Dark names are a part of our world and serve as a ballast for harmony. Every aspect of life includes light and dark, and we rely on comparisons. Not all names that mean dark are associated with the boogie man- some are adorable, charming, and outright electrifying!
We’ve compiled a mix of names meaning dark for boys and girls and filled in all the gaps with enlightening details for you to explore. You may be surprised at how many names with dark meanings give credence to the light.
100 Mysterious Names Meaning Dark for Boys and Girls
Discover the good and the bad in our list of names meaning dark, complete with enough information for you to make the best decision.
Adriana
Adriana is the feminine form of Adrian or the Roman Adrianus. Adriana relates to darkness through appearance. A dark complexion or dark hair is usually reason enough to choose this delightful girl’s name. Adriana is one of the most charming among girl names that mean dark, with little reference to evil or darkness. The nicknames “Adri” and “Anna” might be another reason to choose Adriana for your baby girl.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Of Adria, of the Adriatic, dark
- Pronunciation: ah-dri-AN-a, a-DHRYA-na
- Variations: Adriane, Adreana, Adrianna
- Popularity: Adriana is a widely popular girl’s name across the globe.
Achlys
Achlys derives from ancient Greek mythology, depicted on the shield of Heracles as a ghostlike image of an emancipated woman covered in tears, blood, and dust. Achlys is also described in Homer as the mist that covers the eyes before death. Achlys is one of the rarest names that mean dark, closer related to the darker side of life.
- Origin: Ancient Greek
- Meaning: Darkness, death-mist, mist over eyes
- Pronunciation: AY-klis, AK-lis, ak-LOOS
- Popularity: Achlys is a rare name across the world.
Akmad
Akmad is the diminutive of Muhammad after the Prophet Muhammad. Akmad is a glorious name in the Islamic faith as it celebrates religious faith. The meaning may be related to skin tone rather than dark forces.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Dark, praised one, highly praised, one who thanks God
- Pronunciation: AK-mud
- Variations: Ahmed, Ahmet
- Popularity: Akmad is a widely popular name among Muslim people.
Amaya
Amaya has two origins- in Japan, Amaya means “rain at night,” which suggests deep comfortable sleep, while in Spain, Amaya suggests the limit to something. Amaya is a neat feminine name that fits perfectly into girl names that mean dark.
- Origin: Japanese, Spanish
- Meaning: Rain at night, mother city, limit, border, the end
- Pronunciation: a-MA-ya, a-MIE-ya
- Variations: Amaia
- Popularity: Amaya is more popular in Spanish regions than in Japan.
Apollo
Apollo derives from Greek and Roman mythology as the son of Zeus and Leto. Apollo was the god of archery, art, truth and prophecy, healing, light, spring, poetry, music and dance, and much more. Apollo is the averter and destroyer of evil, and considering the concept of fighting fire with fire, Apollo is a dark warrior.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Averter of evil, destroyer
- Pronunciation: a-PAHL-o
- Popularity: Apollo ranked #448 in the U.S. in 2020 and is used worldwide.
Asra
Asra derives from the Arabic “isra” meaning “nocturnal journey.” As a Muslim first name, Asra means “generous, nobler.” There are several other virtue-style meanings of Asra in Arabic, and this classic name is also used for boys in some regions of the world.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: River of paradise, travel at night, nocturnal journey
- Pronunciation: AS-ra
- Popularity: Asra is a widely used name but is not very popular.
Azazel
Azazel is commonly referred to as the angel of death, a formidable figure in nightmares. In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Azazel is the name of a fallen angel or demon. The Hebrew meaning “scapegoat” refers to a whipping boy set up to take the blame. The literal scapegoat refers to a goat Hebrews would cast out to symbolize their atonement.
- Origin: Latin, Hebrew
- Meaning: Fallen angel, demon, scapegoat
- Pronunciation: a-ZA-ZEL
- Popularity: Azazel is widely used but not very popular in any particular region.
Baphomet
During the first crusade, the Turks called upon Baphomet, who scholars believe refers to Muhammad, the founder of Islam. Baphomet is possibly a medieval corruption of Mahomet, which appears in the inquisition of the Knights Templar as the alleged name of a Muslim or pagan idol. Baphomet is a winged man with the head of a horned goat. In the 19th-century, Freemasons were also falsely accused of worshipping Baphomet. The Satanic church currently houses a bronze statue of Baphomet at their temple headquarters in Salem, Massachusetts.
- Origin: Gnostics, Templars, Turks
- Meaning: Symbol of Satan, pagan idol, demonic horned god
- Pronunciation: ba-fo-met
- Popularity: Baphomet is a rare name across the globe.
Bellona
Bellona derives from the Latin “bellum,” meaning “war, conflict, struggle, fighting, battle.” Bellona is the ancient Roman goddess of war, called the sister of Mars by some scholars. Bellona is recognized by the military helmet worn on her head and is often depicted holding weapons of battle.
- Origin: Latin, Egyptian
- Meaning: Female goddess of destruction and warfare
- Pronunciation: be-LON-a
- Variations: Bellone
- Popularity: Bellona is a rarely used name.
Birsha
Birsha was the king of Gomorrah during the war of four kings against five kings in the book of Genesis. Birsha and Bera, the king of Sodom, fall into tar pits in the valley where the battle took place. Birsha is a reminder of the wrath of God.
- Origin: Israeli
- Meaning: An evil, a son who beholds, a son of wickedness
- Pronunciation: bir-SHA
Blake
Blake derives from the Old English word “blaec,” meaning “black,” and later became the nickname “blaac,” for someone with pale hair or skin. Blake was originally a surname, then a manly name before becoming popular as a unisex name, likely through Blake Lively from the TV series Gossip Girl.
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: Black, dark, bright, shining, pale
- Pronunciation: BLAYK
- Namesakes: Blake Tollison Shelton, an American country singer and judge on The Voice USA, who made his debut in 2021 with his hit song Austin.
- Popularity: Blake ranked #205 in the U.S. in 2021 and is widely popular in English-speaking countries.
