Last names can tell us a lot about our ancestors and their histories. Some last names have dark meanings, linking families to stories of misfortune or tragedy. This adds an interesting layer to how we view our names and those who bear them.
Today, we’ll look at last names that mean “cursed.” These names often come from old legends or unfortunate events that shaped families. By understanding these meanings, we can better appreciate the stories behind these unique names and the mysteries they hold for the people who carry them.
Last Names That Mean Cursed
1. Alva
The name Alva means ‘elf’ and may relate to a curse associated with spirits or otherworldly beings. In folklore, elves are often connected with mischief and misfortune.
2. Bane
The surname Bane literally means ’cause of death,’ making it a direct link to the idea of a cursed existence. Those with this name might carry stories of tragedy through their lineage.
3. Cursed
Not surprisingly, the name Cursed denotes someone or something that has been afflicted with a curse. It serves as a stark reminder of the darker sides of lineage and history.
4. Devereaux
Devereaux has roots in French meaning ‘from the riverbank.’ In some legends, rivers can be seen as sources of misfortune, adding a layer of mystery to this elegant name.
5. Malarkey
This unusual surname, meaning ‘foolishness,’ can symbolize the curse of stupidity or lack of wisdom that has plagued some family branches historically.
6. Moore
The last name Moore can be traced back to the Gaelic word for ‘great’ but can also signify a barren, gloomy landscape, echoing the feeling of being cursed with desolation.
7. Neff
The name Neff comes from a German word for ‘brave,’ but it has been humorously associated with ‘nefarious,’ hinting at a possible curse involving malevolence in certain family stories.
8. Omen
The last name Omen signifies a warning or foreboding, suggesting that those carrying it might be tied to a legacy of bad luck or cursed events.
9. Trask
Trask can mean ‘a person who speaks ill’ and may relate to being cursed by one’s own tongue; an ironic reminder of the powers of words to bring misfortune.
10. Woe
The name Woe is a direct symbol of suffering and tragedy. It links families to a history of hardship and misfortunes, embodying the essence of being cursed.
11. Dominguez
This last name means ‘of the Lord,’ but some say it relates to families that experienced a divine curse, linking them to misfortunes throughout the generations.
12. Ruger
Ruger is often interpreted as ‘to take’. This can be associated with loss, indicating a cursed fate that seems to take things away instead of adding to one’s fortunes.
13. Mordecai
The name Mordecai has biblical roots and ties to fate and destiny, often implying that those bearing it might be marked by a curse surrounding their lineage.
14. Hyndman
The surname Hyndman has connotations linked to being ‘held’ or ‘bound’, suggesting a historical curse that has affected the family’s fortunes.
15. Saint
The name Saint carries an ironic juxtaposition. It implies divine protection yet could be seen as cursed by expectations, creating a complex legacy for those who bear it.
16. Hex
Hex comes from folklore, meaning ‘spell’ or ‘curse.’ This straightforward surname ties directly to the ideas of enchantments and misfortunes.
17. Folly
As a surname, Folly suggests foolishness. This name embodies the concept that a family might be cursed with ill decision-making throughout its lineage.
18. Lockwood
Lockwood comes from ‘enclosed forest.’ Forests are often associated with dark tales; hence, this could signify a cursed place in family lore.
19. Drake
Drake means ‘dragon’ in Old English. Considered a fierce and often cursed creature in many legends, this name carries a weight of misfortune and chaos.
20. Jinx
Perhaps one of the most direct names associated with misfortune, the last name Jinx implies that those who bear it might be linked to a family history of curses or bad luck.
21. Curse
The last name Curse illustrates a clear connection to the topic. It signifies a family marked by misfortune or dark histories.
22. Dolorous
This old French word for ‘sorrowful’ can be taken as a last name, suggesting a lineage that carries the weight of curses and sadness.
23. Grief
Grief as a last name relates directly to suffering and heartache, reinforcing the theme of being cursed and burdened with sadness in one’s family history.
