Names can carry powerful meanings, and some evoke feelings of fear and unease. Throughout history, certain names have been linked to horror or dark themes, often inspired by literature, folklore, or real-life events. These names can leave a chilling impression, making them memorable and intriguing.
Today, we’ll look at a selection of names that mean horror or are associated with terrifying stories. From creepy characters in books to unsettling historical figures, these names reflect the darker side of our imagination. Whether for a character in a story or just out of curiosity, these names might just send a shiver down your spine!
Names That Mean Horror
1. Lilith
Lilith is a name that originates from Jewish folklore, where she is depicted as a night demon who preys on newborn children and pregnant women. This name certainly carries a sense of dread and horror.
2. Belladonna
Known as deadly nightshade, Belladonna is a plant associated with poison and danger. It evokes a chilling image that ties back to the darker side of nature.
3. Malice
The name Malice means the intention to do evil or cause harm. This name directly connects with a sense of horror through its meaning.
4. Asmodeus
Asmodeus is often referred to as the demon of lust in various traditions. The association with darkness and sin marks this name as one aligned with horror.
5. Draven
Draven carries a mysterious vibe and is often linked with dark characters in media. The name itself suggests a connection to horror themes.
6. Raven
Ravens are often associated with omens and death in folklore. They symbolize a connection to the supernatural, making this an eerie choice.
7. Mordred
Mordred is a name from Arthurian legend, often associated with betrayal and tragedy. The darkness surrounding this character relates well to themes of horror.
8. Dorian
From Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” this name is tied to themes of vanity and madness, falling firmly within the realm of horror.
9. Nyx
In Greek mythology, Nyx is the goddess of night who represents chaos. The darkness of her essence links her name to horror.
10. Banshee
Banshees are legendary creatures in Irish folklore known for wailing, heralding death. This name brings an unsettling feeling associated with loss.
11. Hemlock
Hemlock is a poisonous plant that has a dark history connected to murder and suicide. It carries a name that is deeply imbued with horror.
12. Fenrir
In Norse mythology, Fenrir is a monstrous wolf whose very essence is tied to doom and destruction, evoking fear and uncertainty.
13. Brutus
Known for his betrayal of Julius Caesar, this name symbolizes treachery, a theme closely tied to horror through history.
14. Jezebel
This name is often linked to wickedness and betrayal in biblical stories, creating a sense of unease and horror.
15. Charybdis
A sea monster from mythology, Charybdis represents fear and danger lurking beneath the waves, a name that conjures horror visions.
16. Tiamat
Tiamat is a primordial goddess in Babylonian mythology associated with the salt sea and chaos, embodying horror through dark creation myths.
17. Vesper
This name means evening star, but its use in literature often relates to darkness and mystery, a perfect fit for horror.
18. Hades
The god of the underworld in Greek mythology brings to mind themes of death and the afterlife, a connection that deeply resonates with horror.
19. Morrigan
The Morrigan is a goddess associated with war and fate, often portrayed as a crow. Her ties to battle and darkness make it a powerful horror-inspired name.
20. Acheron
Acheron is one of the rivers in the underworld, and its mention brings horror to mind through the concept of crossing over to the dead.
21. Keres
Keres are female death spirits in Greek mythology, representing a terrifying aspect of mortality that embodies horror.
22. Desdemona
This name is associated with tragedy in Shakespeare’s play, marking it as a figure linked to betrayal and sorrow, elements of horror.
23. Maleficent
This name belongs to a well-known villain from fairy tales, characterized by dark magic and an evil spirit, connecting directly to horror.
24. Valak
From “The Conjuring” universe, Valak is a demon tied to horror films, representing terrifying entities that haunt our nightmares.
25. Selene
This name, meaning moon, can reflect darkness and mystery, and is often associated with haunted tales and horror themes in literature.
26. Kali
Kali is a goddess in Hinduism known for her fierce and destructive nature. Her associations with destruction make her a horrifying figure.
27. Sable
Sable, interpreted as black or dark, can evoke images of shadow and fear, making it a suitable name in the horror category.
28. Octavia
This name suggests darkness and has been associated with themes of vengeance and evil in various narratives.
29. Samara
Samara is a character from the horror film “The Ring,” a name that captures horror through its cultural references to the supernatural.
30. Abaddon
Abaddon means “place of destruction” in Hebrew and is often associated with a demonic figure, bringing an instant sense of horror.
