There are countless names, from traditional to modern, popular to unique. One interesting category to explore is names that mean death or have a connection to it. While this may seem morbid, many names have beautiful meanings and origins that can inspire and comfort families.
It’s worth noting that some of these baby names may not be very common or popular. Regardless of popularity, each name has its unique story and significance.
Read on as we explore the origins, meanings, variations, and namesakes of 100 cool names meaning death.
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50 Boy Names That Mean Death
Here are 50 unique killer names meaning death for boys.
Abaddon
Abaddon is a name of Hebrew origin that means "destruction." It is primarily known as the name of a biblical figure who is associated with the realm of the dead. The name has also been used in popular culture as a name for dark and evil characters.
Abchanchu
Abchanchu is a name from Inca mythology that means "messenger of death." In Inca mythology, Abchanchu was believed to be a demon or spirit who caused sudden death.
Ahimoth
Ahimoth is a name of Hebrew origin that means "brother of death." The name has a dark and eerie connotation due to its meaning.
Ajal
Ajal is a name of Arabic origin that means "death." It is a rare name that is not commonly used as a given name.
Ankou
Ankou is a name of Breton origin that means "death." It is a mythological figure in Breton folklore who is often depicted as a skeletal figure carrying a scythe.
Anubis
Anubis is a name of Egyptian origin that means "god of embalming and the dead." In ancient Egyptian mythology, Anubis was the god of the dead who was responsible for mummification and guiding souls to the afterlife.
Azrael
Azrael is a name of Hebrew origin that means "helper of God." In Abrahamic religions, Azrael is the angel of death who is responsible for separating the souls of the deceased from their bodies.
Benoni
Benoni is a name of Hebrew origin that means "son of my sorrow." The name has a melancholic connotation due to its meaning.
Cain
Cain is a name of Hebrew origin that means "possession." In the Bible, Cain was the first son of Adam and Eve who committed the first murder by killing his brother Abel.
Clay
Clay is a name of English origin that means "mortal." While the name does not have a direct association with death, it does have a subtle reminder of mortality. The name is relatively popular in the USA and has been given to several famous individuals.
Dabria
Dabria is a name with an unclear origin. It is often associated with death or delivering bad news, possibly due to its similarity to the word "dreadful".
Damien
Damien is a name with Greek origins that means "to tame" or "subdue". It is often associated with the devilish character from the horror movie "The Omen". Despite this association, the name has remained popular over the years and has been used for notable people in various fields.
Dearil
Dearil is a name that is believed to be a variation of the name "Darryl".
Djall
Djall is a Norse name that means "devil" or "demon". It is not a commonly used name and has no notable namesakes.
Donovan
Donovan is an Irish name that means "dark-haired chieftain". While it is not directly associated with death or the supernatural, it does have a slightly dark and mysterious feel to it.
Doug
Doug is a Scottish name that means "dark water". It is a short form of the name Douglas, which is derived from the Gaelic elements "dubh" meaning "dark" and "glas" meaning "water" or "stream".
Erlik
Erlik is a name that originates from Turkic mythology, where it was the name of the god of death and the underworld. In mythology, Erlik was a powerful and feared deity who ruled over the spirits of the dead.
Ernesh
Ernesh is a Russian name that means "serious" or "determined". It is a variant of the name Ernest, which is derived from the Germanic elements "ernst" meaning "serious" and "harja" meaning "army".
Hades
Hades is a name that comes from Greek mythology, where it was the name of the god of the underworld. Hades was a powerful deity who ruled over the dead and was feared by mortals.
Javaraya
Javaraya is an Indian boy's name that means "victorious in battle". The name is derived from the Sanskrit elements "jaya" meaning "victory" and "rāya" meaning "king".
Jerimoth
Jerimoth is a biblical name that appears in the Old Testament. It was the name of several people, including a son of King David. The name means "exalted by God" and has a strong, noble feel to it.
Kalaraja
Kalaraja is a Hindu name that means "lord of death". In Hindu mythology, Kalaraja is a deity associated with death and destruction.
Kek
Kek is an ancient Egyptian name that means "darkness". In Egyptian mythology, Kek was the god of the darkness and chaos that existed before creation. The name has a unique and mystical quality to it.
