrors or nightmares.
131. Rhiannon
Rhiannon represents a Welsh goddess associated with enchantment, linking directly with mysterious dreams.
132. Ophelia
Ophelia carries shades of madness portrayed in literary works, reflecting haunting narratives present in nightmares.
133. Zadie
Zadie is derived from ‘prosperous’, skirting around the themes present through nightmares of hopelessness.
134. Prism
Prism signifies a spectrum of colors but shadows can also linger, evoking the feelings experienced in nightmares.
135. Adalyn
Adalyn holds strong attributes of nobility yet can relate to the hidden fears present within nightmares.
136. Isolde
Isolde is often connected with tragic romance, mirroring the darker notions explored in nightmares.
137. Bellatrix
Meaning ‘female warrior’, Bellatrix symbolizes strength against the darker aspects of nightmares.
138. Malice
Malice encompasses intentions of harm, fitting neatly around the conceptual fears pouring out of nightmares.
139. Solanum
This name relates to nightshade plants, reflecting darker characteristics synonymous with dreams gone wrong.
140. Tiana
Tiana means ‘fairy queen’, evoking the enchantment juxtaposed with darkness from dreams and nightmares.
141. Maelstrom
This name symbolizes a violent whirlpool, anchoring dreams closely related to nightmares.
142. Echo
Echo connects with sound waves but can symbolize lingering feelings from nightmares that resonate through time.
143. Cholita
Cholita means ‘girl’ in Spanish, but can bring forth unique cultural ties to themes of mystery and nightmares.
144. Spiral
The name Spiral hints at twisting forms connecting to darker paths encountered in nightmares.
145. Starla
Starla shines beautifully; however, it also can symbolize shooting stars that turn into nightmares.
146. Nocturne
Nocturne aligns closely with music from the night while directly connecting to darkness and nightmares.
147. Mirella
Mirella means ‘wonderful’, but carries nuances connected with dreams—both good and bad.
148. Ember
While Ember signifies warmth, it relates closely to fleeting aspects of nightmares igniting and burning out.
149. Rue
Rue is connected with bitterness or regret, aligning it with the painful themes present in nightmares.
150. Serene
As an ironic switch, Serene implies calm over chaos, reflecting the fight against nightmares.
Final Thoughts
In exploring names that mean nightmare, we delve into a fascinating array of options that encompass both darkness and depth. Each name holds its unique history and connotation, from ancient mythology to modern interpretations. This collection not only reflects the curiosity and mystery inherent in life’s darker aspects but also illustrates the power of language in shaping identity.
Choosing a name can be challenging, especially when considering its impact on a child’s life and the imagery it evokes. Names like Mara and Lilith resonate profoundly, carrying stories that can inspire strength over fears. As you’ve seen, the world of names is rich with meaning, and finding one that resonates with you and your family is essential.
If you’re intrigued by names associated with other dark themes, consider exploring names that mean darkness or death or girl names that mean cursed. Each of these themes weaves into the tapestry of her name and carries powerful significance that can shape her identity for years to come.