Names can carry powerful meanings, and some are associated with darkness or danger. Cultures around the world have names that symbolize evil or death. These names can come from stories, mythology, or historical figures. Some people might choose these names for their uniqueness or depth, while others may find them unsettling.
Today, we’ll look at a list of names that mean evil or death. You might be surprised to learn about their origins and the stories behind them. Whether you’re naming a character in a story or just curious, these names offer a glimpse into the darker side of language.
Names That Mean Evil Or Death
1. Abaddon
The name Abaddon derives from Hebrew and means ‘destruction’. In biblical contexts, it is often associated with a place of destruction or the angel of the abyss, linking it directly to themes of death and evil.
2. Acacius
This name is of Greek origin meaning ‘thorny’ or ‘unprofitable’. It has dark undertones as it relates to bitterness, a trait often associated with malevolent characters in legends.
3. Acheron
Acheron is rooted in Greek mythology and translates to ‘river of sorrow’. It is one of the rivers in the underworld, symbolizing death and despair.
4. Ahriman
In Zoroastrianism, Ahriman represents evil and chaos, acting as the adversary of Ahura Mazda, the spirit of goodness. This name embodies the essence of evil in mythology.
5. Alastor
Alastor has Greek origins and means ‘avenging spirit’ or ‘evil spirit’. This name conjures images of wrath and vengeance, directly linking it to notions of evil.
6. Anga
The name Anga translates to ‘limb’ in some cultures, but in others, it symbolizes a dark omen, relating it to themes of death and loss.
7. Apollyon
Apollyon means ‘the destroyer’ in Greek and is often linked with the biblical figure that represents the end of times, making it a formidable name associated with death.
8. Asmodeus
Asmodeus is a demon from Jewish mythology known for being the embodiment of lust and chaos, representing evil tendencies linked to destruction and death.
9. Chernobog
Chernobog is a Slavic deity known as the ‘black god’. This name inherently represents darkness and misfortune, resonating with themes of evil.
10. Clotho
In Greek mythology, Clotho is one of the Fates who spins the thread of life. While she symbolizes creation, she ultimately controls fate and death, making her name evocative of both life and mortality.
11. Damocles
This name is linked to the story of Damocles, who faced a constant threat of death while enjoying luxury. His name symbolizes the precariousness of fortune and the shadow of death.
12. Deimos
Deimos is the personification of terror in Greek mythology, representing feelings often associated with death and fear, making it a striking name related to evil.
13. Desdemona
This name means ‘ill-starred’ in Greek and is best known from Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello, encompassing themes of betrayal and tragic death.
14. Devlin
Devlin is an Irish name meaning ‘unlucky’, and carries connotations associated with misfortune and death, adding a dark twist to its meaning.
15. Ereshkigal
In ancient Mesopotamian mythology, Ereshkigal is the queen of the underworld, representing the fear and inevitability of death.
16. Famine
This name directly evokes a sense of destruction and death through its association with the lack of food, leading to suffering and mortality.
17. Hades
Hades, the god of the underworld in Greek mythology, represents death and the afterlife. His name symbolizes the darker aspects of existence.
18. Kali
This Hindu goddess is associated with death and destruction, often depicted in fierce forms. Her name represents cycles of creation and destruction, emphasizing her duality.
19. Lehi
In Biblical Hebrew, Lehi means ‘jawbone’ but is associated with a story of death and battle, linking it to themes of mortal struggle.
20. Lilith
Lilith, a figure in Jewish mythology, is often considered a night demon, representing seduction and danger, associated with death in certain narratives.
21. Malice
This name means ‘evil intent’ and personifies hostility and wickedness, making it an outright representation of evil.
22. Morrigan
Morrigan is a goddess in Irish mythology linked to war and fate, often seen as a harbinger of death and often associated with crows and battle.
23. Namtaru
Namtaru signifies ‘heroic death’ in Akkadian, appearing in various ancient texts as a symbol of mortal demise.
24. Nergal
Nergal, the Babylonian god of war and destruction, embodies themes of death and chaos, making it a powerful yet dark name.
25. Nihil
Nihil means ‘nothing’ in Latin, evoking themes of emptiness and the void, closely related to concepts of death.
26. Nyx
Nyx is the Greek goddess of night, often associated with death. Her close ties to darkness link her name to the realms of evil.
27. Orcus
This Roman god represents the underworld and is connected to death, making it a fitting name for themes of darkness.
28. Pestilence
Pestilence evokes notions of deadly diseases and suffering, making it an obvious choice for names connected to death.
