Names can have powerful meanings, and some carry the weight of betrayal. Throughout history, certain names have been associated with treachery and disloyalty. Whether it’s in stories, legends, or real-life events, names that mean “traitor” often symbolize a break in trust. This blog post looks at how names reflect complex themes of loyalty and betrayal across various cultures.
Today, we’ll explore a selection of names that mean traitor and what they signify. Understanding these names can give insight into the importance of loyalty in different societies. Let’s take a closer look at the meanings behind these intriguing names.
Names That Mean Traitor
1. Judas
Judas is often synonymous with betrayal due to the biblical figure Judas Iscariot. He is remembered as the disciple who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, marking the name as a symbol of treachery.
2. Iago
This name is best known from Shakespeare’s play Othello. Iago is known for his deceitful and manipulative nature, and the name has since become linked to treachery and betrayal.
3. Brutus
The name Brutus became associated with betrayal after Julius Caesar’s assassination, where Brutus was one of the key figures. It embodies treachery against a friend or leader.
4. Loki
In Norse mythology, Loki is a trickster god often associated with betrayal. His actions lead to significant trouble for the gods, thus linking his name with treacherous behavior.
5. Delilah
Delilah is famously known from the story of Samson in the Bible. She betrayed Samson by revealing the secret of his strength, which illustrates loyalty turned to treachery.
6. Cain
Known for committing the first murder in the biblical account, Cain betrayed his brother Abel. His name has come to represent betrayal not only in family but also in human relationships.
7. Benedict
The name Benedict often brings to mind Benedict Arnold, an American general who betrayed his country during the Revolutionary War, cementing his name as a synonym for treachery.
8. Antigone
In Greek mythology, Antigone faced a moral dilemma involving loyalty to her family and the state. Her story is often seen as one that involves the conflict between duty and betrayal.
9. Malvolio
From Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Malvolio’s self-righteousness leads him to betray his peers. His character’s complexities reflect themes of ambition and betrayal.
10. Goneril
In Shakespeare’s King Lear, Goneril betrays her father, showcasing the depths of treachery that can exist within family dynamics, making her name associated with betrayal.
11. Jezebel
Jezebel is a biblical figure who is often viewed as a symbol of deceit and treachery, particularly in her manipulation of power and betrayal of her people.
12. Maleficent
While known as a fairy tale villain, Maleficent’s betrayal and revenge theme highlights how treachery can be motivated by personal grievances or desires.
13. Draco
The name Draco is often linked to cruelty and betrayal due to the infamous laws attributed to the ancient Athenian legislator Draco, emphasizing harshness and treachery in justice.
14. Regan
Like Goneril, Regan from King Lear betrays her father, representing the darker side of familial loyalty in Shakespearean literature, making her name carry a weight of treachery.
15. Cressida
Cressida’s character in Troilus and Cressida is often seen as a symbol of betrayal in love, as she shifts her affections away from Troilus, exemplifying romantic treachery.
16. Tarquin
Tarquin, an early Roman figure, is remembered for his betrayal and tyrannical rule, marking the name with a sense of treachery in the historical and mythological context.
17. Tiberius
The name Tiberius is associated with betrayal through the historical character Tiberius Caesar, known for his ruthless political strategies, symbolizing betrayal at the highest levels.
18. Cesare
Cesare Borgia is often remembered as a cunning political figure notorious for his betrayals and manipulations in pursuit of power, which gives the name a treacherous connotation.
19. Usher
This name is closely linked to betrayal due to Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher,” where betrayal within the family leads to tragic outcomes, connecting the name to treachery.
20. Eve
Eve’s narrative in the Garden of Eden is often interpreted as a tale of betrayal against divine command, marking her as a figure that embodies the first act of disloyalty.
21. Remus
In Roman mythology, Remus was betrayed by his brother Romulus, illustrating the theme of familial treachery in the foundation myth of Rome, making the name carry a poignant meaning.
22. Giselle
This name can symbolize betrayal due to its connection to stories where promises are broken, particularly in fairy tales where loyalty is tested.
23. Lavinia
Lavinia’s story in classical literature often revolves around themes of family betrayal and strife, linking her name with treacherous actions.
24. Achilles
Achilles’ betrayal in the Trojan War due to personal grievances showcases the complexities of loyalty and treachery, marking his name with historical infamy.
