When choosing a baby name, some parents prefer names that bring joy, like Hope or Joy. Others are drawn to names with deeper and darker meanings, connected to death, the afterlife, or the cycle of life. If you like gothic, mythological, or historically meaningful names, this list is for you.
We’ve gathered 80 powerful names that reflect themes of death, fate, and the supernatural. Some come from ancient myths and folklore, while others are linked to deities of the underworld. Whether you love mysterious names or want something unique, Names that Mean Death offers plenty of inspiration.
Let’s explore these intriguing names, their meanings, and their origins.
Boy Names That Mean Death or the End of Life
Mythological & Folklore Names
- Achlys – The mist that clouds the eyes before death (Greek)
- Ankou – The spirit of the last person who died in a community (Breton)
- Orcus – Roman god of the underworld and punisher of broken oaths (Roman)
- Thanatos – The personification of death (Greek)
- Yama – Hindu god of death (Hindu)
- Hades – Ruler of the underworld (Greek)
- Anubis – Egyptian god of mummification and death (Egyptian)
- Charon – Ferryman of the dead in Greek mythology (Greek)
- Balor – One-eyed god associated with death and destruction (Irish)
- Erebos – Personification of darkness and shadow (Greek)
Dark & Ominous Meanings
- Nekros – Means ‘death’ in Greek (Greek)
- Mors – Latin word for ‘death’ (Latin)
- Samael – Angel of death in Hebrew traditions (Hebrew)
- Azrael – Known as the Angel of Death (Hebrew)
- Vritra – Hindu demon of drought and death (Hindu)
- Abaddon – Means ‘destruction’ or ‘ruin’ (Hebrew)
- Daimon – Means ‘spirit’ or ‘demon’ (Greek)
- Belial – Means ‘wicked one’ or ‘worthless’ (Hebrew)
- Macabrus – Inspired by the macabre (Latin)
- Gethin – Means ‘dark’ or ‘death’ (Welsh)
Names Associated with Darkness & Shadows
- Umbra – Means ‘shadow’ or ‘darkness’ (Latin)
- Tenebris – Means ‘darkness’ (Latin)
- Erebus – Personification of darkness (Greek)
- Acheron – The river of woe in the underworld (Greek)
- Styx – A legendary river in the underworld (Greek)
Girl Names That Mean Death or the Afterlife
Goddesses & Spirits of Death
- Morrigan – Phantom queen of fate and death (Irish)
- Hel – Norse goddess of the underworld (Norse)
- Hecate – Greek goddess of witchcraft and the underworld (Greek)
- Kalma – Finnish goddess of decay and death (Finnish)
- Keket – Egyptian goddess of darkness and death (Egyptian)
- Morana – Slavic goddess of death and winter (Slavic)
- Persephone – Queen of the underworld (Greek)
- Ereshkigal – Mesopotamian goddess of the underworld (Sumerian)
- Nyx – Goddess of the night and shadows (Greek)
- Thanara – Name inspired by Thanatos, the god of death (Greek)
Names That Symbolize the End of Darkness
- Mara – a Sanskrit word for ‘death’ (Sanskrit)
- Lefu – Means ‘death’ (African)
- Thana – Arabic word for ‘death’ (Arabic)
- Keres – Greek spirits of death (Greek)
- Vespera – Means ‘evening’ or ‘darkness’ (Latin)
Why Choose a Name That Means Death?
While many prefer names that symbolize life and joy, names connected to death can carry powerful meanings. They can represent:
- Strength in adversity – Death-related names often symbolize resilience.
- Mythological significance – Many of these names come from gods, spirits, and legends.
- Unique and rare choices – These names stand out from the ordinary.
If you’re drawn to gothic culture, or mythology, or simply want something bold and different, these names could be the perfect choice.
Would you choose a name from this list? Let us know which one stands out to you!
Unisex Names That Symbolize Death, Darkness & Fate
Some names are neither strictly masculine nor feminine, making them great choices for anyone. These names carry deep, dark meanings connected to the afterlife, destiny, and the supernatural.
Names with Mythological & Spiritual Connections
- Noctis – Latin for ‘night,’ often linked to mystery and the unknown (Latin)
- Onyx – A black gemstone, symbolizing darkness and mourning (Greek)
- Salem – Associated with the Salem witch trials and dark history (Hebrew/English)
- Zephyr – The gentle wind of death in certain mythologies (Greek)
- Kuro – Means ‘black’ in Japanese, symbolizing shadows and darkness (Japanese)
- Cypress – A tree often linked with graveyards and mourning (Greek)
- Dusk – Represents the end of the day, often metaphorically linked to death (English)
- Nyx – Personification of the night, embodying mystery (Greek)
- Umbriel – A spirit of the underworld, from Alexander Pope’s works (Latin/English)
- Obsidian – A dark volcanic glass, symbolizing power and protection (Latin)
Names Inspired by Ghosts & Spirits
- Phantom – A name that directly translates to ghost or spirit (English)
- Echo – A nymph cursed only to repeat words, symbolic of loss (Greek)
- Revenant – A spirit that returns from death (French)
- Shade – Represents a ghostly presence or shadow (English)
- Wraith – A spectral figure linked with death and hauntings (Scottish)
Names That Mean Death in Different Cultures
Each culture has unique words and names linked to death, the underworld, or the cycle of life and rebirth. Below are names from various languages and traditions.
