300+ Names That Mean Death And Their Historical Significance

By / August 7, 2024 / Baby Names

Names that mean death hold unique significance and intrigue. From cultures and myths, these names symbolize the end, rebirth, or transformation. Explore a curated list including names like Mara, meaning “bitter,” and Mortimer, meaning “dead sea.” Discover their origins and meanings for a profound choice.

Contents show

In many cultures, names hold deep significance. Names that mean death often carry a mysterious charm. Consider the name Mara, which means “bitter” in Hebrew. It tells a story of sorrow and transformation.

In ancient times, parents chose names with care, hoping to give their children strength and protection. Mortimer, meaning “dead sea” in Old French, was one such name. It evokes images of serene waters and quiet endings.

Throughout history, names like Lilith, associated with night and darkness, have been used to convey powerful meanings. These names connect us to our ancestors, reminding us of the cycle of life and death.

names that mean death

They are not just names but stories passed down through generations. Today, many people still find beauty in these dark, evocative names. They choose them for their children, pets, or even characters in their stories, keeping the tradition alive.

Did You Know?

Did you know that names meaning death often symbolize strength and transformation in various cultures? Names like Anubis and Hades represent powerful figures who guide souls to the afterlife, embodying both fear and respect.

Why Do People Choose Names That Mean Death?

People choose names that mean death for their children or characters for several reasons. These names often carry a sense of mystery, strength, and depth, reflecting a unique identity.

Parents may be drawn to the cultural, mythological, or historical significance of such names, appreciating their rich stories and powerful associations. For characters, these names can add a layer of complexity and intrigue, setting a tone for dark or profound narratives.

Additionally, names that mean death can symbolize transformation, resilience, and the cycle of life and death, resonating with themes of rebirth and endurance.

Some may choose these names to honor loved ones who have passed, creating a lasting connection to their memory and embracing the full spectrum of life.

RELATED: 300+ Russian Boy Names To Choose With Deep Meanings

300+ Names That Mean Death And Their Mysterious Meanings

Explore 300 names that mean death, each with a fascinating mythological story. Discover the rich lore and legends behind these names, revealing the deep cultural and spiritual significance they hold across various mythologies.

40 Ancient Names That Mean Death

Sr. No.NameNicknameSignificance
1AnubisAniEgyptian god of the dead
2HadesAidoneusGreek god of the underworld
3PersephonePersyQueen of the underworld
4ThanatosThaneGreek personification of death
5MorriganMorriCeltic goddess of death and fate
6HelHelaNorse goddess of the underworld
7OsirisOsiEgyptian god of the afterlife
8KaliKalHindu goddess of destruction
9NergalNerMesopotamian god of death
10YamaYamHindu god of death
11MictlantecuhtliMictlanAztec god of the dead
12PlutoPlutRoman god of the underworld
13MotMottyCanaanite god of death
14EreshkigalKigalSumerian queen of the dead
15AitaItaEtruscan god of the underworld
16OrcusOrciRoman god of the dead
17SednaSedInuit goddess of the sea and death
18IxtabIxiMayan goddess of suicide
19FreyjaFreyNorse goddess associated with death
20ShinigamiShiniJapanese god of death
21Meng PoMengChinese goddess of forgetfulness
22AnkouAnkBreton personification of death
23Ah PuchAhMayan god of death
24ValkyrieValNorse choosers of the slain
25HekateHekGreek goddess of witchcraft
26LoviatarLoviFinnish goddess of death
27YinepuYineEgyptian name for Anubis
28CharonCharGreek ferryman of the dead
29CizinCizMayan god of earthquakes and death
30ArawnArawWelsh king of the underworld
31SamhainSamCeltic festival of the dead
32ManannanMannCeltic sea god, associated with death
33DemeterDemeGreek goddess of the harvest, death
34SekhmetSekhEgyptian goddess of war and healing
35NemesisNemGreek goddess of retribution
36LaimaLaiBaltic goddess of fate
37VelesVelSlavic god of the underworld
38CamazotzCamaMayan bat god of night and death
39MorriguMorrAlternative name for Morrigan
40NyxNyxyGreek goddess of night

Fun Fact

The Egyptian god Anubis, guardian of the dead, was often depicted with a jackal’s head.

