Names have special meanings, and some evoke strong imagery or emotions. Female names that mean darkness or death often carry a sense of mystery and power. These names can be inspired by mythology, nature, or culture. They offer a unique twist for anyone looking for something different and meaningful.
Today, we will share some fascinating female names that symbolize darkness or death. Each name has its own story and significance. Whether you are searching for a unique name for a character, a baby, or simply interested in linguistics, these names are sure to spark your imagination.
Female Names That Mean Darkness Or Death
1. Nyx
In Greek mythology, Nyx is the goddess of night. The name embodies an aura of mystery and the dark beauty of the night sky, making it a powerful choice for anyone interested in female names that mean darkness or death.
2. Lilith
Often associated with the night, Lilith is a figure in Jewish mythology said to be Adam’s first wife. Her name carries connotations of darkness and female empowerment, tying her to themes of independence and defiance.
3. Morwenna
From Old Cornish, Morwenna translates to ‘maiden of the sea.’ While it might lean towards nature, Morwenna’s soft sound suggests undertones of mystery and depth, connecting her to dark themes.
4. Kali
Kali, a pivotal goddess in Hinduism, represents destruction and rebirth. Her name brings connotations of death as well as a fierce protective spirit, aligning her with darkness.
5. Ereshkigal
In ancient Mesopotamian mythology, Ereshkigal is the goddess of the underworld. This name encapsulates death and darkness, serving as a reminder of the balance between light and dark.
6. Selene
Selene is the Greek goddess of the moon. Her name reflects the beauty of the night and connects to the themes of darkness and mystery prevalent in moonlit evenings.
7. Hecate
A powerful figure in Greek mythology, Hecate is known as the goddess of magic, witchcraft, and the night. Her name is directly tied to darkness and the unseen realms, embodying the power of feminine mystique.
8. Aisling
An Irish name meaning ‘dream’ or ‘vision,’ Aisling often invokes a sense of mysterious beauty that is akin to dark, enchanting fantasies. The connection to night and dreams ties it to our theme.
9. Desdemona
The name Desdemona means ‘ill-fated,’ which directly links it to themes of death and tragedy, especially through Shakespeare’s character in Othello.
10. Lila
In some interpretations, Lila can mean “night” or “dark,” conveying the beauty of dark nights and adding a mystical, alluring quality.
11. Tenebris
Latin for ‘darkness,’ the name Tenebris is a striking choice that directly reflects our theme, encapsulating all the traits associated with shadow and mystery.
12. Acheron
Acheron is one of the rivers in Greek mythology associated with the underworld, symbolizing the crossing into death. It’s a powerful name that represents darkness.
13. Leila
Leila means ‘night’ in Arabic and carries a graceful air with it. The connotation of the night relates it directly to our theme, symbolizing elegance and darkness.
14. Raven
Ravens are often symbols of death and darkness in various cultures. The name Raven evokes a mysterious atmosphere, making it a suitable choice for the theme.
15. Nyssa
With Greek origins, Nyssa can mean ‘beginning’ but also relates to darkness and the night, offering an intriguing connection to our central theme.
16. Keres
The Keres are female death spirits in Greek mythology, embodying the very essence of darkness and death. This name carries a powerful weight of history and meaning.
17. Moros
Derived from Greek mythology, Moros represents impending doom. This name is about the inevitability of fate, linking it closely to themes of darkness and death.
18. Inanna
A Sumerian goddess of love and war, Inanna descends into the underworld in one of her myths. Her name is linked with darkness and death through her associations and symbolism.
19. Sayyida
In Arabic, Sayyida means ‘lady’ or ‘mistress’ but is also associated with a term for darkness, adding a touch of elegance to the theme of darkness.
20. Morta
In Roman mythology, Morta is one of the three Fates, representing death. The name itself signifies mortality and aligns perfectly with our focus on darkness and death.
21. Nox
Nox is Latin for ‘night,’ representing darkness. This short and powerful name carries an essence of mystery and has links to Roman mythology.
22. Chione
In Greek mythology, Chione is the goddess of snow and is sometimes connected to death-like coldness. The ice and darkness of winter embody shades of our theme.
23. Medea
Medea is a tragic figure in Greek mythology known for her dark deeds. Her name evokes a sense of darkness and complexity tied to themes of death.
