140 Mysterious Names That Mean Cursed for Boys and Girls

There’s something uniquely captivating about names with mysterious or darker meanings. Some people are drawn to names that hold stories of intrigue, even if they carry a hint of misfortune. Whether it’s the allure of ancient legends or a fascination with the unknown, exploring names linked to curses can be surprisingly eye-opening. For anyone curious about these unusual names, this list will introduce you to names that mean cursed, each with its own story and significance.

Girl Names That Mean “Cursed” or Carry Dark Meanings

Curious about names for girls that hold a hint of mystery or even misfortune? Across different cultures and mythologies, some names have been linked to tales of curses or tragic destinies. Here, you’ll discover girl names that carry a shadow of intrigue and an air of the unknown.

Mara – Often associated with bitterness or sorrow, Mara can mean “death” or “nightmare” in some cultures.
Mallory – This name means “unfortunate” or “ill-fated,” giving it a sense of bad luck.
Lilith – From Jewish mythology, Lilith is known as a demon and symbolizes rebellion, mystery, and darkness.
Desdemona – Known from Shakespeare’s Othello, this name is tied to a tragic fate and means “ill-starred.”
Pandora – In Greek mythology, Pandora opened a box that released curses and misfortune into the world.
Keres – In Greek mythology, the Keres were female spirits associated with death and doom.
Circe – A sorceress in Greek mythology known for her dark magic and tragic outcomes.
Dolores – Derived from the Latin for “sorrows,” this name signifies sadness and loss.
Brona – A name from Irish mythology meaning “sorrow” or “grief.”
Alecto – One of the Furies in Greek mythology, associated with vengeance and endless anger.
Hecate – A goddess of witchcraft, magic, and ghosts, Hecate is a powerful, mysterious figure in mythology.
Medea – Known from Greek mythology, Medea is linked to tragedy and betrayal.
Lorelei – A siren in German folklore whose songs lured sailors to their doom.
Tristana – This name means “sorrowful” or “sad,” giving it a melancholic undertone.
Lamia – A figure from Greek mythology, Lamia was cursed to become a child-devouring demon.
Jezebel – From the Bible, Jezebel is associated with betrayal, scandal, and dark reputation.
Samaara – A name with roots in Arabic, symbolizing night or twilight, with a haunting allure.
Deirdre – An Irish name meaning “sorrowful,” associated with a tragic love story.
Malin – Derived from French, this name can mean “little warrior” or “cunning,” hinting at a darker side.
Thana – Meaning “death” in Arabic, it has a direct association with mortality.
Belladonna – The name of a deadly nightshade plant, Belladonna is linked with poison and danger.
Morticia – Popularized by The Addams Family, it means “death” or “mortality.”
Kali – A Hindu goddess associated with destruction and transformation, Kali symbolizes power and mortality.
Eris – In Greek mythology, Eris is the goddess of strife and discord, bringing chaos wherever she goes.
Maura – From Latin origins, meaning “bitter” or “dark.”
Jezika – A modern twist on Jezebel, carrying the same connotation of dark allure and mischief.
Ravenna – Inspired by “raven,” a bird often linked to darkness, mystery, and omens.
Nyx – In Greek mythology, Nyx is the goddess of the night, representing darkness and mystery.
Morrigan – An Irish goddess associated with fate, war, and death.
Adrienne – This name can mean “dark” or “of the Adriatic Sea,” giving it a mysterious edge.
Leilah – An Arabic name that means “night,” often associated with the mysteries and darkness of nighttime.
Sable – Derived from the animal, sable also refers to the color black, symbolizing darkness.
Siran – Meaning “secret,” this Armenian name carries a subtle sense of mystery.
Nerine – In Greek mythology, associated with sea nymphs and sometimes tragedy.
Drusilla – This ancient name means “fruitful,” but it’s often associated with vampire lore, adding a dark edge.
Moriah – A biblical name tied to the land where sacrifices and solemn events took place.
Zephyrine – Inspired by “zephyr” or west wind, often depicted as melancholy in poetry.
Vendetta – This name has Latin roots and means “vengeance” or “revenge.”
Perdita – From Latin, meaning “lost”; in Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, Perdita represents loss.
Orinda – A name with origins in poetry, sometimes linked to mysteries or haunting qualities.
Zephyr – While meaning “west wind,” it’s often tied to dark and lonely poetic imagery.
Shadow – Directly associated with darkness and mystery.
Persephone – In Greek mythology, Persephone is the queen of the underworld, symbolizing death and rebirth.
Kalixta – Derived from the goddess Kali, this name carries associations with darkness and power.
Nocturna – Meaning “of the night,” linked to darkness and mystery.
Kaliara – A blend of Kali, symbolizing destruction and transformation, and other mystical influences.
Renata – A name meaning “reborn” with an association of transformation, sometimes through dark experiences.
Adara – An Arabic name meaning “virgin” or “pure,” but in some interpretations, it’s linked to sorrow.
Callidora – Though it means “gift of beauty,” the name has a dark, haunting allure.
Ligeia – A siren from Greek mythology, associated with luring sailors to their doom.

