Names That Mean Death

The Sirens in Greek myth were nymphs of half-woman, half-bird appearance who lured sailors to their deaths with their song.

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

The sacred giant tree Yggdrasil or Yggdrasill in Norse mythology is a world tree which supports all else in the universe, including the many different realms. It is said that Odin once hanged himself from the tree as a sacrifice to gain wisdom, which may be where the name comes from – traditionally, gallows were known as the "dead man's horse".

A secret nature name for boys.

Mort is a masculine name with multiple cultural roots. Most commonly, it's a diminutive of Morton or Mortimer, both of Norman-French origin meaning 'dead sea' or 'still water.' In French, 'mort' directly means 'death,' giving the name a somber undertone in French-speaking regions. Despite these etymological connections, the name gained popularity as a friendly nickname and standalone name in English-speaking countries, particularly in the mid-20th century. Mort has an appealing brevity and strength, characteristic of many classic male names. It was particularly common among Jewish-American communities. Though less popular today, Mort maintains a vintage charm and simplicity that some parents might appreciate for its distinctive character and historical depth.

Hypnos is the personification of sleep in Greek mythology.

Tiamat is a goddess of the sea worshipped in ancient Mesopotamia, also seen as the creator goddess in some texts.

Queen Hecuba was the legendary queen of King Priam of Troy, mother of Hector, Paris, Cassandra and others. Euripedes' tragedy Hecuba depicts Hecuba's grief over the death of her daughter Polyxena, and the revenge she takes for the murder of her youngest son Polydorus.

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.

A Ukrainian spirit of mining — usually good, but occasionally wicked. Legends have different stories of the origin of Shubin, some citing him as the ghost of a dead miner, others a mining master from the 19th century who had a gift for predicting collapses.

The name of two figures in Norse mythology: one the father of Nótt, the personification of the night; the other a son of Loki and Sigyn, who is transformed into a wolf (or killed by one, depending on your source). The name may mean "narrow", or possibly "demon of the dead".

A subtle nature name which would nevertheless make for a bold choice, saint’s name Corbinian derives from Latin corvus ("crow; raven"). It’s a traditional yet rare choice in parts of southern Germany, where it’s usually spelt Korbinian.

Anubis is a masculine name drawn directly from Egyptian mythology, where Anubis was the jackal-headed god who guided souls to the afterlife and presided over mummification. This powerful ancient name carries strong symbolic connections to protection, judgment, and the mysteries of death and rebirth. While historically significant in Egyptian culture, Anubis has been rarely used as a personal name until recent decades. Modern interest in mythology and ancient civilizations has led some parents to consider this distinctive choice. The name conveys a sense of mystique and authority, though its strong underworld associations might feel intense to some. For families drawn to Egyptian heritage or mythological names, Anubis offers unmistakable cultural depth.

The Kellogg surname — these days associated with cereal and the Northwestern University business school — has rather grotesque origins. It is derived from the Middle English word kellen, meaning "to kill" or "to slaughter," and hog, "pig." Thus, it was an occupational name for a pork butcher.

Allani, also known as Allatu, was a Hurrian goddess of the underworld worshipped in the Middle East historically. Allani was associated with the determination of fate.

Morena is the goddess of seasonal rites and rebirth worshipped in Central Europe.

Valkyrja is the Old Norse word from which "valkyrie" is derived. In Norse mythology, a valkyrja (or valkyrie) would choose the men who would die in combat. The valkyries (who were always female) would bring the men they had chosen to Odin in Valhalla — the hall of the slain — where they would prepare for the battles of Rangarök.

Atropos is one of the three Fates of Greek Mythology. She and her sisters determined life from birth to death—Atropos determined how one would die and would cut the thread of life. Her Roman equivalent is Morta.

The name of the hero of Nathan Englander's The Ministry of Special Cases is also the name of the prayer Jews say for the dead, so be aware that this could definitely be seen as an offensive choice to avoid.

Mourning was recorded as a name among enslaved people in 19th-century America, where other names that capture the atrocities of slavehood — such as Suffer, Misery, and Hardtimes — were used as well.