Enigmatic Baby Names: 36 Names with the Meaning Dark

Key Takeaways
- Names with the meaning dark are perfect for parents who want bold, mysterious, or unique baby names.
- These names come from a variety of sources, including mythology, folklore, literature, and modern pop culture.
- Some names directly mean darkness or evil, like Abaddon, Lilith, or Moros, giving a strong and intriguing vibe.
- Evil and scary names for boys, such as Damian, Cain, Raven, and Draven, carry bold and dramatic meanings.
- Mythological and folkloric names like Hades, Loki, and Anubis add depth and legendary significance.
- Literary and Gothic-inspired names, such as Edgar, Heathcliff, and Bellatrix, bring elegance, drama, and a dark allure.
- Modern horror and pop culture icons, like Damien, Freddy, and Hannibal, offer edgy and memorable name choices.
- Spooky and atmospheric names, including Shadow, Noctis, Onyx, and Umbra, evoke mystery and sophistication.
Choosing a baby name is exciting, and some parents want names that are mysterious, bold, or even a little dark. Names with the meaning dark carry depth and intrigue, and they often tell a story about strength, mystery, or uniqueness. They can come from mythology, folklore, literature, or modern culture, and each name can give your child a sense of character even before they start exploring the world. Moreover, while some names feel elegant and poetic, others are powerful and dramatic, making them perfect for parents who want a name that truly stands out.
6 Baby Names with the Meaning Dark
These names are simple yet elegant and mysterious, perfect for parents who want a meaningful name with depth.
|
Name |
Origin |
Meaning |
|
Kali |
Sanskrit |
Black, dark |
|
Blake |
English |
Dark, fair-haired |
|
Laila |
Arabic |
Night |
|
Keiran |
Irish |
Little dark one |
|
Melaina |
Greek |
Dark, black |
|
Darcel |
French |
Dark one |
5 Baby Names That Mean Evil

Abaddon
This Hebrew name means “Destroyer” or “Place of Destruction.” In biblical texts, Abaddon is often described as a powerful angel of destruction associated with the abyss, making it a dark and mysterious name. It is also suggesting immense strength, inevitability, and fearsome influence.
Asmodeus
Asmodeus is a name from Jewish legend, referring to a powerful demon. He is often associated with lust, revenge, and mischief, making the name strongly connected to dark mythological forces. This name also evokes cunning, danger, and a sense of unpredictable power.
Lilith
Lilith comes from Mesopotamian and Jewish folklore. She is considered a night demon or a spirit of the night. The name Lilith represents independence, danger, and mystery. This gives it a dark and intriguing vibe. It is also hinting at strong will, defiance, and enigmatic energy.
Lucifer
Lucifer is Latin for “Light-Bringer” or “Morning Star,” but it is most widely known as the name of the fallen angel in Christian tradition. Over time, it became associated with Satan, symbolizing rebellion, darkness, and power. This name is also suggesting charisma, intelligence, and a bold, striking presence.
Moros
Moros is a Greek name meaning “Doom” or “Fate of Death.” In Greek mythology, Moros is the personification of impending doom, representing inevitability and the darker forces of destiny. The name carries a weighty, mysterious energy and evokes the idea of destiny that cannot be escaped, symbolizing both the seriousness of fate and the power of unseen cosmic forces.
5 Evil Boy Names
Damian
Damian is a Greek name meaning “to tame” or “subdue.” In fiction and popular culture, it is often linked to the Antichrist, giving it a dark and powerful association, while also suggesting hidden influence, intensity, and a commanding presence.
Cain
Cain is a Hebrew name meaning “acquired.” In the Bible, Cain is known as the first murderer, who killed his brother Abel, making this name associated with betrayal, darkness, and wrongdoing, while also evoking themes of consequence, guilt, and moral complexity.
Vlad
Vlad is a Slavic name meaning “rule” or “power.” It is famously linked to Vlad the Impaler, a historical figure known for his ruthless methods, which gives the name a dark and fearsome reputation, while also reflecting authority, decisiveness, and a commanding energy.
Samael
Samael is a Hebrew name meaning “Venom of God” or “Poison of God.” In tradition, Samael is known as an archangel of destruction and death. The name evokes darkness, power, and a mysterious, fearsome presence.
Balthazar
Balthazar is a name of Babylonian origin meaning “Baal protects the king.” It is often linked to mysterious or ominous figures in history and literature. The name carries a dark, dramatic energy, suggesting intelligence, influence, and an imposing presence.
5 Scary Boy Names
Raven
Raven is a name inspired by the black bird often associated with mystery, the night, and omens. It evokes darkness, intelligence, and a sense of the unknown, while also suggesting keen observation, adaptability, and a quiet strength.
Draven
Draven is a modern Gothic-style name that suggests mystery and strength. It carries a dramatic and edgy feel, making it perfect for a child with a bold or dark-inspired identity, while also hinting at courage, individuality, and a striking presence.
Dorian
Dorian comes from The Picture of Dorian Gray, a literary character whose outward beauty hides moral corruption. The name conveys sophistication, allure, and a subtle connection to darkness and human flaws.
Draco
Draco is a Latin name meaning “dragon.” The name evokes power, danger, and mystery. It also suggests fierceness, strength, and a bold, commanding presence.
Salem
Salem is a name associated with the historic witch trials and dark folklore. The name carries an eerie and mysterious vibe. It also hints at intrigue, caution, and a connection to supernatural or Gothic themes.
3 Mythological & Folkloric Harbingers

