Names can carry powerful meanings, often reflecting the traits or qualities of a person. Some names throughout history are associated with betrayal or treachery. These names might remind us of famous figures who turned against their friends or communities, leaving a mark in our stories and culture. Understanding the meanings behind these names can give us insight into human behavior and history.
Today, we will look at various names that mean “traitor.” We’ll explore their origins and the stories behind them. Whether you’re curious about the implications of these names or need inspiration for a character in your writing, there’s much to uncover. Let’s get started!
Names That Mean Traitor
1. Judas
The name Judas is most famously known in history as the name of the disciple who betrayed Jesus Christ. Its association with betrayal makes it a significant name in the context of treachery.
2. Brutus
Brutus is remembered for betraying Julius Caesar. The phrase “Et tu, Brute?” symbolizes the ultimate betrayal by a close companion, making this name synonymous with treachery.
3. Iago
Iago, from Shakespeare’s Othello, embodies the traits of deceit, making it closely associated with betrayal in literature. This name represents a cunning and treacherous character.
4. Delilah
Delilah is a name that stands for betrayal in the story of Samson. She used deceit to unveil his secrets, ultimately leading to his downfall, thus connecting her name to treachery.
5. Benedict
Benedict Arnold is known as the quintessential traitor in American history. Naming someone Benedict brings the idea of betrayal front and center in conversations.
6. Lucifer
Meaning “light-bringer,” Lucifer is often linked to betrayal as he is considered the fallen angel who revolted against God, showcasing themes of treachery and rebellion.
7. Achitophel
Achitophel is a biblical figure known for his treachery against King David, representing betrayal in political contexts, symbolizing disloyalty.
8. Cain
Cain committed the first act of betrayal in religious texts by killing his brother Abel. His name highlights the essence of treachery and discord among kin.
9. Malachi
In some interpretations, Malachi means ‘my messenger’, but he also conveys the idea of betrayal within certain texts that reference false prophets. It brings a nuance of treachery related to those who mislead.
10. Absalom
Absalom’s rebellion against his father King David is one of treachery. His name evokes stories of disloyalty, making it associated with betrayal.
11. Mephistopheles
A name steeped in betrayal, originating from the Faust legend. This character represents the essence of deceiving and tricking someone for personal gain.
12. Gollum
Gollum embodies the idea of treachery through the betrayal of Frodo in the quest for the One Ring, revealing the darker side of loyalty and friendship.
13. Espion
This name literally means ‘spy’ and embodies the idea of betrayal by gathering secrets and revealing them for personal gain, making it synonymous with treachery.
14. Cassius
Known for conspiring against Caesar, Cassius is directly tied to betrayal in Roman history, evoking a sense of treachery and betrayal among friends.
15. Lavinia
Lavinia is tied to the mythological character who faces betrayal, her name accumulating weight related to treachery and disloyal relationships.
16. Rohan
While Rohan is often associated with valor in literature, it can also be linked to betrayal within contexts where loyalties shift unexpectedly.
17. Faust
The name Faust represents betrayal of one’s principles in exchange for knowledge or power, tying it to treachery in moral dimensions.
18. Esau
Esau betrayed his birthright for a bowl of soup, showcasing treachery within familial bonds, and illustrating the concept of trading loyalty and trust.
19. Tarquin
The name Tarquin is associated with the last king of Rome who betrayed the trust of his people, making his name synonymous with treachery and tyranny.
20. Morgana
Morgana le Fay from Arthurian legend is often portrayed as a betrayer, twisting loyalty into machinations against the knights, symbolizing treachery.
21. Ethelred
Ethelred is remembered for his treacherous actions during Viking invasions, symbolizing betrayal in historical contexts.
22. Raven
Though often seen as a mystical figure, ravens are traditionally seen as harbingers of doom and betrayal, making this name carry a weight of treachery.
23. Nimrod
Nimrod, often referenced as a mighty hunter, can also represent betrayal in his direct opposition to God’s wishes, highlighting treachery.
24. Loki
Loki from Norse mythology symbolizes chaos and betrayal, often turning against friends, making his name synonymous with treachery.
25. Sirhan
This name is linked to Sirhan Sirhan, known for betraying a significant political figure, tying it to the narrative of treachery in history.