Boy Names That Mean “Cursed” or Carry Dark Meanings

Throughout history, certain names for boys have been associated with fate, destiny, and sometimes even a curse. These names often bring to mind ancient legends and heroes who battled against misfortune. For those intrigued by names with a darker twist, these boy names carry unique, ill-fated meanings.

Acheron – In Greek mythology, Acheron is a river in the underworld and is known as the “River of Woe.”
Abaddon – In Hebrew, Abaddon means “destruction” and is often associated with a realm of the dead or a place of punishment.
Damian – Derived from the Greek “to tame” or “subdue,” it can have dark undertones due to associations with the character in horror movies.
Samael – In Jewish mythology, Samael is an archangel associated with death and destruction.
Dagon – A name from ancient Mesopotamian mythology, Dagon was a god associated with darker omens and sometimes misfortune.
Mortimer – From Old French, meaning “dead sea,” giving it an eerie or morose connotation.
Jett – Often associated with jet-black, symbolizing darkness and mystery.
Hades – The Greek god of the underworld, Hades governs the realm of the dead and is linked to death and curses.
Draven – Modern in origin, Draven evokes a dark and mysterious allure and is often associated with ravens.
Azrael – In Islamic and Jewish traditions, Azrael is the angel of death.
Cain – A biblical name associated with the story of Cain and Abel, symbolizing betrayal and cursed fate.
Blaise – While it means “stammer” in Latin, the name has a strong, slightly ominous sound due to its association with blaze or fire.
Loki – In Norse mythology, Loki is a trickster god associated with mischief, chaos, and sometimes malice.
Alvah – This name means “evil” or “iniquity” in Hebrew, lending it a dark edge.
Brone – An Irish name meaning “sorrow,” suggesting misfortune or grief.
Seth – In Egyptian mythology, Seth is a god associated with chaos, storms, and the desert.
Thanatos – In Greek mythology, Thanatos is the personification of death.
Kieran – An Irish name meaning “little dark one,” hinting at a mysterious or shadowy personality.
Vlad – Often associated with Vlad the Impaler, an infamous historical figure who inspired Dracula lore.
Ragnar – A Norse name associated with Ragnarök, the prophesied end of the world in Norse mythology.
Cassius – A Latin name meaning “vain” or “empty,” but it carries dark connotations due to its association with betrayal (as with Cassius in Julius Caesar).
Nero – A name linked to the infamous Roman emperor, associated with tyranny and destruction.
Dante – Inspired by Dante Alighieri, who wrote The Divine Comedy, detailing hell, purgatory, and heaven.
Ozul – A unique name meaning “shadow” or “darkness,” carrying a mystical, ominous feel.
Tynan – An Irish name meaning “dark,” often associated with mystery and hidden depths.
Orpheus – In Greek mythology, Orpheus traveled to the underworld, symbolizing a connection with death and loss.
Lucien – Derived from Latin meaning “light,” but often used with a dark allure in literature and folklore.
Morrissey – An Irish surname with a melancholic tone, often associated with brooding or mysterious characters.
Ronan – An Irish name meaning “little seal,” but associated with somber, mythical tales.
Tarik – An Arabic name meaning “morning star,” but in some stories, it’s associated with celestial mystery.
Knox – Meaning “round hill” but has a strong, sharp sound that gives it a dark, edgy feel.
Kyrian – A Greek name meaning “lord” or “dark,” often associated with otherworldly or mysterious qualities.
Malphas – In demonology, Malphas is a high-ranking demon, often depicted as a dark figure.
Valdis – An Old Norse name meaning “dead” or “spirit of the dead.”
Erebos – In Greek mythology, Erebos is the personification of darkness and shadow.
Zarek – This name carries a mysterious allure, often linked to power and dark energy.
Uriel – While meaning “God is my light,” Uriel has an ominous connection as an angel of judgment and repentance.
Cadmus – In Greek mythology, Cadmus faced numerous misfortunes, adding a sense of cursed destiny.
Silas – While it means “wood” or “forest,” Silas has a mysterious, slightly dark appeal, often associated with solitude.
Corbin – From Latin meaning “crow,” a bird often linked with omens and the supernatural.
Melanthios – Meaning “dark flower” in Greek, suggesting beauty with a shadowy edge.
Gideon – While a biblical name, Gideon often carries a solemn tone, associated with strength and perseverance through trials.
Orin – Of Celtic origin, meaning “pale” or “fair-haired,” yet evokes a mysterious quality.
Styx – Named after the river Styx in Greek mythology, which forms the boundary between Earth and the underworld.
Vesper – Meaning “evening” in Latin, often associated with darkness and nightfall.
Morpheus – In Greek mythology, Morpheus is the god of dreams, connected with the unknown and subconscious.
Samael – Appears again here as it represents an angel of death in multiple mythologies.
Zephyrus – Refers to the west wind in Greek mythology, often associated with melancholic or foreboding themes.