31. Ripper
This name directly brings to mind the infamous Jack the Ripper, a figure synonymous with horror in real-life tragic history.
32. Gorgon
Gorgons, like Medusa, are mythological beings known for their frightening appearance, making this a name deeply rooted in horror.
33. Cthulhu
Cthulhu is a fictional cosmic entity created by H.P. Lovecraft, representing the unknown horrors of the universe.
34. Ursula
This name recalls the sea witch from “The Little Mermaid,” where her cunning and darkness introduce an aspect of horror to the story.
35. Lilitu
In mythology, the Lilitu refers to a female demon. Her association with dark spirits makes it a chilling name.
36. Elysium
Elysium may mean a place of perfect happiness, but in horror literature, it can reflect a deceptive utopia hiding dark secrets.
37. Orpheus
Orpheus’s descent to the underworld reflects themes of loss and darkness, making it a compelling name with horror connotations.
38. Sanguine
This name means blood-red, evoking a sense of horror through its associations with violence and gore.
39. Ravenna
Associated with the color black and dark lore, Ravenna evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue that aligns with horror.
40. Dante
In “The Divine Comedy,” Dante’s journey through hell engages with themes of horror and the macabre, making it an impactful choice.
41. Vanitas
The term vanitas denotes a style of art that reflects on mortality and the fleeting nature of life, interlinking with horror philosophy.
42. Greer
Greer ties closely with horror themes through its meanings related to watchful and vigilant, meshing well with ominous stories.
43. Morticia
As the matriarch of the Addams Family, Morticia embodies gothic horror through her elegance and macabre lifestyle.
44. Azrael
This name refers to the angel of death in some beliefs, directly linking it with the themes of horror surrounding mortality.
45. Kassandra
Kassandra had a tragic curse that made her prophecies ignored, an element of horror that runs through her story.
46. Hecate
Hecate, the Greek goddess of magic and witchcraft, is often linked to dark themes and the supernatural.
47. Fiona
Fiona is the name of a character in “Shrek,” but its association with dark fairy tales can evoke unsettling emotions.
48. Grendel
From “Beowulf,” Grendel embodies horror as a monstrous figure bringing terror to the land.
49. Fearghus
Fearghus is an ancient name meaning “man of fear,” a fitting title for associations with horror.
50. Caspian
Though a royal name, Caspian is also associated with dark tales of sea monsters in literature, making it somewhat eerie.
51. Cimmerian
Cimmerian refers to an ancient mythical place of darkness and gloom, a name linking easily to horror themes.
52. Nyxian
This name suggests a connection to darkness and mystery, making it an intriguing choice for horror-themed narratives.
53. Effy
A derivative of “Ephialtes,” this name is associated with nightmares and terror, contributing to horror aesthetics.
54. Zephyr
The gentle breeze might seem harmless, but its association with atmospheric changes can evoke darker feelings in horror.
55. Hex
Meaning a spell or curse, Hex connects directly with themes of witchcraft and dark magic in horror tales.
56. Satine
As a character in “Moulin Rouge,” Satine’s tragic future brings an ominous air, linking her name with horror.
57. Silence
This name evokes eeriness, drawing attention to the unnerving quiet often found in horror narratives.
58. Zillah
The name Zillah connects to themes of darkness in biblical stories, carrying a feeling of foreboding.
59. Nyssa
This name, though popular in modern settings, has ties to dark folklore, making it suitable for horror contexts.
60. Sorrow
Sorrow directly embodies feelings of pain, grief, and loss, essential elements of any horror story.
61. Astraea
Astraea, once a symbol of justice, now often represents the darkness hidden beneath the surface of morality.
62. Feral
Associated with wildness and danger, the name Feral evokes a sense of untamed horror from the natural world.
63. Lela
This name means dark-haired, conjuring images of shadows and mystery that align with horror themes.
64. Thorne
This name reflects pain through its associations with thorns, a fitting metaphor for horror.
65. Selene
Selene means moon, which often symbolizes darkness and the unknown, perfect for horror narratives.
66. Nerezza
In Italian, Nerezza means darkness and shadow, aligning directly with horror themes of the unknown.
67. Agamemnon
Known for tragedy in the Trojan War narratives, Agamemnon’s story is layered in horror and suffering.
68. Lucrezia
This name is linked to infamous historical figures notorious for their dark and twisted actions, enhancing its horror connections.