29. Reaper
The Grim Reaper symbolizes death itself. This name alone conjures images of mortality and the end of life.
30. Samael
Samael is an archangel in Jewish mysticism associated with death and severity, embodying themes of darkness and evil.
31. Sanguine
This name means ‘bloody’ and often represents a dark character trait associated with violence and death.
32. Thanatos
Thanatos refers to the personification of death in Greek mythology. His name directly relates to death, making it a fitting choice in dark narratives.
33. Tiamat
Tiamat is a Babylonian goddess associated with chaos and primordial creation, often depicted as a dragon, symbolizing destruction and death.
34. Uzziel
This Hebrew name means ‘my strength is God’ but can be related to the darker side of judgment, aligning with themes of life and death.
35. Vanitas
This name means ’emptiness’ in Latin and evokes mutability and impermanence, often linked to themes of death.
36. Vesper
Vesper refers to evening or night, symbolizing the arrival of darkness and the end of day, often associated with the inevitability of death.
37. Yama
In Hindu mythology, Yama is the god of death, representing the cycle of life and mortality prominently associated with death.
38. Zamiel
Zamiel is a name associated with dark angels or spirits in various traditions, often representing the darker aspects of existence.
39. Zephyrus
Though associated with the west wind, Zephyrus carries undertones of change, often signaling the end of creativity and life.
40. Zilla
Zilla is a name of Hebrew origin meaning ‘shadow’. This shadow can symbolize a foreboding presence, linking it to themes of evil or death.
41. Abaddon
This name brings forth thoughts of destruction and darkness in biblical contexts, making it a powerful representation of evil.
42. Algor
A name rooted in Gothic backgrounds meaning ‘cold’, it hints at the chilling nature of death, making it an evocative name.
43. Amaya
This name means ‘night rain’ in Japanese, but can symbolize darkness and the emotional turmoil associated with death.
44. Anathema
In Greek, Anathema means ‘something accursed’. It embodies malevolent traits directly related to evil and bad omens.
45. Apophis
Apophis is an ancient Egyptian deity associated with chaos and destruction, representing the dark side of existence.
46. Atropos
In Greek mythology, Atropos is one of the Fates who cuts the thread of life. Her name literally means ‘unturnable’, symbolizing the inevitability of death.
47. Belphegor
This name represents a demon of sloth and wealth in various mythologies, often seen as leading individuals toward destruction.
48. Banshee
The Banshee is an entity in Irish folklore symbolizing death. Hearing her wail foretells the death of a family member, directly linking it to mortality.
49. Chione
Chione is the goddess of snow and cold in Greek mythology, often associated with death and winter’s harshness.
50. Corvus
Corvus means ‘raven’ in Latin and represents omens related to death, often seen as messengers in folklore.
51. Dagon
Dagon is a god associated with grain and fertility, but in some contexts, he embodies darkness and terrible fate.
52. Dismal
This name means ‘gloomy’ and evokes feelings of sadness and impending death, representing the nature of evil.
53. Erebus
Diving deep into Greek mythology, Erebus represents deep darkness and shadow, connecting directly with themes of death.
54. Hel
In Norse mythology, Hel is the goddess of the underworld, associated with death and the afterlife.
55. Horrace
This name embodies dread or horror, strongly resonating with death and dark feelings related to it.
56. Keres
Keres are female death-spirits in Greek mythology who bring doom in battle, related closely to themes of evil.
57. Lament
The term lament refers to an expression of grief, specifically over loss and death, making it a profound name linked to sorrow.
58. Moros
In Greek mythology, Moros represents doom, a fitting name for themes surrounding death and misfortune.
59. Nefarious
This name means ‘wicked’ or ‘villainous’ and is often used to describe individuals associated with evil actions linked to death.
60. Oblivion
The name Oblivion signifies the state of being forgotten, often symbolizing ultimate death and loss.
61. Omen
This name signifies a forewarning of future events, often associated with evil or death, marking it as deeply ominous.
62. Orpheus
In Greek mythology, Orpheus descends to the underworld, which links his name to themes of death and the afterlife.
63. Persephone
Persephone is the queen of the underworld in Greek mythology, symbolizing the cycle of death and rebirth.
64. Requiem
This name refers to a mass for the dead, conveying themes of mourning and death while also connecting to sorrow.
65. Rhea
The name Rhea connects to mythology, where she is often tied to themes of demise and the relentless cycle of mortality.
66. Ruin
This name directly signifies destruction and chaos, relating to death and disaster in its essence.
67. Samael
Samael in Hebrew tradition is an archangel who often brings death and destruction, embodying the darker aspects of divinity.