Brangwen
Brangwen has a beautiful Welsh meaning that softens the image of the raven bird, usually associated with evil. Brangwen refers to light and dark with an overtone of purity. In Welsh mythology, Brangwen was a girl who turned into a bird, possibly a raven. The white could apply to her pale skin or hair, a sign of purity.
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Dark and pure, fair raven
- Pronunciation: bran-GWEHN
- Variations: Branwen
- Popularity: Brangwen is used in Wales but is not popular.
Brutus
Brutus of Troy was the founder and first king of Britain. Brutus is associated with the concept of treason, making Brutus an apt choice among boy names that mean dark. Brutus is also associated with power and strength. The phrase “Et Tu Brute” means “even you Brutus,” the words of Caesar when Brutus stabbed him in the back.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Heavy
- Pronunciation: BRU-tus
- Popularity: Brutus is widely used but uncommon among boys.
Cary
Cary stems from the Gaelic surname O’Ciardha but could also originate from the Welsh place name Carew. Cary is linked to Saint Clara, a 7th-century Irish saint. Although Cary is part of the dark names list, there is the blessing of purity over this adorable name.
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: Dark one, pure
- Pronunciation: KERH-ee
- Variations: Carey, Carrey
- Popularity: Cary is popular in many English-speaking countries around the world.
Charna
Charna derives from a Slavic word meaning “black” and is usually given to baby girls born with pitch black hair. Charna is a soft feminine name with a neutral meaning that will suit any baby girl.
- Origin: Yiddish
- Meaning: dark, black
- Pronunciation: CHAR-na
- Popularity: Charna is a rare girl name but fairly popular in Israel.
Chernobog
Chernobog derives from Slavic “cherno” meaning “black” and “bogu” meaning “god.” Chernobog is the Slavic god of darkness, evil, and grief and one of the world’s most popular Slavic gods. The Polabian Slavs worship Chernobog, or the god of bad fate, referred to as the cult of Chernobog by scholars. Chernobog and Baphomet lead the pack among boy names that mean dark.
- Origin: Slavic
- Meaning: God of darkness, black God
- Pronunciation: CHE-rr-no-BOG
- Popularity: Chernobog is a rarely used name.
Ciaran
Ciaran derives from the Irish element “ciar” meaning “black, dark, blacky” and is the masculine form of Ciara. Ciaran was popularized by Irish saints in the 5th-century, belonging to the first saint born in Ireland, but the fact that he preceded Saint Patrick is hotly debated to this day. The black aspect is associated with hair color and the meaning carries this through in an endearing manner.
- Origin: Gaelic, Irish, Scottish
- Meaning: Little dark one, little dark-haired one
- Pronunciation: KEE-a-ran
- Variations: Kieran
- Namesakes: Ciarán Hinds, an Irish actor known for his role in The Sum of All Fears.
- Popularity: Ciaran ranked #79 in Ireland in 2017 and is widely used in English countries.
Cole
Cole derives from an Old English surname from the bynames “Cola,” and “Charcoal.” Cole refers to a person with a dark complexion, either naturally or from working with coal. Coal is also a nimble boy name that is neutral and accepting of all people.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Swarthy, coal black
- Pronunciation: KOL
- Popularity: Cole is widely popular in western countries.
Colin
Colin is said to derive from the Old Norse “Kollungr” meaning “dark,” referring to someone with a dark or swarthy complexion. Colin is the diminutive of Nicholas, and interestingly, Collins is one of the more popular surnames in Ireland.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Swarthy, dark
- Pronunciation: KOL-in
- Variations: Collin, Collyn
- Namesakes: Colin James Farrell, an Irish actor known for his role in The War Zone film.
- Popularity: Colin ranked #269 in the U.S. in 2021 and is popular worldwide.
Colton
Colton is a British name derived from the English midlands during the industrial revolution when coal was mined excessively in that region. A possible origin is the place name, Cola’s town, where “cola” refers to coal, and “tun” means “enclosure or settlement.” Colton began as a typical blue-collar name used among coal miners. Today, Colton is a much-loved name, and the nickname Cole is just as popular.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Swarthy person, coal town,
- Pronunciation: KOL-tan
- Variations: Colten, Kolton
- Popularity: Colton ranked #74 in the U.S. in 2021 and is widely popular in English-speaking countries.
Corvina
Corvina is the feminine version of Corvinus, deriving from the Latin “corvus” meaning “raven, crow,” also interpreted as “dark.” In Denmark, the night raven is considered an exorcised spirit with a hole in the left wing that was paled to the earth. Anyone who looks through the hole becomes a raven themselves. Corvina is one of the most unusual girl names that mean dark.
- Origin: Latin, Late Roman, German
- Meaning: Dark-haired raven
- Pronunciation: cor-VEE-na
- Popularity: Corvina is widely used in German-speaking countries but rare elsewhere.
Cozbi
Cozbi is an ancient Hebrew name derived from the Semitic root “kzb” meaning “to deceive, disappoint.” Cozbi was the name of a Midianite woman who became the wife of the Israelite Zimri. The Lord objected to the Israelites mixing with the Midianites, as it often led to Baal worship. Phinehas slew Cozbi and Zimri with one thrust of his spear to stop a plague sent by God.
- Origin: Ancient Hebrew, Israeli
- Meaning: Liar, getting away
- Pronunciation: KOZ-bi
- Variations: Kozbi
- Popularity: Cozbi is a rarely used name.
Cronan
Cronan derives from the Irish Gaelic “cron,” meaning “swarthy,” referring to dark physical features. Cronan was the name of two 7th-century Irish saints revered as miracle workers. Cronan shines a brilliant light on dark names.
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic
- Meaning: Dark one
- Pronunciation: KRO-nan
- Popularity: Cronan is widely used in Irish communities but is not very popular.
Daeva
Daeva is said to be of Indian origin, meaning “evil spirit,” but the Lithuanian origin gives a more relatable meaning, including “beloved.” Daeva is the Slavic feminine form of David which means “beloved,” but in the Avestan language, “daeva” or “daiva” refers to a supernatural entity with bad qualities. Daeva could be a dark beauty and may create confusion relative to the different cultural meanings.
