Choosing a name for your baby that signifies “dark” can be both meaningful and intriguing. Names associated with darkness are usually mysterious, deep, and powerful, making them perfect for those who want a name that stands out. In this blog, we explore a variety of names that mean dark, spanning different languages, cultures, and mythologies.
Why Choose a Name That Means Dark?
Names that mean dark are not just about the absence of light. They often symbolize mystery, strength, elegance, and the beauty of the night. Whether inspired by the starry skies, deep forests, or rich cultural meanings, dark names hold an allure that’s hard to resist.
50 Names That Mean Dark for Boys
Here’s a carefully curated list of 50 boy names that mean dark, including their origins, meanings, descriptions, and popularity. These names are perfect for parents seeking something unique, mysterious, and meaningful.
1–10: Classic Names That Mean Dark
- Adrian
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Dark, rich
- Description: A timeless name with a sophisticated and modern vibe.
- Popularity: Consistently ranked in the top 100 in the U.S.
- Blake
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Dark-haired or dark-complexioned
- Description: A strong and sleek name with literary ties.
- Popularity: Popular in the U.S. and the UK.
- Duncan
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: Dark warrior
- Description: A noble name with historical significance in Scotland.
- Popularity: Common in Scotland; moderately popular worldwide.
- Kieran
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Little dark one
- Description: A charming name with Celtic roots, perfect for a playful personality.
- Popularity: Growing in popularity, especially in the U.S. and Ireland.
- Cole
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Coal black
- Description: A short, stylish name with a bold edge.
- Popularity: Frequently seen in baby name lists in the U.S.
- Maurice
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Dark-skinned
- Description: A vintage name with regal undertones.
- Popularity: Popular in France; less common elsewhere.
- Nigel
- Origin: Irish/Latin
- Meaning: Dark or black-haired
- Description: A refined and sophisticated choice.
- Popularity: Uncommon but recognizable.
- Douglas
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: Dark river
- Description: A traditional name rooted in Scottish heritage.
- Popularity: Less common in modern times.
- Donovan
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Dark warrior
- Description: A strong name with an adventurous feel.
- Popularity: Popular in Ireland and the U.S.
- Ciaran
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Dark-haired
- Description: A melodic name with deep Irish roots.
- Popularity: A popular choice in Ireland; rare elsewhere.
11–20: Unique and Rare Names
- Erebus
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Darkness
- Description: A mythological name with a mysterious vibe.
- Popularity: Rare and unique.
- Noir
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Black
- Description: A sleek and modern name.
- Popularity: Rare and trendy.
- Nero
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Black or dark
- Description: A bold, historical name.
- Popularity: Rare but stylish.
- Tynan
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Dark
- Description: A unique and sophisticated choice.
- Popularity: Rare.
- Darcel
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Dark
- Description: A soft yet mysterious name.
- Popularity: Rare.
- Morion
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: A dark crystal
- Description: Perfect for parents seeking a mystical touch.
- Popularity: Extremely rare.
- Zephyr
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Dark wind or west wind
- Description: A nature-inspired name with a mysterious tone.
- Popularity: Rare but modern.
- Jett
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Black gemstone
- Description: A short, bold, and modern choice.
- Popularity: Increasingly popular in recent years.
- Ashwin
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning: Light in the dark
- Description: A name balancing darkness with hope.
- Popularity: Common in India; rare elsewhere.
- Shadow
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Dark figure
- Description: A cool, modern name with mysterious vibes.
- Popularity: Rare.
21–30: Mythological and Historical Names
- Hades
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: God of the underworld
- Description: A powerful, mythological name.
- Popularity: Rare and bold.
- Thanatos
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Death or darkness
- Description: A dramatic and intense choice.
- Popularity: Rare.
- Orpheus
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Darkness of the underworld
- Description: A poetic, mythical name.
- Popularity: Rare.
- Anwir
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Dark
- Description: A strong name with Celtic charm.
- Popularity: Very rare.
- Azrael
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Angel of death
- Description: A mystical and spiritual name.
- Popularity: Gaining recognition globally.
- Kage
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: Shadow
- Description: A sleek and unique name.
- Popularity: Rare.