25. Alpheus
In Greek mythology, the betrayal of love and trust often portrays characters like Alpheus in stories of pursuit, linking the name to treachery in romantic contexts.
26. Cassius
Cassius is remembered as one of the key figures in the assassination of Julius Caesar, making the name synonymous with betrayal of power and friendship.
27. Lancelot
Known for his affair with Queen Guinevere, Lancelot’s betrayal of King Arthur represents treachery in love, making the name resonate with themes of disloyalty.
28. Scar
From Disney’s The Lion King, Scar embodies betrayal as he betrays his brother Mufasa and takes over his kingdom, establishing the name as one linked to treachery.
29. Desdemona
Desdemona, often cited in themes of betrayal in Othello’s tragic story, leads to interpretations of how love can intertwine with treachery in relationships.
30. Oberon
The figure of Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream showcases the complexities of love and betrayal, making the name resonate with themes of magical treachery.
31. Hagar
In biblical narratives, Hagar’s situation highlights themes of betrayal, particularly concerning family dynamics and loyalty, linking her name to treachery.
32. Icarus
Icarus’ story represents the betrayal of human limits, as he disregards warnings and suffers the consequences, giving the name a tragic, treacherous connotation.
33. Livia
Livia Drusilla was known for her political maneuvering in ancient Rome, often associated with betrayal for her ambitions, marking the name with treacherous implications.
34. Clytemnestra
In Greek mythology, Clytemnestra betrays her husband Agamemnon upon his return from war, linking her name to revenge and treachery.
35. Mara
Mara often denotes bitterness and betrayal in various cultural contexts, representing the theme of disloyalty interwoven with emotional turmoil.
36. Thersites
In the Iliad, Thersites is known for his disdain and betrayal of camaraderie among troops, cementing the name with treachery within teamwork.
37. Juditha
The story of Judith betraying Holofernes showcases a complex view of betrayal, linking the name to themes of cunning and deadly treachery.
38. Morgana
Morgana from Arthurian legends is often depicted as a traitorous figure, manipulating power dynamics, which links her name with themes of betrayal.
39. Wyllis
The name Wyllis can evoke associations of betrayal through folklore where characters often shift alliances, embodying the theme of treachery.
40. Naomi
Naomi’s story involves elements of family loyalty tinged with betrayal, particularly through Ruth’s tale, marking the name with complex meanings of trust.
41. Althea
This name brings to mind tales of complex familial betrayal, where loyalty is tested, illustrating the nuanced nature of treachery.
42. Bellatrix
Bellatrix is a character in the Harry Potter series, representing betrayal of familial ties and loyalty, marking her name with treachery.
43. Dorian
Dorian Gray’s tale is filled with themes of betrayal and self-deceit, connecting the name to treacherous choices and moral corruption.
44. Zilla
This name can evoke sentiments of betrayal due to its meanings in different cultural contexts, relating to broken trust and loyalty.
45. Cora
Cora’s character in many stories embodies themes of betrayal, illustrating how betrayal can emerge in friendships and relationships.
46. Selene
Selene’s connection to themes of betrayal often arises in tales of unfaithfulness, linking her name to complex experiences with loyalty.
47. Narcissus
Narcissus embodies themes of betrayal to love itself, representing the pitfalls of self-absorption, which links the name to treachery in relationships.
48. Acacius
Portrayed in stories revealing betrayal, Acacius symbolizes the duality of loyalty and treachery throughout history.
49. Soranus
From tales where promises are broken, the name Soranus comes to represent themes of betrayal and the consequences intertwined with disloyalty.
50. Klytie
Klytie’s legend tells of personal betrayal intertwined with love, sealing the name within narratives of treachery.
51. Ethelred
Ethelred’s historical actions exhibit themes of betrayal, including those against trusted allies, marking the name with treachery.
52. Othello
Othello’s story is a deep exploration of loyalty and betrayal, making the name resonate with tragic treachery through jealousy and manipulation.
53. Elara
Elara’s narrative in the context of Greek mythology often deals with betrayal and deceit, linking her name to themes of treachery.
54. Quintus
In Rome, Quintus often signifies betrayal through historical context, as told in various myths where trust is broken among leaders.
55. Isolde
Isolde’s tale of love and betrayal in Arthurian legends often emphasizes the themes of treachery surrounding romantic relationships.
