Names have powerful meanings, and some can be quite dark. In many cultures, certain names are associated with death or destruction. These names can evoke strong feelings and often carry heavy stories behind them. From historical figures to mythical characters, names linked to murder can tell us a lot about society’s views on violence and crime.
Today, we’ll look at some names that literally mean “murder” or have connections to killing. We’ll explore their origins and what they really represent. Some may surprise you, while others are steeped in history. Get ready to learn about the meaning behind these chilling names!
Names That Mean Murder
1. Mara
Mara is a Hebrew name that means ‘bitter,’ and it is often associated with death and destruction as it appears in the Bible in relation to tragedy.
2. Quinn
This name of Irish origin means ‘wisdom’ but is also associated with the word ‘branch’ which has been tied to the idea of loss and murder over time.
3. Mortimer
This old French name means ‘dead sea’ which aligns with its connection to death and ultimately murder in tales of betrayal.
4. Murdock
Of Scottish origin, Murdock means ‘sea warrior’ but is also intrinsically linked with dark tales of revenge and murder.
5. Thana
This name has Arabic roots, meaning ‘death,’ and has a haunting connection to murder.
6. Kali
In Hindu mythology, Kali is the goddess of destruction and transformation, representing extreme forms of violence and death.
7. Azrael
Azrael is an angel of death in Islamic belief, thus directly relating to the concept of murder and the ending of life.
8. Lethe
In Greek mythology, Lethe is a river of forgetfulness associated with the souls of the dead, symbolizing death’s quiet murder of memory.
9. Rava
This name originates from Ancient India and has dark connections to destruction, often linked with the aftermath of murder.
10. Kali-Ma
This is an extension of Kali, the goddess of destruction, showing how names can amplify their dark meanings related to murder.
11. Hades
Hades, the Greek god of the underworld, symbolizes the end of life and where souls are taken after murder.
12. Abaddon
An angel of destruction in Judeo-Christian beliefs, representing the darker aspects of murder and violence.
13. Ripper
This name is often linked to Jack the Ripper, a figure synonymous with murder, especially in the Victorian era.
14. Malice
Malice means intention or desire to do evil, directly connected to the motivations behind murder.
15. Belladonna
This plant’s name literally means ‘beautiful lady’ but is known for its toxic properties that could effectively lead to murder.
16. Agrona
In Celtic lore, Agrona is a goddess of war and death, connecting her name directly with murder and conflict.
17. Marauder
The name refers to someone who plunders and robs, often leading to murder, reflecting the violent aspect of their actions.
18. Bellatrix
This Latin name means ‘female warrior’ and is tied to female representations of violence and murder.
19. Vespera
Meaning ‘evening’ in Latin, Vespera can symbolize the darker times that are often associated with murder and death.
20. Lethia
This name is derived from Lethe, embodying forgetfulness which can be linked to the aftermath of murder.
21. Loki
In Norse mythology, Loki is a trickster god whose actions often involve chaos, conflict, and murder.
22. Selene
As the goddess of the moon in Greek mythology, Selene is associated with the night, a time when many dark deeds, including murder, can occur.
23. Isa
Derived from the Arabic word meaning ‘to slay’ or ‘to kill,’ making this name directly related to themes of murder.
24. Sanguine
This name, derived from the Latin for blood, evokes images of violence and the aftermath of murder.
25. Ravenna
While this name means ‘little raven,’ the raven itself is often considered a harbinger of death and murder in folklore.
26. Wraith
This name conjures images of ghosts or spirits of the deceased, often becoming associated with the violent end of their lives.
27. Eira
Eira is a Welsh name meaning ‘snow,’ but it can symbolize the coldness often felt in the wake of murder.
28. Necro
From the Greek meaning ‘death,’ this name is an outright descriptor of murder and darkness.
29. Kali Uchis
A modern adaptation of Kali, bringing its heavy association with murder into contemporary culture through music.
30. Blaise
This name can mean ‘to stutter’ but is also associated with the warmth of fire, which can relate to violent ends, including murder.
31. Acheron
A river in Greek mythology associated with the underworld, often symbolizing death and murder.