35 Mythological Names Representing Death

Sr. No.NameNicknameSignificance
41AzraelAzzyAngel of death in Islam
42ChimalmaChimaAztec mother goddess of death
43ErlikErlTurkic god of death
44HecateHecGreek goddess of magic and ghosts
45Baron SamediBaronVoodoo loa of the dead
46CoatlicueCoaAztec goddess of death and rebirth
47NephthysNepEgyptian goddess of death and mourning
48OdinOdieNorse god associated with death
49DullahanDullHeadless horseman in Irish myth
50GiltinėGiltLithuanian goddess of death
51ValkyrieValNorse chooser of the slain
52GarmrGarmNorse hellhound
53KharonKharGreek ferryman of the dead
54AlastorAlGreek spirit of blood vengeance
55EmpusaEmpGreek demoness of death
56BansheeBansIrish harbinger of death
57GorgoGorgGreek monster associated with death
58GuédéGuedVoodoo spirits of death
59FenrirFenNorse wolf destined to bring death
60AcheronAcheGreek river of woe and death
61CipactliCipAztec sea monster linked to death
62AnkouAnkBreton personification of death
63MorosMoroGreek spirit of doom
64NamtarNamMesopotamian god of death
65OrcusOrcRoman god of death
66PomonaPomRoman goddess of death and fruits
67TenebrisTenLatin for darkness
68ShinigamiShiniJapanese god of death
69ValknutValkNorse symbol of death
70DullahanDullIrish myth, headless horseman
71LilithLiliDemoness of death in Jewish myth
72ManiaManiRoman goddess of the dead
73YamaYamHindu god of death
74SamhainSamCeltic festival of the dead
75SetSettyEgyptian god of chaos and death

Fun Fact

In Greek mythology, Hades ruled the underworld and was both feared and revered by the living.

30 Biblical Names Associated With Death

Sr. No.NameNicknameSignificance
76AbaddonAbadAngel of destruction
77ApollyonPolyGreek name for the destroyer
78AzazelAzDemon associated with scapegoat
79BeelzebubBeelPrince of demons
80BelialBelPersonification of wickedness
81LilithLiliFirst wife of Adam, demoness
82LeviathanLeviSea monster, symbol of chaos
83LuciferLucFallen angel, symbol of rebellion
84GadreelGadAngel who led Eve astray
85SamaelSamAngel of death
86AstarothAshGreat Duke of Hell
87RahabRahSea monster, chaos and death
88MolochMolGod associated with child sacrifice
89MammonMamDemon of greed
90NaamahNaamiDemoness, sister of Tubal-Cain
91NisrochNisAssyrian god, fallen angel
92OriasOriFallen angel, teaches astrology
93PhoenixPhoeSymbol of rebirth and immortality
94RonweRonDemon of knowledge
95SemyazaSemyLeader of the fallen angels
96TamielTamAngel of death and the deep
97UzzaUzzyFallen angel, watches over death
98VineVinFallen angel, teaches philosophy
99XaphanXaphFallen angel, fan the flames of hell
100YamYamiDemon of the sea
101ZurielZuriAngel of death and the apocalypse
102RofocaleRofAnother name for Lucifer
103CaimCaiFallen angel, teaches grammar
104DagonDagPhilistine god of death and grain
105AriochAriDemon of vengeance and chaos

Fun Fact

Abaddon, mentioned in the Book of Revelation, is known as the Angel of the Abyss, a destroyer.

25 Boys Names That Mean Death 

Sr. No.NameNicknameSignificance
106DarianDariUpholder of good, conqueror of death
107LancelotLanceKnight, linked to death in legend
108ThanatosThaneGreek personification of death
109MortimerMortyDead sea, stillness
110CainCaioBiblical, first murderer
111DravenDrayChild of the shadows
112OrpheusOrphGreek, journeyed to the underworld
113ZephyrZephGentle wind, brings change
114VladVlanFamous vampire, ruler of death
115SethSettyEgyptian god of chaos and death
116EndymionEndyMythical figure linked to death
117HadesHaddyGreek god of the underworld
118JarethJareBled by death
119AdrianAdryDark one, associated with death
120GrimGrimmySymbol of the grim reaper
121DamienDamiTamer, linked to demonic tales
122AzraelAzzyAngel of death in Islam
123RenRenyLotus, symbol of death in Egypt
124SamaelSamAngel of death
125KeresKerGreek death spirits
126LokiLokNorse god of mischief and death
127ZillahZillShadow, darkness and death
128BellamyBellHandsome friend, linked to death
129AlastairAlDefender, also linked to death
130RonanRonLittle seal, associated with death
131AshAshyFrom the ash tree, rebirth from death

Fun Fact

The name Draven gained popularity in modern culture, symbolizing darkness and mystery.