- Origin: India, Lithuanian, Slavic
- Meaning: Evil spirit, Beloved, supernatural entity
- Pronunciation: DAY-va
- Popularity: Daeva is a rarely used name.
Dagon
Dagon has many origins and meanings but primarily relates to the sea. In Hebrew mythology, Dagon was the Jewish fertility god who was half-man and half-fish. In Arabic, Dagon simply means “rain cloud,” but historically, Dagon was a Prince of Hell and one of the first demons created by Lucifer.
- Origin: Hebrew, Arabic,
- Meaning: Be cut open, devil of the sea, rain cloud
- Pronunciation: day-GON
- Popularity: Dagon is primarily used in southeast Asia but is a scarce name.
Daray
Daray is of Celtic, Irish origin and was used as a surname in America from the mid-1800s onward. The origin and meaning is identical to Dargan, referring to one with dark hair. Daray is a fashionably cute name on the list of names with dark meanings
- Origin: Celtic, Irish
- Meaning: Dark
- Pronunciation: de-RAY
- Popularity: Daray is widely used but not popular.
Darcel
Darcel stems from an English surname derived from the Norman French “d’Arcy.” Arcy is a village in Normandy and also refers to physical characteristics such as being dark-skinned or dark-haired. Darcel is one of the nicer names meaning dark.
- Origin: French, Irish
- Meaning: Dark one, from Arcy, from the fortress
- Pronunciation: DAR-sell
- Variations: Darcy
- Popularity: Darcel is widely used in English-speaking countries.
Dargan
Dargan is a shortened anglicized form of the Gaelic “O’Deargain” and simply means “dark-haired.” In the Americas, 42% of people have the surname Dargan, but as a first-name, it’s also on the rise. Dargan is an unusual name with a punchy pronunciation and will make an excellent choice for your little one.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Dark-haired
- Pronunciation: DAY-gan
- Variations: Deegan
- Popularity: Dargan is used worldwide but is more common as a surname.
Deianira
Deianira derives from ancient Greek mythology. She was a princess and wife to Hercules, whom she murdered using the poisoned shirt of Nessus. The meaning derives from this fable but is somehow not fully accepted as an evil deed.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Man-destroyer
- Pronunciation: DEE-a-ni-rah
- Popularity: Deianira is a widely used name but popular in any specific region.
Delaney
Delaney derives from the Gaelic “O’Dubhshlaine” consisting of two elements, “dubh” meaning “dark, black” and “Slaine” from the river Slaine in Ireland. The Slaine river is believed to be a river of health that is a blessing when used in a name. Delaney is a dark warrior who is unafraid of a challenge.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Dark challenger
- Pronunciation: di-LAYN-ee
- Popularity: Delaney ranked #269 in the U.S. in 2021 and is popular worldwide.
Devlin
Devlin derives from the Gaelic term “dobhail” meaning “unlucky” which was used to create the Irish surname O’Doibhilin. Being a “descendant of the unlucky one” does not necessarily mean that bad luck is inherited. Devlin may have dark features, but Devlin is not party to dark magic or any sinister forces.
- Origin: Irish, Scottish
- Meaning: Descendant of the unlucky one, dark one
- Pronunciation: DEV-lin
- Popularity: Devlin is a widely used, popular name.
Dolion
Dolion stems from the ancient Greek “dolios” meaning “crafty, deceitful, treacherous.” The Latin meaning is “trojan spy” which falls in with the Greek meaning. Dolion is a Greek mythological name, Silenus’s son, and a Meliad nymph.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Deceitful
- Pronunciation: DOO-leon
- Popularity: Dolion is not a common name.
Donovan
Donovan derives from the Irish surname O’Donndubhain composed of two elements, “donn” meaning “brown” and “dubh” meaning “dark, black.” Donovan actually means “the dark lord, gloomy man, dark man.” Although not a dark-sounding name Donovan has an aura of strict authority that shines through in the meaning.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Dark warrior
- Pronunciation: DAHN-a-van
- Popularity: Donovan ranked #423 in the U.S. in 2021 and is popular in Australia and other English-speaking countries.
Doug
Dough is the short form of Douglas, derived from the Scottish “dubh” meaning “dark” and “ghlas” meaning “stream, river.” Douglas originated as a surname, and the Douglas’s were one of Scotland’s most powerful families during the Middle Ages. Doug is a masculine name and is relatable, more for the courage and strength of the Scottish clan than for its misleading meaning.
- Origin: Gaelic, Scottish
- Meaning: Dark, black, black water
- Pronunciation: DUG
- Popularity: Dough ranked #739 in the U.S. in 2021 and is popular worldwide.
Duna
Duna is the short form of Dunabey as in the Dunabey river in Europe and means “dark, swarthy” in Irish. Duna is also of Hungarian and Icelandic origin and relates to duck down, meaning “eiderdown.” In Hungarian, Duna refers to the Danube River. Duna is a sweet feminine option among girl names that mean dark.
- Origin: Irish, Hungarian, Icelandic
- Meaning: Dark, swarthy, eiderdown
- Pronunciation: Duw-NAH
- Popularity: Duna is not a very common name.
Duncan
Duncan is of Gaelic origin and derives from Donnchadh, meaning “brown warrior, dark head, brown-haired man.” Duncan MacLeod is an immortal character in the fictional Highlander multiverse, but in the real world, he is considered one of the great boy names that mean dark
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: Dark warrior
- Pronunciation: DUNG-ken
- Popularity: Duncan ranked #978 in the U.S. in 2020 and is very popular in Scotland and other English-speaking regions worldwide.
Duvessa
Duvessa is the anglicized form of the Gaelic Dubh Essa, used by M.J. Molloy in his 1964 comic play The Wooing of Duvessa. Duvessa is a relatively new name and has not had the same exposure as other dark names.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Dark beauty
- Pronunciation: Du-ves-SA
- Variations: Dubhessa
- Popularity: Duvessa is a sparsely used name that does not register on popular name lists.
Dwade
Dwade is an American combination name composed of Dwayne, meaning “dark” and Wade meaning “to go.” Wade is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English verb “wadan” or “wada.” Dwade is an adventurous boy name that means dark.
