Medieval times were filled with fascinating stories, heroes, and villains. Names often carried deep meanings, reflecting the character or fate of the person. Some names, in particular, had darker connotations, hinting at evil traits or malice. These names were sometimes given to characters in tales of betrayal, treachery, or dark magic.
Today, we will look at several medieval names that mean evil. We’ll uncover their origins and the stories behind them. You might be surprised to see how these names shaped the characters of the past and how they still appear in modern culture!
Medieval Names That Mean Evil
1. Asmodeus
Asmodeus is a name that comes from ancient mythology and means ‘the destroyer’. As an evil spirit known for mischief and chaos, this name carries a weight of darkness suitable for a villain.
2. Malachai
Malachai is of Hebrew origin and means ‘messenger of evil’. This name has been used in various stories to represent characters with malevolent intentions and diabolical plans.
3. Diabolus
The name Diabolus directly translates to ‘devil’ in Latin. This name evokes imagery of treachery and deceit, making it ideal for a villain in any medieval tale.
4. Abaddon
Abaddon means ‘place of destruction’ in Hebrew. This name often symbolizes destruction and ruin and is often associated with malevolent spirits in folklore.
5. Jezebel
Jezebel is a name that has become synonymous with treachery and evil, originating from the biblical queen known for her wicked deeds and manipulation.
6. Lilith
Lilith means ‘of the night’ in Hebrew. As a figure in various mythologies, she represents darkness and rebellion, embodying traits often seen as evil.
7. Cain
The name Cain means ‘acquired’ and is best known from biblical lore as the first murderer, representing betrayal and malice.
8. Belial
Belial means ‘worthless’ or ‘no value’. Often used to denote a wicked spirit, this name encapsulates a sense of evil and moral corruption.
9. Balthazar
Balthazar means ‘Baal protects the king’. Associated with dark magic and ancient rituals, this name has sinister undertones in various tales.
10. Menace
Menace directly relates to threat and danger. As a name, it embodies the presence of evil and creates a sense of fear in storytelling.
11. Malice
Malice means intentional harm or evil. With this name, the character is sure to embody wickedness and nefarious plots.
12. Revenant
Revenant comes from the French word for ‘returned’. In medieval lore, it often described a spirit that returned from the dead to wreak havoc.
13. Abraxas
Abraxas combines both good and evil elements and embodies duality. This name can represent an ambiguous and morally corrupt character.
14. Desdemona
Desdemona means ‘ill-fated’ and is known from Shakespeare’s works, representing betrayal and tragic evil in her tale.
15. Draven
Draven’s meaning relates to ‘dark’ and ‘storm’, suggesting a connection with ominous powers, perfect for an evil character.
16. Cerberus
Cerberus refers to the three-headed dog guarding the underworld in mythology. This fierce creature embodies evil and danger.
17. Vex
Vex means ‘to afflict’ or ‘trouble.’ As a name, it suggests a character that causes distress and chaos.
18. Kain
Kain is another spelling of Cain, known as the biblical figure who committed the first murder, representing betrayal and malice.
19. Morgath
Morgath has dark connotations relating to death or the undead, perfect for a sinister character shrouded in mystery.
20. Grendel
Grendel is a character from the epic poem “Beowulf,” representing evil as a monster who terrorizes the land, making this name notorious.
21. Torture
Torture directly implies causing distress and suffering, certainly a name one associates with evil and villains.
22. Demona
Demona has clear connections to demons and dark spirits, cementing its place as a fitting name for an evil character.
23. Lancelot
While traditionally a hero’s name, Lancelot has associations of betrayal, especially in the context of the Arthurian legends.
24. Hellion
Hellion refers to a mischievous person. As a name, it is linked to chaos and troublemaking, presenting a negative connotation.
25. Nihilus
Nihilus comes from the word ‘nihilism’, meaning rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless.
26. Mephistopheles
Mephistopheles is a character in folklore known as a demon, representing temptation and evil, making it a potent name in dark tales.
27. Charon
Charon is the ferryman of Hades in Greek mythology. This somber guide represents death and the afterlife, giving the name an air of dread.
28. Morrigan
Morrigan is associated with war and fate in Celtic mythology, often depicted as a goddess with sinister intentions.
29. Ravenshadow
Ravenshadow evokes images of darkness and mystery. The raven itself is often linked to omens and bad tidings.
30. Scar
Scar conveys harm and danger. As a name, it suggests a character who has been involved in violence or betrayal.
31. Valefor
Valefor is known as a demon who influences thievery. This name suggests cunning and treachery, traits associated with evil.
32. Seraphim
While traditionally signifying high angels, the term can also imply a fallen state, playing into concepts of evil in darker tales.
33. Loki
Loki signifies mischief and trickery from Norse mythology as the god of chaos. His tales often involve dark schemes and moral ambiguity.
