Horror is a big part of many stories and movies, and names can add a lot to that feeling. Some names immediately remind us of fear, darkness, or spooky tales. These names come from different cultures and histories, often linked to ghosts, monsters, or famous horror characters. They have a special power to send chills down your spine, making them perfect for any scary tale or character.
Today, we’ll look at some interesting names that mean horror. We’ll explore where these names come from and what they represent. Whether you’re creating a spooky story or just curious, these names are sure to inspire fear and fascination.
Names That Mean Horror
1. Mara
The name Mara comes from Hebrew, meaning “bitter” and is often associated with dark themes of despair. This connection makes it a fitting name for a character in a horror tale.
2. Lamashtu
Lamashtu is a terrifying figure from ancient Mesopotamian mythology known as a demoness who preyed on pregnant women and infants. The name captures true horror and darkness.
3. Lilith
In folklore, Lilith is often considered the first wife of Adam and is associated with night, darkness, and the supernatural. Her name invokes a sense of fear as she represents female vengeance.
4. Abaddon
Abaddon is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “place of destruction” and is often used to refer to a demon or the angel of the abyss. It’s a chilling name perfect for horror.
5. Hecate
Hecate is a Greek goddess associated with witchcraft and the night. Her name evokes images of dark magic and the unknown, making it a strong name in horror literature.
6. Banshee
Banshee is an Irish name meaning “woman of the fairy mound” and refers to a ghostly figure who warns of impending death. The aura of despair linked to it adds to its horror element.
7. Raven
Ravens are often seen as omens of death and bad luck in folklore. The name Raven carries a dark, mysterious quality that fits well within the horror genre.
8. Desdemona
This name of Greek origin means “ill-fated” and is associated with tragic stories. It brings to mind images of doomed characters and creates a sense of foreboding.
9. Draven
Draven evokes thoughts of the nightmare world and dark plots, making it a fitting name for a horror character. Its unique sound adds to the ominous aura.
10. Acheron
Acheron is one of the rivers of the underworld in Greek mythology, often associated with pain and sorrow. The name brings forth images of horror in the afterlife.
11. Moros
In Greek mythology, Moros is the personification of doom. His name captures the essence of inevitable horror, making it a remarkable choice for a sinister character.
12. Kali
Kali is a Hindu goddess associated with destruction and time. Her name represents both fear and strength, creating an impactful presence in horror stories.
13. Caron
Caron is linked to the ferryman of the dead in Greek mythology. His name suggests a connection to death and the afterlife, making it perfect for horror narratives.
14. Hades
The name Hades means “the unseen” and is associated with the Greek god of the underworld. This name is synonymous with horror and fear of the unknown.
15. Gorgon
The Gorgons are mythical creatures known for their horrifying appearance and deadly glare. The name evokes terror, making it an excellent choice for a horror character.
16. Nemesis
Nemesis is the Greek goddess of retribution. Her name embodies a sense of vengeance and justice that comes with a chilling edge, perfect for horror themes.
17. Charon
Charon, the ferryman of the dead in Greek mythology, brings souls to the underworld. His name has an eerie resonance, making it suitable for any horror narrative.
18. Belladonna
Belladonna, meaning “beautiful woman” in Italian, is also a poisonous plant. The duality of beauty and danger encapsulates horror elegantly.
19. Grim
The name Grim directly refers to doom or death, a perfect choice for any character rooted in horror. Its simplicity adds to its chilling impact.
20. Nkechi
From the Igbo people of Nigeria, Nkechi means “what God has given.” However, it is often associated with stories of loss and despair, making it a haunting name.
21. Dread
The name Dread itself stands as a symbol of fear and anxiety, inherently connecting it to horror themes. It perfectly suits any dark character.
22. Ripper
The name Ripper reminds us of notorious figures in horror folklore and urban legends. It holds an undeniable connection to fear and horror.
23. Orcus
In Roman mythology, Orcus is a deity of the underworld, representing death and terror. This name embodies the essence of horror.
24. Zephyr
The name Zephyr, meaning “a soft breeze,” has an eerie association with the winds that bring changes, often linked to dark omens in horror tales.
25. Malice
Malice is a name that directly suggests evil intent. Its connotation makes it perfect in representing those dark, horror-filled characters.
26. Dagon
Dagon is a deity linked to the sea in ancient mythologies, often depicted as monstrous. This name gives off ominous vibes in horror contexts.
27. Wraith
A Wraith is often associated with a ghost or spirit of someone who hasn’t found peace. The name naturally embodies an essence of horror.
28. Keres
Keres are female death-spirits in Greek mythology that embody the horror of mortality. The name captures the very essence of fear connected with death.
29. Thana
The name Thana comes from the Greek word for “death”. This name directly relates to horror and is ideal for any dark character.