26. Ozymandias
His name, though often linked to power, also hints at betrayal as he let pride and arrogance betray his responsibilities towards his people.
27. Tiberius
Known for his betrayal towards fellow Romans, Tiberius stands as a name connected to treachery in political maneuvering.
28. Tantalus
Tantalus is known for betraying the trust of the gods, and his name highlights the concept of divine treachery in mythology.
29. Phaedra
Phaedra engages in betrayal within Greek tragedy as her love leads to disloyalty, making this name emblematic of treachery in relationships.
30. Varus
Varus is associated with betrayal in the Roman Empire, highlighting the treachery of turning against one’s own leaders for personal gain.
31. Clytemnestra
Clytemnestra betrays her husband Agamemnon in Greek myth, and her name resonates with themes of treachery and revenge.
32. Ananias
Ananias in the New Testament represents betrayal against the early Christian community, a name steeped in dishonesty and treachery.
33. traitor
The name itself explicitly conveys the meaning of treachery and betrayal across cultures and stories, connecting deeply with the concept.
34. Antigone
Antigone’s struggle against the betrayal of family loyalty mirrors themes of treachery in decisions of loyalty and justice.
35. Decius
Decius’ name is associated with betrayal in Roman history, standing as a reminder of confidence broken for personal benefit.
36. Coriolanus
Coriolanus is marked by betrayal of his own community, as he turns against Rome for personal gain, highlighting the theme of treachery.
37. Hester
In Hawthorne’s story, Hester Prynne faces betrayal from those around her but ultimately stands for loyalty, creating a complex bond with treachery.
38. MacBeth
Macbeth illustrates betrayal of friends through ambition, becoming a symbol of treachery in the pursuit of power in literature.
39. Demetrius
Demetrius’ character in A Midsummer Night’s Dream evokes the theme of betrayal in love, creating conflict within camaraderie.
40. Gaius
Throughout history, Gaius has been tied to betrayal in the political realm, acting as a reminder of mistrust and treachery.
41. Jafar
Jafar from the story of Aladdin embodies treachery through manipulation of trust in pursuit of power and riches.
42. Salome
Salome delivers betrayal through seduction, making her name symbolize treachery used as a weapon against loyalty.
43. Tybalt
Tybalt symbolizes betrayal in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet through his actions that disrupt peace and loyalty among families.
44. Judas Iscariot
The full name encapsulates the essence of treachery as it connects directly to betrayal within significant religious narratives.
45. Antistius
Antistius represents betrayal in historical accounts and drama, standing as an example of treachery within society.
46. Aladdin
Though generally associated with adventure, Aladdin’s journey also involves elements of betrayal in his relationships, coloring his narrative with treachery.
47. Brooke
For some, the name Brooke can symbolize betrayal in personal stories, as connections weaken within relationships over time.
48. Jada
In specific cultural narratives, Jada has connections to betrayal and deception, enriching the thematic significance of treachery within its context.
49. Hades
Hades, while often viewed as the god of the underworld, carries themes of betrayal where unfaithfulness leads to dire consequences in mythology.
50. Klytaimnestra
An alternate form of Clytemnestra, her name carries connotations of betrayal in tragic narratives within Greek lore.
51. Cassio
Cassio embodies traits of betrayal through misadventures in Othello, highlighting how deception affects trust among peers.
52. Croesus
The wealthy king whose greed leads to tragic betrayal showcases how ambition can intertwine with treachery throughout history.
53. Narcissus
Narcissus represents betrayal of self through obsession, conveying themes of treachery towards personal relationships.
54. Medusa
Medusa symbolizes betrayal through transformation, as her tragic tale speaks to disloyalty both in love and trust.
55. Richard III
This name brings to mind themes of betrayal in political settings, symbolizing the treachery inherent in the quest for power.
56. Judith
Judith is a name associated with the act of betrayal when she deceives Holofernes to save her people, a complex tale of treachery.
57. Malvolio
Malvolio’s actions in Twelfth Night illustrate betrayal in love and loyalty, showcasing the different facets of treachery in relationships.
58. Dorian
Dorian is often tied to betrayal of self and morals in literature, emphasizing treachery in pursuit of beauty and perfection.
