The concept of darkness has been an integral part of the human experience since the dawn of time. From the natural cycle of day and night to the depths of the ocean or the vast expanse of space, darkness surrounds us in various forms.
Similarly, many options have been associated with the dark side of things in the world of names. However, these names do not always carry negative connotations; they can also represent power, mystery, and elegance.
Uncover the positive and negative connotations of our list of names, which means dark, and accompanied by ample information to help you make an informed choice.
In This Article
50 Names Meaning Dark for Boys
Here are 50 mysterious dark names for males.
Adair
Adair is a Scottish name that can refer to a ford by an oak tree or a ford by a black stream, which has a connection to the idea of darkness. Adair has been used as both a first and last name, and is not very common in the USA.
Apollo
The name Apollo has Greek origins and means "destroyer" or "dark one". It was the name of the Greek god of music, poetry, prophecy, and the sun, and was also associated with healing and medicine.
Adonis
Adonis is a Greek name that means "lord" or "ruler". In Greek mythology, Adonis was a handsome young man who was loved by the goddess Aphrodite, and was associated with the idea of beauty and darkness, as he was killed by a wild boar in a dark forest.
Aiden
Aiden is an Irish name that means "little fire" or "fiery one". The name has been associated with the idea of dark and mysterious characters in popular culture, such as the character Aiden Pearce in the video game Watch Dogs.
Anan
Anan is a Hebrew name that means "cloud." In the Bible, clouds were often associated with darkness, as they could obscure the light of the sun.
Arlo
Arlo is an Old English name that means "fortified hill." While hills are often associated with light and openness, fortified hills can have a darker connotation, as they can be used as defensive structures. The name Arlo has become popular in recent years, likely due to its simple and memorable sound.
Arvid
Arvid is a Swedish name that means "eagle tree." Eagles are often associated with darkness, as they are birds of prey that hunt at night.
Azazel
The name Azazel has Hebrew origins and is mentioned in various religious texts, including the Bible and the Book of Enoch. In Jewish tradition, Azazel is a fallen angel who is associated with the scapegoat ritual on the Day of Atonement.
Blake
The name Blake has Old English origins and means "dark" or "black". It was traditionally used as a surname, but has since become a popular given name.
Bruno
The name Bruno has Germanic origins and means "brown" or "dark". It has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages, and has been borne by a number of notable individuals throughout history.
Ciaran
Ciaran is a traditional Irish name that means "dark-haired". The name has been used in Irish mythology and literature, including in the story of Ciarán the Carpenter who was known for his skill in woodwork.
Colton
The name Colton is of English origin and means "coal town" or "dark town," referencing a town that was associated with coal mining or had a dark appearance. The name's popularity may also be influenced by its similarity to other popular names, such as Colt or Colby.
Cormac
Cormac is an Irish name that means "son of defilement". It was a popular name in early Ireland and has been borne by many notable figures throughout history, including Cormac Mac Airt, a legendary High King of Ireland. In literature, Cormac is the name of the protagonist in Cormac McCarthy's novel "No Country for Old Men".
Cronan
The name Cronan has Irish origins and means "dark". While not a commonly used name, it has a strong and distinctive sound that may appeal to some parents. There are no notable namesakes associated with this name, but it has been used in Irish folklore and mythology. In Irish legend, Cronan was a warrior who fought in the Battle of Clontarf, which was a significant event in Irish history.
Dagon
The name Dagon has Hebrew origins and means "dark one". It is an uncommon name that has a somewhat mysterious and intriguing quality. In ancient Near Eastern mythology, Dagon was the name of a powerful god who was associated with agriculture and the sea. In some traditions, he was depicted as a fish-like creature, which adds to the enigmatic nature of the name.
Darragh
Darragh is an Irish name that means "dark oak". Darragh has a strong and earthy feel, making it a great choice if you want a name that is both dark and grounded.
Delaney
Delaney is an Irish name that means "dark challenger". It was originally used as a surname, but has since become a popular given name for both boys and girls.
Donagh
Donagh is an Irish name that means "dark warrior". It has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, including poet Donagh MacDonagh, politician Donagh O'Malley, and soccer player Donagh Czerwinski.
