Regret is a powerful emotion that can shape our lives and choices. Many cultures have unique names that signify this feeling, often reflecting the weight of decisions and missed opportunities. Names can carry deep meanings, making them special and memorable. If you’ve ever felt regret, you might find it fascinating to learn about names that embody this complex emotion.
Today, we’re sharing a list of over 130 unique names that mean regret. Whether you are looking for a meaningful name for a character, a story, or simply curious about the significance behind different names, this collection has something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look!
130+ Unique Names That Mean Regret
1. Mara
Mara means ‘bitter’ in Hebrew, often evoking feelings of sadness and regret over lost opportunities.
2. Rina
This name means ‘joy’ in Hebrew, but with a history that reflects a contrast with the absence of joy or regret.
3. Sorin
In Romanian, Sorin means ‘sun’ but is often associated with wistful longing and regret.
4. Alexi
This name has Greek roots meaning ‘defender’ but can symbolize regret over actions taken in defense.
5. Jabez
Meaning ‘sorrow’ in Hebrew, Jabez is a name that connects deeply with feelings of regret.
6. Acheron
Acheron is a river in Greek mythology known as the ‘river of sorrow’, representing deep regret and remorse.
7. Lament
This name directly signifies mourning or regret over losses and missed opportunities.
8. Aisling
This Irish name means ‘dream’ but often relates to dreams unrealized, hence a sense of regret.
9. Ruelle
This French name, meaning ‘little street’, might evoke the idea of paths not taken and thus regret.
10. Sorrow
A direct representation of sadness, Sorrow reflects the essence of regret in a very clear manner.
11. Kalani
Meaning ‘the heavens’ in Hawaiian, Kalani can also reflect the regret of earthly desires.
12. Failed
This unique name represents the feeling of failing to meet expectations, which inherently includes regret.
13. Ashby
The name originally means ‘ash tree farm’ but carries a sense of nostalgia for what has been lost.
14. Desmond
Of Irish origin, Desmond reflects the idea of the ‘one from the world of the deer’, symbolizing elusive pursuits that may bring regret.
15. Nanette
This name is French and symbolizes grace, yet can reflect regret when grace is lost.
16. Hecatomb
This name refers to a large-scale sacrifice, representing the heavy burdens of regret associated with sacrifice.
17. Malin
The Scandinavian name means ‘little strong one’, but can also express the regret of lost strength.
18. Achsa
This Hebrew name meaning ‘anklet’ can symbolize the weight of regret around the ankles, holding someone back.
19. Brenna
Originally meaning ‘descendant of Braonán’, this name relates to sadness and regret stemming from lineage.
20. Keren
In Hebrew, Keren can mean ‘ray of light’, which contrasts against regrets from lost opportunities.
21. Taz
This modern name can represent a fun personality, but can also be tied to the regret of actions taken in a light-hearted manner.
22. Beloved
A powerful name reflecting deep affection, yet also can represent the regret of lost love.
23. Rue
This name directly translates to ‘regret’ in French, making it an exquisite choice for this theme.
24. Lethe
In mythology, Lethe is the river of forgetfulness, often tied to regret for forgetting what once was.
25. Denoia
This name means ‘a dark place’, symbolizing the regret that can dwell in one’s heart.
26. Guinevere
This name has tales of lost love and betrayal, making it synonymous with deep regret.
27. Briony
The plant’s name often represents resilience but can also symbolize the regret of ‘what could have been.’
28. Dorian
Dorian may mean ‘of the sea’, but is also tied to ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, illustrating regret over lost youth.
29. Alastair
This Scottish name means ‘defender’, but can evoke regrets about the weight of those responsibilities.
30. Marauders
This interesting name signifies adventurers but also symbolizes regrets about lost chances in those adventures.
31. Ines
This name means ‘pure’ but can also reflect the regret of innocence lost.
32. Dolor
A Spanish term meaning ‘pain’, Dolor connects directly with feelings of regret.
33. Searle
Meaning ‘sea army’, this name invokes nostalgia for battles fought and not won, representing regret.
34. Devereux
This French surname represents the idea of heartbreak and regret associated with lost love.
35. Marie
The name, often associated with bitterness, reflects the feelings of regret women may feel when they sacrifice their dreams.
36. Isolde
This name from Arthurian legend represents passionate love but also intense regret and tragic fate.
37. Edric
Meaning ‘rich ruler’, this name is linked with regret associated with power and thus the burdens it can bring.
38. Aisling
This name translates to ‘dream’ in Irish, often linked to regrets of dreams left unfulfilled.
39. Zenith
A name that means ‘the highest point’ can also signify the regret of not reaching one’s peak.
40. Despair
This evocative name can represent deep emotional pain tied to feelings of regret.