32. Dama
This name directly translates to ‘lady’ in Spanish, but it can also have implications of a woman involved in violent affairs, including murder.
33. Mortis
This Latin word means ‘death,’ connecting it squarely with murder’s aftermath.
34. Vesper
Meaning ‘evening,’ Vesper has been linked with the darker times that can precede the act of murder.
35. Taranis
The Celtic god associated with storms and destruction, signifying the chaos that can lead to murder.
36. Draven
This name means ‘hunter’ and implies a certain predatory nature, often linked with a murderous instinct.
37. Dorian
Made famous by Oscar Wilde’s character, Dorian Gray symbolizes the complex relationship between beauty and moral decay, often leading to murder.
38. Xena
This name reflects a warrior spirit, evoking ideas of battle and potentially violent ends, including murder.
39. Sariel
An angel often associated with death and slaughter, relating back to the theme of murder.
40. Nox
The Roman goddess of the night, representing the darker aspects of humanity where murder can occur.
41. Nyx
In Greek mythology, Nyx is the goddess of the night, a time when violence and murder can lurk.
42. Raze
This name implies destruction, closely linked with the act of murdering something that was once whole.
43. Ashanti
The Ashanti people have historical ties to violence and conflict, reflecting the dark side of their warrior culture.
44. Chione
The Greek goddess of snow, whose coldness may remind us of the lifeless outcomes of murder.
45. Killian
Of Irish origin meaning ‘little church,’ yet it also has associations connected to dark histories involving murder.
46. Roderick
This name means ‘famous power’ but can be tied back to tales involving bloody violence and murder.
47. Gale
While meaning ‘stormy,’ Gale’s association with chaos can be tied back to the idea of murderous events.
48. Lenore
This name, associated with darkness and mourning, is often linked with the aftermath of a murder.
49. Severus
This name suggests strictness or harshness, often tied to violent endings and murder.
50. Bartholomew
While meaning ‘son of the furrows,’ this biblical name is linked to martyrdom and tales of murder.
51. Zara
This name, meaning ‘princess,’ carries connotations of strength often seen in historical figures who have seen murder in their reigns.
52. Kalista
This name implies beautiful or most beautiful, but beauty has often been associated with motives leading to murder.
53. Desdemona
From Shakespeare’s Othello, this name relates to tragedy and ultimate murder within the storyline.
54. Tempest
Meaning ‘storm,’ Tempest is a powerful name indicating chaos that can accompany murder.
55. Hela
The goddess of death in Norse mythology, Hela represents the fate of souls, closely linked to murder.
56. Omen
This name signifies a prophetic sign, often seen before a murder or tragic event happens.
57. Kuro
This Japanese word means ‘black,’ often depicting the darkness associated with murder.
58. Cinder
The remnants left from fires, Cinder symbolizes destruction often linked to the aftermath of murder.
59. Cygnus
A constellation often linked to stories of tragic endings, including murder within their myths.
60. Neve
This name means ‘snow’ but often reminds us of coldness too similar to the feelings surrounding murder.
61. Lysander
This name carries historical references often tied to deadly alliances and murder.
62. Astrid
A Norse name meaning ‘divine strength,’ Astrid can symbolize a powerful woman often put in positions involving life and death.
63. Malachai
A name meaning ‘my messenger,’ associated with biblical stories including themes of murder.
64. Phoenix
This name represents rebirth, yet its connection to flames can symbolize destruction leading to murder.
65. Galeas
Derived from the Latin word for whirlwind, symbolizing chaos which can lead to murder.
66. Xanthe
A name meaning bright or golden, often linked with themes of beauty and the darker path to murder.
67. Angus
This Scottish name meaning ‘one strength’ has ties to violent conflicts leading to murder.
68. Vengeance
A name denoting desire for revenge often leads to murder in tales.
69. Sable
This name means ‘black’ and holds connotations of mystery often tied to murder.
70. Alaric
A name tied to rulers known for their mighty reigns, which were often filled with conquerings and murders.
71. Nihil
This Latin word means ‘nothing’ and can symbolize the emptiness felt in the wake of murder.