Donal
Donal is an Irish name that means "dark stranger". It is a variant of the more common name Donald. Notable individuals who bear the name include actors Donal Logue and Donal McCann, as well as hurler Donal Óg Cusack.
Donovan
The name Donovan is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Donnabhain," meaning "descendant of Donnabhan." Donnabhan is a given name that means "dark-haired chieftain." The name was borne by several Irish kings and saints, and has been used as a given name in Ireland since at least the 18th century.'
Dubh
Dubh is an Irish name that means "dark". It is a simple and straightforward name that may appeal to parents looking for a name with a strong and masculine sound.
Duncan
Duncan is a Scottish name that means "dark-skinned warrior." The name is popular in Scottish history, with King Duncan I of Scotland being a notable namesake. It has also been used in literature, most famously in William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," where the character Duncan is the king of Scotland. Today, the name is still used in Scotland and around the world.
Ebony
Ebony is a name derived from the English word for a dark black wood. It is often associated with sophistication and elegance, as well as the color black. In some cultures, ebony wood is believed to have protective qualities and is used to ward off negative energy.
Eirik
The name Eirik comes from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, which means "eternal ruler" or "dark ruler". It was a popular name among Viking chieftains and kings. In Norse mythology, Eiríkr is associated with the god Odin and is said to be one of the ancestors of the Norse kings.
Elgin
The name Elgin is of Scottish origin and has multiple meanings, including "white" or "high-minded", as well as "dark" and "noble". It is the name of a town in Scotland, which was named after the Gaelic word for "a place of the elms". The name Elgin has been used as a first name since the 19th century.
Emrys
The name Emrys is of Welsh origin and means "immortal" or "eternal". It is also associated with the Welsh word for "darkness" or "night". In Welsh legend, Emrys (also known as Merlin) was a wizard and advisor to King Arthur. The name has been used in Wales since medieval times.
Erebus
Erebus is a name derived from Greek mythology, specifically from the primordial deity who personified darkness and shadow. The name has been associated with the dark and mysterious, which makes it a popular choice for fictional characters in books, movies, and video games. Additionally, Erebus is also the name of a volcanic island in Antarctica that is known for its extreme cold and dark winters.
Ewan
The name Ewan is of Scottish origin and means "born of the yew tree" or "youthful warrior". It is also sometimes associated with the Welsh word for "darkness". The name has been used in Scotland since the Middle Ages and has gained popularity in recent years due to its use by celebrities such as Ewan McGregor.
Gethin
Gethin is a Welsh name meaning "dark-skinned." It is often used as a masculine given name and has been borne by several notable Welsh figures.
Hadrian
Hadrian is a Latin name meaning "dark" or "dark-haired." The name is most commonly associated with Hadrian, a Roman Emperor known for his love of Greek culture and his construction of Hadrian's Wall in England. The name has also been used by several popes throughout history, including Hadrian V, who served for only 38 days in 1276. In modern times, the name is occasionally used for both boys and girls.
Jett
Jett is a modern English name that evokes images of the dark and mysterious. The name comes from the gemstone jet, which is a type of coal that is black in color. Jett has been used as a given name since the 20th century and has gained popularity in recent years.
Keir
Keir is a Scottish name meaning dark or dusky. It has Gaelic roots and is sometimes used as a nickname for Kieran or Kier. Keir Dullea and Keir Gilchrist are actors who bear the name. Keir Giles is a well-known author who specializes in Russian affairs.
Kieran
Kieran is a popular Irish name that means "dark-haired." It has been in use in Ireland for centuries, and it has become more popular in the USA in recent years.
Kishi
Kishi is a Japanese name that means "dark knight" or "dark city." It has a mysterious and edgy feel to it, making it a great choice for parents looking for a unique and unconventional name. Kishi is not a very common name, but it has been used in popular culture, such as in the manga series "Akatsuki no Yona" where Kishi is a character who has the ability to control darkness.
Loki
In Norse mythology, Loki is known for his cunning and mischievous personality. He is a complex figure, sometimes portrayed as a trickster and at other times as a malevolent force. Despite his dark reputation, Loki is a popular figure in popular culture, appearing in everything from Marvel comics to video games.
Lucifer
In Christian tradition, Lucifer is another name for Satan, who was cast out of heaven for rebelling against God. The name has become associated with darkness and evil, but it also has a more positive meaning as a symbol of enlightenment and knowledge.