59. Dolores
This name signifies sorrow, often connected with betrayal and heartbreak in personal stories, resonating with themes of treachery.
60. Abel
Abel’s story portrays the theme of betrayal within familial context, making his name symbolize treachery within relationships.
61. Grendel
Grendel’s treachery in Beowulf highlights the darkness that can befall loyalty and friendship, mapping the treacherous nature of some characters.
62. Schemer
A name that explicitly relates to betrayal by conniving behind one’s back, promoting the idea of treachery in friendships.
63. Septimus
With ties to deceit among political rivals, Septimus symbolizes treachery in leadership and governance throughout narratives.
64. Taras
Taras is sometimes linked to betrayal due to historical accounts where trust is lost, connecting it to themes of treachery.
65. Esmeralda
Esmeralda’s complexity involves themes of betrayal and loyalty, showcasing the dichotomy between trust and betrayal in folklore.
66. Vendetta
Vendetta implies betrayal against families and societal norms, linking to treachery as families seek revenge for perceived slights.
67. Lysander
While often seen as a romantic lover, Lysander’s actions involve elements of betrayal in relationships, showing the nuances of treachery.
68. Thersites
Thersites is a figure often associated with treachery as he betrays his own through mockery, illustrating the darker side of friendships.
69. Giglamesh
Giglamesh’s story hints at betrayal through alliances formed and broken, highlighting themes of treachery among ancient kings.
70. Lysimachus
Lysimachus represents the idea of betrayal within the shifting political landscape of history, underlining how trust can erode.
71. Circe
Circe symbolizes betrayal through manipulation of desires, showcasing themes of treachery within mythology.
72. Sten
Sten often signifies loyalty, but certain tales illustrate his betrayal in critical situations, weaving complexities around treachery.
73. Nezahat
This name implies betrayal within social circles, emphasizing the theme of treachery among friends.
74. Fenris
In Norse mythology, Fenris represents betrayal through defiance against the gods, encapsulating a sense of treachery in rebellion.
75. Argent
Although commonly meaning silver, in certain contexts it can symbolize betrayal due to its association with material gain, linking to treachery.
76. Phineas
Phineas carries a legacy of betrayal in biblical stories, focusing on treachery and revenge rooted in personal conflicts.
77. Nestor
As a wise figure, Nestor illustrates how betrayal can occur among allies, encapsulating themes of treachery in storytelling.
78. Pandora
Named after Pandora’s box, it evokes the treachery of unleashing chaos upon the world, symbolizing betrayal by unintentional actions.
79. Onyx
Onyx typically represents strength but can signify betrayal in contexts where loyalty is neglected in favor of personal gain.
80. Sphinx
The Sphinx symbolizes betrayal of knowledge and loyalty, often trapping those who seek riddles, reflecting elements of treachery.
81. Minotaur
The Minotaur embodies the betrayal of loyalty within mythology, highlighting themes of deception and treachery in ancient tales.
82. Alaric
As a name associated with betrayal within the Gothic tribes, Alaric brings forth themes of treachery in historical narratives.
83. Dijkstra
Dijkstra signifies a person known for double-dealing, where loyalty is sacrificed for personal ambition, thus linking it with treachery.
84. Remus
While his sibling story is about founding a city, Remus also showcases betrayal in loyalty, adding depth to the idea of treachery.
85. Cassiopeia
The name represents vanity and betrayal against the gods, intertwining treachery with themes of pride.
86. Salazar
Salazar is often associated with betrayal in history and literature, portraying the essence of treachery through conflict.
87. Bellatrix
Bellatrix from the Harry Potter series embodies betrayal through her allegiance to dark forces, intertwining treachery with loyalty.
88. Cerberus
This name represents betrayal to the living through allegiance to the underworld, underlining themes of treachery in mythology.
89. Vesper
Vesper signifies betrayal through the duality of night and day, representing the complexity of loyalty and treachery.
90. Acheron
Acheron symbolizes betrayal as it is one of the rivers in the underworld, connecting to the depth of treachery among souls.
91. Claudius
Claudius represents betrayal in historical narratives, illustrating political deception and treachery within Roman history.