24. Nyx
Originating from Greek mythology, Nyx means ‘night’ and can signify darkness, suggesting that families with this surname could be cursed with somber fates.
25. Harbinger
The last name Harbinger denotes a forerunner or messenger, often of doom. Those bearing this name may feel fated to bring misfortune.
26. Baldick
This surname’s origins might link to a ‘bald’ character or fool, perhaps suggesting a family legacy tied to a curse of foolishness.
27. Fane
Fane can mean ‘temple,’ but in folklore, it often symbolizes a place where curses can dwell, adding a layer of darkness to those who bear the name.
28. Dread
The last name Dread signifies fear or horror. Those with this name might carry a legacy of misfortunes that have brought dread to their lineage.
29. Nyx
In Greek mythology, Nyx represents night and darkness, which can symbolize a life cursed with despair or misfortune.
30. Wraith
A name tied to spirits, Wraith signifies a lingering presence, embodying ideas of curses that may haunt families throughout generations.
31. Malice
The last name Malice directly evokes wickedness or ill intent, suggesting a family lineage entwined with curses or negative energies.
32. Blight
As a surname, Blight denotes decay or destruction, symbolizing a family that has been cursed with loss and hardship throughout history.
33. Nocturne
Nocturne relates to the night, a time often associated with curses and dark happenings, making it a fitting surname for this theme.
34. Shadow
The surname Shadow evokes images of darkness and despair, suggesting that those who carry it might be marked by unfortunate events and curses.
35. Havoc
Havoc signifies chaos and destruction. It’s a last name that implies a lineage burdened with a history of curses and tumultuous events.
36. Fiend
Fiend means ‘evil spirit’ and may suggest a family plagued by darker legacies and frightening tales of curses and malevolence.
37. Ruin
The last name Ruin signifies decay and destruction, pointing to a cursed family history marked by great loss and hardship.
38. Lament
As a surname, Lament illustrates the deep sadness of a family history intertwined with curses and periods of grief.
39. Gruesome
This name evokes images of horror and tragedy, suggesting that those who carry the last name may have a family history steeped in curses and misfortunes.
40. Vex
The last name Vex signifies distress or annoyance, hinting at a family history rooted in burdensome curses or ongoing struggles.
41. Cloak
This name can represent hiding and mystery, implying that those who bear it may come from a lineage affected by dark secrets and curses.
42. Crucible
A crucible is used for intense heat, which could symbolize a family forged through suffering, hinting at curses that have shaped their identities.
43. Tainted
The name Tainted means marked or spoiled, indicating a family that has faced struggles due to misfortunes and curses.
44. Forsaken
Forsaken directly relates to abandonment and suffering, painting a clear picture of a family burdened with curses and heartache.
45. Yeats
While Yeats is a famous last name, it also symbolizes dark and supernatural elements. Those carrying it may connect to a legacy of curses.
46. Dismal
This surname reflects gloominess and despair, suggesting that the family has experienced many misfortunes or curses throughout their history.
47. Plague
Plague represents sickness and trouble. Families bearing this name may have a history tied to curses and periods of suffering.
48. Doom
The last name Doom is inherently tied to tragedy and fate, symbolizing a family history that carries the burden of misfortune and cursed legacies.
49. Morrow
Morrow can mean ‘next day,’ suggesting a waiting for better times. However, it also signifies the sorrow inherent in carrying forward the weight of curses.
50. Graves
This surname has an obvious connection to death, indicating that families with this name may be marked by a history of curses and misfortune surrounding loss.
51. Hollow
Hollow suggests emptiness or lack, indicating that the family may carry a history burdened by curses that have led to loss or despair.
52. Nightshade
As a type of plant associated with poison, Nightshade symbolizes danger and can signify a family history touched by curses.
53. Gloom
The name Gloom directly relates to sadness and despair, linking those who bear it to a family legacy of curses and struggle.
54. Shroud
Shroud represents something hidden or covered, often linked to death. Families with this name could have a history of curses and misfortune.
