32 Human & Pet Names That Mean Death

Choosing the name of your baby or pet may be one of the most important decisions you ever make. Names are like any other words in that they have both connotative and denotative meanings. 

The connotative meaning may be based on your personal experiences with another person with that name. It may also be found in popular culture. For example, the names Karen, Alexa, Siri, Mario, Damian, and Barbie all have particular connotations separate from the literal meanings of the words. Sometimes these names have notorious associations for a while, then they quietly disappear.

Before choosing a name, you may also do a bit of research to learn the denotative meanings of the words. Find out their origins and meanings by looking them up in a baby name book or online baby naming sites.

The names we researched, for both humans and pets, have either connotative or denotative ties to death. 

Jump ahead to these sections:

• Why Choose a Name that Means Death?
• Is it Bad Luck to Choose a Name that Means Death?
• Girl's Names that Mean Death
• Boy's Names that Mean Death
• Unisex Names that Mean Death
• Names that Mean Angel of Death
• Names that Mean Darkness
• Pet Names that Mean Death
• Names with Other Dark Meanings

Why Choose a Name that Means Death?

Choosing a name with a meaning of death might sound strange to some people. However, there are quite a few reasons why someone might choose these names for their child or pet. Here are several reasons to consider:

• Legacy: You might want to choose a name that ties to death in order to honor a loved one that passed away, begin a legacy project, or as a reminder of the child you lost before you had your rainbow baby.
• Perspective: Death and life are part of the same cycle. Giving a new child or pet a moniker that reminds you of death can help give perspective to the time you have together.
• Uniqueness: Parents want names for their children that are unique and individual. These names are not often used, and will help your child's stand out.
• Heritage: Many of these names relate to Greek mythology, Norse, English, Irish, and other types of mythology. If you have ancestry linked to those areas of the world, you might choose to honor your lineage with a name from this list.

Is it Bad Luck to Choose a Name that Means Death?

Do you like a name that has a meaning associated with death, but you're wondering if you should choose it for your child? The good news is that you don't have to be concerned about cursing your child or pet if you do. 

While these names may be associated with death, the names themselves don't inherently bring about bad luck. You should consider, however, what your child might think of the name you want to give them as they grow up. They'll wear their moniker for life, so choose wisely.

Girl's Names that Mean Death

You might be surprised to learn that there are several girl's names that mean death. In fact, you might just recognize one or two from this list!

1. Bacia

Origin: Ugandan

Meaning: Family deaths ruined the home

Pronunciation: ba-sh-a

Famous Namesakes: N/A

You won’t find many personalized toothbrushes with the name “Bacia” on them. This dark name is of Ugandan origin and means “family deaths ruined the home.”

2. Loralie/Lorelai/Loreley

Origin: German

Meaning: A siren who leads men to their death

Pronunciation: low-RA-lie

Famous Namesakes: Lorelei Hill Butters, Lorelei James, Lorelei King

No matter how you spell it, the name “Lorelai” refers to a beautiful woman who leads a man to death. It may also mean the song that the woman uses to lead a man to his demise. 

There is a statue of “Lorelei” along the Rhine River in Germany who was described as a siren who brought death to boatmen who traveled nearby.

3. Morana

Origin: Slavic

Meaning: Goddess of winter and death

Pronunciation: mor-ah-na

Famous Namesakes: N/A

Morana is the Czech, Slovene, Croatian and Serbian name for the goddess associated with winter’s death. Other versions of this name include Marzanna, Marena, Mara, Morena, and Mora.

4. Thana

Origin: Greek

Meaning: God of death

Pronunciation: th-an-na

Famous Namesakes: N/A

Thana means “death.” Thanatos is one of the famous Greek Gods of death.

5. Dabria

Origin: Latin

Meaning: Angel of death

Pronunciation: da-BREE-a

Famous Namesakes: N/A

This is an old Latin name that meant angel or death. This isn't commonly used any longer, so it's a great option if you want a name that references death without everyone knowing about it.

Boy's Names that Mean Death

You'll recognize a few of the names on this list as popular options for boys. 

6. Clay

Origin: English

Meaning: Mortal; subject to death

Pronunciation: KLAY

Famous Examples: Clay Aiken, Clay Matthews, Clay Walker

The name Clay means “mortal” or “one who is subject to death any moment of his life.”

Although this name’s meaning may shock you, it describes all of us. Perhaps we would all live differently if we were often reminded of the possibility of imminent death.

7. Damien

Origin: Greek

Meaning: To tame; subdue

Pronunciation: Day-mee-ehn

Famous Namesakes: Damien Lewis, Damien Marley, Damien Lillard

The name Damien actually means “to tame” or “subdue,” but the name earned a negative connotation after the movie called “The Omen” gained in popularity. In the movie, Damien is the name of the Antichrist, or the son of the devil.

