100 Names That Mean Death (And Their Deep Meanings)

Names that mean death hold a unique allure—evoking mystery, transformation, and timeless power. Whether you’re naming a fictional character, choosing a meaningful tattoo, or exploring deeper spiritual symbolism, names associated with death often carry profound emotional and cultural significance.

Across civilizations, from the shadowy myths of Ancient Greece to the poetic afterlife beliefs of Eastern traditions, death has been personified, revered, and even romanticized. Linguistically, these names stem from roots that symbolize endings, transitions, and the metaphysical unknown.

This curated list of 100 names that mean death dives into these diverse origins, unearthing meanings that span mythology, folklore, and language—offering insight for creators, parents, and seekers of symbolism alike.

What Makes a Name Mean ‘Death’?

A name that “means death” often carries layers of linguistic, cultural, and mythological symbolism. Linguistically, many death-related names derive from ancient languages where roots like mort, than, or nekros directly translate to death, darkness, or decay—revealing the etymology of death-related names.

Mythologically, countless cultures have personified death through gods, spirits, or creatures of the underworld, leading to names such as Thanatos (Greek), Hel (Norse), or Mictlantecuhtli (Aztec) that embody symbolic death meanings. These names often reflect not just physical death, but broader concepts like spiritual transition, rebirth, or the shadow self.

Whether drawn from underworld mythology or linguistic symbolism, such names carry a deep resonance, often used in storytelling, esotericism, and personal expression to evoke the mystery of life’s ultimate transformation.

Popular Cultures and Their Death-Linked Names

Across the world, cultures have developed unique relationships with the concept of death, and this is reflected vividly in the names they’ve passed down through generations. From the feared yet respected Thanatos of Ancient Greece to the serene, goddess-like Hel of Norse legend, names rooted in underworld mythology often carry rich symbolic death meanings.

In Japanese culture, figures like the Shinigami—gods or spirits of death—offer names that blend fear and spiritual transition. Meanwhile, African and Mesoamerican traditions include names tied to ancestral spirits and deities of the afterlife, revealing powerful connections between identity and the cycle of life and death.

These culturally significant names not only reflect deep-seated beliefs but also serve as a linguistic window into how humanity views mortality, making them highly meaningful for those seeking names steeped in myth, symbolism, and cultural legacy.

Greek and Roman Mythology

Norse Mythology

Japanese & Asian Names

Gothic & Dark Fantasy Inspired Names

African & Tribal Names

Modern & Fictional Death-Linked Names

Why Choose a Name That Means Death?

Choosing a name that means death is not necessarily about celebrating the end—it’s often about honoring transformation, mystery, and symbolic power. For many, names tied to death carry a profound sense of spiritual rebirth, representing cycles of endings and new beginnings.

Whether used for a gothic baby name, a fictional character, or a symbolic persona in art or gaming, these names evoke a dark aesthetic that appeals to those drawn to the shadowy or mystical aspects of life.

Culturally and spiritually, death is not always an endpoint but a portal—something to be respected, personified, or even romantically reimagined. In this way, death-linked names become vessels of identity that express depth, resilience, and a fascination with the unknown.

Frequently Asked Questions