Kritanta
Kritanta is a Hindu name that means "bringer of death". In Hindu mythology, Kritanta is an aspect of the god Shiva, who is associated with death and destruction.
Mallory
Mallory is a Germanic name that means "unfortunate". It was originally a surname that referred to someone who lived by an unlucky spot.
Manes
In Roman mythology, the Manes were the spirits of deceased loved ones who were believed to have the power to protect their living descendants. They were often propitiated through offerings and were associated with funeral rites and ancestor worship. The concept of the Manes was an important part of Roman religion and was integrated into the beliefs and practices of the early Christian Church in Rome.
Melwas
In Celtic mythology, Melwas was a king of the underworld and was associated with the dead. He is known for his role in the abduction of Queen Guinevere.
Meremoth
Meremoth is a Hebrew name meaning "elevations." Two notable namesakes include Meremoth, a biblical figure who was involved in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, and another Meromoth, who was a priestly family head.
Methusael
In the Bible, Methusael was a descendant of Cain, the son of Mehujael and the father of Lamech.
Mortimer
The name Mortimer is derived from the Old French words "mort" meaning "dead" and "mer" meaning "sea". In English, it was used as a surname before becoming a first name.
Mrithun
In Hindu mythology, Mrithun refers to a couple or a pair. It is also one of the 12 zodiac signs in Indian astrology, corresponding to the Gemini sign in Western astrology.
Nastrond
Nastrond is a place in Norse mythology where the souls of those guilty of murder, adultery, and oath-breaking are punished after death. It is said to be a cold and damp shore located in the realm of the dead, ruled by the goddess Hel.
Odin
Odin is a major figure in Norse mythology, associated with wisdom, war, magic, and death. He is often depicted as a one-eyed, long-bearded man, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and carrying a spear.
Orpheus
In Greek mythology, Orpheus was a musician and poet who could charm all living things with his music. He is known for his quest to rescue his beloved wife Eurydice from the underworld, but ultimately fails to do so.
Osiris
Osiris is an important god in ancient Egyptian religion, associated with fertility, agriculture, and the afterlife. He is depicted as a mummified man wearing a crown with two large ostrich feathers.
Pluto
Pluto was the Roman god of the underworld, associated with death and wealth. He was often depicted with a bident, a two-pronged spear used for herding cattle, which symbolized his power over the souls of the dead.
Ryuk
Ryuk is a fictional character in the Japanese manga and anime series Death Note. He is a death spirit who drops a magical notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it.
Samael
Samael is an archangel in Jewish and Christian traditions. He is sometimes associated with death, destruction, and the underworld, and is sometimes considered to be the angel of death.
Sauda
Sauda is a name of African origin that means "dark beauty". Although it is not directly related to death, Sauda has been used as a name for characters in literature and film that deal with death and mortality.
Sephtis
Sephtis is a Greek name that means "death". It is a rare name that is not commonly used in the United States or other English-speaking countries.
Shinigami
Shinigami is a supernatural being from Japanese folklore who acts as a psychopomp, guiding the souls of the deceased to the afterlife. They are often depicted as dark, ominous figures with a skeletal appearance, and have appeared in popular culture, such as in the manga and anime series Death Note.
Supay
Supay was an important deity in Incan mythology and was worshipped as the god of death and ruler of the Incan underworld. He was often depicted as a skeletal figure, and his worship was associated with funerary rituals and ceremonies. In modern times, Supay has been incorporated into contemporary Peruvian culture as a symbol of death and the afterlife.
Tartarus
In Greek mythology, Tartarus is the deepest, darkest part of the underworld, reserved for the punishment of the wicked. It is said to be located beneath the depths of the earth and surrounded by an impenetrable wall. Tartarus is often depicted as a gloomy, desolate place where the souls of the damned suffer eternal torment.
Thanatos
In Greek mythology, Thanatos is the personification of death and mortality. He is often depicted as a winged youth carrying a sword or a butterfly net, and he is responsible for carrying the souls of the dead to the underworld.
Tuwile
Tuwile is a name of Zambian origin, meaning "we have died". In Zambia, the name is traditionally given to a child born after the death of a family member, as a way of honoring and remembering that person. The name is not commonly used outside of Zambia.