92. Hecuba
In the Trojan war narratives, Hecuba represents betrayal within familial love, connecting her name with treachery in loyalty.
93. Eoewyn
Eoewyn signifies loyalty to a cause but can be twisted into themes of betrayal depending on context, showcasing the subtle nature of treachery.
94. Zorro
Zorro embodies the concept of betrayal as a masked hero perpetuating deceit for justice, discussing the complexities of loyalty.
95. Petronius
Petronius is often linked to political betrayal within literature, reflecting the essence of treachery through alliances.
96. Sanguine
The name Sanguine carries connotations of betrayal when referring to those whose loyalty wavers, intertwining with themes of treachery.
97. Isolde
Isolde highlights themes of betrayal in love, particularly related to romantic rivalries, linking her name with treachery.
98. Elysium
Elysium represents a paradisiacal place but signifies betrayal of mortal bonds and ties through ethereal connections.
99. Thalia
Though representing festivity in poetry, Thalia can also symbolize betrayal within the arts, subtly linking to treachery.
100. Echo
Echo is connected with betrayal through unreciprocated love and emotional treachery, resonating deeply within mythological tales.
101. Boniface
Boniface can link to betrayal in historical contexts, specifically during times of conflict, embodying treachery within loyalty.
102. Cerulean
Cerulean symbolizes loyalty to the sky but can symbolize internal struggles with betrayal and treachery in mythological narratives.
103. Selene
Selene, as the moon goddess, alludes to betrayal under the veil of night, symbolizing the twisting nature of loyalty.
104. Felix
Felix, which means happy, contrasts with betrayal in narratives—often a reminder of the darkness that looms behind smiles.
105. Astoria
While commonly symbolizing greatness, Astoria can hold an underlying meaning connected to betrayal in the quest for prestige.
106. Verity
Verity embodies truth, creating irony when associated with betrayal, where one’s loyalty may falter.
107. Lavinia
Lavinia often represents themes of loyalty but can intertwine with stories of betrayal reflecting on the human condition.
108. Perdita
This name expresses loss which often connects to betrayal, showcasing how trust can fracture over time.
109. Orion
Orion signifies strength but can hint at betrayal through loss of loyalty in certain contexts, amplifying themes of treachery.
110. Valor
Valor typically emphasizes bravery but can reflect betrayal when discussing those who falter in moments of trust, intertwining themes of treachery.
111. Selaphiel
With ties to divine betrayal in Christian texts, Selaphiel underscores the notion of treachery within faith and allegiance.
112. Téa
Téa symbolizes loyalty in friendships, yet the potential for betrayal remains, illustrating treachery in intricate personal relationships.
113. Winter
The name Winter symbolizes coldness but can evoke betrayal through neglect and broken connections, linking to feelings of treachery.
114. Andromeda
Andromeda represents loyalty in mythology but faces betrayal through sacrifice in narratives, enriching her connection to treachery.
115. Percival
Percival’s journey intertwines loyalty and betrayal as he seeks the Holy Grail, illustrating the complex nature of treachery.
116. Nereus
Nereus symbolizes loyalty to the sea, yet his tales can weave in themes of betrayal, highlighting treachery in mythological narratives.
117. Menelaus
Menelaus represents themes of betrayal within familial conflicts during the Trojan war, illustrating the fragility of loyalty.
118. Chiron
Chiron symbolizes wisdom but also betrayal through complicated relationships and loyalty, interlinking with themes of treachery.
119. Nyx
Nyx signifies night and can symbolize betrayal through the silent mechanisms of time, reflecting themes of treachery.
120. Honor
Honor expresses high integrity but relies on loyalty, where the absence of it can create betrayal, thus emphasizing treachery.
121. Quinn
Often exclusive to loyalty, Quinn can portray betrayal when creating narratives around complex friendships and treachery.
122. Florian
Florian symbolizes flourishing beauty but can encapsulate betrayal when ambition causes strife in relationships.
123. Juno
Juno’s loyalty often hinges on the narratives of betrayal among gods, collecting themes of treachery throughout mythology.
124. Lyra
Lyra can signify harmony but also embodies betrayal in harmonic dissonance, deepening ties to themes of treachery.
