150+ Best Male Names That Mean Unlucky

Names carry meaning, and some names are linked to bad luck or misfortune. Many cultures have male names that signify moments of adversity or challenges. For instance, names might reflect myths, legends, or historical figures who faced tough times. Understanding these names can be both interesting and meaningful.

Today, we will look at a selection of male names that are associated with misfortune. From traditional to modern, these names can spark curiosity and even provoke thought about the power of names. Join us as we uncover what these unique names reveal about luck and fate.

Male Names That Mean Unlucky

1. Badhakrishna

This name translates to ‘bad luck of Krishna’, implying misfortune in relation to the revered deity in Hinduism.

2. Jabez

The name Jabez means ‘sorrow’ in Hebrew, representing one who brings pain and unhappiness.

3. Mallory

This French name means ‘unfortunate’ or ‘ill-fated’, perfectly capturing the essence of bad luck.

4. Azrael

Azrael is a name of Hebrew origin meaning ‘God is my help’, but it is often associated with the angel of death, bringing a sense of foreboding.

5. Brennan

This name, meaning ‘descendant of Braonán’, is closely related to the term ‘sorrow’ in Irish tradition.

6. Cade

This old English name means ’round’ but could also hint at things that come around to be unlucky.

7. Kaelen

Kaelen is of Irish origin, meaning ‘mighty warrior’, but it can evoke images of a warrior who faces continual defeat.

8. Desmond

Often thought to mean ‘one from South Munster’, it can be associated with being outcast or unlucky in Irish folklore.

9. Boaz

This Hebrew name means ‘strong’ but has roots in stories of loss and misfortune within the Bible.

10. Odhran

Odhran is an Irish name meaning ‘little pale one’, linked to misfortune as something undesirable.

11. Mallory

This French name means ‘unfortunate’ or ‘ill-fated’, fitting perfectly for the theme of bad luck in names.

12. Jabez

The name Jabez means ‘sorrow’ in Hebrew, representing a life marked by unhappiness and misfortune.

13. Lzanas

Of uncertain origin, this name can be associated with bad luck based on its rare usage.

14. Bellamy

This name conveys ‘good friend,’ but ironically can reflect a challenging friendship, bringing misfortunes.

15. Murphy

From the Gaelic Murchadh, meaning ‘sea warrior’, carries connotations of struggles against the odds.

16. Ulysses

Famous for his long journey filled with misadventures, this Greek name translates to ‘wrathful’ and suits a tale of bad luck.

17. Lachlan

This Scottish name means ‘from the land of lakes,’ but is often associated with unfortunate events in history.

18. Mordecai

A name of Hebrew origin meaning ‘warrior’, often remembered for being unlucky in the Biblical sense.

19. Alvah

This unique name means ‘his highness’ but can also allude to adversity in a historical context.

20. Dorian

A name that carries the meaning of ‘gift’, but its association with misfortune in literature adds depth.

21. Efrain

A name of Hebrew origin that can be linked to bad luck in certain interpretations of destiny.

22. Harlan

This name means ‘meadow land’ but has connections to misfortune as illustrated in folklore.

23. Laban

This Hebrew name means ‘white’, but in certain contexts, it represents betrayal and misfortune.

24. Phelan

This Irish name means ‘wolf’, often symbolizing danger and peril, hinting at an unlucky fate.

25. Thorne

A name evoking images of being ‘thorny,’ suggesting obstacles and misfortunes in life.

26. Isidore

This Greek name means ‘gift of Isis’, but is often tied to stories of misfortune in ancient times.

27. Fenwick

This name means ‘marshland’, symbolizing stagnation and misadventures that can be metaphorically linked to bad luck.

28. Rurik

This Old Norse name means ‘famous ruler’, but can be interpreted as one who struggles with hardship.

29. Druce

This surname-based name refers to one who “learns,” but can imply bad luck in learning through hardship.

30. Malachi

Meaning ‘my messenger’, this name can be interpreted negatively in a misfortunate narrative in religious stories.

