Dare to Be Different: Evil, Scary, & Creepy Baby Names

Babies are all sweetness and light, of course. But their names don't always have to be. Some parents are drawn to names with darker origins or meanings, finding beauty in their mysterious qualities. Names like Lilith, the rebellious first wife of Adam in Jewish folklore, or Damien, forever associated with the 1976 horror film 'The Omen,' carry an intriguing edge. Greek mythology offers options like Persephone, queen of the underworld, while literary classics give us Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. Biblical sources provide names such as Delilah, known for betraying Samson, and even Disney villains like Maleficent and Ursula inspire distinctive choices. These darker names often feature rich histories and powerful sounds that stand out in a world of more conventional options.

If you're drawn to the mystique of the macabre or seeking a name with dark allure, these evil, scary, and creepy baby names might be perfect for your little nightmare. While traditional parents gravitate toward Emma and James, those with a gothic sensibility or appreciation for the sinister can explore names with haunting origins, malevolent meanings, or connections to folklore's most chilling characters. From literary villains to mythological demons, these names carry power and intrigue that conventional choices simply can't match. They're perfect for parents who want their child to stand out in a world of cookie-cutter names, making a bold statement from day one.

Scary boy names

Dexter

Dexter comes from the Latin word meaning "right-handed" or "skilled." This name gained notoriety through the popular TV series featuring a forensic blood spatter analyst who moonlights as a vigilante serial killer. Dexter Morgan's methodical approach to murder, his "dark passenger," and his collection of blood slides make this name synonymous with controlled chaos and hidden darkness. Despite its sinister associations, the name maintains an air of intelligence and precision that adds to its chilling appeal.

Lucifer

Lucifer is a name with Latin origins meaning 'light-bearer' or 'morning star,' but is more commonly recognized as the name of Satan before his fall from heaven. In religious texts, Lucifer was once an angel of high standing who rebelled against God due to pride, ultimately becoming the ruler of hell. The name carries strong connotations of evil, darkness, and rebellion in Western culture. Despite its negative associations, some parents are drawn to its melodic sound and historical depth. In popular culture, Lucifer continues to appear in various forms of media, often portrayed as a complex character rather than purely evil.

Hannibal

Hannibal is a name with powerful historical connotations, derived from Phoenician meaning "grace of Baal" (a deity). Most notably, it's associated with Hannibal Barca, the military commander who marched elephants across the Alps to battle Rome. In modern pop culture, the name gained a sinister reputation through Thomas Harris's fictional character Hannibal Lecter, the sophisticated cannibalistic serial killer featured in novels and films like The Silence of the Lambs. Despite its intimidating associations, the name carries undeniable strength and historical gravitas.

Pennywise

The name Pennywise instantly evokes terror due to its association with the infamous dancing clown from Stephen King's horror novel It. This malevolent entity preys on children's fears and has become one of pop culture's most recognizable villains. As a name, Pennywise combines two innocent words into something sinister, reflecting the character's deceptive nature. While extremely rare as a given name, its connection to supernatural horror makes it perhaps the ultimate creepy choice for parents wanting to embrace the macabre. The name's etymology suggests someone who values small amounts of money, but its modern connotation is anything but frugal—it's pure nightmare fuel.

Krueger

The surname Krueger instantly evokes fear as the last name of iconic horror villain Freddy Krueger from the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. With German origins meaning "potter" or "innkeeper," this name carries a sinister connotation due to its association with the dream-invading killer. While uncommon as a first name, some horror enthusiasts have adopted Krueger as a bold and intimidating choice. Parents considering this name should be aware of its strong connection to the fictional murderer, though it does have an undeniable edge that appeals to those seeking a name with dark intensity and memorable impact.

Mephisto

Mephisto is a name derived from Mephistopheles, the powerful demon from German folklore who collected the souls of the damned for Lucifer. The name gained widespread recognition through Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's tragic play Faust, where Mephistopheles appears as a sophisticated, coldly calculating demon who tempts the protagonist with knowledge and worldly pleasures. The name Mephisto carries dark connotations in various cultures and appears in numerous horror films, video games, and comic books as the embodiment of evil. In Marvel comics, Mephisto is portrayed as a demonic entity who delights in manipulating and corrupting mortals through deceptive bargains, much like his folkloric counterpart.

Scary girl names

Morticia

Morticia is a name that immediately evokes the elegant and macabre matriarch from the beloved Addams Family. Originally derived from the Latin word "mors" meaning "death," this darkly sophisticated name carries an air of mystery and gothic glamour. Despite its ominous origins, Morticia represents a powerful female figure who embodies confidence, devotion to family, and an unapologetic embrace of the unconventional. For parents seeking a name with haunting charm and cultural recognition, Morticia offers a bold choice that balances eerie undertones with surprising strength and feminine grace.

Elvira

Elvira is a name that has become synonymous with dark glamour and gothic allure, largely due to its association with the iconic character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. This character, with her vampiric appearance and macabre humor, cemented the name's connection to horror culture. The name has ancient origins, deriving from the Visigothic language meaning 'all true' or 'foreign.' In folklore and popular culture, Elvira often appears as a mysterious, otherworldly figure, sometimes associated with witchcraft or supernatural powers. The name's eerie quality is enhanced by its melodic sound that seems to whisper from the shadows, making it a perfect choice for parents drawn to names with a deliciously dark edge.