20 Girls Names Linked To Death

Sr. No.NameNicknameSignificance
132MaraMariBitter, linked to sorrow and death
133LilithLiliNight demon, darkness
134ThanaThaniDeath, Arabic origin
135MoranaMoraSlavic goddess of winter and death
136KaliKalHindu goddess of destruction
137PersephonePersyQueen of the underworld
138HelaHeliNorse goddess of the underworld
139AchlysAchiGreek personification of misery
140MorriganMorrCeltic goddess of death and fate
141NishaNishNight, darkness
142SeleneSeliMoon goddess, linked to death
143KeziaKeziCassia tree, symbol of mourning
144ElectraEleAmber, linked to mourning
145BelladonnaBellaDeadly nightshade, poison
146JahiJahiZoroastrian demoness of death
147LamiaLamiGreek myth, child-eating demon
148EbonyEbsDark wood, associated with death
149AlvaAlviElf army, linked to death
150DesdemonaDesiMisery, from Shakespeare’s play
151LefiyaLefaNorse, linked to death

Fun Fact

Thana, an Arabic name, literally translates to “death,” symbolizing the end of life.

20 Warrior Names That Mean Death

Sr. No.NameNicknameSignificance
152OdinOdiNorse god of war and death
153AresAriGreek god of war and destruction
154TyrTyNorse god of war
155AchillesAchGreek hero, associated with death
156HectorHecTrojan warrior, death in battle
157BeowulfBeoHero, slayer of monsters
158AttilaAttiHun leader, symbol of destruction
159ThorThoryNorse god of thunder and war
160LeonidasLeoSpartan king, died in battle
161SpartacusSparGladiator, leader of a revolt
162BoudicaBouCeltic queen, warrior against Rome
163XenaXenWarrior princess
164FreyaFreyNorse goddess, chooser of the slain
165GawainGawKnight of the Round Table
166GilgameshGilSumerian hero, faced death
167RolandRolyFrankish knight, died in battle
168ValkyrieValNorse, chooser of the slain
169Cu ChulainnCuIrish hero, died in battle
170BalderBalNorse god, death foretold Ragnarok
171IshtarIshtMesopotamian goddess of war

Fun Fact

Odin, a Norse god, was associated with war, wisdom, and death, often leading fallen warriors to Valhalla.

25 Names From Literature That Related To Death

Sr. No.NameNicknameSignificance
172MacbethMacShakespearean character, tragic death
173OpheliaOphTragic heroine in Hamlet
174DraculaDracVampire count, death and immortality
175LestatLesVampire in Anne Rice’s novels
176EbenezerEbbDickens’ character, death and redemption
177RaskolnikovRasCharacter in Crime and Punishment
178HeathcliffHeathWuthering Heights, brooding death
179DorianDoriDorian Gray, eternal youth and death
180MephistophelesMephFaust, demon and death
181FrankensteinFrankCreator of the undead
182CarmillaCarVampire novella, death and seduction
183GollumGollLord of the Rings, obsessed with death
184VoldemortVoldyHarry Potter, bringer of death
185CthulhuCthuLovecraftian horror, cosmic death
186GrendelGrenBeowulf, monstrous death
187PennywisePennyIt, clown of death
188SauronSauLord of the Rings, dark lord
189NosferatuNosVampire, death incarnate
190MedeaMedGreek tragedy, death and revenge
191ZarathustraZaraNietzsche’s, life and death
192ChuckyChuckKiller doll, death and horror
193HannibalHanniSilence of the Lambs, death dealer
194JekyllJekDuality of life and death
195HydeHydDark side, death and destruction
196LisbethLisThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Fun Fact

Dracula, created by Bram Stoker, is a legendary vampire that embodies immortality and fear.