34. Naliana
Naliana has meanings associated with ‘shadow’ or ‘darkness.’ It suggests a character with evil intentions lurking within.
35. Gorgon
The Gorgon represents fearsome creatures from Greek mythology. The name is associated with everything dark and evil, striking terror.
36. Vampira
Vampira directly connects to vampire lore, illustrating a character that embodies darkness, bloodlust, and evil.
37. Doom
Doom signifies death or destruction. This name embodies traits of finality and can be associated with villains who bring chaos.
38. Hellfire
Hellfire has a direct association with the flames of hell. This name invokes images of torment and punishment, closely related to evil.
39. Malignus
Malignus means ‘evil or harmful’. This name depicts a character who may have bad intentions or create trouble.
40. Fenrir
Fenrir is a wolf from Norse mythology, prophesied to bring ruin during Ragnarok. He symbolizes chaos and destruction.
41. Onyx
Onyx, a dark gemstone, signifies sorrow and is often linked to overshadowing forces, making it suitable for an evil character.
42. Morgana
Morgana, derived from Arthurian legend, has dark sorcery associations, often depicted as a witch or evil enchantress.
43. Asgard
While Asgard represents the home of gods, there are darker entities within mythology that cause chaos, linking the name to evil.
44. Wraith
Wraith refers to a ghostly figure, often associated with darkness and the evil spirit realm, making it a chilling name.
45. Dread
Dread directly signifies fear or apprehension. As a name, it conveys a strong sense of evil and troubling intentions.
46. Vendetta
Vendetta implies a bitter feud or revenge. This name relates to the deeper moral issues of treachery and evil deeds.
47. Vendus
Vendus has links to ‘vengeance’. A character bearing this name is likely to embody traits associated with retaliation and evil intentions.
48. Raziel
In some beliefs, Raziel is considered a fallen angel. The name embodies the traits of darkness and former glory now turned evil.
49. Nyx
Nyx, the Greek goddess of night, represents mystery and hidden evil, symbolizing the darker side of existence.
50. Inferno
Inferno refers to hellfire and brimstone, symbolic of destruction and torment, truly representing the essence of evil.
51. Quagmire
Quagmire signifies a hopeless situation. As a name, it suggests a character who brings complications and trouble wherever they go.
52. Vesper
Vesper means evening star. While commonly beautiful, it also hints at the dark, eerie side of nighttime, blending good and evil.
53. Bale
Bale signifies suffering or distress, embodying a character that causes trouble and misfortune, fitting an evil persona.
54. Scorn
Scorn denotes disdain or contempt, perfect for a character displaying villainous traits and attitudes filled with hatred.
55. Sinistra
Sinistra means ‘left’ and has negative connotations of bad luck or evil in various cultures, making it a fitting name for sinister characters.
56. Cressida
Cressida historically symbolizes betrayal, known for her disloyalty in literature, making this name characteristic of treachery.
57. Tyrant
Tyrant signifies an oppressive ruler, evoking images of ruthless authority and evil leading it astray.
58. Shade
Shade directly relates to darkness and shadow. As a name, it conjures visions of mystery with hints of evil lurking.
59. Grievance
Grievance denotes a feeling of resentment and hurt, linking the name closely to characters that embody cruelty and malice.
60. Gloom
Gloom implies darkness or sadness, perfect for a name that represents a character with evil intent or unhappy fate.
61. Baneful
Baneful means causing harm or destruction. This name embodies malice and is fitting for sinister characters.
62. Doomslayer
Doomslayer signifies the destroyer of hope and dreams. This name evokes an evil aura of chaos and destruction.
63. Grime
Grime refers to filth and dirt. As a name, it suggests a morally corrupt character engaging in sinister deeds.
64. Abyss
Abyss embodies endless darkness and depth, often representing the unknown evil lurking beneath the surface.
65. Venom
Venom implies malice and harm. This name brings to mind poisonous intentions and evil acts.
66. Miasma
Miasma refers to a noxious atmosphere. As a name for a character, it suggests a malignant presence, bringing chaos and evil.
67. Obsidian
Obsidian, a dark volcanic glass, is often seen in a negative light, representing evil or danger, fitting for a dark character.
68. Widow
Widow has associations with loss and heartache but can also relate to sinister characters seeking revenge and exhibiting darkness.
69. Thorne
Thorne suggests sharpness and pain. As a name, it implies a character who brings harm and embodies evil traits.
70. Hades
Hades is the god of the underworld, associated with death and darkness, making it a fitting name representing evil.
71. Ruin
Ruin signifies destruction and failure, perfectly capturing the essence of a character who embodies sullen evil.
72. Nightshade
Nightshade is a poisonous plant, symbolizing danger and death, giving the name an association with evil and toxicity.