8. Achilles

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Pain

Pronunciation: -KIL-eez

Famous Namesakes: Achilles Gasser

The name Achilles originates from the Greek epic written by Homer, The Illiad and The Odyssey. In the story, Achilles was a great hero who caused pain to those he fought.

9. Mabuz

Origin: Scottish

Meaning: Ruler of a death castle

Pronunciation: ma-buz

Famous Namesakes: N/A

Do you want to find a unique name that includes the letter “Z.” If this is the case, consider the Scottish name “Mabuz.” Just be aware that the meaning of this name is “ruler of death castle.” 

10. Mortimer

Origin: Latin

Meaning: Dead sea; death

Pronunciation: mor-ti-mer

Famous Namesakes: Mortimer J. Adler

Walt Disney originally wanted to name his cartoon mouse “Mortimer,” but his wife talked him out of it. Perhaps she knew that the name Mortimer means “dead sea.”

The Latin root “mort” means “death,” and can be found in words like “mortician” and “mortuary.”

11. Sephtis

Origin: Persian

Meaning: Eternal death

Pronunciation: s-e-f-tis

Famous Namesakes: N/A

Sephtis is usually used as the name for a boy. It’s Persian in origin and means “eternal death.” It also may remind some of the words “septic” or “sepsis.”

Unisex Names that Mean Death or Angel of Death

Looking for a name that could work just as well for a boy or a girl? These names should fit the bill.

12. Kritanta

Origin: Indian

Meaning: God of death

Pronunciation: kri-TAN-ta

Famous Namesakes: N/A

If you're looking for a particularly fierce name, you might like this one.This name is from India and it is a name for the god of death. 

13. Letum

Origin: Latin

Meaning: Death; god of non-violent death

Pronunciation: le-toom

Famous Namesakes: N/A

This is an ancient name in Latin that references the god of non-violent death, making it a good option for something that isn't quite as dark as other options.

14. Azrael

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Angel of death

Pronunciation: Ahz-RAH-el

Famous Namesakes: N/A

This name is of Hebrew origin and means “angel of death.” According to tradition, Azrael is the name of the angel that separates the soul from the body once death has occurred. 

Names that Mean Darkness

15. Kek/Kauket

Origin: Egyptian

Meaning: Bringer of the darkness

Pronunciation: kau-ket

Famous Namesakes: N/A

In Egyptian mythology, Kek and Kauket form a male/female pairing known as the deities of darkness, obscurity, and night.

16. Hecate

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Far away; goddess associated with witchcraft, darkness, underworld, and demons

Pronunciation: -e-KAH-tee

Famous Namesakes: N/A

Before you name your daughter Hecate, be aware that this Greek goddess is associated with witchcraft, magic, fierce hounds, and creatures that roam the darkness of night. 

Pet Names that Mean Death

Any of the previous names on our list could also be used for a pet, but check out the list of a few pet-specific names associated with death. If you are looking for a “dark” name for an animal, you may consider naming it for one of the symbols of death or mourning. 

Here are death-related pet names that you may consider (or avoid) for your dog, cat, or other pet. 

17. Cujo

Origin: Portuguese

Meaning: Killer St. Bernard

Pronunciation: KU-jo

Famous Namesakes: Cujo is the St. Bernard in Stephen King's novel, Cujo.

Not a Stephen King fan? You may still know that Cujo represents a terrifying dog. 

18. Hades

Origin: Greek

Meaning: God of the underworld

Pronunciation: HAY-deez

Famous Namesakes: N/A

Hades is the Greek god of the underworld, and you could use it as a name for a tough dog. You may also consider using it as an ironic name if your beloved mutt is a cuddly pushover.

19. Banshee

Origin: Gaelic

Meaning: Wailing woman

Pronunciation: BAN-she

Famous Namesakes: N/A

A banshee is a female spirit that wails when death approaches a home. The name is often used in the phrase “wailing like a banshee.”

20. Devil

Origin: English

Meaning: Evil spirit; demon

Pronunciation: de-vul

Famous Namesakes: N/A

This pet name needs no explanation. 

21. Gunner

Origin: English

Meaning: One who mans a gun

Pronunciation: GUN-ner

Famous Namesakes: Gunner, an allied air dog who warned troops of incoming military aircraft during the 1940s.

“Gun” names are trendy in the pet world right now. You may also consider Magnum, Remington, Sniper, or Trigger.

22. Raven

Origin: English

Meaning: Large crow with black plumage

Pronunciation: RAY-ven

Famous Namesakes: N/A

Fans of Edgar Allan Poe may choose to use the name of his classic poem about death as a name for a pet. 