30. Sable
Sable refers to a dark, black color, often associated with fear and mystery. This name evokes a sense of the unknown and is perfect for horror stories.
31. Elysium
While often representing paradise, Elysium in many tales is a realm veiled in shadow and sorrow. The contrast lends a chilling touch, ideal for horror themes.
32. Bizarre
The name Bizarre hints at strange and uncanny occurrences. It’s closely related to tales of horror that unsettle especially in literature.
33. Veil
The name Veil suggests mystery or concealment, something often associated with horror. The unknown hidden behind a veil creates ominous imagery.
34. Seraphine
Seraphine refers to a celestial being, but in horror contexts, it could relate to fallen angels, embodying that tragic side of darkness.
35. Abyss
The word Abyss conjures images of deep voids associated with fear and the unknown. This name fits perfectly into horror genres.
36. Hex
Hex directly means a spell or magic. In horror contexts, it often refers to curses and dark enchantments, making it a potent name.
37. Nyx
Nyx represents the night and is an essential figure in Greek mythology. This name holds a dark allure perfectly suited for horror.
38. Crow
Crows are often associated with death and the macabre in folklore. The name Crow carries a chilling aura in horror settings.
39. Shade
The name Shade conveys images of darkness and shadow. It characterizes fear and the hidden, fitting easily into the horror realm.
40. Hades
Hades is the ruler of the underworld in Greek mythology and associated with death and destruction. His name resonates terror and fear.
41. Cloak
The word Cloak directly suggests concealment, often linked to hidden dangers in horror tales. This gives it an eerie appeal as a name.
42. Vendetta
The name Vendetta signifies revenge and is often tied to dark narratives. It paints a chilling picture fitting for any horror story.
43. Furies
Furies are mythological figures who embody vengeance and madness. Their name is synonymous with horror and chaos.
44. Hemlock
Hemlock is a poisonous plant associated with death in mythical tales. Its dark connection adds to its powerful presence in horror tales.
45. Ravenna
Ravenna, inspired by the word raven, holds ominous vibes associated with darkness and mystery. It fits beautifully into horror contexts.
46. Drusilla
Drusilla is a name often linked to tragic horror stories. Its historical association with despair creates an exciting character link in terrifying stories.
47. Vesper
The name Vesper relates to evening and darkness. It evokes an aura of foreboding that works excellently in a horror narrative.
48. Nocturna
Nocturna comes from the Latin word for night. It brings to mind images of shadowy creatures associated with horror.
49. Morbid
The word Morbid directly relates to death and decay. It’s a perfect name for any character stirring unease and dread.
50. Eldritch
Eldritch means eerie or unearthly. This name perfectly suits characters that embody the supernatural horror genre.
51. Sorrow
The name Sorrow relates to deep sadness and despair often found in horror tales. It captures dark emotions beautifully.
52. Wraith
Wraith refers to a ghostly apparition, often signaling doom. The name invokes fear and tension in horror stories.
53. Fathom
This name conveys depth and mystery, often linked to dark waters in horror narratives. Its enigmatic nature creates awe.
54. Caligo
Caligo means mist or darkness in Latin. This name adds a chilling touch to any horror character, evoking fear of the unknown.
55. Malevolent
Malevolent directly refers to ill will and evil intent, making it the perfect name for a horror antagonist.
56. Grimoire
A Grimoire is a book of magic, often associated with dark spells. It’s an enticing name befitting horror narratives.
57. Crypt
The name Crypt instantly brings to mind thoughts of burial places and secrets. Its eerie presence is ideal for a horror tale.
58. Phantom
Phantom refers to a ghostly figure, directly relating to horror themes. The name implies hidden aspects and mysterious characters.
59. Mortis
Mortis means death in Latin, making it a stark name connected profoundly with horror elements.
60. Doom
The name Doom embodies an impending sense of disaster, which is fundamentally linked to horror themes.
61. Venom
Venom refers to a poisonous substance, excellent for conveying danger and horror in character names.
62. Shadow
The name Shadow represents darkness and the unknown, linking it to many horror tales surrounding the fears hidden in the dark.
63. Morass
Morass means a bog or swamp, often associated with treachery and hidden dangers. It’s a strong name for horror settings.
64. Wretched
The name Wretched signifies deep despair and misery, prominently featured in horror contexts.
65. Abyssus
Abyssus is a variation of Abyss and signifies depth that’s often associated with horror. It intrigues and terrifies simultaneously.
66. Dire
Dire means extremely serious or urgent. This name encapsulates fear and foreboding, perfect for horror themes.
67. Ominous
The name Ominous directly conveys a sense of impending doom associated with horror genres. Its meaning speaks for itself.
68. Avidity
Avidity represents greed and hunger. Its connection to dark desires fits well into the horror narrative.