24. Saya
In Japanese, Saya translates to ‘shadow’ or ‘darkness.’ This name incorporates a gentle elegance with connections to mysterious elements.
25. Dusk
The name Dusk reflects the time of day where light fades into darkness. This name signifies mystery and is tied to themes of transition, linking to darkness.
26. Kaliopi
A variation of Calliope, Kaliopi is connected to the night and darkness. It speaks to the beauty and complexity found within dark themes.
27. Rhiannon
Rhiannon has connections to mythology and is tied to the moon. Her name reflects darker, mystical energies tied to the mysteries of the night.
28. Carmilla
Carmilla is a name popularized by a vampire novella, embodying themes of darkness and death. The name carries a haunting allure that fits our theme perfectly.
29. Demetra
Linked to the earth and seasons, Demetra’s narrative includes themes of loss and rebirth, connecting her subtly to darkness and the cycle of life and death.
30. Samara
Samara means ‘guardian’ in Hebrew. It’s often linked to Corybantic mythology and carries an element of darkness as it symbolizes protection from the night.
31. Zafrina
Meaning ‘flower,’ Zafrina can also reflect a ‘dark beauty,’ providing connections to themes of darkness while ensuring a unique presentation.
32. Umbra
Latin for ‘shadow’, Umbra embodies everything dark and mysterious. This name captures the essence of darkness effectively for anyone looking for power.
33. Darlene
Though often seen as gentle, Darlene can be interpreted as ‘dear’ from Old English, whereas the darkness comes from its association with the inner world, linking to death themes.
34. Ajatar
In Finnish mythology, Ajatar is a spirit of the underworld and is related to death, embodying darkness while remaining a strong name choice.
35. Selket
Also spelled Serket, she is an Egyptian goddess who protects against venom and death. Her name represents the depths of darkness and fierce protection.
36. Apollyon
An embodiment of destruction, Apollyon brings darkness through devastation, linking to themes of death through its connotations with the underworld.
37. Juna
Juna reflects femininity and is associated with moonlight, connecting it with the timeless beauty of darkness in this light.
38. Vespera
Vespera means ‘evening’ in Latin and relates to darkness. This name embodies the allure of nightfall and all its mystery.
39. Omen
The name Omen suggests a foreboding presence, making it perfect for anyone interested in names linked to dark themes and death.
40.rAelwen
In Welsh, Raelwen encompasses the idea of light from darkness, conjuring imagery linked to shadows while offering a semi-optimistic twist.
41. Nyxie
A beautiful adaptation of Nyx, Nyxie holds the same mysterious allure of night, embodying darkness and enchantment.
42. Maris
Meaning ‘of the sea’ in Latin, Maris symbolizes depth and darkness, connecting to the vast, mysterious ocean often associated with death.
43. Kalista
Meaning ‘most beautiful’, Kalista originates from Greek roots but has associations with darker interpretations through its connections in mythology.
44. Zahara
In Arabic, Zahara means ‘to bloom’, and though it implies beauty, it can also link to the dark side of nature and life cycles.
45. Morag
Morag is a Scottish name meaning ‘great’, but it can also resonate with darker interpretations tied to mythical connotations of shadows.
46. Sable
Sable signifies a rich, dark hue inspired by the fur of the sable animal. It captures darkness beautifully and relates well to this theme.
47. Amaya
The name Amaya means ‘night rain’ in Japanese, linking it to darkness and mystery, demonstrating the beauty found within dark spaces.
48. Ashera
Ashera translates to ‘goddess’ in some interpretations. It can imply a darker, more complex figure connected with strength and darkness.
49. Ishtar
Ishtar, an ancient Near Eastern goddess, embodies many aspects including love and war. Her connections to the night render her name fitting for themes surrounding darkness and death.
50. Lirael
Lirael combines ‘lira’ meaning ‘to sing’ with an ethereal rhythm to create a name that encompasses darkness while still invoking creativity.
51. Morgana
Morgana holds a mysterious quality, coming from the Arthurian legends. Her connections to dark magic and death align well with our theme.
52. Nycteris
A lovely derivation of the night, Nycteris means ‘night owl’, linking it beautifully with darkness and enigma surrounding the night.
53. Selene
Selene, the moon goddess, perfectly embodies darkness and its beauty. This name reflects the charm of night and its mysteries.
54. Vespertine
Derived from Latin meaning ‘evening’, Vespertine conjures imagery of twilight and its enigmatic allure, capturing the essence of darkness.