73. Hemlock
Hemlock, a deadly plant, has strong associations with poison and treachery, making it an appropriate name for an evil character.
74. Haunt
Haunt relates to ghostly figures that linger in darkness. As a name, it encapsulates a character who brings fear and evil.
75. Scythe
Scythe symbolizes death and harvest, often representing the grim reaper. The name is closely linked with darkness and evil.
76. Grendel’s Mother
Relates to a character known for seeking revenge and embodying elements of evil in classic literature.
77. Thorn
Thorn evokes images of pain and danger, making it ideal for a character whose presence is filled with evil and malice.
78. Banshee
Banshee represents a spirit whose wails foretell death. The name links to dark themes and signifies a connection to evil omens.
79. Dagger
Dagger represents violence and betrayal, making it an evocative name for a character who embodies evil intent.
80. Nyxara
Nyxara evokes the night and hidden evils, suggesting dark themes and elements that are often associated with malevolence.
81. Phantom
Phantom signifies an evil spirit or ghost, representing haunting connections and sinister undertones in storytelling.
82. Malevolence
Malevolence refers to being harmful or malicious, directly tying to characters who create trouble in their paths.
83. Grim
Grim evokes fear and sadness, making it a suitable name for a character with evil intentions or a dark past.
84. Nemesis
Nemesis means retribution. The name represents an avenger or one who ensures justice for wrongs in a dark way.
85. Shadeveil
Shadeveil connects to darkness and mystery, suggesting a character who embodies evil in its many forms.
86. Alastor
Alastor refers to a spirit of vengeance, representing a force of evil intent and seeking retribution for wrongdoings.
87. Darkblade
Darkblade suggests a malevolent sword or weapon. As a name, it indicates a skilled fighter aligned with dark intentions.
88. Ravenna
Ravenna signifies dark imagery due to its link with ravens, creatures often associated with death and evil omens.
89. Hecate
Hecate is the goddess of magic and witchcraft in mythology. This name brings forth evocations of dark and supernatural elements.
90. Sable
Sable, meaning black, connects to darkness and evil, making it a distinctive name for a villainous character.
91. Phantomshadow
Phantomshadow evokes the unknown and sinister, perfect for a character with dark secrets and hidden motives.
92. Lacrimosa
Lacrimosa translates to ‘tearful’, symbolizing sorrow which often comes with evil deeds and thoughts.
93. Curse
Curse directly links to ill fortune and malevolence. As a name, it signifies a character that brings harm and distress.
94. Malevolentia
Derived from the Latin meaning of evil, this name perfectly suits characters whose motives are steeped in darkness.
95. Devilyn
Devilyn brings to mind the essence of evil and temptation, strongly associating with wicked actions and thoughts.
96. Omen
Omen signifies a sign of something bad about to happen. Names that carry this meaning hint at impending danger.
97. Traitor
Traitor directly indicates someone who betrays, well-known for representing characters embodying evil intentions.
98. Abysson
Abysson connects to the depths of evil and dark emotions, capturing the essence of a malevolent character’s journey.
99. Fury
Fury signifies intense anger often linked with revenge or evil actions. This name outlines a fiery character’s wrath.
100. Shadebinder
Shadebinder suggests the control of darkness and evil. It shows a character skilled in manipulating sinister forces.
101. Ignatius
Ignatius means ‘fiery one’. This name suggests a character full of rage and dark passions associated with malevolence.
102. Vandal
Vandal evokes images of destruction and chaos. A character with this name is likely to engage in evil acts.
103. Sorrow
Sorrow signifies deep sadness; a name often justifying the lamentation caused by evil deeds and misfortune.
104. Abyssal
Abyssal means relating to the deep darkness. This name perfectly embodies an evil character’s association with the unknown.
105. Shadowfang
Shadowfang evokes the imagery of dark creatures, suggesting malicious traits that embody evil in action.
106. Frostbite
Frostbite symbolizes harshness and suffering, suggesting a character who will evoke pain through their evil deeds.
107. Lament
Lament refers to mourning and deep sorrow, often connected to the destruction brought on by evil characters.
108. Delphine
Delphine suggests mystery and depth while tying back to ancient myths with undertones of betrayal.
109. Bloodmoon
Bloodmoon evokes eeriness and fear associated with supernatural phenomena, hinting at darker motives within the character.
110. Vespera
Vespera symbolizes evening or dusk. Though beautiful, it often has sinister ties to the onset of nighttime evils.
111. Damnatus
Damnatus means condemned. It signifies a character associated with fate and evil schemes resulting in danger.
112. Vega
Vega evokes celestial imagery but can hint at darker forces at play among the stars, representing the unknown.
113. Obscurus
Obscurus signifies darkness or obscurity. This name often aligns with evil traits, suitable for a dark character.