Samara

Samara is the name of the terrifying antagonist in the horror film series 'The Ring.' The character is a vengeful ghost who emerges from a cursed videotape to claim her victims seven days after they watch it. With her long, wet black hair covering her face and her jerky, unnatural movements, Samara has become one of the most iconic and disturbing figures in modern horror cinema. The name Samara has Hebrew origins meaning 'protected by God' or 'guarded by God' - an ironic meaning considering the character's malevolent nature. In some cultures, it's also associated with the winged seeds of maple trees, which float ominously like specters in the wind, much like the supernatural presence of the character herself.

Raven

Raven evokes imagery of the mysterious black bird often associated with darkness and the supernatural. In literature and folklore, ravens are messengers of ill omens, most famously in Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven" where the bird repeatedly croaks "Nevermore," tormenting the protagonist. Throughout mythology, these intelligent birds have been linked to death, war, and the afterlife. Norse legends depict ravens as companions to Odin, the god of death and battle, while many indigenous cultures view them as tricksters or transformers. Naming a child Raven embraces these gothic associations while also acknowledging the bird's remarkable intelligence and adaptability in nature.

Medusa

The name Medusa originates from Greek mythology, meaning "guardian" or "protector." In ancient legends, Medusa was one of the Gorgon sisters with living venomous snakes for hair, whose gaze could turn onlookers to stone. Once a beautiful maiden, Medusa was transformed into a monster by the goddess Athena after being defiled in Athena's temple. Her severed head later became a powerful weapon wielded by the hero Perseus. Despite its frightening associations, the name Medusa carries undertones of feminine power and the consequences of divine retribution, making it a boldly distinctive choice that evokes both fear and fascination.

Lamia

Lamia is a name with truly terrifying mythological origins, dating back to ancient Greek legends where Lamia was a child-eating monster or demon. According to mythology, Lamia was once a beautiful queen who was transformed into a serpent-like creature after Zeus's jealous wife Hera killed her children. Driven mad by grief, she became a vengeful entity who devoured children out of envy for other mothers. In modern culture, the name Lamia continues to evoke images of supernatural horror and has appeared in various poems, novels, and films as a symbol of feminine monstrosity. Despite its dark associations, the name has an undeniably exotic sound that draws some parents looking for a uniquely haunting name for their daughter.

Hecate

Hecate is a powerful name rooted in Greek mythology, where she was the goddess of witchcraft, magic, and the night. Often depicted holding torches or accompanied by howling dogs, Hecate presided over crossroads, entryways, and was associated with the realm of spirits. In ancient times, she was both revered and feared for her connection to the underworld and supernatural abilities. The name Hecate derives from Greek origins and is believed to mean "worker from afar" or "she who has power from a distance."

Sabrina

Sabrina is a name with a long history of supernatural associations, most notably as the teenage witch in the Archie Comics series and subsequent television adaptations. The character has often been portrayed as a half-witch navigating between the mortal world and the realm of dark magic. In older folklore, the name Sabrina is connected to the River Severn's goddess, who was said to drown those who crossed her. The name's elegant sound contrasts with its sometimes sinister fictional representations, making it a subtly eerie choice for parents drawn to names with a touch of the macabre.

Scary unisex names

Onyx

Onyx is a powerful gemstone name with dark undertones perfect for a spooky aesthetic. This striking black gemstone has been associated with protection against negative energy and evil forces throughout history. In some ancient beliefs, onyx was thought to harbor spirits within its layers, and wearing it could invite nightmares or absorb negative energies. The name's mysterious quality and connection to the shadowy stone make it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something both trendy and slightly sinister for their little one.

Midnight

Midnight evokes the darkest hour, traditionally associated with supernatural activities and the witching hour. In folklore across many cultures, midnight represents the time when the veil between worlds is thinnest, allowing spirits and other entities to cross over. The name carries an inherently gothic aesthetic, bringing to mind moonlit graveyards, howling wolves, and eerie silence. While undeniably dramatic and mysterious, Midnight as a name bestows a permanent connection to darkness and the uncanny, making it a truly haunting choice for parents drawn to the macabre.

Shadow

Shadow is a name that embodies darkness, mystery, and the unknown. It refers to the dark area where light is blocked, creating an ominous silhouette that follows and mimics movement. In literature and film, shadows often represent the darker aspects of personality or lurking danger. The name carries a gothic appeal and evokes images of phantoms and specters. While uncommon as a given name, it has gained traction among parents seeking edgy, atmospheric names with a hint of darkness. Shadow pairs well with bright middle names like Ray or Dawn for an interesting contrast, or can be complemented by other nature-inspired names like Storm or Raven for a consistently moody aesthetic.

Raven is a hauntingly beautiful unisex name with deep gothic associations. This darkly elegant name refers to the large black bird that has long been associated with omens, death, and the supernatural in many cultures. The raven gained particular notoriety in Edgar Allan Poe's famous poem where the bird serves as a psychologically tormenting reminder of grief and loss. Ravens have appeared in mythology and folklore across cultures, often as messengers between the living and dead or as harbingers of ill fortune. This name has surged in popularity among parents seeking a name with mysterious undertones that works equally well for any gender. With its combination of natural imagery and supernatural connotations, Raven perfectly balances beauty with a touch of the macabre.

Phantom

Phantom is a hauntingly ethereal name that evokes images of apparitions, spectral beings, and ghostly presences that exist between worlds. Originally derived from Greek 'phantasma' meaning apparition or specter, the term has become synonymous with mysterious entities that instill both wonder and fear. In literature and popular culture, phantoms represent the unseen, the unexplained, and often serve as metaphors for lingering regrets or unfinished business. The name carries significant weight in classic works like Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera, where it embodies a complex character cloaked in darkness and mystery. As a name, Phantom offers an unmistakable aura of the supernatural while maintaining an intriguing duality between the seen and unseen realms.