55. Thana
Thana literally means ‘death’ in Arabic. This name is a bold choice, directly aligning with our theme and signifying the seriousness of death.
56. Leocadia
An ancient name meaning ‘bright’, but often associated with shadows enveloping brightness, linking it to darker imagery.
57. Nocturna
Nocturna directly speaks to night and darkness, capturing the very essence of our theme in this unique, flowing name.
58. Ravenna
Adopting the feeling of dark birds, Ravenna connects beautifully with death and darkness while also providing a graceful touch.
59. Tamsin
Of English origin, Tamsin can connote an old meaning of ‘twin’, but often represents morbid themes in nursery rhymes connecting to darkness.
60. Duskina
A modern adaptation of Dusk, Duskina emphasizes the elegance and beauty found in the nighttime, consistent with themes of darkness.
61. Lorretta
Though it can mean ‘laurel’, Lorretta evokes shadowy imagery as well since it’s related to folklore surrounding spirits and loss.
62. Seren
This Welsh name signifies ‘star’ but is often associated with night and tranquil darkness, offering connections to beauty and deep mystery.
63. Samara
Samara, a name meaning ‘guardian’, embodies protection amidst darkness, solidifying the connection to our theme beautifully.
64. Nisha
Nisha means ‘night’ in Hindi. This name brings dignity and elegance while still being tied profoundly to darkness and mystery.
65. Sentina
Sentina implies an ‘obscured feeling’, creating a lovely dark connection to nature’s hidden qualities, perfectly aligned with our theme.
66. Lilim
Derived from mythological spirits associated with darkness, Lilim embodies enchanting aspects of mystery surrounding death.
67. Jynx
Associated with curses and dark magic, Jynx holds powerful connotations of mystery and danger, linking it strongly to death-related themes.
68. Nocturna
A derivative directly connected to night, Nocturna captures the very heart of darkness through its melodic sound and meaning.
69. Dalarna
A Scandinavian name signifying ‘dark valley’, Dalarna brings forth strong nest connection themes between nature and shadows.
70. Sakina
Sakina triggers feelings associated with peace but can also embody tranquility found in the solemnity of darkness.
71. Matilda
An old name that evokes power, Matilda has nuances tied to battle and loss, associating it with dark elements of war and mortality.
72. Dyani
Of an American Indian origin, Dyani signifies ‘deer’, sometimes linked with the mystery of twilight and shadows.
73. Belladonna
Belladonna is a toxic plant often referred to as “beautiful lady” but connects strongly to themes of danger and death through its poison.
74. Orpheo
Meaning ‘darkness or darkness of the night’, Orpheo reflects somber tones and dark connections beautifully.
75. Sorcha
This Gaelic name meaning ‘brightness’ paradoxically connects with darkness, giving an intriguing light within shadows.
76. Cordelia
A name meaning ‘heart’, Cordelia can reflect deeper ties to darker narratives intertwining themes of love and loss.
77. Tempest
Tempest signifies stormy weather, connecting the power and tumultuous side of nature with darker imagery.
78. Stormy
Another name inspired by nature, Stormy represents the wild and chaotic aspects found in tempestuous nights, connecting with darkness.
79. Xanthe
While Xanthe means ‘yellow’, it symbolizes the contrasts within nature and can be associated with mystery and dark shadows.
80. Verity
While Verity stands for truth, its links to dark narratives of deception enrich its meaning to create a more complex persona.
81. Ondine
Ondine means ‘of the waves’ but is also linked to mermaid lore, entangling the mysteries beneath dark waters.
82. Esmeralda
Esmeralda means ’emerald’, a jewel that sparkles in darkness, signifying the beauty found within the shadowy underbelly.
83. Valkyrie
In Norse mythology, Valkyries choose who will die in battle, entwining their name with darkness and death through the fate of warriors.
84. Lyra
Connected to music, Lyra can reflect beauty while also holding dark connotations of the horned owl as a symbol of the night.
85. Zephyra
Often symbolizing the west wind, Zephyra can be tied to darker themes by invoking a whisper-like quality of the wind in dim lit nights.
86. Calypso
From Greek mythology, Calypso is known for holding Odysseus captive, providing a connotation of darkness and seduction, veiling powerful emotions.
87. Isolde
A name tied to a tragic love story, Isolde evokes strong themes of loss and darkness, making it relatable to our subject on death.
