Trust is an important part of relationships, and names can influence how people feel about each other. Some names carry meanings that suggest being untrustworthy or dishonest. These names might come from different cultures or languages, but they all share a common theme of betrayal or deception.
Today, we will look at a list of names that are often associated with untrustworthiness. Understanding these names can help you recognize the meanings behind them and how they might affect your perceptions of individuals. Let’s uncover some of these intriguing names and their meanings.
Names That Mean Untrustworthy
1. Delilah
The name Delilah originates from Hebrew, where it means ‘delicate’ or ‘weak’. However, in the biblical story of Samson, she is known for betraying him, which gives this name a strong association with untrustworthiness.
2. Jabez
Jabez means ‘sorrow’ in Hebrew. This name carries an implication of someone who brings trouble, possibly suggesting deceptive intentions or untrustworthiness.
3. Judas
Judas comes from the Hebrew name meaning ‘to be praised’. However, it is primarily known as the name of the apostle who betrayed Jesus, making it synonymous with betrayal and untrustworthiness.
4. Loki
Loki is a name from Norse mythology known for being the trickster god. His mischief and betrayal of the Norse gods associate this name with untrustworthiness.
5. Malina
In some cultures, Malina means ‘bad’ or ‘evil’. This name could evoke feelings of dishonesty or deception in those familiar with its meaning.
6. Khan
Khan means ‘king’ in Mongolian but can also connote a sense of treachery from historical figures known to betray their own people for power.
7. Cain
The name Cain, in Hebrew, means ‘to create’. However, it is notoriously remembered as the first murderer in the Bible, associating it with betrayal and untrustworthiness.
8. Hester
Hester means ‘star’ in Persian but is often related to the concept of masks in literature, symbolizing hidden intentions and deceit.
9. Trixie
This playful name has roots suggesting ‘bringer of joy’, but the name can also turn its associations towards trickery depending on its use in narratives.
10. Esau
Esau is a biblical name that means ‘hairy’ but is often related to untrustworthiness due to his deceptive transaction with Jacob for a bowl of stew.
11. Ananias
This name means ‘God has given’ in Hebrew. However, an infamous biblical story involves Ananias lying to the apostles, leading to a strong association with deceit.
12. Jezebel
The name Jezebel translates to ‘not exalted’ in Hebrew and is often linked to deceit and manipulative behavior, reflecting deep untrustworthiness.
13. Iago
In Shakespeare’s Othello, Iago represents the epitome of deceit and betrayal, making this name notoriously synonymous with untrustworthy traits.
14. Quinn
The name Quinn means ‘wise’ or ‘intelligent’ in Irish but can also denote unpredictability, hinting at untrustworthy behavior.
15. Mara
Mara means ‘bitter’ in Hebrew and might be used metaphorically to indicate someone whose intentions are not reliable.
16. Chava
This Hebrew name for Eve signifies ‘life’ but is often associated with her role in introducing sin, leading some to view it as a name of distrust.
17. Niamh
The name Niamh means ‘bright’ or ‘radiant’ in Gaelic, but its context in myth can tie it to characters known for betrayal.
18. Roderick
Roderick means ‘famous power’ in German, but historical figures with this name have sometimes been perceived as untrustworthy rulers.
19. Ophelia
While Ophelia means ‘help’ in Greek, her tragic story of madness in literature paints her character in a light of untrustworthy actions.
20. Mortimer
Mortimer means ‘still water’, which can imply hidden depths and secrets, suggesting untrustworthy qualities.
21. Magnus
This name means ‘great’ in Latin, but Magnus the Strong was often depicted as ruthless, leading to untrustworthy connotations.
22. Rhea
Rhea means ‘flowing’ in Greek mythology, but her betrayal of her husband Cronus makes this name carry untrustworthy implications.
23. Ahab
Ahab means ‘uncle’ in Hebrew, yet in the Bible, he is known for his idolatry and treachery, contributing to perceptions of untrustworthiness.
24. Tiberius
Tiberius, with Roman roots, means ‘of the Tiber’ but is associated with a ruler known for his suspicious and tyrannical behavior.
25. Belial
Belial means ‘worthless’ in Hebrew and is often used to describe someone deceitful, marking the name with untrustworthiness.
26. Ruth
While Ruth traditionally symbolizes loyalty, her story involves moments of manipulation that can lend a dual meaning in contexts of trust.