69. Krait
The name Krait refers to a highly venomous snake, evoking danger and fear. It’s a compelling name for horror characters.
70. Chilling
The word Chilling brings to mind cold feelings of fear and unease, making it fitting for names associated with horror.
71. Eerie
The name Eerie directly means strange and frightening, perfectly capturing the essence of horror.
72. Calamity
This name means disaster, often linked to dark narratives and tragic tales within horror themes.
73. Cataclysm
Cataclysm represents a catastrophic event and creates an overwhelming sense of horror. This name gives depth to dark stories.
74. Forsaken
The name Forsaken conveys abandonment and despair, resonating with horror themes surrounding loss and fear.
75. Howl
Howl suggests the sounds of wolves or spirits. This name naturally invokes horror themes associated with nighttime fears.
76. Mysteria
Mysteria relates to mystery and intrigue, often tied to fear of the unknown in horror stories. This adds depth and shadows to characters.
77. Necro
Necro is derived from necromancy or death. The name is perfect for characters deeply intertwined with horror themes.
78. Oracle
Oracle refers to someone who delivers prophecies, ghostly insights often associated with dark predictions that evoke suspense in horror.
79. Revenant
A Revenant refers to someone returned from the dead, perfectly tying into horror narratives and ghostly tales.
80. Haunting
Haunting reflects lingering spirits’ feelings, perfectly suitable for horror characters tied to eerie tales.
81. Vortex
Vortex suggests chaos and turmoil, often associated with dark and horror-laden themes. The name intrigues with mystery.
82. Phantasm
Phantasm refers to an illusion or specter, successfully merging with horror contexts tied to fear and the supernatural.
83. Malevolence
This name signifies evil intent and darkness, making it fitting for horror characters with sinister motives.
84. Havoc
Havoc refers to widespread destruction and chaos, a direct link to horror themes associated with dark tales.
85. Nether
Nether evokes feelings of the underworld or depths, connecting it to horror environments lurking in shadows.
86. Specter
Specter suggests a ghostly presence, embodying feelings of horror and the supernatural synonymous with scare stories.
87. Curse
The name Curse directly connects with dark spells and misfortunes, universally associated with horror themes.
88. Gloom
Gloom reflects sadness and darkness, resonating deeply within horror genres and creating chilling atmospheres.
89. Vehemence
Vehemence signifies intense emotional force, often linked to dark characters in horror narratives.
90. Gargoyle
Gargoyle brings to mind medieval horror architecture, symbolizing the fear connected to the supernatural and darkness.
91. Phantom
Phantom invokes ghostly imagery, a perfect name for horror stories surrounding the supernatural.
92. Grimace
The name Grimace suggests a twisted expression, linking it to the horrors of the night and fear itself.
93. Torture
Torture is a name closely related to pain and suffering, often depicted in horror narratives portraying fear and anguish.
94. Inferno
Inferno conveys intense heat and fire, often used to illustrate horror realms filled with chaos and destruction.
95. Wail
The name Wail directly reflects sorrowful cries, resonating with loss and despair found within horror themes.
96. Casket
Casket signifies a burial space, intimately associated with death. It brings a strong horror appeal to any character.
97. Juggernaut
Juggernaut refers to an unstoppable force, effectively embodying the essence of dread in horror narratives.
98. Nightshade
Nightshade is a poisonous plant often related to danger and death. The name invokes a sense of horror and foreboding.
99. Nightmare
Nightmare symbolically represents fears and the dark corners of our mind, making it a perfect name for horror stories.
100. Terror
The name Terror directly relates to fear, making it simple yet profoundly linked to horror narratives.
101. Morpheus
Morpheus is the Greek god of dreams, and his name brings visions of darker dreams that fit comfortably into horror themes.
102. Abyssal
Abyssal evokes the feelings of deep emptiness, a name that captures horror’s essence tied to the unknown.
103. Eclipse
Eclipse suggests a darkening of light, symbolizing fear’s overshadowing presence in horror themes.
104. Casket
Casket represents death and burial, directly linking it to horror elements entwined with fear narratives.
105. Nox
Nox, meaning night in Latin, connects directly with fear of the dark, making it perfect in horror representations.
106. Conspiracy
The name Conspiracy refers to secret plans and hidden darkness, leaving room for terrorizing stories within horror.
107. Bloodmoon
The Bloodmoon represents eerie natural events connected to folklore, captivating horror themes tied to omens.
108. Terrorscape
Terrorscape embodies a landscape filled with fear, and the name sets a dark tone perfectly fitting for horror.
109. Requiem
The name Requiem signifies remembrance of the dead. It evokes strong emotions connected to horror narratives distinctly.
110. Lovecraft
Named after H.P. Lovecraft, the master of horror fiction, the name evokes deep fears of the cosmic unknown.
111. Omen
The word Omen is a sign of disaster, tying it profoundly with horror themes in various tales.