69. Piper
Piper elicits memories of eerie tales like that of the Pied Piper, a name linked to dark folklore.
70. Lyra
Though beautiful, Lyra is often tied to more sinister stories in classic literature, adding a touch of horror.
71. Tempest
Tempest reflects storms and chaos, suggesting an unpredictable nature that is often found in horror stories.
72. Eira
This name means snow but is often associated with winter’s harshness, bringing about chilling notions related to horror.
73. Amara
The name Amara suggests immortality but can evoke fear of eternal suffering in dark tales.
74. Ember
This name suggests fire and ash, linking to themes of destruction that resonate with horror stories.
75. Bane
Bane means source of harm, embodying the feelings of terror and danger in its core.
76. Nocturne
A term for music meant to evoke nighttime feelings, Nocturne relates to the eerie silence associated with horror.
77. Reaper
The Reaper is a classic figure associated with death and horror, making it a name steeped in dark connotations.
78. Aradia
Known as a witch’s name in folklore, Aradia represents dark magic and horror through its associations.
79. Van Dyke
This name recalls the period of dark art, artistically linked to horror themes in visual storytelling.
80. Delight
While it may seem innocent, this name has been used ironically in horror tales, showcasing the duality of appearance and reality.
81. Whisper
The hushed tones associated with whispers add suspense and eeriness to horror themes.
82. Moira
The Fates in mythology are often tied to themes of destined horror through their control over lives and deaths.
83. Oblivion
This name embodies a sense of nothingness and fear of what comes after death, resonating with horror narratives.
84. Wraith
A specter or ghost, Wraith evokes feelings of hauntings and dread reflected in horror stories.
85. Bastien
Meaning revered, Bastien can also be linked to dark historical figures, enhancing its connection to horror.
86. Gloom
This name directly conveys feelings of sadness and darkness, popularly appearing in horror literature as an emotional element.
87. Sinister
A name that suggests evil and darkness, Sinister embodies the core themes often found in horror tales.
88. Vex
Vex means to annoy or worry, connecting psychosocially with horror themes of anxiety and dread.
89. Cimmerian
This name illustrates the concept of eternal darkness drawn from myth, making a deeply haunting impression.
90. Lavinia
Lavinia recalls dark tales of betrayal and sorrow, enhancing its associations with horror narratives.
91. Hades
The ruler of the underworld, Hades is synonymous with death and the afterlife, central themes in the horror genre.
92. Tamara
This name is often used with sinister characters, heightening associations with fear and horror.
93. Flint
A name that conveys hardness but also evokes the narrative of danger, linking with horror through its metaphorical implications.
94. Lyric
This name conveys beauty but is also connected with darker emotions in poetry and horror storytelling.
95. Nox
Nox means night in Latin, inherently connected to darkness and the feelings of dread often present in horror.
96. Lorelei
A siren figure, Lorelei is associated with danger and seduction that often leads to tragedy, linking directly to horror themes.
97. Thana
This name signifies death, directly associating it with horror through its meaning.
98. Adira
Although it means strong, the juxtaposition with themes of vulnerability connects it deeply with horror narratives.
99. Isolde
Isolde is often linked with tragic love stories, embracing themes of despair typically found in horror literature.
100. Arcadia
Arcadia suggests a lost paradise, often associated with tragedy in literature that evokes an underlying horror.
101. Martine
Meaning of Mars, associated with war, this name carries ominous connotations, echoing throughout tales of horror.
102. Rapture
This name can represent intense joy but is often twisted in horror narratives to signify a more disturbing reality.
103. Tempest
Tempests convey chaos and destruction, two themes that are prevalent in horror stories.
104. Midnight
This name evokes a sense of the unknown and fear that unfolds under the veil of night falling within horror themes.
105. Salome
This name connects to a dance of death, linking it with themes of seduction and horror.
106. Dread
Directly evoking fear and anxiety, Dread is strongly associated with horror elements in storytelling.
107. Obsidian
Obsidian is a dark volcanic glass, symbolizing trapped emotions, danger, and darkness linked with horror.
108. Noxus
This variant of Nox means darkness, emphasizing hidden fears common in many horror narratives.
109. Abyss
Abyss represents the deep unknown, evoking feelings of horror at what lies beneath the surface.
110. Shade
This name evokes images of darkness, shadows, and the presence of fear in horror themes.