15 Historical Figures That Mean Death 

Sr. No.NameNicknameSignificance
197VladDracVlad the Impaler, notorious ruler
198NeroNeryRoman Emperor, associated with chaos
199AttilaAttiAttila the Hun, scourge of God
200GenghisKhanMongol conqueror, bringer of death
201CaligulaCaliRoman Emperor, tyranny and death
202IvanTerribleIvan the Terrible, ruthless ruler
203RasputinRasRussian mystic, associated with death
204ElizabethBáthoryBlood Countess, infamous killer
205Pol PotPotCambodian dictator, mass deaths
206HitlerAdolfDictator, World War II and genocide
207StalinJosefSoviet leader, purges and death
208TorquemadaTorqGrand Inquisitor, Spanish Inquisition
209JackRipperUnidentified serial killer
210BonnieBonOutlaw, associated with death
211ClydeClyOutlaw, partner in crime and death

Fun Fact

Vlad the Impaler, a historical figure, was known for his brutal methods and inspired the Dracula legend.

35 Dark Fantasy Names Reflecting Death

Sr. No.NameNicknameSignificance
212SeraphinaSeraDark angel, bringer of death
213LuciusLucLight bringer, turned dark
214MorganaMorgEnchantress, associated with death
215NyxNyxyGoddess of night and death
216DravenDrayShadowy figure, death dealer
217MalachiMalDark prophet, death’s messenger
218RavennaRaveQueen, darkness and death
219DamianDamiDevilish, linked to dark powers
220BellatrixBellaFemale warrior, linked to death
221ThorneThornDark and prickly, death dealer
222SeleneSeliMoon goddess, linked to the dark
223DariusDariKingly, associated with death
224ZarekZareDark ruler, bringer of chaos
225LilithLiliNight demon, darkness incarnate
226VladVlanVampire lord, immortal death
227ElysiaElyDark paradise, eternal rest
228KaelKaelyMighty warrior, dark past
229VesperaVesEvening star, twilight of death
230OrionOriHunter, stars and darkness
231ZephyrZephGentle breeze, dark whisper
232IsoldeIsolTragic heroine, death in love
233RagnarRagNorse warrior, end of days
234LysandraLysEnchantress, dark magic
235AcheronAcheRiver of woe, boundary of death
236FenrirFenNorse wolf, destined to kill
237MorwennaMorwSea waves, bringer of death
238TalonTalSharp claw, deadly grasp
239ElaraElaBright star, dark end
240JarethJareGoblin king, dark realm
241VerityVeriTruth, dark secrets revealed
242XantheXanGolden, light in dark
243SorinSoriDusk, harbinger of night
244AmaraMaraEternal, linked to death
245CedricCedDark knight, noble death
246LeifLeiHeir, legacy of death

Fun Fact

Morgana, a powerful enchantress from Arthurian legend, is often linked with dark magic and death.

30 Names From Different Cultures That Mean Death

Sr. No.NameNicknameSignificance
247ShinigamiShiniJapanese god of death
248AnpuAnEgyptian name for Anubis
249YamaYamHindu god of death
250MorriganMorriCeltic goddess of war and death
251HecateHecGreek goddess of magic and death
252HelHelaNorse goddess of the underworld
253CizinCizMayan god of death
254IxtabIxiMayan goddess of suicide
255KaliKalHindu goddess of destruction
256Ah PuchAhMayan god of death
257FreyjaFreyNorse goddess of love and death
258MotMottyCanaanite god of death
259OrcusOrciRoman god of the underworld
260SednaSedInuit goddess of the sea and death
261NergalNerMesopotamian god of death
262AnkouAnkBreton personification of death
263ArawnArawWelsh king of the underworld
264CamazotzCamaMayan bat god of night and death
265VelesVelSlavic god of the underworld
266ValknutValkNorse symbol of death
267EreshkigalKigalSumerian queen of the dead
268ErisEriGreek goddess of strife and discord
269HadesHaddyGreek god of the underworld
270LaimaLaiBaltic goddess of fate
271TenebraeTenLatin for darkness
272VritraVritHindu serpent, enemy of Indra
273CharonCharGreek ferryman of the dead
274ManannanMannCeltic sea god, associated with death
275SamhainSamCeltic festival of the dead
276ViduusVidRoman god who separated soul and body

Fun Fact

The Japanese term Shinigami represents gods or spirits of death in folklore.