55. Curse**
This last name is straightforward and directly references the concept of being cursed, inherently tying those who carry it to legacies of hardship.
56. Blightwood
This unique surname combines elements of decay and forest life, suggesting a family history marked by a cursed environment.
57. Wailing
The last name Wailing implies cries of sorrow. Families with this name may be connected to deep tragedy or curses throughout their history.
58. Pestilence
Pestilence is associated with deadly diseases. Those bearing this surname may come from a family burdened with curses marked by sickness and suffering.
59. Morose
This name signifies gloominess and sullenness, hinting at a family legacy that includes feelings of being cursed by circumstances.
60. Peril
The last name Peril signifies danger and risk, suggesting that families with this name may be tied to a history of curses or tragic events.
61. Sinister
This surname directly translates to ‘evil’ or ‘ominous.’ It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a name that reflects a cursed legacy.
62. Macbeth
This surname is tied to the infamous Shakespearean character, who is often considered cursed by fate and tragedy, linking the name to misfortune.
63. Voodoo
This name can invoke mystical elements, often seen as a symbol of curses in various cultures, adding a layer of intrigue to those who bear it.
64. Phantom
The name Phantom suggests something that is haunting or not easily grasped, linking those who carry it to a history of mystery and curses.
65. Chagrin
The last name Chagrin represents distress, suggesting a family history marked by curses or unfortunate circumstances.
66. Vanitas
Vanitas represents the transience of life. Those with this last name could hint at a lineage that has faced curses regarding fate and temporality.
67. Fright
This surname connects to fear, suggesting a history of curses that have brought sorrow or terror to generations.
68. Gale
The last name Gale means ‘storm,’ often associated with tumultuous events, suggesting a cursed connection to chaos in family history.
69. Abyss
Abyss evokes images of deep sorrow or hopelessness, making it an apt name for families with a legacy tied to curses and despair.
70. Mourn
As a last name, Mourn signifies sadness, making it symbolic of a family history burdened by curses and misfortunes.
71. Deceased
The last name Deceased has an obvious connection to death, indicating a family lineage often touched by curses and loss.
72. Bitter
Bitter expresses a sense of disappointment or suffering, which could suggest a family history intertwined with curses and strife.
73. Foul
The surname Foul means something unpleasant. This name could be apt for families carrying a legacy of curses and hardships.
74. Chasm
This surname symbolizes a gap or abyss, linking those who carry it to feelings of emptiness or curse-laden histories.
75. Raven
Ravens are often seen as omens of bad news, making this surname a perfect fit for families tied to folklore involving curses and dark tales.
76. Canker
The surname Canker means ‘to rot’ or ‘decay,’ suggesting a cursed background marked by loss or suffering.
77. Forsythe
This name has roots in Scottish history and implies hidden dangers or obstacles, perhaps signifying a family history affected by curses.
78. Abyssal
Abyssal defines something relating to depth and darkness, hinting that those who bear this name might be linked to troubled histories or curses.
79. Quagmire
Quagmire suggests a swampy and tangled situation, symbolizing a family entangled in a legacy of curses and misfortunes.
80. Chilling
The last name Chilling implies coldness or fear. Families with this name may carry the burden of a cursed past associated with despair.
81. Scourge
As a surname, Scourge directly reflects pain and suffering, connecting its bearers to a history of misfortune and curses.
82. Ashen
The name Ashen suggests something burnt or destroyed, linking it to legacies of sorrow and curses associated with loss.
83. Sorrow
As a last name, Sorrow speaks for itself, indicating a family history marred by curses and unfortunate events.
84. Veil
The last name Veil suggests secrecy and hidden truths, perhaps indicating that families associated with it have a history entwined with curses.
85. Shade
Shade connects to darkness and mystery, suggesting those who carry it may have ties to a family legacy filled with curses.
86. Grumbles
The name Grumbles hints at discontent, suggesting that the bearers may come from a lineage burdened with misfortune and curses.
87. Gash
The surname Gash implies a wound or an injury, linking its bearers to painful histories possibly connected to curses.