- Baron
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: Noble or dark figure
- Description: A powerful, aristocratic name.
- Popularity: Moderately popular.
- Draven
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Dark avenger
- Description: A modern and edgy name.
- Popularity: Rare but growing in use.
- Lestat
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Dark or noble
- Description: A literary name inspired by Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles.
- Popularity: Rare but intriguing.
- Zahir
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Outer darkness or clarity
- Description: A mystical name with dual meanings.
- Popularity: Common in Arabic-speaking countries.
31–50: Modern and Edgy Names
- Onyx – Black gemstone, sleek and modern.
- Raven – Dark bird, mysterious.
- Kalem – Dark-skinned, Arabic origin.
- Damien – Tamer of darkness, classic.
- Obsidian – Volcanic glass, bold choice.
- Carmine – Dark red, artistic tone.
- Darik – Ruler of darkness, rare.
- Salem – Peaceful darkness, mystical.
- Knox – From dark hills, modern and strong.
- Lucian – Light in darkness, elegant.
- Ardon – Bronze and dark, biblical.
- Sterling – Little star in darkness, classy.
- Sable – Black, strong and sleek.
- Valdus – Dark ruler, intense.
- Cobalt – Deep blue-black, edgy.
- Tenebris – Latin for darkness, academic.
- Falcon – Dark hunter, bold.
- Melan – Derived from black, rare.
- Kohl – Dark eyeliner-inspired, trendy.
- Dusk – Twilight’s dark embrace, poetic.
Also read Names That Mean Star
50 Names That Mean Dark for Girls
Choosing a name that means “dark” for your baby girl can add a sense of mystery, elegance, and depth. From mythological and nature-inspired names to those steeped in history and culture, here are 50 beautiful options with their origins, meanings, descriptions, and popularity.
1–10: Classic and Elegant Names
- Amaya
- Origin: Japanese, Basque
- Meaning: Night rain; the end
- Description: A poetic name symbolizing serenity and mystery.
- Popularity: Moderately popular, especially in Japan and Spain.
- Leila
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Night; dark beauty
- Description: A timeless and graceful name with widespread appeal.
- Popularity: Frequently used worldwide, especially in the Middle East.
- Melania
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Black, dark
- Description: A classic name with a sophisticated flair.
- Popularity: Gaining popularity in Europe and the U.S.
- Nyx
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Goddess of the night
- Description: A short, strong, and mythological name.
- Popularity: Rare but increasingly trendy.
- Selene
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Moon goddess
- Description: A luminous yet mysterious name associated with the night.
- Popularity: Moderately popular in Greece and other countries.
- Lilith
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Night monster; dark beauty
- Description: A name with mythological and feminist undertones.
- Popularity: Gaining recognition for its edgy charm.
- Noir
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Black
- Description: A sleek, chic, and minimalist name.
- Popularity: Rare and fashionable.
- Morrigan
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Phantom queen; dark goddess
- Description: A powerful name with ties to Irish mythology.
- Popularity: Rare but gaining popularity among mythology enthusiasts.
- Artemis
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Goddess of the hunt and moon
- Description: A strong name with an elegant connection to darkness and nature.
- Popularity: Increasingly popular in modern baby name trends.
- Ciara
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Dark-haired
- Description: A melodic and graceful name with Celtic origins.
- Popularity: Common in Ireland; moderately popular elsewhere.
11–20: Unique and Rare Names
- Ebony
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Dark wood
- Description: A rich, earthy name symbolizing strength and beauty.
- Popularity: Frequently used in English-speaking countries.
- Zephyra
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Dark wind; west wind
- Description: A rare and ethereal name inspired by nature.
- Popularity: Extremely rare.
- Nocturne
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Night
- Description: A poetic and musical name.
- Popularity: Rare and artistic.
- Darcel
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Dark
- Description: A soft and mysterious name.
- Popularity: Rare.
- Ereshkigal
- Origin: Mesopotamian
- Meaning: Goddess of the underworld
- Description: A dramatic and powerful mythological name.
- Popularity: Extremely rare.
- Lisha
- Origin: Hindi
- Meaning: Dark night
- Description: A short, sweet, and mystical name.