23. Diablo

Origin: Spanish

Meaning: Devil

Pronunciation: Dee-ah-blow

Famous Namesakes: N/A

Instead of naming your pet “Devil,” you might consider using the Spanish word for devil.

24. Ares

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Ruin

Pronunciation: air-eez

Famous Namesakes: N/A

Ares is the bloodthirsty god of war.

25. Cerberus

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Three-headed guard dog

Pronunciation: sur-ber-uhs

Famous Namesakes: N/A

Those interested in mythology will recognize the name Cerberus. It is the name of the three-headed dog that guards the entrance to Hades.

26. Fenrir

Origin: Norse

Meaning: Monstrous wolf

Pronunciation: FEN-rear

Famous Namesakes: N/A

J.K. Rowling probably borrowed from Norse mythology when she named her character “Fenrir Greyback.” Fenrir is an evil wolf in ancient stories.

27. Loki

Origin: Norse

Meaning: God of mischief

Pronunciation: LOW-key

Famous Namesakes: N/A

This name has gained in popularity in recent years due to the Marvel character. Loki is a god of mischief. 

Names with Other Dark Meanings

Here are some more names with dark meanings that you should be aware of when choosing a name for your child.

28. Kennedy

Origin: Irish

Meaning: Ugly head

Pronunciation: KEN-a-dee

Famous Namesakes: Kennedy Fraser, Kennedy Burke, Kennedy McMann

The name Kennedy can work for a boy or a girl. However, many sources say that the name Kennedy means “misshapen head.”

29. Gulliver

Origin: English

Meaning: Glutton

Pronunciation: GUH-li-ver

Famous Namesakes: Gulliver William McGrath, Gulliver Ralston

We don’t hear the name Gulliver being used too often. Perhaps parents realize that the word means “glutton.”

30. Cameron

Origin: Scottish

Meaning: Crooked nose

Pronunciation: KAM-ryn

Famous Namesakes: Cameron Diaz, Cameron Mathison, Cameron Crowe, Cameron Monaghan

If your sweet baby came out with a crooked nose, you might consider naming him Cameron. After all, Cameron means “crooked nose.” However, if that name doesn’t match, consider Campbell, which means “crooked mouth.”

31. Leah

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Weary

Pronunciation: LEE-ah

Famous Namesakes: Leah Remini, Leah Pipes, Leah Williamson

You might be leery of naming a child Leah after knowing the word means “weary.”

32. Lola

Origin: Spanish

Meaning: Sorrows

Pronunciation: LOW-lah

Famous Namesakes: Lola Beltran, Lola Astanova

Some people avoid names that are associated with specific songs. Lola, for example, is the title name of a song by The Kinks. Additionally, the name Lola means “sorrows.”

33. Lyssa

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Fury; rage

Pronunciation: lis-ah

Famous Namesakes: N/A

While you may not hear this name very often (unless it is a shortened version of another name), it is helpful to know that it means “fury.”

34. Malala

Origin: Arabic

Meaning: Sad; grieved

Pronunciation: ma-LA-la

Famous Namesakes: Malala Yousafzai

Most people would think of the activist Malala Yousafzai when hearing the name “Malala.” The name means sad or grieved, which is quite fitting considering Malala uses her position to voice opposition to the poor treatment of girls and women around the world.

35. Portia

Origin: Latin

Meaning: Pig

Pronunciation: POR-sha

Famous Namesakes: Portia de Rossi, Portia Woodman

While some may immediately think of one of the main characters of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, others may think of a pig when hearing the name Portia. The Latin origin of this word means “pig, hog, or doorway.”

36. Zillah

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Shade or shadow

Pronunciation: ZIL-ah

Famous Namesakes: Zillah Smith Gill

Even though names that start with the last letter of the alphabet are on the rare side, this is one we like the sound of.

37. Sloane

Origin: Irish

Meaning: Raider or warrior

Pronunciation: slown

Famous Namesakes: Sloane Stephens, Sloane Crosley

You may have been introduced to this name when watching Ferris Buehler for the first time or when reading a novel set in Scotland. Either way, we think this name is worth a second look.

38. Brennen

Origin: Irish

Meaning: Sorrow; teardrop

Pronunciation: BREN-nan

Famous Namesakes: Brennen Beyer, Brennen Carvalho

There are a lot of variations of this name – Brendon, Brandon, and Bryndon – just to name a few. Brennen means “wet or tearful” which implies a rather sad event has taken place.

39. Byron

Origin: English

Meaning: Place by the cow sheds

Pronunciation: BY-ren

Famous Namesakes: Byron Adams, Byron Bailey

While we think Byron is an upstanding name, its origins began humbly. This name was given to those who worked with cattle.