88. Kava
Kava, a root often used to create an intoxicating drink, is linked to celebrations that can be dark due to its sedative properties.
89. Catriona
Often tied to shadows and darkness, Catriona’s Gaelic origins evoke a sense of mystery connected to the night.
90. Lumina
Lumina means ’light’, but it carries hints of contrast by showcasing the beauty found in darkness through shadows and nighttime spectres.
91. Ravenna
This name draws directly from the black raven and its dark, mysterious lore tied to death, embodying the darkness within.
92. Noctis
The Latin term for ‘night’, Noctis emphasizes darkness directly, showcasing a connection with the mystery and allure of nocturnal realms.
93. Malika
Translating to ‘queen’ in Arabic, Malika can draw dark associations stemming from powerful women in history, linking her to mystery.
94. Elda
Elda means ‘warrior’, which can relate to darker, tumultuous themes found within battles and the disputes leading to death.
95. Noxie
A cute twist on Nox, this name carries the essence of night while maintaining an approachable, gentle sound.
96. Sorin
Sorin can mean ‘sun’ which contrasts with darkness but connects via shadows that linger when day flees into night.
97. Freya
Freya of Norse mythology is a goddess associated with death and love, embodying the meld of beauty and dark themes.
98. Echidna
Echidna, the mother of monsters in mythology, evokes themes of darkness and overpowering shadows, providing a strong name choice associated with strength.
99. Shari
Often meaning ‘song’, Shari can connect with darkest experiences embodied in music conveying stories of death and loss.
100. Selene
A name tied to the moon in Greek mythology, Selene captures the essence of night and darkness through its celestial connections.
101. Vesper
Meaning ‘evening star’, Vesper embodies twilight and dusk embracing the deep contrasts of light reaching into the darkness.
102. Vitani
Having meanings associated with ‘life’, Vitani counters light versus shadow, commonly reflecting dark shadows rife with unspoken stories.
103. Sidonie
Of Greek origins meaning ‘of the stars’, Sidonie possesses links to twilight where stars emerge from the black of night.
104. Zillah
Of Hebrew origin meaning ‘shade or shadow’, Zillah instantly encapsulates themes of darkness and connects directly with our topic.
105. Rhea
As a maternal figure in mythology, Rhea represents a cycle of life and death, weaving in shadows of darkness throughout.
106. Ember
Evoking warmth yet connected to the fading light, Ember is associated with darkness inherent in dying flames.
107. Caelestis
Meaning heavenly, with ties to dark skies adorned with stars, Caelestis carries an ironic connection to deep themes of darkness.
108. Sura
Meaning ‘well-being’ in Arabic, Sura quietly connects to darkness presenting a face of hope shining amidst darkness.
109. Thora
This name, tied to storms in Norse culture hints at dark nature, emphasizing chaotic elements attached to death.
110. Umeko
Of Japanese origin meaning ‘plum blossom’, Umeko has ties to darkness in the softness of fleeting moments in shadows.
111. Zara
Zara means ‘radiance’ yet inherently suggests shades alluding to the softer side of darkness, providing balance.
112. Marcelline
Within the feminine variation of Marvin, Marcelline exhibits richness found in tales surrounded by darkness and mystery.
113. Vina
Meaning ‘the stringed instrument’, Vina can relate to music’s dark themes taking life in shadows, drawing deeper connections.
114. Tyree
This modern name signifies ‘land of the yew tree’, embodying an image of strength found in amongst shadows and darkness.
115. Sahra
Annexed from Sarah, Sahra means desert, a place often associated with darkness of the night enveloped in starry skies.
116. Delainey
A name that suggests uniqueness, Delainey reflects a character with layers often ‘veiled’ in mystery, responding to dark narratives well.
117. Niara
Niara means ‘with purpose’, weaving directly into the exploration of nuanced darkness throughout our journeys.
118. Eleora
Meaning ‘God light’, Eleora draws contrasts within darkness subtly unveiling tales buried in shadows.
119. Ysabella
This name evokes a feeling of elegance but can suggest underlying stories connecting deeply to themes of darkness and death.
120. Celestina
Typically meaning ‘heavenly’, Celestina reflects on the stars that pierce through the dark landscape of night skies.
121. Mavors
A name associated with the Roman god of war, Mavors compellingly evokes images of conflict and darkness tied to death.