56. Fernand
The story of Fernand depicts betrayal within noble circles, linking the name with the treachery often present in political intrigue.
57. Eustace
Eustace’s character often embodies themes of betrayal in historical texts where trust is broken among friends, marking the name with treachery.
58. Sylvester
Sylvester’s association with betrayal stems from tales where loyalty is broken, linking the name with treacherous actions.
59. Claudia
In historical contexts, the name Claudia often reflects elements of betrayal and the consequences intertwining loyalty and ambition.
60. Odysseus
In Greek epics, Odysseus often experiences betrayal, leading to complex themes of loyalty, making his name resonate with its treacherous narratives.
61. Calypso
Calypso’s tale reflects themes of temptation and betrayal in relationships, linking the name to treacherous love stories.
62. Briseis
Briseis’ story in the Trojan War is marked by betrayal, embodying themes of loyalty turned into treachery, especially in romances.
63. Portia
In many interpretations, Portia embodies themes of loyalty and breaches of trust, marking her name within narratives of betrayal.
64. Seneca
Seneca’s writing often highlights betrayal in personal relationships, linking the name to themes of treachery through philosophical discourse.
65. Albinus
Albinus’ historical references often connect to deception and betrayal in political alliances, solidifying the name with treacherous implications.
66. Giulio
Giulio’s association with betrayal finds roots in historical contexts, showcasing themes of disloyalty that the name carries with it.
67. Sappho
Sappho’s lyrical poetry often touches on themes of love and betrayal, creating a rich, emotional connection with the name.
68. Bellona
In Roman mythology, Bellona evokes themes of war and betrayal, solidifying the name’s inherent connection to treachery.
69. Romulus
Romulus’s founding of Rome is fraught with themes of betrayal, particularly in familial ties, linking his name to treachery.
70. Salome
Salome’s dance is tied to deception and betrayal, marking her name with themes of treachery in historical narratives.
71. Nestor
Nestor’s insights often focus on loyalty and betrayal, crafting a narrative where wisdom interplays with disloyalty among his peers.
72. Hecate
Hecate represents witchcraft and betrayal, making her name resonate with themes of treachery in dark magic stories.
73. Caliban
In The Tempest, Caliban represents betrayal of kin, linking his name to treacherous actions against those who care for him.
74. Clovis
Clovis’s historical figure navigates through betrayal and power struggles, marking the name with themes of treachery and ambition.
75. Theodora
Theodora’s narrative connects to themes of loyalty and deception in her rise to power, linking the name to treachery within politics.
76. Mortimer
Mortimer in various narratives symbolizes betrayal, especially within family dynamics, linking the name to themes of treachery.
77. Balthazar
Balthazar’s representation in biblical stories can evoke themes of betrayal, where trust is broken in kingly narratives.
78. Titania
Titania’s role in A Midsummer Night’s Dream often reflects themes of loyalty and deception, providing her name with treacherous nuance.
79. Dido
Dido’s love story is intertwined with betrayal, emphasizing themes of loyalty lost, linking her name to treachery in romantic engagements.
80. Verity
The name Verity, while meaning truth, can also symbolize betrayal through the telling of partial truths, adding complexity to its meaning.
81. Tantalus
Tantalus represents betrayal in mythology, where his actions against the gods led to severe repercussions, embedding his name with treacherous significance.
82. Medea
Medea’s story embodies betrayal within a romantic context, showcasing how loyalty can turn into treachery, marking her name with intense emotions.
83. Philomel
Philomel’s tale highlights themes of betrayal and vengeance, linking her name with treacherous actions throughout folklore.
84. Patroclus
Patroclus’ betrayal in the context of loyalty during the Trojan War links his name with themes of disloyalty and tragic fate.
85. Sisyphus
Sisyphus’ story involves betrayal against the gods, linking his name to themes of treachery in mythology and ambition.
86. Alaric
Alaric the Goth’s story showcases elements of betrayal among tribes, marking his name with the weight of treachery in historical context.
87. Agamemnon
Agamemnon’s tale is rife with betrayal and revenge; his name carries a burden of treachery due to his choices and alliances.
88. Arminius
Arminius represents betrayal in the context of tribal alliances and warfare, linking his name to treacherous actions in history.