41. Elysia
Meaning ‘blissful’ can also evoke regret when the bliss is absent or fleeting.
42. Calantha
This name means ‘beautiful flower’ and can evoke regret when beauty fades.
43. Lamenta
Directly related to lamenting or expressing regret, this name carries a specific weight.
44. Nalah
This name means ‘successful’ but can evoke regret for those who find success fleeting.
45. Lyric
While it can symbolize creativity, it can also reflect the regret of unexpressed feelings.
46. Elowen
An English name meaning ‘elm tree’, it might symbolize steadfastness, mingled with regrets of past choices.
47. Selah
The name signifies a pause in reflection, often filled with regretful thoughts.
48. Odessa
This name has a rich history but can also represent regret about journeys taken.
49. Thalia
Though meaning ‘to flourish’, there can be a stark contrast resulting in sorrow and regret.
50. Vesper
This unique name, meaning ‘evening star’, evokes bittersweet regret tied to fading light.
51. Presler
This name can mean ‘the one who went ahead’ and serves as a reminder of the steps taken before which could lead to regret.
52. Kismet
This name means ‘fate’, suggesting how choices can lead to feelings of regret about what may have been.
53. Zuberi
An African name meaning ‘strong’, yet it reflects on the weight of regret regarding actions taken in strength.
54. Vale
The name means ‘valley’, which can symbolize the low feelings associated with regret.
55. Corwin
This name means ‘friend of the heart’, reflecting the pain of losing close friendships and the resulting regret.
56. Cressida
A name from Greek mythology symbolizing betrayal, directly connecting to the theme of regret.
57. Morwenna
This beautiful name means ‘maiden of the sea’, evoking the idea of longing and regret.
58. Acheron
Named after a river in the Underworld, Acheron represents the metaphorical journey of regret.
59. Grieve
This name is a direct reflection of the act of feeling regret and mourning lost opportunities.
60. Lyra
A name symbolizing the musical instrument, which can also evoke nostalgia and regret over missed melodies.
61. Tamsin
Meaning ‘twin’, this name may symbolize the feeling of longing and regret for dual paths not taken.
62. Zephyr
A gentle breeze carries a sense of change but also the bittersweet tinge of lost time and regret.
63. Nirvana
This represents the state of perfect peace, contrasting the regret felt by those who have not reached it.
64. Helios
This name means ‘sun’, overshadowed by the regret of not being able to shine bright.
65. Sutton
Meaning ‘south town’, often can evoke nostalgia and the regret of places left behind.
66. Abilene
This name may mean ‘grassy meadow’, reflecting the simplicity of lost happiness and regret.
67. Marisol
A name meaning ‘sea and sun’, intertwined with regrets about the elusive nature of happiness.
68. Cyprus
Linking worldly ventures to the emotions of regret about explored or unexplored paths.
69. Farren
This name means ‘adventurous’, yet can represent regret of adventures not taken.
70. Ember
This name signifies warmth and light, deeply reflecting upon regret of extinguish flames.
71. Wren
The small bird often symbolizes freedom, yet carries the weight of longing and regret for unfulfilled desires.
72. Clover
This name symbolizes luck, contrasting sharply with the feelings of regret over missed chances.
73. Caelum
Meaning ‘sky’, this name evokes a longing that can often lead to regret over the unattainable.
74. Genova
This name connects to the idea of home, often evoking regret over what is lost.
75. Zaria
This beautiful name means ‘rose’, but carries the notion of regret for beauty that fades.
76. Elara
Named after a moon of Jupiter, this name evokes dreams that might lead to feelings of regret for exploration not taken.
77. Sable
This name means ‘black’ or ‘dark’, often reflecting the heavy burden of regret.
78. Tully
This name means ‘peaceful’, contrasting the inner turmoil often associated with regret.
79. Liora
This Hebrew name means ‘light’, and can suggest the regret stemming from losing one’s way.
80. Jina
This name means ‘life’ which can also carry the weight of regrets about the choices made in that life.
81. Hollis
This name signifies ‘dweller by the holly trees’, often invoking a sense of nostalgia and regret for bygone days.
82. Saphira
This name references precious gems, signifying the regret of lost beauty or wealth.
83. Artair
An Irish version of Arthur, symbolizing noble qualities yet connected to the regret of leadership decisions.
84. Delphine
This name means ‘dolphin’, often linked to a carefree spirit but also deep emotional regret.
85. Zephyrine
A feminine twist on Zephyr, representing the changeable nature of life, often leading to regret.
86. Kallia
This Greek name means ‘beautiful’, which can parallel with the regrets of imperfect things.
87. Yara
This name means ‘little butterfly’, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life and the regrets that come with it.
88. Quinlan
This name means ‘descendant of Caoinlean’, with connotations of loss and regret in lineage.