111. Vespera
Meaning evening, Vespera embodies the transitions into darkness seen in many horror stories.
112. Gloomy
This name portrays sadness and despair, making it a fitting representation for horror narratives.
113. Nihil
Nihil represents nothingness, creating a sense of horror through its association with absence.
114. Obscura
Implied darkness and mystery, Obscura adds an element of fear to its meaning aligned with horror.
115.Legion
Legion carries a connotation of great numbers, often linked to an overwhelming threat in horror contexts.
116. Enigma
This name hints at mystery, creating a chilling aura that resonates deeply within horror themes.
117. Phantom
Phantom represents ghosts and spirits, creating associations with the supernatural often found in horror.
118. Trixie
Though often light-hearted, Trixie can also possess darker tales, making it versatile within horror narratives.
119. Echo
This name signifies something returning, often used in eerie ways in horror literature related to the past.
120. Sinistrum
This name is derived from the Latin for left-handed, known to carry menacing connotations in folklore linked with horror.
121. Triana
The name can evoke maritime horror stories associated with the ocean’s unpredictable dangers.
122. Beryl
This gemstone is often tied to lore of protection from evil, creating an ironic connection within horror.
123. Veil
Veils conceal, evoking feelings of suspense and fear often essential in horror stories.
124. Jinx
Meaning a curse or spell, this name aligns directly with the supernatural horror genre.
125. Grieve
Grieve suggests loss and sorrow, core themes prevalent in many horror narratives.
126. Woe
This name evokes sadness and despair, linking directly to themes often explored in horror.
127. Famine
Famine conveys desperation and suffering, adding to horror’s deeper explorative emotions.
128. Shade
Shade captures imagery of darkness and fear, central elements often tied to horror tales.
129. Dusk
This name carries a feeling of approaching darkness, symbolizing mystery and horror.
130. Reckoning
A name that depicts judgment day or consequences, linking to feelings of finality often explored in horror.
131. Hollow
Hollow is associated with emptiness and void, evoking horror through feelings of loss.
132. Griselda
Though a historical name, it carries a heavy narrative of sorrow, aligning with the horror realm.
133. Venom
Venom signifies poison which can directly connect to horror through themes of danger and treachery.
134. Shade
This name evokes feelings of darkness and fear, often found in horror stories.
135. Vile
Vile signifies extreme unpleasantness, aligning it with horror themes associated with evil.
136. Echo
Echo represents a repeating voice, often used in horror stories to symbolize memories or haunting presence.
137. Prowler
This name suggests someone who lurks in the shadows, a figure often found in horror narratives.
138. Gelid
Meaning icy or extremely cold, Gelid creates a chill associated with horror atmospheres.
139. Revenant
A ghost that returns to terrorize the living, linking the name directly to horror themes.
140. Veil
The Veil obscures the unseen, representing mystery and suspense often essential in horror tales.
141. Haunt
Haunt directly correlates to spirits that linger, embodying fear and horror.
142. Vespertilio
Referring to bats, this name connects to themes of the supernatural and horror stemming from nocturnal creatures.
143. Doleful
This name implies deep sadness, a theme often explored in horror stories.
144. Gory
Meaning involving a lot of violence and bloodshed, Gory connects deeply with horror elements.
145. Mourn
This name signifies grief and sorrow, closely aligning with horror themes stemming from loss.
146. Haunting
Haunting embodies feelings of lingering memories, fears, and spirits, central to horror narratives.
147. Nightshade
This poisonous plant carries a name filled with fear and danger, aligning with horror themes throughout folklore.
148. Cruor
Meaning bloodshed, Cruor embodies horror through its direct connotations related to violence.
149. Dire
Dire suggests danger and intense fear, creating a theme often found in horror narratives.
150. Specter
A ghost or apparition, Specter directly connects to themes of haunting and horror in literature and folklore.
Final Thoughts
Naming a character or reflecting on themes associated with horror can be an intriguing endeavor. The names listed here carry dark meanings and associations that delve into the macabre. They evoke the unsettling emotions that mirror the essence of horror found in many stories, folklore, and history.
From mythical figures and tragic characters to language steeped in fear, each name intertwines with the deeper aspects of human consciousness and its fears. Whether you’re looking for a unique name for a character or seeking inspiration, these names capture the essence of horror beautifully.
As you explore the world of names, consider also checking out names that mean death and names that mean evil for more insights into the darker side of naming conventions.