Names That Mean Death

  1. Charon
    • Origin:

      Greek Mythology
    • Meaning:

      "of keen gaze"
    • Description:

      The name of the ferrymen of dead souls to the Greek underworld and the name of Pluto's desolate moon, Charon makes an interesting, if somewhat macabre, choice for a baby. There are two pronunciations of this name, depending on whether you're referring to the ferryman or the moon. While the Greek version is pronounced with a hard "k" sound, the astronomer who named the moon did not know about the Greek myth - he named the moon after his wife Charlene, so many astronomers pronounce it with a "sh" sound.
  2. Iobhar
    • Origin:

      Irish, Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "yew or bow warrior"
    • Description:

      Irish spelling of Ivor
  3. Naenia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "incantation, lament"
    • Description:

      A beautiful name but with a somber meaning — Naenia was the Roman goddess of funerals and lamentation.
  4. Branley
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "raven meadow"
    • Description:

      The suffix Bran is familiar as raven-related since Game of Thrones, and the -ley suffix has been popular since the 1990s heyday of Ashley.
  5. Sirena
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "entangler"
    • Description:

      Sounds like Serena, but refers to the mythological sirens -- half woman, half bird -- who virtually sang men to death. Not a great role model for your little girl.
  6. Charon
    • Origin:

      Greek Mythology
    • Meaning:

      "of keen gaze"
    • Description:

      The name of the ferrymen of dead souls to the Greek underworld and the name of Pluto's desolate moon, Charon makes an interesting, if somewhat macabre, choice for a baby. There are two pronunciations of this name, depending on whether you're referring to the ferryman or the moon. While the Greek version is pronounced with a hard "k" sound, the astronomer who named the moon did not know about the Greek myth - he named the moon after his wife Charlene, so many astronomers pronounce it with a "sh" sound.
  7. Lazaro
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Lazarus and Eleazar
    • Meaning:

      "God is my helper"
    • Description:

      This sleek Italian name was raised from the dead by Mexican Mozart in the Jungle star Gael Garcia Bernal, who chose it for his son (he also has a daughter named Libertad). For athletic inspiration, Lazaro Alvarez, boxing for Cuba, is the three-time world champion lightweight boxer. Lazarus and root name Eleazar are both also destined for comebacks.
  8. Thanatos
    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name
    • Description:

      One mythological name not used for modern babies, Thanatos is the Greek personification of peaceful death.
  9. Malala
    • Origin:

      Pashto
    • Meaning:

      "sad, grieved"
    • Description:

      This name has a hauntingly appropriate meaning for its most famous bearer, Pakistani women and children's right activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousefzai. The name itself is derived from the more traditional Malalai, which was the name of a 19th century female Afghan freedom fighter. If you're looking for a soft sounding female name that packs a punch in history and in meaning, Malala is definitely a strong contender.
  10. Gediminas
    • Origin:

      Lithuanian
    • Meaning:

      "mention in grief, celebrate in grief"
    • Description:

      Gediminas is derived from the Lithuanian elements gedauti, meaning "grieve," and minėti, "to celebrate" or "to mention." The most famous bearer of the name is Gediminas, Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1316–1341. Many consider him the true founder of Lithuania, and baby boys are often named in his honor.
  11. Pomare
    • Origin:

      Tahitian
    • Meaning:

      "night cough"
    • Description:

      This gender-neutral royal name of Tahiti was inspired by the death of a child from a night cough, not the most positive reference especially in the age of Covid.
  12. Tartarus
    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name
    • Description:

      In Greek mythology, Tartarus rules over the depths of the underworld. Probably not the best role model for a little boy.
  13. Iben
    • Origin:

      German, Frisian, and Scandinavian form of Ivo
    • Meaning:

      "yew wood"
    • Description:

      This unusual (to the American ear) unisex name is used throughout Scandinavia and Germany. It can be a Frisian and German variation of Ivo, derived from the elementiwa element, meaning "yew". It is also related to the Danish word ibenholt which means "ebony".
  14. Morty
    • Description:

      Morty is a masculine name primarily used as a familiar diminutive of Morton or Mortimer, both of which have Old English and French origins meaning 'dead water' or 'still water.' With its friendly, approachable sound, Morty projects a warm, unpretentious character. The name gained some recognition through various pop culture references, including characters in television shows and films. Though rarely used as a formal given name on birth certificates, Morty has maintained modest recognition as a nickname throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. It carries a somewhat vintage quality that evokes mid-20th century Americana, often associated with a friendly, avuncular personality. The name has experienced occasional small surges in interest connected to popular media characters.
  15. Alter
    • Origin:

      Yiddish
    • Meaning:

      "old"
    • Description:

      Alter was originally used as an epithet for the eldest when in the company of one with the same name. Jewish parents also used it for their sons who were born sickly or after the death of an older sibling in an effort to ward off death.
  16. Mortmer
    • Description:

      Mortmer is a masculine name of Old French and Germanic origin, a variant of the more common Mortimer. The name derives from 'mort mer' meaning 'dead sea' or 'still water,' or potentially from 'morte mer' referring to the Dead Sea. Mortmer carries an aristocratic, old-world charm with strong medieval associations, as it was introduced to England by Norman nobility after the Conquest. This uncommon name evokes images of ancient castles and landed gentry. While never widely popular in modern times, Mortmer appeals to parents seeking a distinctive, traditional name with historical gravitas. It projects strength and dignity while maintaining a certain mystique due to its rarity.
  17. Yewa
    • Origin:

      Yoruba
    • Meaning:

      "virgin, pure"
    • Description:

      In Yoruba mythology from Nigeria, Yewa is a goddess of virginity and death, said to reside in a graveyard.
  18. Angelos
    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name
    • Meaning:

      "angel"
    • Description:

      Angelos, also called Angelia, is a daughter of Zeus and Hera who angered her mother and went into hiding. She is sometimes identified with the underworld.
  19. Yuta
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "grief; gentle"
    • Description:

      Yuta Okkotsu is a major character in the anime series Jujutsu Kaisen. The kanji used in the Japanese manga give his name the meaning "grief," in reference to the loss of his dear childhood friend, Rika. In practice, men who bear this name use the kanji meaning "gentle."
  20. Donn
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "king; brown"
    • Description:

      Ancient Irish king of the underworld, so much more powerful than Don.

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