31. Sweeney

This name denotes ‘sweeping’ but also relates to unfortunate events in certain Irish tales.

32. Rufus

This name means ‘red’, often associated with danger, and unlucky scenarios in various contexts of lore.

33. Acheron

This name references the river of lamentation in Greek mythology, inherently linked with misfortune.

34. Laoghaire

This Irish name means ‘calf herd’, often commemorated for the tragic events surrounding its bearers.

35. Cedric

Meaning ‘bounty’, this name has associations with reckless choices leading to misfortune.

36. Rekesh

A name reflecting ‘the person who derives sorrows,’ strikingly suitable for someone linked to bad luck.

37. Jarek

This name in Slavic means ‘fierce’, but also can signify unfortunate experiences in battles.

38. Kagen

Meaning ‘cage’, this name can metaphorically imply being trapped by misfortunes.

39. Tadhg

A traditional Irish name meaning ‘poet’, but often linked to stories filled with misfortunes.

40. Zuberi

This African name means ‘strong’, often contrasting tales of strength with unlucky events.

41. Ilya

Rooted in Russian meaning ‘the Lord is my God’, but tied to stories of hardship and battles.

42. Samson

Meaning ‘sun’, this name’s bearer in the Bible faced continuous trials leading to misfortune.

43. Genghis

A powerful name associated with one of the most unfortunate paths of conquest in history.

44. Brutus

This Latin name implies strength yet brings to mind betrayal and consequential misfortunes.

45. Narayan

Meaning ‘protector’ in Hindu culture can ironically reflect the plight of unfortunate events.

46. Lothar

This name can mean ‘army’, but its historical connections sometimes tellunfortunate stories.

47. Varun

In Hindu mythology, Varun is tied to the ocean and its misfortune, alluding to challenges of nature.

48. Achilles

This Greek warrior’s legacy is mingled with misfortune and tragic outcomes.

49. Desmond

This name can also indicate someone ‘out of luck’, representing trials faced in life.

50. Ismail

This biblical name carries the meaning ‘God will hear,’ but can hint at stories of exile and misfortune.

51. Virgil

Often associated with bad luck, this name means ‘flourishing’ yet connected with tales of loss.

52. Dorian

The name is reminiscent of a story that reflects moral decay and unfortunate decisions.

53. Ashtyn

This unique name reflects bad luck indirectly through tales of hardship and misfortune.

54. Menachem

This Hebrew name means ‘comforter,’ but its history carries burdens and challenges.

55. Roderick

This name means ‘famous power’, but often relates to misfortunes in leadership roles.

56. Ollivander

This name aligns with magic but has shadows of misfortune in terms of its stories in folklore.

57. Atreyu

A strong name from literature often linked with struggles and misfortunes faced throughout the journey.

58. Tybalt

This name from Shakespeare carries themes of struggle and unfortunate events.

59. Quillon

A name rooted in the context of swords, representing conflict and associated misfortunes.

60. Helios

The name relates to the sun but can reflect tragic narratives associated with mythological battles.

61. Zacchaeus

Meaning ‘pure’, this name takes on layers of misfortune from its Biblical storytelling.

62. Apollo

This name means ‘destroyer’ in some interpretations, linking it to misfortunes in Greek tales.

63. Casimir

While meaning ‘proclaimer of peace’, it often conveys the irony of continuous turmoil.

64. Ignatius

Meaning ‘fiery’, this name often depicts struggles through fire and unfortunate events.

65. Mortimer

This name means ‘dead sea’, symbolizing bad luck and misadventures.

66. Tiberius

An emperor’s name versed in stories filled with betrayal and misfortune.

67. Orpheus

This legendary figure represents creative brilliance shadowed by loss and misfortune.

68. Halvdan

This Scandinavian name implies misfortunes in Norse history with heroes.

69. Hadraniel

This name means ‘glory of God’ but is tied to unfortunate contexts.

70. Gaius

This name represents ‘to rejoice,’ yet is associated with turbulent times in ancient Roman history.

71. Zander

This name hints at ‘defender of mankind,’ yet carries stories of unfortunate battles in history.