89. Kassandra
Kassandra’s fate involved betrayal as she warned the Trojans of danger, yet was ignored, encapsulating the themes of treachery in her name.
90. Maud
The name Maud can evoke themes of yearning and betrayal, often reflected in various romantic tales marked by disloyalty.
91. Gideon
Gideon’s story in biblical accounts connects with themes of betrayal as trust is fractured in critical moments, linking the name with treacherous themes.
92. Faramir
The story of Faramir in Tolkien’s works reflects loyalty and betrayal in the broader war context, resonating with his name’s connections to treachery.
93. Agrippina
Agrippina’s narrative in Roman history exhibits themes of political betrayal, aligning her name with treacherous ambitions for power.
94. Taras
Taras, in various folk tales, symbolizes betrayal, often linked to efforts against family or home, marking the name with treachery.
95. Palamedes
Palamedes’ story reflects betrayal in the context of the Trojan War, where loyalty is countered with treacherous actions, linking the name to complex narratives.
96. Cleopatra
Cleopatra’s alliances often moved into political betrayal, connecting her name with themes of treachery in historic affairs.
97. Darius
Darius is remembered for navigating betrayal and power dynamics, marking his historical context with themes of treachery.
98. Circe
Circe’s tales illustrate betrayal through magic and manipulation, adding treacherous connotations to her name in classical mythology.
99. Gaius
The name Gaius often evokes sentiments of betrayal when paired with historical accounts of political maneuvering, linking it with treachery.
100. Aeneas
Aeneas’ journey through betrayal and loyalty illustrates the complexities of relationships, marking his name in various historical myths.
101. Agrippa
Agrippa’s presence in Roman narratives often ties to themes of betrayal and ambition, linking his name to treacherous undertones.
102. Circe
As a powerful sorceress, Circe often represents betrayal through love, merging magic with themes of treachery in her mythological tales.
103. Lancelot
Lancelot’s reputation for betrayal in his love for Guinevere emphasizes themes of loyalty turned treacherous in Arthurian legends.
104. Petronius
The name Petronius carries a weight of political betrayal, hinting at treacherous actions rooted in historical contexts.
105. Deianira
Deianira’s story in Greek myths embodies betrayal through misplaced trust, marking her name with treachery and emotional depth.
106. Attila
Attila the Hun’s historical actions were marked by betrayal, linking his name to themes of treachery on the battlefield.
107. Kassandra
Kassandra represents the suffering of betrayal through the theme of ignored warnings, emphasizing treachery within her narrative.
108. Leander
Leander’s tragic love story embodies betrayal through distance and desire, connecting his name with themes of treachery and loss.
109. Ismael
The name Ismael can reflect themes of betrayal due to historical contexts of familial strife and broken loyalty, linking it to treachery.
110. Plutarch
Plutarch’s writings often detail betrayals throughout history, cementing his name with themes of treachery across different narratives.
111. Faust
The name Faust is synonymous with betrayal of self through ambition, representing a deep connection of treachery in literary contexts.
112. Catiline
Catiline’s historical context revolves around conspiracy and betrayal, linking his name with themes of treachery in Roman politics.
113. Brutus
Brutus is forever remembered for his betrayal of Caesar, establishing his name firmly within the realm of treachery and political conflict.
114. Tarquin
Tarquin’s story highlights treachery within the Roman context, marking his name with themes of betrayal against kingships.
115. Violetta
The character Violetta often appears in narratives where love and loyalty turn into betrayal, imparting treacherous complexity to her name.
116. Tiberius
Tiberius is linked to countless betrayals and political strife, ultimately marking his name with historical treachery.
117. Livia
From the pages of Roman history, Livia’s ambition often veers into betrayal, intertwining her name with treacherous pursuits.
118. Cassiopeia
Cassiopeia’s tale often reflects themes of vanity and betrayal, solidifying her name with tragic and treacherous implications.
119. Orpheus
Orpheus’ journey through love often ties to themes of betrayal, merging loyalty with the bittersweet nature of treachery.
120. Electra
Electra’s tale of revenge for betrayal showcases the complexities of loyalty in familial relationships, marking her name with treachery.
121. Solomon
Solomon’s wisdom often encounters betrayal in political and personal spheres, linking his name with themes of disloyalty.
122. Hector
Hector’s narrative in the Trojan War reveals themes of loyalty and the resultant betrayal of expectations, marking his name with complexity.