Hades
Hades is the name of the Greek god of the underworld, who rules over the realm of the dead. The name evokes darkness, power, and mystery, symbolizing control over hidden and shadowy forces, while also representing authority, inevitability, and the unseen aspects of life.
Loki
Loki is a Norse name associated with the trickster god, known for shape-shifting and causing chaos. The name carries a sense of cunning, unpredictability, and dark mischief, and it also suggests cleverness, adaptability, and a playful yet dangerous energy.
Anubis
Anubis is the Egyptian god of death and the protector of graves. The name represents the passage between life and the afterlife and evokes the mystery and solemnity of the underworld, while also symbolizing guidance, protection, and reverence for the unknown.
5 Literary Villains & Gothic Classics
Edgar
Edgar is a name associated with Edgar Allan Poe, the master of Gothic literature and dark poetry. The name evokes mystery, creativity, and a connection to haunting and eerie storytelling, while also suggesting intelligence and a reflective, thoughtful nature.
Heathcliff
Heathcliff comes from Wuthering Heights, a character known for his brooding nature and intense, sometimes vengeful personality. The name conveys passion, darkness, and a Gothic sense of drama, as well as resilience and an unforgettable presence.
Bellatrix
Bellatrix is a name made famous by the Harry Potter series, associated with a powerful and dangerous witch. The name carries connotations of strength, darkness, and fearsome energy, while also hinting at ambition, cunning, and bold individuality.
Fenrir
Fenrir is a giant wolf from Norse mythology destined to bring chaos during Ragnarok. The name evokes strength, danger, and unstoppable power. It also suggests wildness, fearlessness, and a mysterious, dark presence.
Hecate
Hecate is the Greek goddess of magic, witchcraft, and the night. The name carries a mystical and dark energy. It also reflects wisdom, mystery, and a connection to the unseen forces of the world.
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3 Modern Horror & Pop Culture Icons
Damien
Damien is a name made famous by The Omen, a story in which the character is associated with the Antichrist. The name evokes a sense of darkness, foreboding, and mysterious power. It is also hinting at hidden influence and strong, unsettling presence.
Freddy
Freddy is widely recognized from A Nightmare on Elm Street, a character who haunts dreams and brings fear. The name carries a strong connection to horror, suspense, and unsettling presence.
Hannibal
Hannibal comes from Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant yet terrifying fictional character. The name suggests intelligence intertwined with darkness, danger, and a sinister reputation. It also carries an aura of cunning, control, and intense psychological depth.
4 Spooky Concepts & Atmospheric Names
Shadow
Shadow is a name that evokes darkness, mystery, and the unseen. It suggests a quiet strength and an air of secrecy or intrigue, while also hinting at adaptability, a watchful presence, and a connection to the hidden corners of life.
Noctis
Noctis is a Latin name meaning “night.” The name carries a sense of darkness, calm, and the deep, mysterious qualities of the nighttime, while also reflecting introspection, subtle power, and a natural sense of quiet elegance.
Onyx
Onyx is named after the sleek black gemstone. The name conveys elegance, strength, and the rich, dark beauty of natural stone, while also suggesting endurance, sophistication, and a grounded, magnetic energy.
Umbra
Umbra is Latin for “shadow” and represents darkness and hidden presence. The name evokes mystery, subtlety, and a connection to the unknown, while also hinting at intrigue, hidden depth, and a quiet but compelling influence.
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