89. Lumi
A Finnish name meaning ‘snow’, reflecting the beauty that can lead to regret when it melts away.
90. Niramaya
This name means ‘perfect health’, contrasting the regrets associated with the loss of vitality.
91. Nirvana
This name suggests ultimate peace but can evoke the regret of not achieving such a state.
92. Kalinda
This name means ‘the sun’, representing the longing and regret of lost brightness or warmth.
93. Freya
In Norse mythology, Freya represents love and beauty, intertwined with regrets of love lost.
94. Odette
This name embodies grace and beauty, yet also reflects the theme of regrets surrounding lost potential.
95. Seraphine
Meaning ‘fiery ones’, it often correlates to passions that lead to bittersweet regrets.
96. Lira
This name evokes the idea of music and sweet melodies that might inspire nostalgia and regret.
97. Tristana
This variant of Tristan means ‘sad’, an intimate link to the feeling of regret.
98. Cyra
A Persian name meaning ‘throne’, often tied to the regret of loss of power or position.
99. Rabia
Meaning ‘spring’, this name carries a sense of renewal but can reflect the regret of past winters.
100. Inara
This name means ‘ray of light’, which can juxtapose against regrets of moments in darkness.
101. Vea
Short and sweet, this name translates to ‘road’, symbolizing the choices made along a path in life and their associated regrets.
102. Nia
This name means ‘purpose’, suggesting regrets surrounding unfulfilled potential.
103. Tara
A name meaning ‘star’, tied with the longing and regret of unattained dreams.
104. Esperanza
Meaning ‘hope’, this name is often linked to the feelings of regret that can accompany lost hope.
105. Savina
This name signifies ‘savior’, connecting deeply with the regret for unfulfilled responsibilities.
106. Calista
This name means ‘most beautiful’, drawing a stark contrast to the regrets associated with lost beauty.
107. Radley
This unique name can mean ‘red meadow’, reflecting over growing pains leading to regret.
108. Thais
This name represents an influential woman acknowledging the weight of regret from powerful decisions.
109. Sabelle
A variant of Isabel, represents devotion and heartache tied to regretful love.
110. Orin
A name meaning ‘light’, much like regrets that dim the brightness of life.
111. Rueger
A modern twist suggesting ‘sorrow’, a clear connection to the concept of regret.
112. Emberly
A name representing warmth and passion, often indicative of regret tied to disappearing flames.
113. Beryl
This gem’s name symbolizes beauty and clarity, contrasting the feelings of regret when these qualities fade.
114. Darya
A name meaning ‘sea’, synonymous with depth and the regret of lost treasures.
115. Adira
This name means ‘strong’, evoking a contrast with regret over decisions made in strength.
116. Nyssa
A name meaning ‘beginning’, suggesting the regret of untraveled paths.
117. Kira
This name means ‘ray of light’ and evokes feelings of remorse for those lost moments of clarity.
118. Vanya
Meaning ‘gift of God’, this name can reflect regret tied to unrecognized gifts.
119. Amara
This name signifies ‘eternity’, contrasting the fleeting nature of time and potential regret.
120. Faelan
This Irish name means ‘little wolf’, often connects with lost instincts and the regretful decisions made.
121. Serin
This name suggests calmness, highlighting the profound regret felt when peace is disrupted.
122. Zinnia
A flower symbolizing endurance, deeply connected with the regret of fleeting beauty.
123. Tatiana
A name that many associate with love, sorrow, and the regret that often accompanies close relationships.
124. Genara
Meaning ‘to generate’, symbolizing the regrets of possibilities unrealized or lost.
125. Vina
An Indian name meaning ‘musical instrument’, often reflecting the regrets of notes that were never played.
126. Briella
This name means ‘God is my strength’, evoking regrets about reliance on might instead of heart.
127. Journey
This name evokes travel but carries the weight of regrets experienced along the way.
128. Sadira
This name means ‘delicate’, often connecting with the fragility leading to regret.
129. Genevieve
This name means ‘woman of the race’, often reflecting on the deep paths of life and their regrets.
130. Lumiere
A French term meaning ‘light’, linking to regrets from the darkness of missed opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Regret is a complex emotion we all encounter at various points in our lives. The names we explored today offer rich meanings and cultural depth, making them a fascinating subject. From names that imply sadness and loss to those that reflect the fleeting beauty of life, they can resonate with anyone who has experienced regret.
Whether you are searching for character names to illustrate complex feelings or simply wish to explore deeper meanings, this list holds something of value. Additionally, exploring names that mean rebellion or even those linked to bad luck can provide even more perspective on the intricate ways emotions manifest in our lives.
If you want to continue your exploration of meaningful names, consider checking out names that mean rebel or names that mean bad luck. Each name carries its history and significance, enriching our understanding of human emotions.