- Origin: American, English
- Meaning: Dark traveler
- Pronunciation: DWAYD
- Variations: D’Wade, DeWade
- Popularity: Dwade is widely used in the U.S. but not very common.
Dwayne
Dwayne derives from the Gaelic surname O’Dubhain where “dubh” means dark. Dwayne is associated with the church of Dubhan, an important cleric in Medieval times, but today, the church is merely a ruin. The spelling seems to have been influenced by the name Wayne.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Dark-skinned, dark-haired, of dark complexion, dark one
- Pronunciation: DWAYN
- Variations: Duane, Dwain, Dwaine, Dwane
- Popularity: Dwayne is widely used in English-speaking countries but not very popular.
Ebony
Ebony derives from the Latin “hebenus” from the Greek “ebenos” meaning “ebony, intense blackness.” Ebony also derives from the Hebrew root “eben” possibly from the Egyptian “hbnj” which refers to wood as hard as stone. Interestingly, the black keys on a piano were originally made from ebony wood.
- Origin: Latin, Greek, English, Egyptian
- Meaning: Dark wooded tree
- Pronunciation: EHB-an-ee
- Popularity: Ebony is widely popular in central and southern Africa, Scandinavian countries, and the U.S. Ebony also ranked #507 in England in 2020.
Enyo
Enyo stems from Greek mythology and is the goddess of destructive warfare. She was known to be bloodthirsty and a companion of Ares. Enyo derives from the Greek “enuo” meaning “warlike” and is often called “the sister of war.” The equivalent to Enyo in Roman mythology is Bellona.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Goddess of destructive warfare
- Pronunciation: i-NEE-o
- Popularity: Enyo is a rare name around the world.
Erebus
Erebus is the god of darkness and shadow in Greek mythology, known as one of five beings in existence, born from Chaos. Erebus could be considered a strong boy name despite the gloomy origin. Of the boy names that mean dark, Erebus is possibly the pick of the litter.
- Origin: Ancient Greek, Ancient Roman
- Meaning: Deep darkness, shadow
- Pronunciation: HER-a-bas
- Variations: Erebos
- Popularity: Erebus is widely used in central and southern Europe.
Esmeray
Esmeray derives from the Turkish “esmer,” meaning “dark,” and “ay” meaning “moon.” Esmeray has a romantic feel, perhaps a degree of sophistication too, but there are no signs of any evil in this charming female name. Esme or Ray are both adorable nicknames.
- Origin: Turkish
- Meaning: Dark moon
- Pronunciation: ES-me-rye
- Popularity: Esmeray is widely popular in Muslim countries and is also used in other countries.
Gedeon
Gedeon derives from the Hebrew “Gid’on.” The story of Gideon is in the Book of Judges and Epistle in the Hebrew Bible, showing him to be a man of great faith. A feast day on September 26 is celebrated in honor of Saint Gideon. Gedeon is a safe name choice complimented with the nickname Deon.
- Origin: Latin, Hebrew
- Meaning: Destroyer, feller of trees, blaster, mighty warrior
- Pronunciation: GEE-DION
- Variations: Gideon
- Popularity: Gedeon is popular in Sweden, while Gideon is popular worldwide, ranking #310 in the U.S. in 2021.
Gethwine
Gethwine is a charming Welsh name related to dusk. The pronunciation has an air of grace and dignity, while the meaning is so down to earth and in touch with contemporary times. Gethwine has not featured on any top names lists in history but perhaps that is about to change like the climate.
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Dusky one, dark-skinned friend
- Pronunciation: GETH-win
- Popularity: Gethwine is a rare name around the world.
Hadrian
Hadrian is famously associated with the Roman emperor, who ordered the construction of Hadrian’s Wall across northern England. Hadrian is a revered historic Roman name, still prominent in our modern times. Hadrian was the name of several saints and six popes, including the only English pope.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Dark-haired, from the city of Hadria
- Pronunciation: HAY-dree-en
- Popularity: Hadrian is a commonly used name in some western countries.
Hecate
Hecate stems from Greek mythology and is the goddess of magic, night, moon, ghosts, and necromancy. She is associated with witchcraft, crossroads, tombs, demons, and the underworld. Hecate is often depicted holding a pair of torches, a key, and snakes and is sometimes accompanied by dogs. As part of girl names that mean dark, Hecate reaches beyond mortal life into the void of the afterlife.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Willpower, far-reaching
- Pronunciation: HEHK-a-tee
- Variations: Hekate
- Popularity: Hecate is not a commonly used name.
Helmer
Helmer is the variant form of Athalmar, Adalmar, and Heilmar. Helmer derives from German and Dutch elements, with “helm” meaning “helmet protection” and “heri or hari” meaning “army.” Helmer is a strong warrior name and a rare gem among dark names.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Warrior’s wrath
- Pronunciation: HEHL-mehr
- Variations: Heilmar, Helmerich
- Popularity: Helmer is popular in Nordic countries but uncommon elsewhere.
Heolstor
Heolstor is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is associated with darkness. Perhaps, Heolstor refers to the absence of light and is not connected to evil yet little is known about this name. Heolstor is not easy to pronounce and may prove to be a difficult name to relate to.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Darkness, of the darkness
- Pronunciation: HHIY-LST-er
- Popularity: Heolstor is a rare name across the world.
Hunapo
Hunapo is a typical Polynesian name used as a first name and surname. Hunapo is commonly used in New Zealand and the Pacific islands and is given to both boys and girls as a first name. Hunapo is one of the more mysterious names that mean dark.
- Origin: Maori
- Meaning: Hidden darkness
- Pronunciation: WHO-na-po
- Popularity: Hunapo is widely used in Polynesian Island countries.
Inola
Inola is the female variation of two native American boy names- Inali and Enoli. Inola has a different meaning to the English Enola featuring as part of the aircraft name that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Enola means “solitary” and, when written backward, spells “alone.” Inola is a beautiful nature-inspired feminine name, and the black fox has awesome characteristics for a little girl to emulate.