88. Doomslayer
This unusual surname directly references the fight against misfortune and curses, suggesting a legacy of struggling against dark challenges.
89. Nightfall
Nightfall symbolizes a transition into darkness, indicating a family history burdened by perhaps unspoken curses.
90. Scar
This name signifies a mark left by a wound. It carries the implication of a cursed history filled with suffering.
91. Strife
The surname Strife directly indicates conflict and struggle, tying families with it to a lineage associated with curses and hardship.
92. Acheron
Acheron is the river of woe in Greek mythology, suggesting that families bearing this name might have connections to dark and cursed histories.
93. Lamentation
This surname signifies deep mourning, connecting its bearers to stories of curses that have afflicted their families throughout generations.
94. Forsake
The name Forsake signifies abandonment, connecting it with families that might carry a legacy of misfortune and curses.
95. Grizzle
Grizzle implies worry or concern, linking it to family histories marked by the burdens of bad luck or curses.
96. Wither
This last name signifies decay and decline, connecting its bearers with a past often affected by curses and misfortune.
97. Blasted
Blasted conveys destruction and turmoil, making it befitting for families that carry a history burdened with curses.
98. Gloomy
The surname Gloomy reflects sadness and despair, hinting at a family history filled with misfortunes or curses.
99. Unlucky
The last name Unlucky speaks to itself, suggesting a family legacy marked by tales of misfortune or designated curses.
100. Grieving
This surname represents sorrow and mourning, linking those who carry it to family histories laden with curses and grief.
101. Withering
Withering conveys imagery of fading away. This name hints at a family history that may include elements of curses and decay.
102. Sable
Sable, a term for black, symbolizes darkness and mystery, tying families to the idea of cursed legacies.
103. Cursedwell
This unique surname combines the idea of ‘curse’ with ‘well,’ suggesting a family history filled with buried hardships and difficulties.
104. Mournful
The surname Mournful reflects deep sadness, indicating a historical legacy tied to curses and unfortunate events.
105. Banshee
This name references the legendary spirit who cries for the dead, suggesting a family history entwined with loss and curses.
106. Maim
A direct reference to injury, the surname Maim is suggestive of a lineage that has faced great struggles or a cursed destiny.
107. Deathstrike
Deathstrike combines grave imagery with intensity, hinting at a family history defined by curses that wreak havoc.
108. Cryptkeeper
This name ties to life and death themes, suggesting a family legacy filled with tales surrounding curses and the afterlife.
109. Shrieking
The surname Shrieking implies pain or alarm, indicating that families may carry a legacy tied to misfortunes and curses.
110. Torment
Torment directly reflects suffering and pain, suggesting a name that embodies a family history surrounded by curses.
111. Venom
This surname alludes to danger and toxicity, pointing to a cursed legacy filled with misfortune in family history.
112. Wraithing
Wraithing captures the essence of haunting presence, suggesting a connection to dark tales entrenched with curses.
113. Ashwood
This name evokes images of destruction, hinting at a family history connected to curses and loss.
114. Nether
Nether indicates something lower in position or quality, suggesting families with this name may experience a legacy intertwined with curses.
115. Requiem
This last name symbolizes a lament for the dead, linking it to a family history filled with stories of curses and sorrow.
116. Fracture
As a surname, Fracture represents breaks or divisions, suggesting a family history burdened with the effects of curses.
117. Scorn
Scorn reflects disdain and contempt, hinting at a family history connected to tales of curses or social misfortune.
118. Sin
The last name Sin directly ties to wrongdoing and could imply a cursed family legacy connected with guilt and sorrow.
119. Lurk
Lurk implies hidden danger, linking the name to families that could carry a legacy of curses.
120. Doomwind
This unique name combines elements of ‘doom’ and ‘wind,’ indicating a lineage potentially marked by curses amidst twisting circumstances.
121. Sorrowvale
This surname combines sadness with a location, symbolizing a family history that lives under the shadow of curses and unfulfilled hopes.