72. Juniper
While this name means ‘young,’ junipers are often linked with protection and death, symbolizing shades of murder.
73. Ember
This name denotes burning remnants, likened to destruction and outcomes of murder.
74. Circe
This name refers to a powerful figure in mythology known for her lethal spells leading to murder.
75. Fate
The inevitability of fate often leads to tragic circumstances, including murder, in many stories.
76. Wynne
Meaning ‘fair’ in Welsh, this name can also relate to deception leading to murderous intents.
77. Seren
Meaning ‘star’ in Welsh, the beauty of this name can be deceiving when linked to dark tales of murder.
78. Darius
This historical name connects to kings who waged war, often tied to murder for power.
79. Caelum
Derived from Latin meaning ‘sky,’ Caelum can symbolize lofty ideals often crushed by the weight of murder.
80. Cloak
Cloak can symbolize hidden actions or intentions often leading to murder.
81. Gloom
This name evokes feelings of darkness and can be interpreted in the context of murder.
82. Boer
This Afrikaans word meaning ‘farmer’ is linked to numerous historical conflicts leading to bloodshed and murder.
83. Ripper
A name that evokes the infamous Jack the Ripper, directly linking to acts of murder.
84. Lyra
This name means ‘lyre,’ but its constellation ties reflect myths that often involve tragic deaths and murder.
85. Nephthys
This name in Egyptian mythology represents the protection of the dead, which often connects to the darker side of murder.
86. Rahab
A name associated with darkness in biblical contexts, relating to the themes of betrayal and murder.
87. Azura
A name that often implies deep blue, but also hints at the darkness hidden beneath, relating back to murder.
88. Adira
This name means ‘strong’ in Hebrew, often implying the strength involved in dark actions, including murder.
89. Tempest
This name evokes a sense of stormy chaos, linking back to the violent outcomes like murder.
90. Dread
This extreme emotion commonly linked to fear can be brought on by thoughts of murder.
91. Vale
A name that signifies depth can also evoke the metaphorical depth associated with the end of life due to murder.
92. Simmer
This name describes a state of boiling, often linked metaphorically to heated emotions leading to acts of murder.
93. Venom
This name evokes images of toxicity that could be associated with violent acts, including murder.
94. Ethelred
This old English name means ‘noble counsel’ but also has ties to historical figures embroiled in murder.
95. Donovan
This Irish name means ‘dark’ or ‘brown,’ often associated with the darker sides of humanity and murder.
96. Aeris
This name symbolizes the air but can also encompass the idea of invisibility linked to underhanded acts like murder.
97. GNash
This name means ‘to grind one’s teeth’ representing anger often associated with murder.
98. Sloane
This Irish name means ‘warrior,’ reminding us of violence often associated with murder.
99. Orion
This name comes from Greek mythology, associated with heroic tales and often entwined with dark themes of murder.
100. memento
This Latin word means ‘remembrance,’ often evoking the memories of those lost to murder.
101. Caligo
Translating to ‘mist’ or ‘fog’ in Latin, it symbolizes the obscurity surrounding events of murder.
102. Raven
This name refers to a bird often related to omens and death, linking to themes of murder.
103. Venatrix
Latin for ‘huntress,’ the name evokes the idea of pursuit related to the act of murder.
104. Calamity
The word signifies disaster, often related to historical events involving murder.
105. Gorgon
In mythology, Gorgons symbolize fearsome images often leading to death and murder.
106. Hecate
The goddess of magic and witchcraft, often connected to themes of murder and dark rituals.
107. Scylla
This creature in mythology embodies danger and violence, commonly tied to killings and murder.
108. Caius
This name historically references figures of authority, often associated with ruthless decisions involving murder.
109. Jinx
This name suggests a curse or bad luck, often hinting at fatal outcomes, including murder.
110. Xanthus
Of Greek origin, this name means ‘yellow’ but can symbolize things turned deadly in war, leading to murder.
111. Iron
The strength of this name can refer to conflicts and violence, easily linking it to themes of murder.
112. Astraea
This goddess of justice connects to the severity end of life, often associated with murder and violence.
113. Alecto
As one of the Furies in Greek mythology, her name means ‘unrelenting,’ embodying revenge often leading to murder.