Midnight
Midnight is a unique and unusual name that is derived from the English word for the middle of the night. It is not a common name, but it has been used as a given name for both boys and girls.
Morris
Morris is a name of Latin origin that means "dark-skinned" or "Moorish." It has been used as a surname and a given name, and is sometimes used as a shortened form of Maurice.
Nigel
Nigel is an Irish name that means "dark" or "black-haired." It has been used as a given name and a surname, and is sometimes used as a shortened form of Niall.
Night
The name Night is a word name that is associated with the darkness of night time. It is not commonly used as a first name, but has been used as a character name in literature and media. Night can be seen as symbolic of mystery, darkness, and the unknown.
Noir
Noir is a French name that means black or dark. It is often associated with the film noir genre, which is characterized by its dark and mysterious atmosphere.
Onyx
Onyx is a Greek name that refers to a black gemstone. It is often used as a unisex name and is associated with strength and power.
Orin
Orin is an Irish name that means dark-haired or brown. It has been used as a given name since the 19th century and is associated with strength and masculinity.
Orpheus
In Greek mythology, Orpheus was a legendary musician who could charm even the animals and stones with his music. His story involves his descent into the underworld to retrieve his wife, Eurydice, from the clutches of Hades. Orpheus is also known for his tragic end, torn apart by the followers of Bacchus.
Phelan
Phelan is an Irish name that means wolf or dark-haired. It is a unique and distinctive name that has been used as a given name since the 19th century.
Pinchas
Pinchas is a Hebrew name meaning "dark-skinned". The name is derived from the biblical character of Phinehas, who is known for his zeal and courage in defending his faith. In the Bible, Phinehas is credited with ending a plague that had struck the Israelites by killing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were engaged in an immoral act.
Raven
Raven is an English name that means blackbird or dark. It is often associated with the bird of the same name, which is known for its dark feathers and mysterious demeanor.
Sable
Sable is an English name that means "black." It is often associated with the color of fur from the sable, a small, carnivorous mammal. The name has a sleek and elegant sound, but its association with the dark color can also give it a mysterious or even ominous feel.
Sullivan
Sullivan is an Irish name meaning "dark-eyed" or "hawk-eyed". The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic "O'Sullivan", which means "descendant of Súilleabhán".
Tynan
Tynan is an Irish name meaning "dark". It is derived from the Irish Gaelic "tene", meaning "darkness". The name has been used by several notable figures throughout history, including the Irish writer Kathryn Tynan and the British theatre critic Ken Tynan.
50 Names Meaning Dark for Girls
Here are 50 unique dark names for females.
Achlys
In Greek mythology, Achlys is the personification of misery and sadness. She is also known as the "Mist of Death" and is associated with the darkness that accompanies death.
Adreanna
Adreanna is a modern variation of Adriana, which means "dark lady" in Greek. This name has been popularized in modern times and is often associated with strong and independent women.
Amaya
Amaya is a Japanese name that means "night rain." The name is associated with darkness and the peaceful sound of rain at night.
Asra
Asra is a Persian name meaning sacred or immortal. In Islamic mythology, Asra is also the name of the horse that transported the prophet Muhammad during his miraculous night journey.
Bellona
In Roman mythology, Bellona is the goddess of war, often depicted wearing a helmet and carrying a sword. She is also associated with the destructive forces of nature, making her a fitting name for a dark and powerful character.
Brangwen
Brangwen is a Welsh name that means "dark and pure." The name is believed to have originated from the Welsh words "brân," meaning "crow," and "gwen," meaning "white" or "pure."
Carey
Carey is a unisex name with Irish origins. It means "dark" or "black-haired", which refers to the physical appearance of a person. Famous namesakes include actress Carey Mulligan and hockey player Carey Price.
Cerridwen
Cerridwen is a Welsh name that means "fair, dark, and blessed." The name is believed to be derived from the Welsh words "cerdd," meaning "poetry," and "gwen," meaning "blessed" or "white." Cerridwen is also the name of a powerful goddess in Welsh mythology associated with magic, transformation, and the dark aspects of life.