112. Lucifera
Lucifera is linked to light-bearer and often associated with the dark side, creating horror narratives around fallen angels.
113. Skull
The name Skull evokes feelings of mortality and fear, making it apt for any horror character.
114. Whispers
The name Whispers brings thoughts of secrets and unknown dangers, ideal for chilling narratives promoting horror.
115. Cryptic
The name Cryptic signifies hidden meanings and mysterious vibes, often found in horror storytelling.
116. Eclipsed
Eclipsed relates to darkness overpowering light, making it resonate with fear in horror tales.
117. Terminal
Terminal directly relates to death, making it a stark name linked to horror narratives.
118. Infernal
Infernal signifies hell or fiery realms, which holds a terrifying aspect suitable for horror tales.
119. Excurro
Excurro, meaning to run out, often relates to tales of horror where danger lurks. It’s an intriguing name.
120. Penumbral
Penumbral suggests the partial shadow cast during an eclipse. It evokes mystery linked to dark tales of horror.
121. Bizarre
The name Bizarre indicates something strange and often unsettling, linking to horror themes effectively.
122. Nemesis
Nemesis indicates a divine force of vengeance, creating horror narratives filled with impending doom in tales.
123. Abysmal
Abysmal signifies expansive emptiness, often associated with fear of the deep and unknown in horror tales.
124. Sanguine
Sanguine is linked to blood and often relates to horror with themes of death and horror narratives.
125. Dreadful
The name Dreadful directly signifies something that incites fear, seamlessly connecting with horror storylines.
126. Havoc
Havoc brings scenes of chaos and destruction, making it perfect for horror narratives associating fear.
127. Desecration
Desecration means deliberate violation or destruction, powerful in conveying horror themes surrounding tragedy.
128. Decay
The name Decay relates to the deterioration associated with death, making it an apt choice for horror settings.
129. Chilling
Chilling evokes a sense of fear and unease, making it a versatile name for horror characters.
130. Ignis
Ignis means fire in Latin, invoking images of destruction and dread associated with horror stories.
131. Ravage
Ravage signifies severe destruction, belonging right in horror contexts depicting devastation.
132. Enigma
The name Enigma arouses curiosity but also fear of the unknown; fitting seamlessly within horror narratives.
133. Platoon
Platoon signifies a group facing danger, embodying themes of terror within horror settings and narratives.
134. Entity
Entity evokes ideas of presence, often mysterious and possibly sinister, making it a strong name in horror tales.
135. Dismal
Dismal signifies sadness and gloom, tightly linked with horror themes centering on loss and despair.
136. Revelation
Revelation denotes uncovering something unknown, often linked to a dark, foreboding atmosphere in horror.
137. Abomination
The name Abomination directly corresponds to something that inspires disgust or horror, suitable for dark narratives.
138. Torment
The name Torment suggests distress and suffering, which can effectively create horror themes surrounding character struggles.
139. Intimidate
Intimidate implies creating fear or dread, crucially relatable to horror contexts in character developments.
140. Chasms
Chasms evoke thoughts of large openings and darkness, ideal for horror settings focusing on the fear of falling.
141. Voodoo
The name Voodoo relates strongly to dark magic and mystery, creating horror narratives centered on supernatural practices.
142. Serpent
Serpent is often associated with danger and deception, traditionally linked to horror themes within many folklores.
143. Enmity
Enmity refers to deep-seated dislike or hostility; this name presents a chilling aura ideal for horror narratives.
144. Morgue
Morgue signifies a place for the deceased, tying closely with death’s shadows, thereby deeply linked to horror.
145. Cadaver
Cadaver directly refers to a dead body, cementing its reputation within horror narratives linked to mortality.
146. Trepidation
Trepidation suggests great fear or anxiety. Not only does it resonate with horror elements, but it also creates tension.
147. Venomous
The name Venomous is directly related to something harmful; its implications connect vividly within horror narratives.
148. Sorcery
Sorcery relates to supernatural magic, often used in horror themes centered on the dark arts and fear.
149. Malediction
Malediction recalls the theme of curses, disturbingly connecting to elements of horror narratives filled with danger.
150. Phobia
Phobia represents an intense fear of something, illustrating the core sentiment within horror and achieving a solid name in storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Names that mean horror encapsulate a rich landscape of cultural references and folklore deeply intertwined with fear. The names explored today serve not only as labels but as powerful symbols that can evoke feelings of dread, despair, and intrigue.
From mythical beings like Lilith to names symbolizing death like Mortis, each name contributes uniquely to the horror genre. Whether you’re writing a chilling tale or simply looking for something terrifying, these names evoke fear and fascination.
For further exploration, consider looking into names that mean death for more chilling inspirations or delve into names that mean horror for a deeper understanding of this intriguing topic.