114. Revenant
This term for a spirit returning from the dead connects directly to the notion of murder and its aftermath.
115. Tira
This name suggests danger and conflict, reflecting the violent act of murder.
116. Cerberus
In mythology, this three-headed dog guards the underworld, touching on themes of death and murder.
117. Viper
The name of this snake implies danger, often directly correlating with murderous intentions.
118. Andromeda
A princess in mythology almost sacrificed to a sea monster representing the dark policies often leading to murder.
119. Kallistrate
This Greek name meaning ‘beautiful army’ hints at the tragedies tied with war and murder.
120. Alannis
This name can reflect the morning star, often related to the darker times preceding murder.
121. Umbra
This name means ‘shadow,’ implying the hidden, dark nature surrounding murder.
122. Valeera
A name suggesting a valley, which can metaphorically represent depths of despair often associated with murder.
123. Lentz
This surname meaning ‘in the valley’ may hint at hidden darkness in familial history tied to violence and murder.
124. Grendel
This creature from Beowulf relates directly to dark themes of murder and destruction.
125. Ravenna
A name meaning ‘raven,’ a bird often associated with omens surrounding murder.
126. Minerva
This goddess of wisdom can be invoked during betrayal, reflecting themes of murder through history.
127. Elira
This name means ‘freedom’ but can also signify liberation at the cost of violent interactions, including murder.
128. Osiris
The god of the afterlife in Egyptian mythology reflects the themes surrounding death and murder.
129. Phobos
This name means ‘fear’ in Greek mythology, hinting at the dread often tied to murder.
130. Elysium
A name representing paradise but often discussed in the context of sudden death or murder.
131. Zillah
Of Hebrew origin, this name means ‘shade’, which can imply darkness often associated with murder.
132. Arcana
This name refers to hidden secrets, often connected to plots and murders.
133. Hrestar
This name has ties to warriors, suggesting strength and violence often related to murder.
134. Vesperine
This name refers to the evening, which can represent the beginning of darker deeds, including murder.
135. Venatrix
A Latin name for ‘huntress,’ suggesting an edge tied to dangerous pursuits often leading to murder.
136. Niobe
A figure in mythology who lost all her children, linked with profound themes of loss and murder.
137. Nashira
This name is associated with the stars and the hidden dangers they can represent, including murder.
138. Kaliro
With roots in mythology, this name relates to dark avengers embodying murder.
139. Valda
This name means ‘powerful ruler,’ which can suggest forceful actions like murder to maintain control.
140. Calyx
A name that suggests a protective layer, often hinting at the events leading to murder.
141. Laeve
This name implies ‘mist’ or ‘fog,’ relating to the hidden circumstances often surrounding murder.
142. Veil
This name suggests concealment, echoing the hidden aspects often tied to murder.
143. Furia
A name representing the Furies, tying back to vengeance and acts of murder.
144. Sable
This name promotes imagery of darkness, synonymous with murder’s shadows.
145. Cimmerius
This mythological term is associated with the dark and hidden, representing the concealment of murder.
146. Raine
This name evokes images of storms, connecting to the chaos often seen with murder.
147. Noir
This French word for ‘black’ hints at the darker aspects of life and murder.
148. Delphine
While meaning ‘dolphin,’ this name is tied to the ancient Greek oracle, often linked with fatal predictions, including murder.
149. Felicide
This term literally means ‘cat killing,’ representing the darker side of nature linked to murder.
150. Morta
In mythology, Morta is a goddess of death, tying her very name back to the act of murder.
Final Thoughts
Names can carry deep and sometimes dark meanings, especially those associated with murder. From historical figures to mythical characters, each name tells a story about violence and its consequences. Some of these names evoke fear while others stir curiosity. It’s fascinating to see how various cultures wrap concepts of death and destruction into the names they use. This exploration into names that mean murder serves as a reminder of the complexity of human emotions tied to life’s most tragic events.
If you’re intrigued by the darker meanings of names, you can also check out our sections on names that mean murder and names that mean killer for more insights and stories. These names remind us of the narratives we create, whether through history, literature, or mythology.