- Origin: Cherokee American
- Meaning: Black fox
- Pronunciation: EE-no-la
- Popularity: Inola is a rare name.
Jaakobah
Jaakobah derives from the Latin “Iacobus” and Greek “Iakobos” meaning “supplanter, heel-grabber, leg-puller.” Jaakobah also stems from the Hebrew “Ya akov” meaning “to follow, be behind,” referring to Jacob’s birth. Jacob is revered as a Prophet of Islam and is a commonly used name in Arab and Muslim communities. Jaakobah is the more formal version of Jacob and is deeply rooted in many cultural traditions.
- Origin: Latin, Greek, Hebrew
- Meaning: Deceiver
- Pronunciation: JAA-KOO-bah
- Popularity: Jaakobah is widely used in some regions but is not very popular.
Jemisha
Jemisha is a charming Hindu girl’s name meaning “queen of the night, queen of darkness, monarch of the night.” Jemisha is a stately name tied in with girl names that mean dark and has a sense of calmness and peace towards the dark of night.
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning: Queen of darkness
- Pronunciation: je-MEE-sha
- Popularity: Jemisha is popular in India and Pakistan but less used elsewhere.
Jetta
The Latin meaning of Jetta derives from a black gemstone called “jet.” Jetta also means “home-ruler,” taken from Henriette, and is the short version of Henriette. This virtuous girl’s name might just be the gem you’re looking for.
- Origin: Danish, Latin
- Meaning: Home ruler, jet black
- Pronunciation: YEH-ta
- Popularity: Jetta is an uncommon name across the world.
Kali
Kali is a given name for girls in India but is also used for boys. Kali is the Hindu goddess of destruction and the wife of Shiva. She is usually depicted with black skin and four arms, holding a severed head with a sword in hand. Kali is seen as the fierce side of the goddess Devi, representing wrath and destruction, which fits with other fascinating dark names.
- Origin: Indian
- Meaning: Goddess of destruction, the black one
- Pronunciation: KAH-lee
- Popularity: Kali is widely popular and ranked #283 in the U.S. in 2021.
Keir
Keir derives from the Gaelic name Ciaran meaning “little dark one.” Keir is a Scottish place name and a common surname. It relates to dark physical features and was used by many saints in history. Saint Ciaran was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. Keir is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a name with a dark meaning that isn’t actually dark.
- Origin: Irish, Scottish, English
- Meaning: Dark-haired, dark-skinned
- Pronunciation: KEER
- Popularity: Keir is widely popular in English-speaking countries.
Keket
Keket is the mythical goddess of darkness with great leadership skills and independence. Keket is a short two-syllable girl name, easy to pronounce and remember. Although Keket is dark-sounding, many virtues are embedded in this ancient name that will serve as a life guide.
- Origin: Egyptian
- Meaning: Goddess of darkness
- Pronunciation: ke-KET
- Popularity: Keket is very popular in Egypt and the Middle East.
Keres
Keres relates to evil spirits in Greek mythology. The Keres were goddesses of death and daughters of Nyx, the Greek goddess of night. The Keres were drawn to bloody deaths on battlefields but did not have the power to kill. The Latin name for the Keres is Tenebrae meaning “the darkness,” and they were the daughters of Erebus and Nyx. Keres is a gloomy name and rises to the top of names meaning dark.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Death spirits
- Pronunciation: KEHR-is
- Popularity: Keres is not a commonly used name.
Kerry
Kerry derives from the Gaelic “ciaran” meaning “little dark one.” Kerry also originates from the Irish county Ciarrai which means “Ciar’s people.” Either way, Kerry is a powerful gender-neutral name that sheds light on our contemporary times.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Dark, dark-haired
- Pronunciation: KEHR-ee
- Variations: Keri, Kerri, Kerrie
- Popularity: Kerry is a fairly popular name in western countries.
Keyara
In Latin and Italian, Keyara means “clear, bright, famous,” and the Irish meaning is “black.” Keyara is a spelling variation of Kiara, which also has different origins. Kiara stems from Ciara, the feminine version of Ciar of Irish origin. Chiara is the Italian form of Clara, which stems from the Latin Clarus. Keyara has a modern flair, and there is way more brightness to Keyara than darkness.
- Origin: Latin, Italian, Irish
- Meaning: The little dark one, beautiful river
- Pronunciation: kee-AHR-uh
- Variations: Kiara, Ciara, Chiara
- Popularity: Keyara is widely used but not very popular.
Kimimila
Kimimila is a stunning Dakota girl name from the Americas that means “dark-skinned” and “butterfly.” Dark skin symbolizes beauty and health as it offers greater protection and has an alluring sheen in the sunlight. There are so many nickname options for Kimimila, such as Kim, Kimmie, Mila, Milly, and many more.
- Origin: Native American Dakota
- Meaning: Dark-skinned
- Pronunciation: KAH-mee-mila
- Popularity: Kimimila is a rare name across the world.
Kishi
In Hebrew, Kishi (Kushaiah) is the name of the Old Testament Merarite and the father of Ethan, the minstrel. In Hebrew, Kishi is a male-given name. In Japanese, Kishi means “night, beach, or shoreline” and was very popular during the Edo period from 1603 to 1868. Kishi is now a rare name in Japan for no particular reason.
- Origin: Hebrew, Japanese
- Meaning: Night, beach, seashore
- Pronunciation: KSHEE, KEE-SHEE, KI-SHI
- Variations: Kushaiah
- Popularity: Kishi is a rare name, not listed on top-name lists.
Kuragari
Kuragari translates to “dark” in Japanese. An unverified Indonesian source claims Kuragari is a fictional character of the god of darkness. Kuragari is also a rare surname found in Europe, especially in the East Slavic region of Europe, and primarily used in Russia.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: Darkness
- Pronunciation: KOO-RA-GA-RI
- Popularity: Kuragari is a rare name across the world.
Lamya
Lamya is a common name for girls among Muslim people. Lamya is of Arabic origin but has roots in Libya and Greece and derives from Lamia or Lamiya, meaning “shining, radiant.” Lamya is growing in popularity in southeast Europe, with several influential people bearing this delicate feminine name.