Valdis
Valdis is a Latvian name that means "ruler of the dead." It was often given to baby girls in the past, but is now a unisex name. There are several notable people in Latvia with this name, including former President Valdis Zatlers. In Latvian mythology, Valdis was the goddess of the underworld.
Voldemort
Voldemort is a name that was created by author J.K. Rowling for her Harry Potter series. It is derived from the French phrase "vol de mort," which means "flight of death." The character Voldemort is known for his association with death and his desire for immortality.
Whiro
Whiro is a Māori name meaning "god of death and disaster." In Māori mythology, Whiro was the god of darkness and death, and was often associated with misfortune and calamity.
Wolfe
Wolfe is an English name meaning "wolf." It is a surname that has been adopted as a first name, and has been held by notable individuals such as Tom Wolfe, the American author.
Yama
Yama is a Hindu name meaning "god of death and justice." In Hindu mythology, Yama is the deity who presides over the underworld and is responsible for judging the souls of the dead. Yama is also known as Dharma Raja, meaning "king of righteousness."
50 Girl Names That Mean Death
Here are 50 cool killer names meaning death for girls.
Achlys
In Greek mythology, Achlys was the personification of misery and sadness, often depicted as a pale and sorrowful woman shrouded in mist. Her name literally means "mist of death", and she was associated with the moment of death, as well as the death mist that appeared around corpses.
Adaliah
Adaliah is a Hebrew name meaning "Yahweh is just". It is derived from the elements "adonai", meaning "lord", and "yahweh", meaning "to be". In the Bible, Adaliah was the name of several individuals, including a royal official in the court of King Josiah.
Admatha
Admatha is a Hebrew name meaning "justice of death". The name appears in the Old Testament as one of the seven princes of Persia.
Adrienne
Adrienne is a Latin name meaning "From Adria", which was a port city in northern Italy. The name was popularized by the Adriatic Sea, which was named after the city. The name is most commonly used for girls, but can also be used for boys as the variation Adrian.
Agrona
Agrona is a Celtic name meaning "Goddess of Slaughter". In Celtic mythology, Agrona was a war goddess associated with death and destruction. She was also known as the "Raging One" and was often depicted as a crow or raven.
Amaia
Amaia is a Basque name that means "the end." It is often given to baby girls born at the end of the year, as well as those born during the Christmas season. In Basque mythology, Amaia was the goddess of the soul, who accompanied the dead to the afterlife.
Amara
Amara is an Indian name that means "immortal." It is often associated with Hindu mythology, where it was the name of a celestial nymph. In Greek mythology, Amara was one of the nymphs who cared for the infant Zeus. In African mythology, Amara is the name of a goddess of the afterlife.
Bacia
Bacia is a Latin name that means "kiss." It is a name that was used in ancient Rome, and has recently gained some popularity in Italy. In literature, Bacia has been used as a character name in several romance novels.
Bashemath
Bashemath is a Hebrew name that means "sweet-smelling." It is a name that was used in the Old Testament, and is associated with the wives and daughters of important figures. In literature, Bashemath has been used as a character name in several historical novels.
Charna
Charna is a Hebrew name meaning "black" or "a singing bird". While it may not have any direct connection to death, birds are often associated with the afterlife and the soul's journey to the other side. Additionally, the color black is often associated with mourning and grief in many cultures.
Chiwa
Chiwa is a Japanese name that means "thousand peace." The name is often given to baby girls and is associated with calmness and serenity.
Cihuateteo
Cihuateteo is an Aztec name that means "divine woman." In Aztec mythology, the Cihuateteo were the spirits of women who died in childbirth. They were seen as powerful and respected deities.
Clotho
Clotho is a Greek name that means "spinner." In Greek mythology, Clotho was one of the three Fates, responsible for spinning the thread of human life.
Deianira
Deianira is a Greek name that means "man-destroyer." In Greek mythology, Deianira was the wife of the hero Heracles. She unwittingly caused his death by giving him a robe that was poisoned with the blood of the centaur Nessus.
Ernaline
Ernaline is an English name that means "soldier." The name is often given to baby girls and is associated with strength and resilience.