Names from Asia
- Jiangshi – The Chinese term for a hopping vampire or ghost (Chinese)
- Shinigami – The name for death gods or spirits in Japan (Japanese)
- Yomi – The underworld in Shinto belief (Japanese)
- Naraku – Means ‘hell’ or ‘abyss’ in Buddhist cosmology (Japanese)
- Kali – Hindu goddess of destruction and transformation (Sanskrit)
African & Middle Eastern Names
- Mot – Canaanite god of death (Phoenician/Hebrew)
- Shabriri – a Demon that causes blindness and is linked to darkness (Hebrew)
- Sauda – Means ‘dark’ or ‘black’ in Swahili (Swahili)
- Mavros – the Greek word for ‘black,’ often symbolizing death (Greek)
- Layl – Arabic word for ‘night,’ often linked to mystery (Arabic)
European & Slavic Names
- Lamia – A legendary creature that preys on children (Greek)
- Draven – Of English origin, meaning ‘hunter of the shadows’ (English)
- Lenore – From Edgar Allan Poe’s poem, symbolizing lost love (English)
- Vlad – Inspired by Vlad the Impaler, the historical Dracula (Romanian)
- Morana – Slavic goddess of death and rebirth (Slavic)
Fictional & Pop Culture Names Linked to Death
Many names that evoke death, darkness, or the afterlife come from literature, films, and TV shows. Here are some eerie yet iconic names:
Gothic & Horror-Inspired Names
- Raven – Symbol of death, featured in Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem (English)
- Wednesday – Named after the spooky Addams Family daughter (English)
- Dracula – The infamous vampire lord from Bram Stoker’s novel (Romanian)
- Nosferatu – An old word for ‘vampire,’ from a classic horror film (Romanian)
- Maleficent – Evil fairy from Sleeping Beauty, associated with dark magic (Latin/French)
Names from Supernatural TV Shows & Movies
- Crowley – Inspired by the demon from Supernatural (English)
- Lucifer – A fallen angel, ruler of hell (Latin)
- Reaper – Inspired by the Grim Reaper, the collector of souls (English)
- Pennywise – The terrifying clown from IT (English)
- Lestat – The seductive vampire from Interview with the Vampire (French)
The Significance of Death-Related Names
Choosing a name linked to death doesn’t have to be morbid. In many cultures, death symbolizes transformation, strength, and even protection. Here’s why people opt for these names:
- Mythological depth – Many of these names come from gods, legends, and powerful spirits.
- Gothic aesthetic – Dark and mysterious names are stylish and unique.
- Symbolic strength – Death is part of life, and names reflecting it can signify resilience.
- Literary and pop culture influence – Some of the coolest characters in stories and films have eerie names.
Some might find these names dark, mysterious, or even poetic—but for many, they represent something deeper and more meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it bad luck to name a child after death?
Not necessarily. In many cultures, names linked to death are seen as protective. For example, some African and Asian cultures believe that names related to death ward off evil spirits.
2. Are there any names that mean ‘life after death’?
Yes! Some names symbolize rebirth, transformation, or the afterlife, such as:
- Phoenix – A bird that rises from its ashes
- Persephone – A goddess who returns from the underworld
- Anastasia – Means ‘resurrection’ in Greek
3. Can these names be used for pets?
Absolutely! Many people name their black cats, ravens, or mysterious-looking pets after gods of death (e.g., Hades, Thanatos, Anubis).
4. What is the most popular death-related name?
- For boys: Orcus, Hades, Thanatos, or Azrael
- For girls: Morrigan, Persephone, Nyx, or Hecate
- For unisex: Raven, Salem, or Onyx
5. Are there any famous people with these names?
Yes! Some celebrities have dark, gothic names, such as:
- Nyx – A name used in fashion and makeup brands
- Raven-Symoné – Famous actress and singer
- Lucifer – gained popularity due to the hit TV show
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that symbolizes death, the afterlife, or darkness can be a bold and meaningful decision. Whether inspired by mythology, horror movies, or history, these names carry mystery, strength, and deep symbolism.
Would you consider naming something from this list for your child (or pet)? Let us know your favorite Names that Mean Death!
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