- Popularity: Moderately popular in India.
- Raven
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Black bird
- Description: A bold name symbolizing intelligence and mystery.
- Popularity: Increasingly popular in English-speaking countries.
- Sable
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Black fur
- Description: A sleek, sophisticated, and nature-inspired name.
- Popularity: Rare but chic.
- Orlaith
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Golden princess with dark beauty
- Description: A lyrical and enchanting name with Celtic roots.
- Popularity: Rare outside of Ireland.
- Briar
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Dark thorny bush
- Description: A nature-inspired name with a hint of mystery.
- Popularity: Gaining popularity in modern baby name lists.
21–30: Mythological and Cultural Names
- Calypso – Greek, dark nymph, exotic and alluring.
- Hecate – Greek, goddess of magic and night, bold and mysterious.
- Selket – Egyptian, protector in dark realms, powerful.
- Isolde – Celtic, dark beauty, romantic and mythical.
- Layla – Arabic, night, classic and timeless.
- Astra – Greek, dark star, celestial and elegant.
- Bellona – Roman, goddess of war, dramatic and strong.
- Tenebris – Latin, darkness, academic and poetic.
- Nisha – Sanskrit, night, melodic and simple.
- Maya – Sanskrit, illusion and darkness, mystical and popular.
31–40: Nature-Inspired Names
- Onyx – Black gemstone, bold and modern.
- Dusk – Twilight, poetic and serene.
- Indigo – Deep dark blue, artistic and colorful.
- Willow – Dark tree, graceful and strong.
- Ash – Dark residue of fire, earthy and strong.
- Cypress – Tree of darkness, elegant and rare.
- Storm – Dark skies, powerful and edgy.
- Winter – Season of darkness, cool and chic.
- Nightshade – Poisonous dark plant, dramatic and unique.
- Holly – Dark evergreen, festive and elegant.
41–50: Modern and Edgy Names
- Kohl – Dark eyeliner, trendy and bold.
- Velvet – Dark luxurious fabric, soft and elegant.
- Zara – Arabic, flower of darkness, sleek and popular.
- Nyssa – Greek, beginning of darkness, lyrical.
- Thalia – Greek, blooming in dark, artistic and chic.
- Seren – Welsh, dark star, celestial and soft.
- Lucina – Latin, light in darkness, hopeful and classic.
- Amaris – Spanish, child of the moon, romantic and mystical.
- Salem – Peaceful dark, edgy and modern.
- Evania – Greek, serene in darkness, elegant and unique.
Gender-Neutral Names That Mean Dark
- Raven – Inspired by the black bird, a symbol of mystery and intelligence.
- Shadow – A modern and edgy choice symbolizing darkness and mystique.
- Onyx – A gemstone name representing blackness and strength.
- Indigo – A deep, dark blue shade, perfect for those who love color-inspired names.
- Storm – Evoking the power and mystery of dark skies.
Tips for Choosing a Name That Means Dark
Consider the Cultural Significance
- Many names that mean dark have roots in various cultures. Research their history to ensure they align with your values and traditions.
Think About Pronunciation and Spelling
- Opt for names that are easy to pronounce and spell, especially if they have unique origins.
Match the Name to the Personality
- Dark names often carry a sense of mystery and depth. Choose one that resonates with your hopes for your child’s future personality or vibe.
Conclusion
Names that mean dark are not only unique but also carry profound meanings tied to strength, mystery, and elegance. Whether inspired by mythology, nature, or different cultures, these names are perfect for parents seeking something bold and meaningful.
By choosing a name that signifies darkness, you’re embracing a legacy of beauty, power, and mystique. Dive into the world of dark names and find the one that’s just right for your little one!
FAQs
Is there a name that means darkness?
Yes, names like Nyx (Greek), Erebus (Greek), and Noir (French) all mean darkness.
What is the most gothic name?
Names like Raven, Lilith, and Morticia are often considered the most gothic due to their dark and mysterious associations.
What is the Greek name for darkness?
The Greek name for darkness is Erebus, which represents the personification of darkness in Greek mythology.
What mythical name means night?
The name Nyx is a mythical name that means “night” and refers to the Greek goddess of the night.