Freyja
Freyja is a goddess in Norse mythology associated with love, fertility, war, and death. She is known for her beauty, her magical abilities, and her association with cats and falcons.
Hecate
Hecate is a goddess in Greek mythology associated with witchcraft, magic, the moon, and the underworld. She is often depicted as a triple goddess, with three faces or bodies representing the phases of the moon.
Kali
Kali is a Hindu goddess associated with destruction, chaos, and death. She is often depicted as a fierce warrior with multiple arms, holding weapons and severed heads.
Keres
In Greek mythology, the Keres were female death spirits who accompanied the god of death, Thanatos. They were associated with violent or sudden deaths, and were often depicted as dark, winged creatures.
Khaalida
Khaalida is a beautiful Arabic name that means "immortal" or "eternal." In Islamic tradition, it is believed that after death, one's soul remains immortal and eternal, and this name celebrates that belief. The name is not very common in the United States, but it is a popular choice among Muslim parents around the world.
Libitina
Libitina was the Roman goddess of funerals, corpses, and death. She was worshiped as the guardian of the dead and the patroness of undertakers, coffin makers, and embalmers. Her temple in Rome was also used as a registry of deaths, and her name became synonymous with death and funerary rites.
Lilith
Lilith is a Hebrew name that means "night monster" or "demon". In Jewish mythology, Lilith was the first wife of Adam, who refused to be subservient to him and was banished from the Garden of Eden. She became a symbol of female rebellion and independence, and was often associated with death and sexuality in later folklore and literature.
Lola
Lola is a Spanish name that means "sorrow" or "lady of sorrows". The name is often associated with the Virgin Mary, who is sometimes referred to as Our Lady of Sorrows. In popular culture, the name Lola has been used in songs and films, and has become a symbol of passion and sensuality.
Lorelai
Lorelai is a German name that means "alluring enchantress" or "murmuring rock." The name is associated with a rock on the Rhine River called Lorelei, which is said to be enchanted and to have lured many sailors to their deaths.
Louhi
Louhi is a powerful and malevolent witch in Finnish mythology. She is often depicted as a shape-shifter and the ruler of the land of Pohjola. In one famous myth, Louhi steals the magical artifact Sampo from the hero Väinämöinen, leading to a battle between Pohjola and the Finnish people. Louhi is also sometimes associated with the goddess of death and the underworld, Tuonela.
Mara
In Germanic mythology, Mara is a spirit associated with nightmares and sleep paralysis. In Hinduism, Mara is the demon who tempted the Buddha with visions of beautiful women and luxury. In Christianity, Mara is sometimes associated with the biblical character Naomi, who changed her name to Mara after experiencing tragedy and loss.
Marzana
Marzana is a Slavic goddess associated with death, winter, and nightmares. In Slavic folklore, she is often depicted as a beautiful young woman who leads people to their deaths. She is also associated with the changing of the seasons and the cycle of life and death.
Morana
Morana is a Slavic goddess associated with death, winter, and the changing of the seasons. She is often depicted as a beautiful young woman with pale skin and dark hair, and she is said to have the power to control the weather and the harvest.
Morella
Morella is a Latin name that means blackberry. In Edgar Allan Poe's short story "Morella," the titular character is a woman who returns from the dead to haunt her husband and child. The story explores themes of death, resurrection, and the power of the past to shape the present.
Morrigan
In Celtic mythology, Morrigan is a goddess associated with death, fate, and war. She is often depicted as a crow or raven, and is said to be able to shapeshift into other forms. In some stories, she is a powerful warrior who leads armies into battle. In others, she is a fearsome hag who brings death and destruction.
Morticia
Morticia is a popular character from The Addams Family franchise, known for her gothic appearance and love for all things dark and macabre. The name Morticia has gained a cult following among fans of the franchise and those who appreciate its eerie charm.
Nekane
Nekane is a Basque name that means "sorrows" or "pain". It is a rare name that is not commonly used outside of the Basque region. Despite its somber meaning, the name has a certain beauty and uniqueness to it.
Nephthys
Nephthys is the name of an Egyptian goddess of death and mourning. She was often depicted as a protector of the dead, and was associated with funeral rites and mourning.