68. Sorrow
This name conveys deep emotional pain often associated with loss or death, making it a haunting yet meaningful choice.
69. Styx
Styx is the river that separates the living from the dead in Greek mythology, directly connecting it to death and the afterlife.
70. Thanatos
Representing the embodiment of death in Greek mythology, Thanatos is a name etched into stories of mortality and darkness.
71. Tzitzimitl
Tzitzimitl are deities linked to stars in Aztec mythology but carry deep connections to night and omens of death.
72. Uriel
In some stories, Uriel carries connotations of death due to his connections to prophecy and the end of times.
73. Vengeance
This name indicates a desire for revenge, which can result in destruction or death, embodying a darker side of human emotion.
74. Woe
This name signifies great sorrow and grief, rounded in concepts of death and tragedy.
75. Zealot
The term zealot can refer to a fervent supporter of a cause often leading to dark events, linking it to themes of death.
76. Yurei
A Yurei is a spirit of a deceased person in Japanese folklore, representing the deep connections between death and the supernatural.
77. Kuro
The name Kuro means ‘black’ in Japanese, evoking images of darkness and death, often associated with mourning.
78. Maleficent
This name directly translates to ‘evil-doer’, coming to life in stories as a wicked witch, embodying the essence of evil.
79. Mephistopheles
A name linked to the devil in German folklore, representing temptation and evil, perfectly tied to mortality themes.
80. Memento
This name signifies a reminder of mortality, embodying the connection between memory and death.
81. Morbid
Morbid refers to an unhealthy fascination with death, encapsulating themes connected to evil and dark interests.
82. Mortimer
The name Mortimer translates to ‘dead sea’, directly linking it to themes of death through its meaning.
83. Nyctophobia
This name refers to a fear of darkness, often symbolizing the fear of death that accompanies the unknown.
84. Onyx
The black gemstone onyx often symbolizes protection against negativity, but its color also links it to themes of darkness and death.
85. Orlath
A name that emanates a sense of fate, often interpreted with ominous overtones connecting it with death.
86. Pitiless
Signifying a lack of mercy, this name resonates with the themes of cruel fate and the inevitability of death.
87. Plague
This name depicts widespread suffering and death, referencing the devastating impact of disease throughout history.
88. Raijin
This Japanese deity represents thunder and storms, often linked to chaotic events, including death.
89. Revenant
A revenant is a ghost or animated corpse returning from the dead, symbolizing death’s hold over the world.
90. Rook
The bird named Rook often symbolizes death in various cultures, making it a significant name connected to darkness.
91. Sable
This name signifies blackness or darkness, evoking feelings related to death and the unknown.
92. Savage
Meaning fierce or violent, this name can be interpreted as embodying evils associated with death, tragedy, and conflict.
93. Selene
As a lunar goddess, Selene represents hidden knowledge and darkness, often connected to themes of mystery and death.
94. Seraphim
While often seen as angels, the Seraphim have darker undertones as beings connected to death in various lore.
95. Septimus
This name means ‘seventh’, often linked with ancient superstitions associating the number with death.
96. Shroud
A shroud serves as a burial cloth covering a corpse, making it directly associated with death.
97. Sinister
This name signifies evil, often accompanying feuds, death, and destruction, making it a strong representation of darkness.
98. Thorne
This name symbolizes protection through pain, often linked to those with dark or tragic fates.
99. Tzaraath
Tzaraath in biblical terms signifies a plague often seen as a punishment leading to death, emphasizing darkness.
100. Umbriel
In literature, Umbriel stands for darkness or shadow, lending the name a connection to themes of death.
101. Umbral
This name evokes imagery of shadows, often linked to feelings associated with death and despair.
102. Vespera
This name signifies evening or night, symbolizing darkness and the inevitability of death.
103. Wraith
A wraith is a ghost pale with death, representing the spirit of someone who has passed, closely tied to themes of mortality.
104. Zephyrus
Despite representing gender in some contexts, this name brings forth ideas of change that can lead to endings or losses, linking it to death themes.
105. Anubis
Anubis is the Egyptian god associated with funerary rites and the afterlife, directly connecting to death.
106. Bellatrix
Meaning ‘female warrior’, Bellatrix also represents the darker sides of femininity linked to death in various tales.
107. Blight
The name Blight indicates disease or decay, often used in contexts surrounding death.
108. Balarama
Balarama, often associated with strength, has dark undertones of vengeance, linking to themes of evil and destruction.
109. Cimmerian
In mythology, Cimmerians are associated with darkness and dread, connecting them closely to death themes.
