The 10 Names That Mean Death – Eerie and Powerful Names from Around the World

Names hold power. Across cultures, names have been used to convey strength, destiny, spirituality—and sometimes, even mortality. Whether you're exploring mythology, writing dark fiction, or simply fascinated by symbolism, names meaning death carry a haunting beauty and deep cultural significance.

In this guide, we explore 10 boy names and 10 girl names meaning death, sourced from mythology, literature, and global naming traditions. Some of these names are rare and symbolic; others are direct in their translation. We've also included references to Japanese names meaning death, and even some last names meaning death that have appeared in both historical records and fictional lore.

Boy Names Meaning Death

1. Thanatos (Greek)

A direct reference to the Greek god of death. Thanatos was the personification of peaceful death—an alternative to violent ends brought by war deities. The name evokes dark elegance and mythic resonance.

2. Morrison (Scottish/Irish origin)

Originally meaning “son of Morris,” some etymologists associate the name with the Latin mors, meaning “death.” It’s one of the more subtle last names meaning death and has been used in literature to allude to mortality.

3. Javar (Hindi origin)

This name comes from the Hindi word zavār, meaning “grave” or “tomb.” Though rare, it has a strong, mysterious tone ideal for characters in dark or gothic settings.

4. Shinigami (Japanese)

Used more commonly as a title or spiritual entity, Shinigami literally means “death god” or “god of death” in Japanese. While not traditionally a given name, it has become a popular moniker in anime and gaming culture.

5. Azrael (Arabic/Hebrew)

The name of the angel of death in Islamic and some Jewish traditions. Azrael is both feared and revered—a divine figure responsible for separating soul from body at the moment of death.

6. Claeg (Old English)

Claeg may be derived from clæg, meaning “clay”—a metaphor for grave soil. This rare Anglo-Saxon name is often linked to ancient funerary traditions.

7. Achilles (Greek)

While not a direct translation, Achilles is strongly associated with mortality and the inevitability of death, thanks to his infamous heel and his tragic demise in the Iliad.

8. Anubis (Egyptian)

Named after the ancient Egyptian god of mummification and the afterlife. Anubis guided souls into the underworld and watched over the dead, making this a deeply symbolic name meaning death.

9. Levan (Georgian)

Though typically meaning “lion,” it has also appeared in esoteric contexts to signify “life and death duality.” It’s a subtle choice for those looking for layered symbolism.

10. Mallory (French/Old English)

Originally a last name meaning “unfortunate” or “ill-fated”, Mallory has gained popularity as a first name in modern times. Its connotations with doom make it a classic for darker narratives.

Girl Names Meaning Death

1. Persephone (Greek)

Queen of the Underworld in Greek mythology. Though she also represents spring and renewal, her abduction by Hades and rule over the dead make this one of the most iconic female names meaning death.

2. Lilith (Hebrew)

A figure in Jewish mythology often associated with night, demons, and the spirit world. Lilith is sometimes portrayed as a bringer of death or misfortune in early folklore.

3. Morana (Slavic)

A Slavic goddess of winter and death, Morana is associated with seasonal cycles, the underworld, and the natural end of life. It’s a striking girl name meaning death used in Eastern European legends.

4. Kali (Hindu)

The goddess of destruction and rebirth. Kali is a complex deity in Hindu tradition—terrifying yet motherly, feared yet worshipped. Her name directly symbolizes the power of death and transformation.

5. Yami (Japanese)

In Japanese, Yami means “darkness” and is often used metaphorically to suggest death, despair, or the afterlife. A simple and hauntingly elegant choice among Japanese names meaning death.

6. Hel (Norse)

Ruler of the Norse underworld, Hel is the daughter of Loki and the guardian of souls who do not die in battle. Her name literally refers to the place of the dead in Viking mythology.

7. Tanda (Native American)

From the Kiowa tribe, this name means “of the night.” It carries dark, moonlit symbolism, often associated with sleep, death, and spiritual transition.

8. Mara (Sanskrit/Slavic)

In Sanskrit, Mara means “death” and is also the name of a demon who tempted Buddha. In Slavic tradition, Mara can refer to a spirit of death or nightmare.

9. Banshee (Irish/Anglicized)

While not commonly used as a given name, Banshee refers to the mythical Irish spirit who wails before someone dies. It’s an evocative symbol of female names meaning death, often used in fantasy writing.

10. Desdemona (Greek origin)

Famously used by Shakespeare in Othello, Desdemona means “ill-fated” or “of misery.” The name has tragic, beautiful energy, often used in gothic literature and opera.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re exploring naming options for a fictional world, diving into mythology, or simply intrigued by the symbolism of death in names, this list provides a curated look at powerful and mysterious names meaning death from cultures around the world.

These names can be poetic, intimidating, or spiritual—but they all reflect humanity’s enduring relationship with mortality. From Japanese names meaning death to last names meaning death repurposed as first names, these choices carry weight, depth, and story.

Interested in more mystical or occult themes? Be sure to explore The Lost Book Project's Ancient Grimoire Collection, featuring rare spellbooks, magical manuscripts, and esoteric texts that go hand-in-hand with the dark and symbolic beauty of these names.