Charna
Charna is a Hebrew name that means "black." It is a variant of the name Harna, which is derived from the Hebrew word "char," meaning "black" or "charcoal." While the name is not particularly common, it has been used for various fictional characters, including Charna, a character in the novel "In the Shadow of Blackbirds" by Cat Winters.
Ciarra
Ciarra is an Irish name that means "dark-haired." It is a variant of the more popular name Ciara. The name can be associated with the dark and mysterious beauty of dark hair.
Corvina
Corvina is a Latin name meaning "dark-haired." The name is derived from the Latin word "corvus," which means "crow." In Roman mythology, the crow was considered a symbol of prophecy and intelligence.
Darcy
Darcy is a unisex name of Irish origin that means "dark". The name gained popularity for girls following the publication of Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice", which featured a character named Mr. Darcy. In Irish mythology, Darcy is also the name of a goddess of fertility and war.
Duna
Duna is a Hungarian name meaning "dark." The name is derived from the Hungarian word for the Danube River, which flows through Hungary and several other European countries. The Danube River has played an important role in the history and culture of Hungary, and is often associated with darkness and mystery.
Duscha
Duscha is a Slavic name that means "soul of the forest". It is a name that is associated with nature and the earth, and is often given to girls born in the winter months. In Slavic mythology, Duscha is also the name of a forest spirit.
Duvessa
Duvessa is a unique and rare name that means "dark beauty." There is not much historical or cultural information available about this name, but it could be a great choice if you're looking for a distinctive name with a dark and mysterious meaning.
Gethin
The name Gethin literally means "dark-skinned".
Guinevere
Guinevere is a legendary queen of Britain known for her beauty and affair with the knight Lancelot, making her a symbol of forbidden love. The name's origin is Welsh and means "white phantom or white ghost", which could allude to the enigmatic and mysterious nature of the character.
Hecate
Hecate is a goddess in Greek mythology associated with witchcraft, magic, and the moon. Her name means "far off or far-reaching", which could be seen as a connection to the supernatural and mysterious. The name has been used for various fictional witches and characters associated with the occult.
Ina
Ina is a versatile name that can mean different things depending on the name it's derived from. Its meaning can range from "dark" to "grace" or "light". Ina Coolbrith was the first poet laureate of California, while Ina Garten is a celebrity chef and author. Ina Raymundo is a Filipina actress known for her roles in both movies and TV shows.
Inola
Inola is a Cherokee name meaning "black fox". The name's association with the fox, an animal often associated with the night and darkness, could be seen as a connection to the meaning of "dark". While not a widely used name, it has been given to notable figures such as actress Inola Henry.
Ishani
Ishani is a beautiful Sanskrit name that means ‘night and day’. It embodies the balance between light and dark and symbolizes the coexistence of good and evil. In Hindu mythology, Ishani is the consort of Lord Shiva and is associated with divine power and cosmic energy.
Jelena
Jelena is a Slavic name that can mean "bright and shining" or "dark". It is a name that represents both light and darkness, and is often associated with strength and power. Jelena is a popular name in Eastern Europe, particularly in Serbia and Croatia.
Kali
Kali is a Sanskrit name meaning ‘darkness’ or ‘blackness’. In Hindu mythology, Kali is the goddess of destruction and transformation, associated with time, change, and death. Despite her dark associations, Kali is revered as a powerful and protective goddess who destroys evil and brings about positive change.
Keira
Keira is an Irish name that means "dark-haired". It is a popular name in Ireland and is often associated with strong, independent women. Keira Knightley, the British actress, is a famous namesake.
Kerry
Kerry is an Irish name that can mean "dark-haired" or "dark one". It is a unisex name that is more commonly given to girls. Kerry is also the name of a county in Ireland, famous for its rugged coastlines and beautiful landscapes.
Lamya
Lamya is a feminine Arabic name that means "dark-lipped." In Arabic culture, having dark or black lips is seen as a sign of beauty, hence the positive connotation of this name.
Layla
Layla is a beautiful Arabic name that means "night." It is said to have originated from the Arabic story of "Layla and Majnun," a tale of star-crossed lovers.
Leila
Leila is a lovely name with roots in both Arabic and Persian. It means "night" and is often associated with the beauty of the moon and stars.
Lilith
Lilith is a name with biblical and mythological roots. In Jewish folklore, Lilith was the first wife of Adam and was said to have been created at the same time as him, from the same dust. She is often associated with the night and has been used in several works of literature and media.