27. Azazel
This name translates to ‘scapegoat’ in Hebrew, conjuring themes of deception, especially in regard to blame and untrustworthiness.
28. Silas
Silas means ‘wood’ or ‘forest’, but some interpretations tie this name to characters with deceitful traits in literature.
29. Goneril
This name means ‘the queen’ but Goneril from King Lear is notorious for her treacherous and deceitful actions.
30. Asmodeus
Asmodeus is a demon’s name associated with lust and deception, marking it with distinct untrustworthiness connotations.
31. Malachi
This name means ‘my messenger’ in Hebrew, yet the character from the Bible displays untrustworthy tendencies in his stories.
32. Lancelot
Although Lancelot means ‘servant’ in French, he is often remembered for his love affair with Guinevere, marking him as untrustworthy.
33. Hades
Hades translates to ‘the unseen’ in Greek mythology. He rules the underworld, often associated with deception and mistrust.
34. Melisandre
This name means ‘dark’ or ‘black’ and is linked to a character whose manipulations lead to betrayal in literature, suggesting untrustworthy traits.
35. Ares
Ares, the Greek god of war, symbolizes violence and betrayal, often leading to views of untrustworthiness in mythology.
36. Selene
The name Selene means ‘moon’ in Greek, but several myths portray misdeeds and deceptive actions associated with this lunar figure.
37. Faust
Faust, meaning ‘fist’, relates to the idea of making a deal with the devil, embodying themes of betrayal and deception.
38. Nebuchadnezzar
This large name means ‘protect the crown’ but is associated with a ruler often seen as capricious and untrustworthy.
39. Eponine
Eponine is a name from French literature connected to untrustworthy behavior, adding to its seductive charm with a darker side.
40. Maleficent
This enchanting name is derived from ‘malefic’, meaning ‘evil-doer’, representing deceptive traits and untrustworthiness.
41. Merope
Merope means ‘amber’ in Greek but is linked to betrayal in myth, rendering it notable for untrustworthiness.
42. Cressida
This name means ‘gold’ in Latin yet comes from a character known for her treachery, linking it to untrustworthy behavior.
43. Philip
The name Philip means ‘lover of horses’ but some historical figures named Philip are viewed synonymously with betrayal, particularly in alliances.
44. Indra
Indra is a significant name in Hindu mythology, known for his deceptions in stories, hence representing untrustworthy traits.
45. Vanya
This Slavic name means ‘gracious’ but is ironically associated with characters known for their dual nature of trust and deceit.
46. Beatrix
Beatrix means ‘bringer of joy’ but is linked to stories where playful deceit results in untrustworthy behavior.
47. Raymond
Raymond means ‘wise protector’ in German but also evokes thoughts of betrayal in certain historical contexts.
48. Kora
Kora means ‘maiden’ but has dark undertones linked to myths involving deception, hinting at untrustworthy tendencies.
49. Dorian
Dorian means ‘of Doris’ and is tied to literature where themes of vanity lead to deceitful behavior, making it resonate with untrustworthiness.
50. Raven
This name connects with the bird often symbolizing mystery and deceit, reflecting traits of untrustworthiness in folklore.
51. Cassius
Cassius means ’empty’ in Latin but is historically remembered for deceitful actions, linking it to untrustworthiness.
52. Talia
Talia means ‘dew from God’ in Hebrew, yet its use in stories of betrayal can imply untrustworthy characteristics.
53. Duncan
Duncan means ‘dark warrior’ in Scottish, reflecting the potential for betrayal seen in Shakespeare’s portrayal.
54. Kira
This name means ‘light’ or ‘shine’, but is tied to classic tales involving deception, hinting at possible untrustworthiness.
55. Petyr
The name Petyr, familiar through literature, is often associated with treachery and deceitful acts, marking it as untrustworthy.
56. Cutter
Cutter usually means ‘to cut’ but can evoke a sense of betrayal in contexts of division and deceit.
57. Zaira
Though Zaira means ‘blooming flower’, certain tales connect this name to characters with deceitful traits.
58. Grendel
A character from Beowulf, Grendel symbolizes treachery and monstrosity, associating the name with untrustworthy qualities.
59. Circe
Circe, the Greek sorceress, is known for her deceptive and manipulative nature, directly linking her name to untrustworthiness.
60. Mordred
Mordred means ‘brave’ but is infamous for betrayal in Arthurian legend, intertwining untrustworthiness with its meaning.
61. Vesper
This name means ‘evening star’ but often represents duality and mystery in literature, hinting at untrustworthy behavior.
62. Tristram
Tristram means ‘tumult’ and is connected with a love triangle that results in betrayal, linking to untrustworthiness.
63. Selwyn
Selwyn means ‘sacred friend’ but bears ties to historical figures or folklore with dubious reputations, hinting at untrustworthiness.
64. Beowulf
This heroic name represents bravery but also reflects the complexities of betrayal found within its narrative.
65. Lysander
This name, meaning ‘liberator’ in Greek, can refer to Greek stories involving complex love triangles and untrustworthy behavior.
66. Hecate
The name Hecate is associated with witchcraft and is viewed in myths as both clever and deceitful, connecting to untrustworthiness.
67. Thorne
Thorne means ‘thorn bush’ but carries a vindictive association in literature, hinting at untrustworthy traits.
68. Zane
The name Zane means ‘God is gracious’, but its modern use often evokes stories of untrustworthy characters.
69. Malice
This name directly implies ‘ill will’, firmly establishing untrustworthiness through its meaning.
70. Nero
Nero means ‘black’ in Latin, and historical accounts show treachery and distrust, associating this name with deceit.
71. Scylla
Scylla, from Greek mythology, represents a deceptive monster, directly linking her name to untrustworthy characteristics.
72. Dorian
Dorian means ‘descendant of Dorus’ and is featured in narratives exploring themes of untrustworthiness and moral decay.
73. Nymeria
Nymeria means ‘warrior maiden’ but has ties to betrayal in stories, rendering it a name infused with untrustworthiness.
74. Chiron
Chiron, while a wise centaur, often faces betrayal in stories where trust is tenuous, linking his name to untrustworthy acts.
75. Helios
Helios means ‘sun’ in Greek but can refer to stories where solar deities are misrepresented, hinting at untrustworthiness.
76. Gwynevere
This name means ‘white phantom’ yet is intertwined with betrayal in Arthurian tales, giving it an air of untrustworthiness.
77. Isolde
Isolde is associated with tragic love and deception in literature, linking this beautiful name to untrustworthy themes.
78. Titania
This name, meaning ‘great one’, can be connected with trickery in fairy tales, hinting at untrustworthy characteristics.
79. Livia
Livia means ‘olive’ in Latin but can be associated with actions of treachery in historical narratives, marking it as untrustworthy.
80. Atticus
Atticus means ‘man of Attica’, symbolizing wisdom but occasionally depicting characters with deceptive inclinations, linking it to untrustworthiness.
81. Lyra
This name means ‘lyre’ and can refer to stories involving musical deceptions, making it overly linked to untrustworthy identities.
82. Alcide
Alcide means ‘strength’ in Greek but can also refer to characters whose power leads to betrayal, hinting at untrustworthiness.
83. Felix
This name means ‘happy’ or ‘fortunate’, but figures with this name in literature are sometimes tied to acts of deception, suggesting untrustworthiness.
84. Slytherin
This name is notably linked with cunning and deceit in the Harry Potter universe, making it synonymous with untrustworthiness.
85. Lorelei
Meaning ‘murmuring rock’, this name hints at a water goddess known for luring men to their destruction, marking her significantly untrustworthy.
86. Cora
While Cora means ‘maiden’, cultural stories represent her character’s untrustworthy traits through betrayal, suggesting deceitful qualities.
87. Sigmund
The name Sigmund means ‘protection through victory’ but also points to figures whose legacy includes treachery, hinting at untrustworthiness.
88. Circe
As a sorceress in Greek myth, Circe embodies manipulation, a perfect example of a name that signifies untrustworthiness.
89. Fabien
The name Fabien means ‘bean grower’ in Latin, but ties in literature suggest motives of deception, hinting at untrustworthiness.
90. Elysia
This name means ‘blissful’, yet narratives involving Elysian characters can hint at manipulative behaviors, connecting it to untrustworthiness.
91. Elara
Elara means ‘bright’ or ‘shining’, but its mythical connections also evoke themes of betrayal, suggesting untrustworthy tendencies.
92. Ariadne
Ariadne represents the labyrinth in Greek mythology, symbolizing the confusion and deceit that can lead to betrayal.