122. Ghostly
Ghostly implies spectral connections, suggesting a name that ties its bearers to a history influenced by curses.
123. Shatter
Shatter represents broken dreams or lives, indicating a lineage affected by curses and misfortunes in their past.
124. Jinxed
This last name is a powerful reminder of being afflicted with a curse, making it relevant to our topic.
125. Holloway
Deriving from ‘hollow,’ this name evokes a sense of emptiness, suggesting a potentially cursed family history marked by loss and despair.
126. Fading
The surname Fading indicates a slow decline, highlighting the effects of curses that may haunt the bearers of this name.
127. Forsook
This name indicates abandonment and sorrow, linking it to family stories of curses and misfortune.
128. Billow
Billow reflects swelling or rising, suggesting a legacy filled with storms and dark tales of curses.
129. Thorne
The last name Thorne implies prickliness or pain, linking it to the burdensome weight of curses in family history.
130. Covet
Covet means to yearn for something belonging to someone else, and can hint at a family’s legacy of misfortune associated with greedy curses.
131. Sable
The name Sable represents shadows and darkness, evoking feelings of mystery and curses in family narratives.
132. Vengeance
This surname implies retribution and punishment, suggesting a family history potentially cursed with cycles of conflict.
133. Severed
Severed indicates breakage or division, linking the bearers to potential untold tales of curse and loss.
134. Shaft
As a surname, Shaft signifies something tall and jagged, indicating that families with this name might carry a legacy connected to curses.
135. Doomraider
This unique name speaks to the idea of confronting disastrous fates, implying a history marked by curses and struggles.
136. Smolder
The surname Smolder implies a quiet burning, suggesting a family history that continues to grapple with the effects of past curses.
137. Blasted
Blasted conveys images of destruction, implying that those with this surname have a history fraught with curses.
138. Miasma
Miasma refers to a noxious atmosphere, hinting at a cursed family history filled with dark stories and misfortunes.
139. Void
The last name Void suggests absence or emptiness, linking its bearers to a legacy of curses and missing potential.
140. Demise
Demise implies death or ending, hinting at a family heritage entwined with curses and tales of tragedy.
141. blackwood
This surname suggests a dark forest environment, often associated with curses and misfortune in folklore.
142. Nightmare
The last name Nightmare is unmistakably linked to dark dreams and fears, cementing its connection to the theme of being cursed.
143. Gravesend
This name combines references to graves and finality, suggesting a family history burdened with the weight of curses.
144. Despair
As a surname, Despair carries a strong emotional weight, hinting at a lineage marked by curses and sorrows.
145. Shun
Shun suggests avoidance, indicating ties to family histories that might reflect being cursed by bad luck or separation.
146. Cataclysm
Cataclysm suggests catastrophic events, tying it closely to ideas of families cursed with turmoil and distress.
147. Loss
The name Loss signifies what has been taken away or missed. It connects to family histories tied to curses of deprivation.
148. Perdition
This name represents a state of eternal punishment, subtly hinting at families affected by stories of curses and dark legacies.
149. Dreadwood
The surname Dreadwood combines nature with anxiety, suggesting a family history intertwined with the weight of curses in ancestral tales.
150. Quell
This name means to suppress or calm, indicating that families with this name may carry a history laden with the challenges of managing curses.
Final Thoughts
Exploring last names that mean “cursed” opens up a fascinating world of history and folklore. Each name tells a story, often linking families to themes of misfortune and legacy. By understanding the meanings behind these names, we can appreciate the burdens and challenges faced by those who carry them.
From directly cursed names to those that evoke dark imagery, these surnames represent rich narratives filled with adversity that have shaped family identities over generations. Each name reflects a different facet of the human experience—tying together the impact of ancestry, legends, and curses that may follow.
If you find these interpretations intriguing, consider researching additional names with similar themes at names that mean cursed or explore tales of fate and tragedy with names that mean doomed. This could lead to even more enriching discoveries about our shared human narratives.