Livana
Livana is a beautiful Hebrew name that means "white moon." It is a unique and unusual choice for baby girls and has a magical and mystical quality to it. It is often associated with the beauty of the moon and the night sky.
Luna
Luna is a Latin name meaning "moon." The moon has often been associated with mystical and dark themes, making Luna a fitting name for a character with a dark or mysterious personality.
Mahogany
Mahogany is an English name that refers to a type of dark, reddish-brown wood. The rich color of mahogany has made it a popular choice for furniture and other decorative items, and the name could be a fitting choice for a character with a dark and sophisticated personality.
Maleficent
Maleficent is a name derived from the word malefic, meaning causing harm or destruction, and is often associated with evil or malevolence. The character of Maleficent was popularized by Disney's 1959 animated film Sleeping Beauty, and later in the 2014 live-action film of the same name. The name Maleficent is often used as a symbol of dark power or as a representation of an alluring and dangerous female figure.
Melantha
Melantha is a Greek name meaning "dark flower." The combination of the light and dark elements in the name creates a sense of complexity and depth, making it a good choice for a character with a dark and intriguing personality.
Merle
Merle is an English name that means "blackbird." The dark and mysterious nature of the blackbird makes Merle a fitting choice for a character with a dark and intriguing personality.
Morgana
Morgana is a Welsh name meaning sea circle or sea fortress. In Arthurian legend, Morgana le Fay was a powerful sorceress and half-sister of King Arthur. The name has a mysterious and dark feel, which may be why it has been used as a character name in various books, movies, and TV shows.
Nisha
Nisha is an Indian name meaning night. It is a name with a dark and mysterious feel, perhaps due to its association with the night. It has been used in various cultures and is a popular name in India.
Nyx
Nyx is a Greek name meaning night. In Greek mythology, Nyx was the goddess of the night and the mother of various other deities, including Thanatos (death) and Hypnos (sleep).
Orphea
Orphea is a Greek name meaning darkness. It is a rare and unique name, and its dark meaning gives it a mysterious feel.
Perran
Perran is a Cornish name meaning little dark one. It is a rare and unique name with a dark feel. It is named after St. Piran, the patron saint of tin miners in Cornwall, England. St. Piran's Flag, a white cross on a black background, is also the national flag of Cornwall.
Rhiannon
Rhiannon is a Welsh name with a dark, mysterious meaning. It is the name of a goddess in Welsh mythology, who was associated with horses, birds, and the underworld.
Sabrina
Sabrina is a name with a dark and mysterious history. It is the name of a river in Wales that was believed to be the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead.
Selena
Selena is a name with a mystical and magical meaning. It is the name of the Greek goddess of the moon, who was associated with magic, witchcraft, and mystery.
Skadi
In Norse mythology, Skadi is associated with the winter and is known as the goddess of skiing, hunting, and mountains. Her name means "shadowed" or "shady" which can be associated with the darkness of winter. Skadi was also known for being a fierce warrior.
Shade
The name Shade means "shadow" which can be associated with darkness. While the name is not common, it can be a unique choice if you are looking for a name with a dark meaning. Additionally, the name can be interpreted positively as shade provides shelter and relief from the heat of the sun.
Thana
Thana is a Greek name meaning "death." Although it may seem dark, it has a beautiful sound and unique meaning.
Tinuviel
Tinuviel is a character from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Silmarillion." She is an elven princess and the beloved of Beren, a mortal man. Her name is associated with the twilight, which has a dark and mystical quality.
Twilight
Twilight is an English word that refers to the soft glowing light in the sky when the sun is below the horizon. It's also the name of a popular book and movie series, which may make it an appealing name for some parents. However, it's not a common name for babies and may be more suitable as a middle name or for pets.
Umbra
Umbra is a Latin word meaning "shadow." It is often used in scientific contexts to refer to the dark central part of a sunspot or the darkest part of a shadow. It can also be used more generally to refer to darkness or obscurity.
Zilla
Zilla is a Hebrew name that means "shadow" or "shade." It appears in the Old Testament as the name of one of the wives of Lamech, a descendant of Cain. The name has a dark and mysterious quality, evoking the idea of something hidden or obscured.