72. Royce

This name can symbolize ‘son of the king’, but ties into themes of unfortunate royal stories.

73. Elric

Meaning ‘prosperity ruler’, this name carries a dark twist of unfortunate tales.

74. Fergus

This name means ‘man of strength,’ yet reflects misfortunes faced in its storytelling.

75. Lockwood

This name connotes ‘enclosed wood,’ suggesting traps and unfortunate events historically.

76. Andre

A strong name meaning ‘man,’ but with connections to unfortunate stories in literature.

77. Quinton

Meaning ‘the fifth’, this name can symbolize a struggle against odds.

78. Raoul

This name means ‘wolf counsel’ and relates to stories filled with misfortunes.

79. Aegis

Representing protection but typically linked to unfortunate battles in mythology.

80. Bartholomew

This biblical name, meaning ‘son of the furrow’, carries a weight of unfortunate narratives in history.

81. Thomas

While meaning ‘twin’ this name often hints at the duality of stories filled with misfortune.

82. Prescott

This name means ‘priest’s cottage’, but often brings narratives of misfortune in the past.

83. Alden

This name means ‘old friend’ but carries connotations of fate leading to misfortune.

84. Hector

In ancient tales, this name evokes images of battles fought leading to tragic ends.

85. Uriah

Meaning ‘my light is Yahweh’, yet often symbolizes tragic events in the biblical narrative.

86. Basil

This name means ‘royal’, but is tinged with stories of unfortunate kings and circumstances.

87. Cadogan

This name means ‘the battle glory’, yet reflects tales of unfortunate battles.

88. Reuben

Meaning ‘behold a son’, but often tied to misfortunes in biblical narratives.

89. Jareth

This name is modern but suggests the fragility of fate and luck through various stories.

90. Caspian

This name references the sea but can be related to misfortunes found in nature.

91. Ygraine

This name, which hints at tragedy deeply associated with the legacy of misfortune.

92. Belial

This name means ‘worthless’, reflecting unfortunate choices in life.

93. Jakob

Meaning ‘supplanter’, yet often linked to stories of tragic downfall.

94. Hesperus

This name evokes the evening star, often associated with lost destinies and misfortune.

95. Silas

Although it means ‘wood’, it connects to unfortunate events in biblical times.

96. Warwick

This name means ‘dairy farm’, often symbolizing humble beginnings intertwined with misfortunes.

97. Zacharias

A biblical name meaning ‘Yahweh remembers’, but often linked to unfortunate stories.

98. Anselm

Meaning ‘God’s protection,’ but can ironically suggest historical misfortunes.

99. Anakin

This modern name embodies a character whose life was filled with misfortunes.

100. Tavis

This name signifies ‘twin’, but commonly entwined with narratives of misfortune in literature.

101. Geryon

A name from mythology linked to tragic fates and unfortunate encounters.

102. Simeon

Meaning ‘to hear’, but highlights unfortunate narratives that echo through the ages.

103. Devereaux

This name means ‘from the riverbank’, often connected with misfortune in stories.

104. Hagan

This name can hint at ‘youthful’, yet is combined with tales of unlucky fates in history.

105. Poe

A name evoking classic literature which often brings themes of misfortune and despair.

106. Harlan

This name, meaning ‘meadow land,’ reflects unfortunate events in its narratives.

107. Mortimer

This name can imply bad luck as it means ‘dead sea,’ symbolizing stagnant misfortunes.

108. Rhett

This name, linking to misfortune in the classic story of ‘Gone With the Wind’, implies trouble.

109. Dorian

This name carries connotations of moral decay and unfortunate life decisions in literature.

110. Solomon

This wise king’s very name can often evoke stories of misfortune despite wisdom.

111. Boris

This Slavic name means ‘fighter’, often relating to historical misfortunes from battles.

112. Thaddeus

A name that means ‘heart’, but is tied to unfortunate tales and struggles in the past.

113. Ozias

Meaning ‘strength’, yet deeply linked with misfortunes in ancient stories.