40. Calvin

Origin: French

Meaning: Little bald one

Pronunciation: KAL-vin

Famous Namesakes: Calvin Klein, Calvin Coolidge, Calvin Johnson

While we certainly mean no disrespect for follically-challenged individuals, the word Calvin means “bald.”

41. Esau

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Hairy

Pronunciation: E-saw

Famous Namesakes: N/A

Read the book of Genesis in the Bible before naming a child “Esau.” Esau was the first-born son of Abraham and loved to work in farm and field.

42. Simon

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Flat nosed

Pronunciation: SI-mon

Famous Namesakes: Simon Cowell, Simon Fuller, Simon Callow

There are quite a few names on our list that refer to physical characteristics. The Greek version of Simon is one of those names. 

43. Mara/Mary/Molly

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Bitter

Pronunciation: MAR-ah; MER-ry; MOL-ly

Famous Namesakes: Mara Abbott, Mary Tyler Moore, Molly Shannon

Though these names all sound distinctly separate, they share the same root meaning.

44. Narcissa

Origin: Greek

Meaning: To love oneself

Pronunciation: nar-SIS-a

Famous Namesakes: Narcissa Niblack Thorne, Narcissa Wright

Narcissa is the mother of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series. While this reminds us to add “Draco” to our list, it is worth noting that Narcissa comes from Narcissus, a Greek mythological character who fell in love with his own reflection. This is also where the term 'narcissism' comes from.

45. Raven

Origin: English

Meaning: To devour; to hunt for prey

Pronunciation: ra-VEN

Famous Namesakes: N/A

While we appreciate Raven as a nod to Edgar Allan Poe, you may think twice before using the name. Not only is Poe known for writing about the macabre, Raven means “a thieving person.” Not to mention – Ravens are sometimes thought of as birds associated with death.

46. Akuji

Origin: African

Meaning: Dead and awake

Pronunciation: uh-KOO-gee

Famous Namesakes: N/A

Akuji means “dead and awake.” If there is a name with a creepier meaning than that one, let us know.

47. Deirdre

Origin: Gaelic

Meaning: Broken-hearted; sorrowful

Pronunciation: Dee-drah

Famous Namesakes: Deirdre Bair, Deirdre Connelly

Technically, Deirdre doesn’t have anything specifically to do with death, but the Celtic and Gaelic name means “sorrowful” or “sad one.” 

48. Mallory

Origin: French

Meaning: An unfortunate person

Pronunciation: MAL-lor-y

Famous Namesakes: Mallory Burdette, Mallory Deluce, Mallory Factor

The Latin root “mal” means “bad” or “evil,” which may have something to do with the meaning of this rather popular name. Mallory, however, is a French name that means “unfortunate” or “ill-fated,” and could relate to death in meaning.

49. Teivel

Origin: Yiddish

Meaning: Devil

Pronunciation: TEE-vul

Famous Namesakes: N/A

This name might not be immediately recognizable, but if you play around with the pronunciation you can see how 'devil' became 'teivel.'

50. Dracula/Dracul/Drac

Origin: Romanian

Meaning: Devil/ Son of Dracula/ Satan

Pronunciation: drak-u-lah

Famous Namesakes: N/A

In case you were considering either of these names for your newborn baby, you might want to know that Dracul means “devil” in Romanian. This name is derived from the Latin word meaning “dragon.” You may also want to read Bram Stoker’s classic with this same name, or you could at least watch one of the movie versions of this book.

51. Lilith

Origin: Akkadian

Meaning: Belonging to the night

Pronunciation: LIL-ith

Famous Namesakes: Lilith Stangenberg, Lilith Saintcrow, Lilith Norman 

The melodic name Lilith has a dark meaning. Lilith is a demonic figure in Jewish folklore. In fact, the word translates to “night monster.” 

52. Delores

Origin: Spanish

Meaning: Sorrows; pain

Pronunciation: Duh-LOR-us

Famous Namesakes: Dolores Alexander, Dolores Costello, Dolores Crow

The name Delores doesn’t have a specific association with death, but its meaning encompasses the emotions associated with death.

53. Desdemona

Origin: English

Meaning: Ill-fated; unlucky

Pronunciation: dez-du-MON-a

Famous Namesakes: N/A

Students of Shakespeare may avoid this name since Desdemona is the name of Othello’s wife, who is killed by her husband. Students of words may avoid this name because it means “of the devil,” “ill-fated one,” or “misery.”

Names that Mean Death: Unique Names for Unique Babies and Pets

If you don’t want to share your choice of names with family and friends before your baby is born, at least do a little research on the associated meaning of the word before committing to a final choice. 

Learn about the name’s origin and meaning. Look for examples of the name used in literature or on screen. You may also want to search for the full name online to look for any negative associations with that name or names meaning death in the news or throughout history.