- Origin: Arabic, Libyan, Greek
- Meaning: Dark complexion, having dark beautiful lips
- Pronunciation: lam-YA
- Popularity: Lamya is popular in North Africa and the Middle East but rare elsewhere.
Layla
Layla derives from the Hebrew element “layl” meaning “night.” In Arabic, Layla is a dark beauty and is the subject of the poet’s unrequited love in the Quys and Layla story. Layla is associated with the beauty that can sometimes be cold, but it’s the meaning that places Layla among the daring girl names meaning dark.
- Origin: Persian, Arabic, Hebrew
- Meaning: night, dark, dark beauty
- Pronunciation: LIE-la, LAY-la
- Variations: Laila, Leila, Laylah, Leyla, Lejla, Leighla
- Namesakes: Layla Grace Marsh, the Cypress girl who inspired the Layla’s Legacy Cancer Foundation.
- Popularity: Layla is widely popular and ranked #25 in the U.S. in 2021.
Lilith
Lilith derives from the Akkadian “lilitu,” meaning “of the night,” and was the name of a mythological demon. In Jewish tradition, she was Adam’s first wife, replaced by Eve because she would not submit to him. Fables from the Middle Ages also mention Lilith as Adam’s first wife, not made from his rib like Eve but of the same clay, Adam was made from.
- Origin: Babylonian
- Meaning: Belonging to the night, dark woman, rebellious, strong-willed woman
- Pronunciation: LIL-ith
- Variations: Lilly, Lily
- Popularity: Lilith is widely used in Scandinavian and English-speaking countries.
Loki
The actual origin of Loki is uncertain, but some scholars say Loki derives from the Old Norse “lok,” meaning “lip, cover, end.” Another possible origin is the Germanic root “luka,” meaning “knot, lock.” Loki was a trickster god in Norse mythology associated with magic and shape-shifting. Loki deserves to be included on the list of names with dark meanings.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Trickster
- Pronunciation: LO-kee
- Variations: Loke
- Popularity: Loki is used in Scandinavian countries but is rare elsewhere.
Lola
Lola is short for the Spanish name Dolores meaning “sorrows,” which is taken from one of the titles of the Virgin Mary. Sorrow is often related to darkness or dark times, yet Lola is a lively name that inspires happiness. Lola is one of the dark names that brings light to the table.
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: Lady of sorrows
- Pronunciation: LO-la
- Variations: Lolicia
- Namesakes: Lola Glaudini, an American actress famous for her role in the Criminal Minds series.
- Popularity: Lola is very popular around the world.
Lucifer
Lucifer derives from the Latin “lux,” meaning “light,” and “ferre,” meaning “to bring.” In Latin records, Lucifer is referred to as the morning star, Venus, known as the angel who rebels against God’s word. Lucifer finally became known as Satan in later literature. Lucifer is indeed a dark name basking in the light.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Bearer of light
- Pronunciation: LOO-si-fer
- Popularity: Lucifer is a widely used name but is unpopular worldwide.
Lyla
Lyla derives from a famous Arabic/Persian romantic story and means “night.” Lyla is mainly given to girls born at night and is a sure way to remember the time of day your baby girl was born. Lyla is a sweet feminine name with no sinister association with darkness.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Night, born at night
- Pronunciation: LAI-lah
- Variations: Laela, Leyla, Leilah, Lyla, Laila,
- Popularity: Lyla is very popular across the globe.
Mabuz
Mabuz is the Anglo-Saxon version of Mabon, a character in “Lanzelet,” an Arthurian romance play written after 1194. Mabuz is a cowardly lord of the Schatel le Mort or Castle of the Dead. Any name associated with cowardice or death belongs among the many other names that mean dark.
- Origin: English, Anglo-Norman
- Meaning: Ruler of death castle
- Pronunciation: ma-BOOZ
- Popularity: Mabuz is a rare name around the world.
Maleficent
Maleficent only became a name in 1959 when Disney used it for the Mistress of All Evil in the film Sleeping Beauty. Before the Disney movie was released, Maleficent had only been a word meaning “causing harm,” the antonym of beneficent.
- Origin: Latin, Disney
- Meaning: Wicked
- Pronunciation: MAL-fi-cent
- Popularity: Maleficent is an uncommon given name.
Mania
Mania is the Roman mythological goddess of the dead and rules the underworld alongside Mantus. Mania is the mother of ghosts, the undead, and spirits of the night and is the Roman feminine form of Marius. Mania also derives from the ancient Greek “Mariam,” associated with the Virgin Mary. Another possible origin is from the Egyptian word “Myr,” meaning “beloved.”
- Origin: Roman
- Meaning: Goddess of the dead
- Pronunciation: MA-nee-ah
- Variations: Manea
- Popularity: Mania is popular in Poland but uncommon elsewhere.
Matchitehew
Matchitehew is a Native American name with a heavy meaning. Native American tribes created names for young children from displayed characteristics or unusual birth events. Matchitehew is probably a name given later in life due to an evil deed committed by the boy. Such dark names are never given with a light heart.
- Origin: Native American, Algonquian
- Meaning: Has an evil heart
- Pronunciation: MUCH-itch-HEW
- Popularity: Matchitehew is not a commonly used name.
Medea
Madea derives from the ancient Greek “medos,” meaning “plan, art, prudence, cunning, crafty, reflective, thinker, smart.” In Greek mythology, Medea was the daughter of King Aeetes of Colchis and was married to the hero Jason. Jason betrayed Madea, and she killed his new lover and the two children she had with him. Medea’s crime of passion sure puts her in the box with other names meaning dark.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Cunning
- Pronunciation: ma-DEE-ah
- Popularity: Madea is widely popular around the world.
Melanie
Melanie derives from the Greek “melania,” meaning “blackness,” and “melas,” meaning “dark.” Melanie was introduced to the English by the Normans in its current form. Melanie was a Roman saint who gave all of her wealth to charity in the 5th-century.
- Origin: Greek, French
- Meaning: Dark, black
- Pronunciation: MEHL-a-nee, MEH-la-nee
- Variations: Melany, Mellony
- Namesakes: Melanie Richards Griffith, an American actress known for her role in the film Working Girl.