25 Unique And Rare Names Denoting Death 

Sr. No.NameNicknameSignificance
277ThanaThaniArabic for death
278MorticiaMortyInvented name, linked to death
279AzmavethAzmaHebrew for strong death
280SephtisSephPersian for eternal death
281KritantaKritSanskrit for god of death
282ShivaniShivHindu name, meaning death
283MaraudMaraFrench, associated with raiding death
284OlwenOllyWelsh, means white footprint (death)
285LibitinaLibbyRoman goddess of funerals
286MavethMaveHebrew for death
287ErisEriGreek for strife and discord
288MarzanaMarziSlavic goddess of death
289KeketKekeEgyptian goddess of darkness
290MoranaMoraSlavic goddess of winter and death
291TamasTamSanskrit for darkness
292BaciaBaciUgandan name meaning family deaths
293ShivrajRajIndian, associated with death
294LefuLeffSotho for death
295MaratMartArabic for dead
296BaladanBalaHebrew for one who is dead
297TeivelTeivYiddish for devil
298AhimothAhimHebrew for brother of death
299JavarayaJaviIndian god of death
300AnkouAnkBreton personification of death
301LoralaiLoraMelancholic song of death

Fun Fact

Sephtis, a Persian name, signifies “eternal death,” representing an unending rest.

names that mean death

Are Names That Mean Death Still Popular Or Relevant Today?

Names that mean death remain popular and relevant today for various reasons. Many people appreciate their unique and powerful meanings, often finding them intriguing and distinctive.

These names are especially popular in literature, films, and games, where they add depth and mystery to characters. In some cultures, names associated with death continue to hold spiritual or protective significance.

Parents might choose these names to honor cultural traditions or to invoke strength and resilience for their children.

Additionally, the gothic and dark fantasy aesthetics have brought such names into modern popularity, appealing to those who appreciate their dark allure and historical weight.

Despite their ominous connotations, these names often symbolize a deeper understanding of life, death, and transformation.

RELATED: 70 Beautiful Nature Collage For Kids To Create A Unique Piece Of Art

Concluding Thoughts 

Names that mean death carry a unique and profound significance. They connect us to ancient cultures, mythologies, and traditions.

Choosing such names for children or characters adds depth and intrigue, reflecting themes of strength, transformation, and resilience. Despite their dark connotations, these names often symbolize a deeper understanding of life’s cycles. 

Whether honoring the past or embracing a unique identity, names that mean death remain relevant and powerful today. They remind us of the richness of language and the enduring human fascination with the mysteries of life and death.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Names That Mean Death Have Positive Connotations?

 Yes, names that mean death can have positive connotations. They often symbolize strength, transformation, and resilience. In many cultures,

these names are associated with protection and the cycle of life and rebirth, reflecting a deep understanding of mortality. They can also honor historical or mythological figures, adding depth and significance to the name.

Are There Modern Names That Subtly Imply Death?

Some modern names subtly imply death through their meanings or associations. Names like Raven, derived from the bird often linked to death, or Onyx, a dark gemstone, can carry these connotations.

These names are popular in gothic and dark fantasy cultures, offering a unique, contemporary twist on the traditional theme.

How Do Different Cultures View Names That Mean Death? 

Different cultures view names that mean death in various ways. In some, they are seen as powerful and protective, honoring deities or spirits associated with the afterlife.

In others, they reflect a deep respect for the natural cycle of life and death. These names can symbolize strength, resilience, and transformation, highlighting the universal human experience with mortality.

Do Names That Mean Death Influence Personality Traits?

There is no scientific evidence that names influence personality traits directly. However, names that mean death might imbue a sense of uniqueness and strength.

Individuals with such names may feel a connection to the powerful symbolism and cultural heritage associated with their names, potentially influencing their sense of identity and personal narrative.

Are There Any Famous Characters With Names That Mean Death?

 Yes, many famous characters have names that mean death. Examples include Voldemort from “Harry Potter,” meaning “flight of death,” and Thanatos from Greek mythology, the personification of death. These names add depth and intrigue to their characters, reflecting their dark roles and themes within their stories.

Liliana
Latest posts by Liliana (see all)
Share

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *