230+ Names That Mean Death: From Rare to Popular

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Are you looking for names that mean death? You’re not alone.

Seeking names with meanings related to death is not uncommon. Death, a natural aspect of life, is perceived differently across cultures. While some may fear it, others see it as a part of life’s journey. Naming a child after death can be a poignant tribute, reminding us to cherish life and honor those who have passed.

Some popular names that mean death are Morana, Kali, Morrigan, Persephone, Arius, Athanasius, Azrael, Cain, Hades, Azrael, and Mara, to mention but a few.

Let’s dive deeper into our comprehensive guide on names that mean death to uncover their origins, mythologies, and cultural relevances.

Boy Names Meaning Death

Giving a baby boy a name that means death can be a bold and meaningful choice. These names are often associated with strength, power, and even immortality. Here are some popular boy names meaning death:

Admatha: This name comes from Persian mythology and means “deathless” or “immortal.” It was the name of a powerful demon who could grant wishes.
Ajal: In Sanskrit, ajal means “without death” or “eternal.” It is often used as a masculine name in Hindu culture.
Ankou: This name comes from Breton mythology and refers to a personification of death. Ankou is often depicted as a skeletal figure with a cart to transport souls to the afterlife.
Archemoros: In Greek mythology, Archemoros was a demigod known as “the bringer of death.”
Arius: This name comes from Latin and means “immortal” or “ever-living.” It is often associated with the concept of eternal life.
Athanasius: Derived from Greek, this name means “immortal” or “eternal life.” It is also the name of a saint in the Christian tradition.
Azrael: In Islamic mythology, Azrael is known as the Angel of Death, responsible for taking souls to the afterlife. The name means “helper of God.”
Cain: In Hebrew, Cain means “acquired” or “possession.” In the Bible, Cain is known as the first murderer and also represents death.
Hades: In Greek mythology, Hades was the god of the underworld and the dead. His name means “the unseen” or “the hidden one.”

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Girl Names Meaning Death

Girl names that mean death give off a mysterious and powerful aura. These death names are often associated with sorcery, darkness, and the afterlife. Here are some popular girl names meaning death:

Ankou: This name comes from Breton mythology and means “death” or “the reaper.” It is often associated with the legend of a skeletal figure who guides souls to the afterlife.
Azrael: In Islamic mythology, Azrael is known as the Angel of Death, responsible for taking souls to the afterlife. The name means “helper of God.”
Mara: This name comes from Hebrew and means “bitter.” It is also associated with death and destruction in Buddhism.
Morana: In Slavic mythology, Morana is the goddess of winter and death. Her name is derived from the word “mora,” meaning “nightmare.”
Kali: In Hinduism, Kali is the goddess of death, time, and destruction. Her name means “the black one” in Sanskrit.
Morrigan: This name comes from Irish mythology and refers to a goddess associated with war, fate, and death. It is also related to the power of transformation.
Persephone: In Greek mythology, Persephone was the queen of the underworld and represented death. Her name means “she who destroys the light” or “bringer of destruction.”
Abiba: In Swahili, abiba means “born during summer.” It is often used as a feminine name in African cultures.
Achlys: This name comes from Greek mythology and refers to the personification of misery and sadness. It is often associated with death and destruction.
Ahimoth: In Hebrew, ahimoth means “my brother is dead.” It is a unique name that represents life’s cycle and death’s inevitability.
Allani: It a name that originated from the Native American culture. It means “strong as death.”
Amaia: In Basque, amai means “the end” or “death.” It is often used as a feminine name and symbolizes the circle of life.
Archemoros: In Greek mythology, Archemoros was a demigod known as “the bringer of death.”
Baladan: This name comes from Babylonian mythology and refers to the god of death. It is often associated with darkness and mystery.
Brónach: In Irish, brónach means “sorrowful” or “melancholy.” It is often used as a feminine name and represents the sorrow of losing a loved one.
Chiwa: This name comes from Japanese and means “thousand springs.” It is often associated with the concept of rebirth and renewal after death.
Desdemona: In Greek, Desdemona means “ill-fated” or “wretched.” It is the name of a tragic character in Shakespeare’s play “Othello.”
Hel: In Norse mythology, Hel was the goddess of death and the underworld. Her name means “hidden” or “concealed.”
Lefu: In Sotho, lefu means “death.” It is often used as a masculine name in African cultures.
Lilith: This name comes from Hebrew and refers to a figure associated with darkness, death, and chaos. In some traditions, Lilith is also known as the Queen of Demons.
Morticia: This name became popular through the character in the “Addams Family” franchise. It combines the words “mort,” meaning death, and “-icia,” meaning feminine.

Names That Mean Death in Japanese

Here are 10 Japanese names that are associated with the concept of death, along with their meanings:

Akuma (悪魔)—This name means “demon” or “devil,” and it is often associated with malevolent forces and death.
Botan (牡丹) – While it translates to “peony,” this flower is often linked with death in certain contexts.
Shimetsu (死滅) – This name signifies “death and destruction,” indicating an end to existence.
Shirimu (死霧) – Combining “death” with “fog,” this name suggests something ominous and related to death.
Shinigami (死神) – Literally translating to “death god,” it refers to supernatural beings who guide souls to the afterlife.
Hakai (はかい) – This name means “annihilation,” indicating destruction or death.
Bohyou (墓標) – Translates to “gravestone,” a direct symbol of death and remembrance.
Kuchiki (朽木) – Meaning “decayed wood” symbolizes decay and the natural cycle of life and death.
Shi (死) – A simple yet profound name representing life and death.
Ketsuyuki (血雪) – Ketsuyuki combines the kanji for “blood” (血) and “snow” (雪), which could evoke imagery related to death or battle, symbolizing a scene where blood has stained the snow.

Gender-Neutral Names That Mean Death

As a parent, you may prefer a gender-neutral name that means death for your child. Here are some options to consider:

Thanatos: In Greek mythology, Thanatos personified death and mortality. The name is derived from the Greek word “thanatos,” which means “death.”
Taranis: This name comes from Celtic mythology and refers to the god of thunder and death. It is often associated with power and strength.
Kaida: In Japanese, Kaida means “little dragon” or “little serpent.” It is also associated with the concept of death and transformation.
Reaper: This name means “one who reaps” and is often used as a gender-neutral name. It refers to the Grim Reaper, a personification of death in Western culture.
Abiba – Abiba is a name of African origin signifying “the child born following the grandmother’s passing.”
Endymion: This name comes from Greek mythology and refers to a mortal loved by the moon goddess Selene. It also represents the concept of eternal rest in death.
Kai: In Hawaiian, kai means “sea” or “ocean.” It is also associated with the concept of the underworld and death in Polynesian mythology.
Nirvana: In Buddhism, nirvana refers to the state of enlightenment and liberation from suffering. It is often associated with death as an end to suffering.
Phoenix: This name has various meanings in different cultures but is often associated with death and rebirth. It refers to the mythical bird that rises from its ashes.

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Final Thoughts

Naming your baby names that mean death can be a bold and powerful choice. Whether you choose a name with a direct meaning or one with symbolic significance, remember that every name carries its unique story and connotation. So embrace the mystery and power behind these names, and celebrate life through honoring death.

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