- Popularity: Melanie ranked #129 in the U.S. in 2021 and is popular worldwide.
Melantha
Melantha derives from a combination of “mel,” meaning “dark,” and the Greek “anthos,” meaning “flower.” In Greek mythology, Melanie was the name given to Demeter, the goddess of fertility. Melantha is also said to be a diminutive of Melissa, who was a Bee-nymph. Melantha has a beautiful and unusual meaning; if you have a dark-haired baby girl, this will be the perfect name.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Dark flower
- Pronunciation: me-LAN-tha
- Variations: Lissa, Malinda, Mel, Melinda, Missie, Missy
- Popularity: Melantha is widely used around the world.
Merle
Merle derives from the Celtic “muir geal / Muireall,” composed of two elements, “muir” for “sea” and “geal” for “bright.” The word “merle” means “blackbird,” which has no connection to the origin. Although odd, Merle is an attractive name that gives nothing away, not even gender.
- Origin: Celtic, English, French
- Meaning: Blackbird
- Pronunciation: MURL
- Variations: Merial, Muriel, Merrill
- Popularity: Merle is fairly popular in western countries.
Molly
Molly is a medieval diminutive of Mary. “Sea of bitterness” suggests strife or hardship that creates bitterness or overwhelming sadness, which is dark by all counts. But somehow, Molly radiates an aura of warm openness and beauty, and the meaning is easily overlooked.
- Origin: Hebrew, Irish
- Meaning: Sea of bitterness, star of the sea, drop of the sea
- Pronunciation: MAHL-ee
- Variations: Molle, Malle, Mollie
- Popularity: Molly is popular in English-speaking countries worldwide.
Morrigan
Morrigan has Irish roots and was originally used for boys. In the 1980s, a few prominent celebrities like Morgan Fairchild helped to turn Morrigan into a unisex name, but it remains a male-only name in Wales. Morgan was King Arthur and Queen Guinevere’s leading antagonist and a powerful shape-shifting queen.
- Origin: Welsh, Irish
- Meaning: Goddess, phantom queen, crow queen, shapeshifter, warrior queen
- Pronunciation: MOR-ri-GAN
- Variations: Morrigu, Morigan, Morgana, Morgan
- Popularity: Morrigan is widely used in English-speaking countries.
Morris
Marris is an English variant of the French Maurice derived from the Latin Mauritius or Maurus. Maurus means “belonging to the people of the Moors” from Mauretania. Also, Morris is the anglicized form of the biblical name Moses. The Romans used Morris as a name for dark-skinned people from Africa.
- Origin: Latin, French, English
- Meaning: Dark-skinned, drew out, Moorish, son
- Pronunciation: MAWR-is
- Variations: Maurice
- Popularity: Morris is fairly popular in western countries.
Nigel
Nigel has several meanings, but the most common theme is “dark” regarding complexion and hair color. Nigel derives from the Gaelic Neill, from “nel,” meaning “cloud,” or from “niadh,” meaning “champion.” The Vikings adopted the Gaelic name and used it in Iceland, Norway, Denmark, and Normandy before finally going to England. Nigel is one of the virtuous boy names that mean dark.
- Origin: Latin, Gaelic, English
- Meaning: Dark complexion, raven-haired, black, dark, champion
- Pronunciation: NIE-jel
- Variations: Nagel, Nigella, Neil, Nigellus
- Popularity: Nigel is fairly popular in western countries.
Nisha
Nisha derives from the Dravidian Tamil “nisha,” meaning “night, midnight.” In Hindu mythology, Nisha was the twin sister of Ziarre, goddess of the day. Nisha also means “courage, spirit, morale, resolution” and has other virtuous Islamic meanings. Nisha is a soft feminine name that inspires courage in the face of darkness.
- Origin: India, Sanskrit
- Meaning: Dark, night
- Pronunciation: NEE-sha
- Popularity: Nisha is widely popular in India and other English-speaking countries.
Nyx
In Greek mythology, Nyx is the goddess of the night, the daughter of Khaos, and the wife of Erebos. Nyx also personified other deities, including Hypnos (sleep) and Thanatos (death), with her husband Erebos (darkness). A mountain peak on Venus was named Nyx by the International Astronomical Union in 1997.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NUYKS, NIKS
- Popularity: Nyx is fairly popular in Greece but unknown elsewhere.
Orpheus
Orpheus derives from ancient Greek and relates to the darkness of night and that of the nether world. In Greek religion and mythology, Orpheus was a musician, poet, and prophet who made the trees dance to his music and the rivers stopped flowing to listen too. Orpheus surely has big boots to fill for a baby boy.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Darkness of night
- Pronunciation: OR-PEWS, AWR-fee-us
- Popularity: Orpheus is fairly common in Germanic countries but scarce elsewhere.
Pele
In Hawaiian mythology, Pele is the goddess of destruction. Some relate this to fire, possibly due to devastating volcanic eruptions. Pele is predominantly a female name in Hawaii, but the great soccer legend Pele turned this charming name into a unisex name.
- Origin: Polynesian, Hawaiian
- Meaning: Goddess of destruction
- Pronunciation: PEH-leh
- Popularity: Pele is a widely used name but not very popular.
Perran
Perran was adopted by the English when the Normans conquered them in 1066. Perran derives from Peter, meaning “rock” or “stone.” Perran is an unusual English name with Norman trimmings that could easily be mistaken for a French name in the pronunciation.
- Origin: Norman, Cornish, Irish
- Meaning: Little dark one
- Pronunciation: pe-RAN
- Variations: Piran
- Popularity: Perran is not a very common name.
Phoenix
Phoenix brings hope to names that mean dark as it embodies rebirth and immortality. According to legend, the phoenix will die and rise from its ashes every 500 years. Early Christians adopted the phoenix as a religious symbol, which can still be seen on some ornamentation.
- Origin: Greek, Old English.
- Meaning: Dark red
- Pronunciation: FEE-niks
- Popularity: Phoenix is widely popular and ranked #248 in the U.S. in 2021.