125. Zenith
Zenith represents the peak of success but hidden beneath lies potential betrayal, illustrating the duality of trust and treachery.
126. Aaliyah
Aaliyah stands for highness and nobility but connects to betrayal narratives through the struggles to maintain honor.
127. Moros
Moros symbolizes doom and fate that can intertwine with betrayal, accentuating themes of treachery in stories.
128. Leontius
Leontius embodies pride but visualizes potential betrayal through stories of dishonor and broken trust.
129. Talia
Though representing dew from heaven, Talia embodies betrayal through quiet motives in friendships, underscoring themes of treachery.
130. Vartan
Vartan signifies bravery but can also connect to betrayal through harsh decisions within loyalty, revealing aspects of treachery.
131. Laney
Laney embodies purity but can signify betrayal when navigating treacherous waters of relationships and trust.
132. Jareth
While primarily a strong name, Jareth has ties to deception and betrayal within personal bonds, linking to deeper themes of treachery.
133. Thetis
Thetis carries deep ties to loyalty, intersecting with themes of betrayal as her relationships unfold through conflicts in narratives.
134. Ember
Ember signifies a warm glow but can symbolize betrayal when those sparks extinguish trust, emphasizing themes of treachery.
135. Galatea
Galatea signifies beauty but hints at betrayal as stories intertwine with unfaithfulness, correlating with the essence of treachery.
136. Arachne
Arachne symbolizes betrayal in myth through her hubris, representing treachery born from ambition and pride.
137. Ashby
Ashby connects to trees but can hint at betrayal when observing loyalty in the beauty of nature, echoing themes of treachery.
138. Zephyr
As a windswept name, Zephyr implies change that can relate to betrayal within relationships, highlighting treachery.
139. Isolde
Isolde carries a romantic legacy but intertwines with betrayal through love triangles, deeply rooted in treachery narratives.
140. Aurelius
Aurelius signifies wealth but can symbolize betrayal where pursuit of gold overshadows loyalty, linking to themes of treachery.
141. Kiara
Kiara often evokes purity, yet through its complex narratives, it can also illustrate betrayal in relationships, reinforcing treachery.
142. Caspian
Caspian signifies the sea but hints at betrayal when navigating treacherous waters of relationships, thus connecting with themes of treachery.
143. Arwen
While Arwen symbolizes loyalty in friendships, her arcs reveal conflicts with betrayal, emphasizing themes of treachery.
144. Maddox
Maddox leads traditionally towards strength but can signify betrayal through conflicts of interest, showcasing treachery in relationships.
145. Blythe
Blythe signifies joy but hints at betrayal when unhidden motives unfold behind smiles, tying to themes of treachery.
146. Orion
In the night sky, Orion symbolizes bravery, yet storytelling weaves in betrayal within quests, linking it to treachery.
147. Kieran
Kieran carries themes of brightness but can illustrate the darkness of betrayal within relationships, enhancing the notion of treachery.
148. Quinn
While tied to wisdom, Quinn can symbolize betrayal when wisdom leads to dishonorable decisions, highlighting themes of treachery.
149. Vivienne
Vivienne signifies life but underscores betrayal through tales where loyalty meets deception, deepening treachery narratives.
150. Dagda
In Celtic mythology, Dagda symbolizes the duality of life and death, often including elements of betrayal, emphasizing the complexity of treachery.
Final Thoughts
Throughout history and literature, names that mean traitor reveal deep connections to themes of betrayal. From classic figures like Judas and Brutus to fictional representations like Iago and Delilah, these names carry powerful meanings. They remind us that the nature of loyalty can be fragile and often swayed by personal ambition or conflict. As we explore these names, we uncover layers of human behavior and moral dilemmas that challenge our understanding of trust.
Whether for character inspiration or to reflect on the timeless themes of loyalty and betrayal, understanding these names expands our perspective on human relationships. As we navigate our lives, let’s be aware of the careful balance between loyalty and treachery that can shape our personal narratives. If you’re interested in exploring more about names and their meanings, be sure to check out names that mean rebel or other intriguing topics on names.
Names often tell meaningful stories, and by exploring these names further, we open doors to understanding the complexity of human emotions and traits linked to betrayal.