122. Drusilla
Of Latin origin meaning ‘dew’, Drusilla is noted in history with darker cinematic glamor evoking complex stories of mortality.
123. Kaia
This Hawaiian name meaning ‘sea’, encapsulates depths tied to ocean darkness, identifying connections with life and death.
124. Elowen
Meaning ‘elm tree’, this enchanting name can evoke feelings of nature’s darkly shaded woods, strong yet inviting.
125. Marisol
A name meaning ‘sea and sun’, it intriguingly combines beauty found in shadows near water, suggesting darker depths.
126. Vicki
Meaning ‘victory’, Vicki connects to narratives where struggles emerge from shadows unveiling stories of darkness across journeys.
127. Gwendolyn
This name implies fairness yet significantly connects through dark tales that echo throughout history, showing complexity.
128. Kendra
Meaning ‘knowledge’, Kendra symbiotically relates exploring depths of dark themes, offering depth to our theme.
129. Abaddon
Meaning ‘place of destruction’, Abaddon carries explicit ties to death and the shadowy origins linked to its menace.
130. Azura
A name that predominantly means ‘sky blue’, Azura holds deeper meanings mirrored in shadows suggesting darkness beneath beauty.
131. Chandra
Chandra translates to ‘moon’ in Sanskrit, representing the essence of night and the mysteries that bloom within the darkness.
132. Talia
This means ‘dew from God’ which, while bright, evokes the cool feeling of late nights connecting nature with darkness beautifully.
133. Kyra
Kyra relates closely to the sun but also has darker themes as it represents the light that casts shadows, emphasizing themes of mortality.
134. Mairead
Meaning ‘pearl’, Mairead invokes beauty found in darkness through the cultivation of luminous treasures undersea.
135. Eldra
With links to ‘aged’, Eldra signifies wisdom gained through years amidst darkness, embodying tales of life and loss.
136. Tyra
A name suggesting ‘the goddess of battle’, Tyra links directly with darkness amid struggle and narratives steeped in trials.
137. Lorelei
This enchanting name suggests beauty associated with dark mermaid legends, merging love, allure, and danger together in its narrative.
138. Severa
Causing the notion of ‘serious’, Severa is imbued with a weight of mortality appealing to narratives surrounding deep contemplation on life.
139. Astraea
Astraea’s link to justice incorporates themes of darkness unleashed on criminality, appealing strongly to narratives entwined with mortality.
140. Venessa
While often viewed through positive lenses, Venessa can evoke intricate shadowy themes tied within its tales of hidden beauty.
141. Bianca
Meaning ‘white’ in Italian, Bianca portrays purity while weaving tales of loss that transition into darker realms of life.
142. Lysithea
Associated with a moon of Jupiter, Lysithea draws connections between celestial wonders and darker shadows appearing in space.
143. Caty
A light-hearted name that intimately reflects close ties to nature, offering juxtaposed realities of gloom and rebellion innately tied.
144. IDS
In Scandinavian, IDS means ‘tender’; although soft, it can depict storylines exploring loss and heartache within darkness.
145. Masha
Masha is a derived name from Maria but has seen darker tales wrapped into children’s narratives around mischief casting light into shadows.
146. Novella
With ties to storytelling, Novella implies the dark side of human experience woven into narratives representing loss and despair.
147. Darya
Meaning ‘sea’, Darya’s connection to water shadows leads deep explorations into turbulent realities creating ripe dark environments.
148. Isola
With ties to islands, Isola resonates beautifully showcasing the isolation often found in darkness entwined in solitude.
149. Celestria
A name touching the realm of the celestial, Celestria reflects beautiful illusions connected to dark nights adorned with stars.
150. Eurynome
In Greek mythology, Eurynome embodies the chaos of the sea, providing deep connections to themes of darkness and mortality.
Final Thoughts
Exploring female names that mean darkness or death reveals a fascinating array of meanings and connections. Each name has its unique story woven into cultural histories, mythologies, and nature. These names celebrate the beauty found in darkness while offering soulful insights into our existence.
Whether you are looking for a name for a character in a story or seeking something meaningful for a child, these names serve as a powerful reminder of life’s duality. They evoke mystery, strength, and a deep connection to themes of life and death.
If you’re interested in more names, then please explore these great choices for names that mean death or special meanings. Each name brings its flair, along with stories to tell as they journey through life.