93. Calypso
Calypso is known for her cunning and manipulation in mythology, making this name a prime example of untrustworthiness.
94. Elda
This name means ‘warrior’ in Old English, but some narratives depict characters with Elda as untrustworthy in their pursuits.
95. Thalia
Thalia means ‘to flourish’, but literature often portrays her character with darker, deceitful undertones, linking to untrustworthiness.
96. Odile
The name Odile means ‘wealthy’, yet it may invoke connections with betrayal in fairy tales, suggesting untrustworthy traits.
97. Magnus
Magnus means ‘great’, but historical figures named Magnus often exhibited untrustworthy behavioral patterns due to their ambitious nature.
98. Tyrone
Tyrone means ‘land of Eochaid’ in Gaelic, yet its associations with betrayal in historical records mark it as untrustworthy.
99. Zara
This name means ‘blooming’ but can be linked to narratives of treachery, hinting at potential untrustworthiness.
100. Isabella
While Isabella itself means ‘pledged to God’, characters with this name in literature often face challenges intertwined with betrayal.
101. Aurora
Aurora, meaning ‘dawn’, has literary ties to characters whose actions lie in deception, making this name associated with untrustworthiness.
102. Adonis
Adonis means ‘lord’ in Phoenician, but figures associated with him in art often portrait the dual nature of charm and betrayal, hinting at untrustworthiness.
103. Balthazar
This regal name means ‘Baal protects the king’, yet some historical contexts show rulers named Balthazar as deceitful, linking it to untrustworthiness.
104. Darius
Darius means ‘upholder of good’, but his character variations often show betrayals in history, tying the name to untrustworthiness.
105. Fiona
Fiona means ‘fair’ in Gaelic but connections to characters whose actions betray trust render it associated with untrustworthiness.
106. Kieran
The name Kieran implies ‘little dark one’ and can relate to myths highlighting deceitful characteristics, hinting at untrustworthiness.
107. Xena
Xena means ‘guest’ in Greek. However, her reputation from TV as a warrior can evoke feelings of betrayal or deception, hinting at untrustworthiness.
108. Iris
This name means ‘rainbow’ but can represent a character in literature exhibiting duality through deceitful tale outcomes, relating to untrustworthiness.
109. Jareth
Jareth means ‘to descend’ and is famously portrayed with deceitful attributes in popular culture, making it resonate with untrustworthiness.
110. Violet
The name Violet means ‘purple flower’, but its essence in storytelling often implies treachery and untrustworthiness.
111. Enid
Enid means ‘soul’ but not infrequently appears in stories marked with acts of deceit leading to betrayal, linking it to untrustworthiness.
112. Ripley
Ripley means ‘river bank’ but is often associated with literary characters exhibiting questionable integrity, suggesting untrustworthiness.
113. Kiara
Kiara means ‘bright’ in Italian but can also relate to stories with a cunning nature, hinting toward untrustworthiness.
114. Selene
Selene means ‘moon’, often depicted as reflecting the duality that can implicate betrayal, linking it to untrustworthiness.
115. Elowen
This beautiful name means ‘elm tree’, but stories associated with characters bearing this name sometimes reveal betrayal, suggesting untrustworthiness.
116. Zara
Zara means ‘princess’ but is often represented in literary works where deception plays a critical role, hinting at untrustworthiness.
117. Thalia
Thalia means ‘to blossom’, yet in stories, she often represents double-crossing strategies linking the name with untrustworthiness.
118. Cassian
This Latin name means ‘hollow’ yet can evoke the sense of deceitful actions performed in literary works, connecting it to untrustworthiness.
119. Azura
Azura means ‘sky blue’ but connections through stories can expose themes of betrayal, linking it to untrustworthy attributes.
120. Gale
Gale means ‘joyful’ in Old English yet characters named Gale have been portrayed in narratives comprising deceit, suggesting untrustworthiness.
121. Noctis
Noctis derives from the Latin ‘night’, linking it to tales filled with deceit and intrigue, further connecting the name to untrustworthiness.
122. Mara
Mara means ‘bitter’ yet embodies narratives involving treachery, hinting at the untrustworthy nature through character representation.
123. Orion
This name means ‘rising in the sky’, yet legends connected to Orion often depict deceitful betrayals, hinting at untrustworthiness.