Pinchas
Pinchas derives from Hebrew roots, and some scholars believe the meaning to be “serpent’s mouth.” Others look to the Egyptian “Pa-nehasi,” meaning “the black, the Nubian.” Pinchas is the name of different biblical characters, all obedient to God.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Mouth of brass, serpent’s mouth
- Pronunciation: PIN-chas
- Variations: Pinhas
- Popularity: Pinchas is used in some regions of the world but is not common.
Raven
Raven derives from Anglo-Saxon roots meaning dark-haired person and the ancient Germanic “hraban” meaning “raven.” Raven is historically a symbol of pride among African-American and Wiccan people. Many cultural traditions incorporate the black raven as a source of mystical power.
- Origin: Old English, Old Germanic
- Meaning: A thriving person, a dark-haired person
- Pronunciation: RAY-ven
- Variations: Ravenna
- Popularity: Raven ranked #409 in the U.S. in 2021 and is popular worldwide.
Samael
Samael is a biblical archangel considered good and evil. Samael is the accuser, seducer, and destroyer and was said to be the patron saint of the Roman Empire. There are seven archangels, of whom Samael is one. Each archangel acts as a global time spirit for 380 years, and the archangel Michael has been leading since 1879. The reign of archangel Samael will undoubtedly be destructive.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Venom of God
- Pronunciation: SAM-ael
- Popularity: Samael is widely used around the world but is not popular.
Shyam
Shyam is the masculine form of Shyama and is the alternative name for the Hindu god Krishna. Shyam derives from the Sanskrit “syama,” meaning “black, dark-colored, dark blue, brown, grey, green, sable, having a swarthy complexion.” A swarthy complexion is considered beautiful among the Hindu people. Shyam is one of the more attractive names meaning dark.
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning: Dark, black, blue
- Pronunciation: SHY-am
- Variations: Shyamal
- Popularity: Shyam is very popular in India.
Skadi
Skadi stems from Norse mythology as the goddess of hunting and winter. Winter months are dark and gloomy, and the shadows are long and forever moving. There is no dark magic to the dark cast of shadows, but they do prickle the imagination!
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Shadow, harm, goddess of hunting and winter
- Pronunciation: SKA-dee
- Popularity: Skadi ranked #429 in Germany in 2016 and is growing in popularity in English-speaking countries.
Sullivan
Sullivan stems from the Irish surname “O’Suileabhain,” derived from the Irish “suil,” meaning “eye,” and “dubh,” meaning “dark, black.” Sullivan got a head start to popularity in the 1930s through the film Sullivan’s Travels and has been popular ever since.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Black-eyed one
- Pronunciation: SUL-i-van
- Variations: Sully
- Popularity: Sullivan ranked #373 in the U.S. in 2021 and is widely popular in other English countries.
Tamesis
Tamesis stems from Celtic mythology and is the goddess of fresh water. Tamesis is also specific to the River Thames in England, which appears dark in color. Tamesis is also used as a surname, but mostly in the Philippines.
- Origin: Celtic, English
- Meaning: One who is dark
- Pronunciation: TAM-e-sis
- Popularity: Tamesis is not a common first name.
Tinuviel
Tinuviel means “nightingale” in the fictional language Sindarin. Tinuviel is a fictional elf princess in Silmarillion, a mythological novel written by J.R.R. Tolkien in 1977. Tinuviel has not been around long enough to make an impact as a girl’s name, but given enough time, it might catch on.
- Origin: Literature name
- Meaning: Daughter of the twilight, nightingale
- Pronunciation: TI-NU-viel
- Popularity: Tinuviel is a rare name around the world.
Tynan
Tynan derives from the surname Tynan, an anglicized version of the Gaelic name O Teimhneain from the word “teimhean,” meaning “dark.” Tynan is a unique masculine name with no association with the evils of darkness.
- Origin: Gaelic, Irish
- Meaning: Dark, dusky
- Pronunciation: TIE-nin
- Popularity: Tynan is not a widely used name.
Umbra
Umbra derives from the Latin “umbri.” The Umbri were a tribe in ancient Italy, and this area still exists today. It’s believed that the Umbri descended from an ancient Gaulish tribe. Umbra is one of the unusual girl names that mean dark and will be a great choice if you’re looking for a unique name with history.
- Origin: Latin, Italian
- Meaning: Shadow
- Pronunciation: UM-bra, OOM-bre
- Variations: Umbria
- Popularity: Umbra is popular in Italy but rare elsewhere.
Zelda
Zelda derives from the ancient Germanic “griseldis,” composed of two elements that mean “grey, aged, very old man, sand” and “battle, fight.” In contemporary times, Zelda is a strong feminine name with an aura of independence and fortitude. The association of Zelda with “dark battle results” might stem from “grey/dark” and “battle.”
- Origin: Old Germanic
- Meaning: Dark battle, battle of dark results
- Pronunciation: ZEHL-da
- Popularity: Zelda is fairly popular in western countries.
Zille
Zille is an Old Testament name with Hebrew and Arabic origins. Zille is also a Nordic name but is rare in Scandinavia. Zille is a punchy name that has burst onto the silver screen with movies like Godzilla, giving this cute name a larger-than-life scary persona.
- Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
- Meaning: Shadow, shade
- Pronunciation: ZIL-la
- Variations: Zilla
- Popularity: Zille is a fairly common name in Arabic and Muslim countries.
Dark Names FAQs
What Name Means Dark or Night?
In Greek, Orpheus is a masculine name, meaning the “darkness of night,” while Nyx means “night” for girls.
What Name Means Dark Moon?
Esmeray means “dark moon” in Turkish and is typically given to girls.
What Name Means Shadow?
Erebus is the Greek god of darkness and shadow and is a unique masculine name meaning “shadow.” Umbra is a girl’s name meaning “shade or shadow” in Italian, while Zille holds the same meaning in Arabic and is unisex.
What Name Means Dark Beauty?
Layla is an Arabic girl’s name meaning “night or dark,” and Duvessa is Irish for “dark beauty,” a common girl’s name.
What Name Means Goddess of Darkness?
Keket is the goddess of darkness and originates from Egypt.