110. Dread
This name brings forth feelings of fear typically associated with death and unknown dark forces.
111. Gaian
This name connects to earth’s darker sides, hints toward destruction often linked to death and despair.
112. Gloom
The word gloom signifies darkness and sadness directly associated with emotions surrounding death.
113. Hecate
In mythology, Hecate is known as the goddess of magic and witchcraft, often connected to death and the night.
114. Inferno
This name signifies fire and destruction, often evoking imagery linked with death and chaos.
115. Jinx
This name brings up thoughts of bad luck, often associated with ominous outcomes including death.
116. Kylindra
This name means ‘dark’ in some cultures, creating a direct connection to death through its symbolism.
117. Nefratis
This name can symbolize destruction, suggesting themes of death and chaos.
118. Obsidian
This dark volcanic glass has connections to the underworld and death, evoking feelings of darkness.
119. Plutus
Though a god of wealth, Plutus has connections with the destructive power of greed leading to moral downfalls often seen as death.
120. Riddle
This name embodies the enigmatic and uncertain, often leading to endings mystery surrounding death.
121. Sorrow
This name directly signifies feelings surrounding loss and deep grief associated with death.
122. Severus
This name means ‘serious’ or ‘severe’, often linked to dark themes of punishment and death.
123. Solanum
Solanum is associated with nightshade plants, which are toxic and represent death and danger.
124. Spira
A name linking to careful planning, can hint at inevitable death through life’s twists.
125. Tenebrae
Meaning ‘darkness’ in Latin, Tenebrae embodies themes of fear, mourning, and ultimately death.
126. Tyrant
As a term for a cruel or oppressive ruler, this name evokes themes related to violence and death.
127. Uraeus
An ancient Egyptian symbol representing protection blends with danger, linking it to themes of death.
128. Vanish
This name directly signifies disappearing, often linked to themes of death and loss.
129. Verity
This name symbolizes truth but can also be associated with harsh realities, including death.
130. Woe
This name suggests extreme distress and sorrow often resulting from death or tragedy.
131. Wicked
This name directly means morally wrong, often linked to themes of evil and death.
132. Zephyr
The gentlest of winds, Zephyr can also embody the fleeting nature of life, linking it subtly to themes around death.
133. Zarael
A name that embodies darker spirits, connecting to themes of death and destruction in mythology.
134. Zhlobin
This name has associations with darkness and cold, often symbolically tied to themes surrounding death.
135. Nihil
Nihil means ‘nothingness’ in Latin and hints at the void associated with death.
136. Mortis
This name means ‘death’ in Latin, making its association with the subject direct and undeniable.
137. Gorgon
In mythology, Gorgon stands for monstrous beings linked with horrific fates, directly hinting at death.
138. Ombra
Ombra, meaning ‘shadow’ in Italian, connects to darkness and the presence of death.
139. Vespertilio
This Latin name means ‘bat’, often linked with night and death in various cultures.
140. Astaroth
Astaroth is a demon known for his connections with destruction and sinister acts, representing evil.
141. Carrion
The name Carrion signifies decaying flesh, symbolizing death and decay, evoking deep feelings surrounding mortality.
142. Malediction
This name signifies a curse often linked with themes of evil and death through its implications.
143. Omen
This name signifies a phenomenon seen as a sign of foreboding, often related to mortality.
144. Scorn
This name reflects feelings of disdain often associated with tragedy and loss related to death.
145. Tenebris
This name refers to darkness in Latin and connects directly to themes of evil and death.
146. Voltaire
This name signifies philosophical cynicism often touching upon themes of mortality and existential dread.
147. Wrath
The term Wrath signifies intense anger often leading to destruction and death linked with conflicts.
148. Ydra
Ydra, a term for a mythical serpent, symbolizes threats that lead to death, rooted deep in various mythologies.
149. Ziz
The Ziz is a giant creature in mythology that represents chaos and death.
150. Zephyrinus
This name connects to the west wind, often linked with transitions and endings, including death.
Final Thoughts
Names that mean evil or death carry a significant weight, representing profound themes that span cultures and mythology. These names often evoke strong emotions and can be powerful choices for characters, concepts, or even personal use. The dark connotations and historical backgrounds attached to these names convey lessons, warnings, and reflections on the reality of mortality.
We have explored a variety of names, each with their own unique implications tying into themes of darkness, evil, and death. Each name has a story that showcases the complicated relationship humanity has with life and its inevitable end.
Feel free to dive into more meanings by exploring topics such as the Names That Mean Death or the Names That Mean Evil.