124. Lysandra
Lysandra means ‘liberator’ but can embody characteristics leading to treachery in narrative arcs, linking it to untrustworthiness.
125. Narkissos
This name means ‘narcissus’ but ties intricately into stories of narcissism and betrayal, marking it with untrustworthiness implications.
126. Donovan
This name means ‘dark warrior’, with connections to deceitful soldiers in folklore, hinting at untrustworthiness.
127. Nevaeh
This modern name is ‘heaven’ spelled backward but sometimes features in stories where deception leads to downfall and untrustworthiness.
128. Fenrir
Fenrir, from Norse mythology, signifies betrayal and untrustworthy behavior by being a powerful wolf that turns against Odin and the gods.
129. Elda
Elda means ‘fire sword’ and can hint at destructive betrayal portrayed in stories, linking it to untrustworthiness.
130. Parvana
Parvana means ‘butterfly’ in Persian yet can connect to tales expressing manipulative behaviors leading to untrustworthiness.
131. Kitsune
Kitsune means ‘fox’ in Japanese, a symbol of cunning and trickery, associating it closely with untrustworthiness.
132. Marvella
This name means ‘miracle’ but its connections to characters in narratives indicate potential for deceit, linking it to untrustworthiness.
133. Kadence
This modern name evokes feelings of rhythm and joy but could also connect to narrative arc implications of betrayal, hinting at untrustworthiness.
134. Zofiah
The name Zofiah means ‘seer’ in Hebrew yet can share ties to imagery hinting at deception within stories, marking it as untrustworthy.
135. Sylas
Sylas means ‘wood’ in Latin, sometimes associating with deceptive actions linked to the wilderness, hinting at untrustworthiness.
136. Nox
Nox means ‘night’ in Latin and often has connections to stories filled with secrecy and deceit, marking it as untrustworthy.
137. Elowen
This name means ‘elm tree’ but offers connections to myths where betrayal amongst the elements signifies untrustworthiness.
138. Nyx
Nyx means ‘night’ in Greek mythology and represents a goddess whose actions often cast shadows of deception, associating with untrustworthiness.
139. Corvus
The name Corvus refers to a ‘crow’, often linked in stories with cunning and deceit, evoking themes of untrustworthiness.
140. Wolfe
This name directly represents the animal yet often appears in tales involving betrayal, making it synonymous with untrustworthiness.
141. Jinx
This playful name represents ‘curse’ and naturally implies a connection to deceitful characteristics, hinting at untrustworthiness.
142. Lirael
This name means ‘song’ yet figures with this name in folklore can evoke traits associated with treachery, linking it to untrustworthiness.
143. Taliah
Taliah, meaning ‘dew of God’, portrays characters in narratives where cunning instincts lead to betrayal, hinting at untrustworthiness.
144. Ballard
Ballard, meaning ‘to sing’, can refer to songs depicting betrayal in narratives, tying this name to untrustworthy themes.
145. Caliban
Associated with Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Caliban signifies both wilderness and betrayal, linking the name to untrustworthiness.
146. Thorne
This name means ‘thorn bush’, symbolizing a deceptive or harmful aspect in tales, connecting it to untrustworthy characteristics.
147. Elara
Elara means ‘bright’, yet its storytelling often indicates deceptions hiding beneath the surface, hinting at untrusted nature.
148. Sable
This name means ‘black’ traditionally and evokes connections to dark deeds, hinting directly at untrustworthy actions.
149. Caden
Caden means ‘fighter’, hinting at betrayal in many historical contexts where trust might be compromised, linking it to untrustworthiness.
150. Aria
Though the name Aria means ‘air’ or ‘song’, its connection to tales can evoke themes of deception or betrayal, linking it to untrustworthy behavior.
Final Thoughts
Names can hold deeper meanings that reflect traits or behaviors. The list we’ve explored showcases names associated with untrustworthiness and themes of deception. From literary figures to historical names, these examples illustrate how names can influence our perceptions of trust. Understanding the meanings behind these names encourages us to think critically about their implications in our interactions and storytelling.
If you’re curious about more names associated with betrayal and deceit, be sure to check out discussions on names that mean liar and names that mean traitor. Exploring these themes can deepen your understanding of how names shape our views.
Names are not just labels; they tell stories and convey complexities about character. Whether in literature, history, or modern contexts, being aware of the potential meanings can enrich our understanding of the world around us.