114. Vespertilio
Vespertilio refers to bats, often associated with darkness and evil, perfect for a character with sinister intentions.
115. Hauntress
Hauntress connects to ghastly figures tied to darkness. This name suggests a character who embodies fear in its purest form.
116. Wicked
Wicked implies evil, suggesting a character who embodies malicious traits and intentions through their deeds.
117. Ravenclaw
Ravenclaw evokes mystery linked to ravens and dark thoughts, a name that powerfully connects to sinister characteristics.
118. Maledictus
Maledictus denotes malediction or curse. The name carries a strong sense of evil and dark intentions.
119. Calamity
Calamity signifies catastrophic events. This name hints at the destructive impact of an evil character on people’s lives.
120. Darkra
Darkra encapsulates the essence of darkness and evil in a name, perfect for a malevolent character.
121. Adversary
Adversary suggests someone who opposes and challenges good. This name directly ties to evil actions taken against others.
122. Treachery
Treachery signifies betrayal and deceit, making it a fitting name for characters that embody wickedness and malice.
123. Carnage
Carnage refers to extensive destruction. As a name, it embodies the essence of evil and violence.
124. Wick
Wick implies a sense of darkness: a character with this name can easily evoke feelings of calamity and evil deeds.
125. Hazebridge
Hazebridge represents obscured paths often traversed by dark spirits, perfect for a name embodying hidden evil.
126. Vile
Vile denotes something wicked or disgusting, making this an appropriate name for an inherently evil character.
127. Dementia
Dementia signifies mental chaos and darkness, representing the evil and turmoil within one’s mind.
128. Lunatic
Lunatic implies madness, often associated with dark themes of evil; a perfect moniker for sinister characters.
129. Malevolence
Malevolence refers to ill will and harm. As a name, it suggests embodies pure evil in a character’s actions.
130. Ferocity
Ferocity indicates intense fierceness. This name evokes a fearsome character capable of committing dark deeds.
131. Cataclysm
Cataclysm represents great destruction; a fitting name for a character associated with evil and chaos.
132. Blight
Blight signifies destruction and decay, directly linking it to evil actions bringing ruin to lives.
133. Grief
Grief represents sorrow and sadness. As a name, it embodies a character whose deeds cause suffering for others.
134. Pestilence
Pestilence signifies a fatal epidemic, representing darkness and evil in the form of disease and chaos.
135. Vicarious
Vicarious means experienced through someone else, a fitting name for a character representing evils done by proxy.
136. Sorcery
Sorcery connects directly to dark magic, perfect for characters who embody evil schemes through witchcraft.
137. Chimaera
Chimaera refers to a monstrous creature representing errors and chaotic forces, aligning closely with evil themes.
138. Revenant
Revenant denotes someone who comes back from the dead, showcasing the connection between death and the continuation of evil.
139. Diabolical
Diabolical directly links to the devil, encapsulating wickedness and dark schemes, perfect for any villainous character.
140. Heretic
Heretic denotes one who believes in heresy. This name implies being marked as evil or misled in faith traditions.
141. Blasphemer
Blasphemer signifies someone speaking sacrilegiously, commonly associated with evil actions against the divine.
142. Harbinger
Harbinger means a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another, often with ominous undertones.
143. Sermon
Sermon represents teachings, but it can imply hypocritical doctrines when associated with evil intent in characters.
144. Sablehart
Sablehart combines darkness with strength, portraying a character who embodies the evil within strength and cunning.
145. Devilkin
Devilkin implies kinship to demons, suggesting dark traits and influences in a character’s development.
146. Fracture
Fracture signifies breakage or ruins. It embodies a character associated with evil, causing harm and destruction.
147. Nightthief
Nightthief suggests stealth and larceny during the dark hours, emphasizing a character’s evil traits.
148. Reab
Reab means ‘that which is undone’. This name symbolizes evil actions that require rectification and deliverance.
149. Hazard
Hazard conveys danger and risk, making it a perfect name for an evil character whose actions can lead to catastrophe.
150. Vengeance
Vengeance pertains to seeking revenge. As a name, it implies a deep-rooted evil drive for retaliation against wrongs.
Final Thoughts
Medieval names often carry powerful meanings that reflect the characters they represent. The names explored here show how evil and malice are intertwined with the stories of the past. From Asmodeus to Vengeance, these names evoke fear, betrayal, and dark magic, forming the foundation for memorable characters.
The legacy of these names persists even in modern literature and storytelling, reminding us of the thin line between good and evil. Names can shape our understanding of characters, making them unforgettable.
If you enjoyed uncovering these intriguing names, consider exploring more about names that mean evil or delve into the topic of demonic names. Each name has its own unique context and story that can offer deeper insights.