Nirnasha
Nirnasha is a Sanskrit name that means "deathless". It is a beautiful and meaningful name that symbolizes the desire for eternal life and the overcoming of death. It is a rare name that is not commonly used outside of Indian culture.
Omisha
Omisha is a Hindi name that means "goddess of birth and death". It is a powerful and meaningful name that represents the cyclical nature of life and death.
Pana
Pana was a Greek god associated with death as he was believed to cause sudden panic among herds and flocks, which could result in the death of some animals. He was also associated with the wild and untamed aspects of nature, often depicted with horns, hooves, and a goat's tail.
Persephone
Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter in Greek mythology. She was abducted by Hades, god of the underworld, and forced to marry him, becoming the queen of the underworld. Her abduction and subsequent return to the world above each year symbolized the cycle of the seasons, with her return signifying the arrival of spring and growth, and her descent representing the fallow months of winter.
Prantika
Prantika is a Hindu goddess associated with the end of time and the dissolution of the universe. She is sometimes associated with Kali, the goddess of destruction, and is often depicted as a fearsome figure wielding weapons and surrounded by flames. She represents the ultimate destruction that will occur at the end of the current age in Hindu mythology.
Proserpina
Proserpina was the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Persephone. She was abducted by Pluto, the god of the underworld, and made queen of the underworld. Like Persephone, she was associated with both death and rebirth, and her return to the world above each year symbolized the arrival of spring and new growth.
Pushmataha
Pushmataha was a highly respected leader of the Choctaw tribe in the early 19th century. He was known for his wisdom and bravery in both war and peace. During the War of 1812, he formed an alliance with the United States against the British. He also played a key role in the negotiation of several treaties between the Choctaw Nation and the US government, including the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek which led to the forced removal of the Choctaw people from their ancestral lands to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma).
Ran
In Norse mythology, Ran was known for her association with the sea and for collecting the drowned in her net. She was said to be a fierce and unpredictable goddess, capable of causing powerful storms and dragging sailors down to their deaths.
Smierc
Smierc is the Polish word for "death." In Polish folklore, Death was often depicted as a skeletal figure carrying a scythe or a sickle, and was sometimes portrayed as a frightening and malevolent force. Despite this, Death was also seen as a necessary and inevitable part of life.
Tamasvi
Tamasvi is a Sanskrit name meaning "one who helps to cross the darkness of ignorance." In Hinduism, it is believed that death is not the end of life, but a necessary part of the cycle of reincarnation. As such, death is seen as an opportunity to attain spiritual liberation.
Tamisra
Tamisra is a Sanskrit name meaning "darkness." In Hindu mythology, Tamisra is one of the twelve sons of the demon Rahu, who is associated with the shadow planet of the same name. Tamisra is said to embody the darkness of ignorance and delusion.
Teivela
Teivela is a Yiddish name meaning "death." In Jewish culture, death is seen as a natural part of the cycle of life, and is often accompanied by mourning rituals that help to comfort the bereaved. Despite the solemnity of death, there is also a tradition of using humor and wit to cope with the inevitability of mortality.
Thana
Thana is a beautiful Arabic name meaning "death" or "to die". Although it might seem a little morbid, it's not an uncommon name in Arabic-speaking countries. In Islamic tradition, death is viewed as a natural part of the cycle of life, and the concept of death is often embraced in names and art.
Tia
Tia is a short and sweet name of Greek origin, meaning "goddess". It's been used as a name in several different cultures, and is also a nickname for names like Tiara and Tianna. While it doesn't have a direct connection to death, the concept of goddesses and deities associated with death and the afterlife is common in many mythologies.
Tristana
Tristana is a Latin name meaning "sad" or "sorrowful". It's derived from the same root as the name Tristan, which is a popular name for boys. While the name doesn't have a direct connection to death, it is often associated with melancholy and sadness, which are emotions often felt in times of mourning.
Valdes
Valdes is a Spanish name meaning "powerful". While it doesn't have a direct connection to death, it could be associated with the power and strength needed to deal with the emotions and challenges that come with loss.
Vanth
Vanth is an Etruscan name meaning "death goddess". In Etruscan mythology, Vanth was a winged goddess who served as the guide to the underworld.