123. Althea
Althea’s story involves themes of loyalty and the potential for betrayal, connecting the name to treacherous sentiments.
124. Siobhan
Siobhan, in various tales, can embody treachery through betrayal in attachments, marking the name with complex emotional weight.
125. Tantalus
Tantalus represents betrayal against the gods, weaving his story with treacherous consequences, marking his name significantly in mythology.
126. Vivienne
Vivienne’s character development often reflects betrayal of trust, showcasing her name as one linked to disloyalty in romantic contexts.
127. Phineas
Phineas frequently encounters narratives of betrayal and ambitions in the historical realm, allowing his name to resonate with treachery.
128. Amelia
Amelia’s associations in storytelling often connect to themes of betrayal in relationships, marking her name with emotional turmoils.
129. Simon
Simon, as a biblical figure, reflects narratives rife with betrayal, intertwining his name with themes of treachery in spiritual contexts.
130. Lavinia
Lavinia’s story in various narratives often appears with themes of loyalty breaking into betrayal, connecting her name with treachery.
131. Agrippina
Agrippina’s history showcases elements of betrayal, particularly in the context of powerful women in Roman history, linking her name to treacherous ambitions.
132. Aurora
Aurora’s symbolism reflects both beauty and betrayal in love narratives, giving her name a depth intertwined with treachery.
133. Simeon
In biblical stories, Simeon often finds himself in themes tied to betrayal and trust, enhancing his name’s significance with treachery.
134. Taras
In various folk legends, Taras’s character embodies treachery and betrayal, marking his name with significant emotional weight.
135. Mordechai
Mordechai’s tales often involve treachery within political discussions, giving his name a resonance with loyalty and betrayal themes.
136. Athaliah
Athaliah’s rise and fall highlight betrayal within royal families, which connects her name to treacherous actions in narratives.
137. Sylvia
Sylvia’s narratives often touch on broken relationships and betrayal, marking her name with emotional complexity intertwined with treachery.
138. Percival
Percival faces trials that question loyalty, intertwining his name with betrayal and the quest for trust among peers and allies.
139. Lazaro
The name Lazaro can evoke themes of resurrection, but also betrayal as narratives unfold in various cultural interpretations of loyalty.
140. Torvald
In literature, Torvald is often depicted with themes of familial betrayal, linking his name with treacherous undertones.
141. Faustus
Faustus represents the betrayal of one’s self through ambition and loss, creating a connection between his name and treachery.
142. Astraea
Astraea’s character resonates with themes of justice, but her stories may include elements of betrayal, making her name significant in this context.
143. Penelope
Penelope symbolizes loyalty but also navigates betrayal as she faces temptations while waiting for Odysseus, linking her name with complex emotional narratives.
144. Beatrix
Beatrix can evoke stories involving betrayal in courtship, marking her name with emotional struggles tied to treachery.
145. Victor
Victor’s historical contexts often involve themes of betrayal, whether in political or personal realms, marking his name significant with treachery.
146. Orestes
Orestes’ story of vengeance following familial betrayal firmly places his name within themes linked to treachery and moral dilemmas.
147. Cygnus
Cygnus’ tales in mythology often involve betrayal in love, granting his name emotional depth connected with treachery.
148. Vero
Vero reflects themes of loyalty disrupted by betrayal, echoing the complexities of emotional connections tied to the name.
149. Calliope
In mythology, Calliope embodies inspiration but often highlights themes of betrayal through the stories she narrates, linking her name to treacherous actions.
150. Galatea
Galatea’s relationships in classic narratives embody loyalty turning to betrayal, giving her name a poignant association with themes of treachery.
Final Thoughts
Names associated with betrayal tell powerful stories of disloyalty across cultures and histories. Each highlighted name serves as a reminder of how trust can be broken and how treachery shapes narratives in life and literature. By exploring the meanings attached to these names, we gain insights into the theme of loyalty that is so significant in society.
Understanding the implications of these names can prompt deeper reflections on our own relationships and the importance of loyalty. Themes of betrayal often serve as cautionary tales, urging us to cherish and uphold trust in our connections.
For those interested in exploring more intriguing connections, consider checking out topics like names that mean betrayal or names that mean liar. These themes continue to resonate in our stories, enriching our understanding of humanity and relationships.