Unisex Names That Mean “Cursed” or Have Dark Connotations

Some names transcend gender yet carry a common thread of mystery or ill luck. Unisex names with “cursed” meanings are often versatile and intriguing, suitable for anyone drawn to darker themes. Here, we explore neutral names that evoke the enigmatic and the mystical.

Salem – Often associated with the Salem witch trials, carrying a dark, mysterious history.
Raven – This bird symbolizes mystery and death in various cultures, often seen as an omen.
Onyx – A dark gemstone believed to absorb negative energy, giving it a protective but shadowy reputation.
Ash – Symbolizes remnants or aftermath, often used to represent rebirth after destruction.
Phoenix – While symbolizing rebirth, it is also associated with the idea of rising from ashes, a cycle of life and death.
Tempest – Meaning “storm,” it conveys power, intensity, and an air of danger.
Storm – Symbolizes chaotic energy and upheaval, often linked to intense, transformative events.
Midnight – Refers to the darkest hour of night, symbolizing mystery, quiet, and a connection to the unseen.
Eclipse – A rare event symbolizing darkening or concealing, often seen as a powerful or ominous phenomenon.
Harlow – An Old English name meaning “army hill,” but it has a modern mysterious, edgy appeal.
Quinn – Meaning “wise” but often used with a dark or mysterious vibe in modern culture.
Vale – Meaning “valley,” this name has an earthy, shadowy quality and is sometimes linked with sorrow.
Blair – Of Scottish origin, often associated with haunted places and horror themes due to The Blair Witch Project.
Mars – The Roman god of war, associated with conflict and intensity.
Thorn – Conveys an image of beauty with danger, often associated with defense and resilience.
Winter – Associated with the darkest, coldest season, symbolizing introspection and mystery.
Crow – A bird often linked to omens and the supernatural, symbolizing wisdom and dark knowledge.
Journey – While neutral, this name is often tied to transformative, unpredictable paths, including challenging ones.
Solstice – Refers to the shortest or longest day of the year, marking powerful seasonal shifts and symbolizing change.
Ember – Symbolizes a small but powerful flame, often carrying themes of resilience and aftermath.
Requiem – A name associated with a musical composition for the dead, symbolizing loss and remembrance.
Lux – Latin for “light,” though it can also evoke the contrast between light and shadow.
Rune – Reappears here as it represents ancient symbols tied to fate, magic, and mystery.
Wraith – A term for a ghost or spectral apparition, symbolizing the presence of the unknown or the supernatural.
Cross – While a religious symbol, it also represents burden or sacrifice, sometimes with a darker connotation.
Indigo – Appears again here, as it represents a color associated with depth, mystery, and spirituality.
Gethsemane – Refers to a place associated with sorrow and sacrifice, adding a deeply somber undertone.
Sterling – While often linked to silver, it can also suggest resilience and clarity against dark challenges.
Azazel – A name from demonology, often associated with fallen angels or curses in mythology.
Noir – French for “black,” symbolizing mystery, elegance, and often darker themes in literature and film.
Bellamy – Meaning “fine friend,” but often used with a mysterious vibe in modern contexts.
Shiloh – Means “peace” but can carry a somber, reflective quality due to its biblical origins.
Cypress – A tree often associated with mourning and cemeteries, symbolizing life and death.
Pagan – Associated with pre-Christian religions and mystical practices, sometimes with an aura of the forbidden.
Hollis – Originally meaning “dweller at the holly trees,” holly is often linked with winter and dark magic.
Dust – Often associated with endings or remnants, giving it a quiet, somber tone.
Taran – Meaning “thunder,” it symbolizes power, chaos, and mystery.
Skye – Refers to the sky but often has a mystical or otherworldly quality.
Fallen – Carries connotations of something or someone who has descended from grace, often symbolizing loss or regret.
Dusk – The time just after sunset, symbolizing the boundary between day and night, light and dark.
Nebula – A cosmic cloud that holds both beauty and mystery, often associated with the vast unknown.
Lyric – While related to music, it has a haunting quality that can suggest deep emotion or mystery.