114. Ninia

This name suggests ‘little one’, which can connect to unfair disadvantages and misfortunes.

115. Linus

Meaning ‘flax’, this name carries narratives of struggles leading back to misfortunes.

116. Charlemagne

This name means ‘Charles the Great’, yet tells tales filled with misfortune in battles.

117. Ulysses

An enduring name tied to a hero’s long journey fraught with misfortunes.

118. Amon

This name connected with the darkness in mythology can reflect bad luck.

119. Hadrian

This name brings forth historical connotations, often shaded with misfortune.

120. Elijah

This name means ‘my God is Yahweh’, but can be intertwined with unfortunate events.

121. Odin

This name represents wisdom yet comes with stories filled with tragic ends.

122. Fulk

Meaning ‘people’s strength’, but historically reflects unfortunate rulers.

123. Eldrin

Of uncertain origin, this name suggests mysteries filled with misfortune through age.

124. Anarion

This name evokes legendary tales often linked with hardship and misfortune.

125. Xander

This modern derivative embodies ‘defender’ yet points toward challenging paths and stories.

126. Jareth

This name suggests contemporary flair but hints at challenging fates in its artistic stories.

127. Caspian

The name’s references can imply risks linked with the sea and its misfortunes.

128. Lefroy

This name means ‘of the Le Clair’, often linking to unfortunate accounts of its history.

129. Noctis

A name meaning ‘night’, metaphorically parallels the unknown, typically associated with misfortune.

130. Enoch

This name means ‘dedicated’, yet carries burdens of unfortunate genealogies.

131. Thorne

Representing sharpness, this name metaphorically connects to life riddled with misadventures.

132. Sterling

This esteemed name, meaning ‘of the highest quality’, often reverses into narratives of bad luck.

133. Kiran

This name means ‘ray of light’, which can brightly illuminate paths fraught with misfortune.

134. Hollis

A name meaning ‘dweller at the meadow’, echoing unlucky events in traditional folklore.

135. Tycho

The name bears the meaning of ‘hitting the target’, often casting shadows of misfortune.

136. Deacon

This name signifies ‘messenger’ but can imply loss in connection to unfortunate stories.

137. Quirinus

A name steeped in Roman myth, second only to the chaotic narratives it represents.

138. Nimbus

Meaning ‘cloud’, this name aligns with stormy weather, often symbolizing misfortune.

139. Malen

This name invokes gentleness, but its lesser tales sometimes parallel unfortunate paths.

140. Ryker

This modern name hints at ‘strength’, often reflecting contemporary struggles.

141. Menno

A name with biblical roots tied to misfortunes faced in history.

142. Gale

While meaning ‘storm’, connotations of bad weather can link to misfortunes.

143. Xeno

Meaning ‘foreigner’, suggesting uneasy travels laden with unfortunate events.

144. Rhyse

Meaning ‘enthusiasm’, which ironically may come alongside unpredictable misfortunes.

145. Draven

This name evokes mystery, often connected to darker paths and misfortune.

146. Dempsey

This Irish name means ‘proud’, often telling tales of misfortunes encountered.

147. Tiberius

The enforced timing in Latin hints at unfortunate timelines throughout history.

148. Lavin

This name speaks of ‘beauty’ but can also reflect stories filled with misadventures.

149. Vered

This name means ‘rose’, symbolizing beauty yet juxtaposed with thorns of misfortune.

150. Tarquin

This name is reminiscent of ancient Rome and is often tied to misfortunes stemming from tyranny.

Final Thoughts

Exploring names that mean unlucky unveils fascinating layers of rich stories and meanings interwoven in cultures. Each name carries a legacy of challenges faced and trials endured, thus providing insights into the lives of those who bore them.

Whether deeply rooted in history or myth, these names reflect a spectrum of experiences that embrace both strength and adversity. The curiosity around these names reminds us of the powerful narrative behind each one.

As we delve deeper into names and their meanings, we invite you to explore more topics such as names that convey misfortune. Check out our collection of names that mean bad luck here or find out about names that signify doom here.

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