120 Sinister Names That Mean Monster, Evil, or Demon (2024)

Do you hear the calls from the deep dark forest? The whispers of creatures that dare not meet the light of day.

There’s a power in a name, a resonance that can ripple through the soul like a haunting melody.

Sinister names have a weight, a grip on our collective imagination, stretching back to ancient folklore and twisting through the dark alleys of modern horror tales.

Typically, parents prefer to avoid names with negative associations, such as “monster,” when naming their children.

Girl Names That Mean Monster, Evil or Demon

Whether inspired by human flesh-eating horrors or the mythical, all-powerful beings of the underworld, these names embody darkness and danger.

Lilith [Jewish mythology] – In ancient mythology, Lilith breathes as the first night spirit, an embodiment of freedom and the dark mother of demons. Her name evokes images of moonlit glades and the untamed, primal essence of nature.
Morrigan [Irish mythology] – Whisper her name on a battlefield and watch the crows gather. Morrigan, the phantom queen, dances with fate, intertwining life and death, victory and chaos. She embodies the sinister grace of a dark goddess, ruling over war and fate with a raven’s eye.
Hecate [Greek mythology] – Hecate, the ancient goddess of magic and crossroads, straddles worlds. Her triple form sees past, present, future, mistress of night and shadows. Speaking her name invokes moon mysteries and earth’s hidden paths.
Lamia [Greek mythology] – The name Lamia tells of loss and vengeance. Once a queen, now a devourer of children who haunts men’s nightmares. Her gaze is both alluring and damning, promising a fate entwined with sorrow and beauty.
Jezebeth [Demonology] – Emerge, Jezebeth, demon of lies. Her realm is the shadow between truth and deception, where whispers breed betrayal. With a smile, she weaves deceit, ensnaring souls in webs spun from the heart’s darkest corners.
Agrat [Jewish folklore] – Agrat, the wanderer of desolate places, roams the night with her legion of demons. She embodies the howl in the wilderness, the chill in the wind that speaks of desolation and unfulfilled desires.
Bellatrix [Latin] – Born from the word “warrior,” Bellatrix is the star that shines fiercely in the winter sky. She embodies the untamed spirit, the heart of the storm, heralding strife. Her name resonates with the power of ancient battles and the courage to confront darkness.
Circe [Greek mythology] – Circe, the enchantress with the voice of the sea and wind. With her potion, she changes men’s fate, plunging them into their fears. Her name symbolizes transformation and the unknown’s power.
Drusilla [Latin] – Soft as the night, Drusilla moves through dusk with shadow-like grace. Her name evokes ancient Rome, secrets, and moonlight delicacy. Within its velvet touch lies dark strength, a depth enduring through time.
Euryale [Greek mythology] – Sister to Medusa, Euryale doesn’t hide behind stone but within an endless scream. Her voice, a storm of sorrow and rage, bears the weight of timeless grief. Her name laments the power of voice and eternal loss.
Champakali [Hindi] – In many Hindi texts, Champakali is a demon who takes the form of a beautiful flower. Her name speaks of seduction and danger, luring unsuspecting prey with delicate petals that hide razor-sharp thorns.
Keres [Greek mythology] – With her piercing black eyes, Keres watches over the battlefield. She is the embodiment of violent death, relentless and merciless. Her name strikes fear in the hearts of even the bravest warriors.
Lilura [Roman] – In Roman mythology, Lilura is a goddess associated with darkness and death. Her name brings to mind eerie stillness and whispers in the night, haunting those who dare to enter her realm.
Raven [English] – A name with a long history in folklore and mythology, the raven is often associated with death, darkness, and magic. Its black feathers evoke mystery and foreboding, making it a fitting name for a girl who embodies sinister qualities.
Persephone [Greek mythology] – Persephone, queen of the underworld, dances between light and dark, life and death. Her abduction influenced the seasons, weaving her story with the earth’s cycle. Her name symbolizes renewal and beauty from shadow, balancing two worlds.
Tiamat [Babylonian mythology] – Tiamat, the ancient ocean goddess, stirs chaos with her tempests. From her fury, gods emerged, shaping the world. Her name echoes with the force of creation and destruction, embodying an eternal cycle of cosmic rebirth and desolation.
Succubus [Demonology] – With a name that literally means “to lie under,” succubus is a female demon who seduces men and steals their souls through erotic dreams. Her powers of temptation and manipulation make her a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Morgana [Arthurian legend] – Morgana, the enchantress who brings doom to King Arthur and his kingdom. Her name conjures images of dark magic, witchcraft, and betrayal. She is a complex character with a mysterious allure that continues to captivate audiences.
Mara [Slavic folklore] – In Slavic mythology, Mara is a malicious spirit who torments people in their sleep. Her name is associated with nightmares and fear, as she feeds on the despair and anguish of her victims.
Lamashtu [Mesopotamian mythology] – Lamashtu is a fearsome demon in Mesopotamian mythology, known for causing harm to mothers and newborns. Her name means “she who erases,” emphasizing her destructive nature and the fear she instills in those who hear her name.
Lusca [Caribbean folklore] – In Caribbean folklore, Lusca is a terrifying creature that inhabits the deep ocean. With its body resembling both an octopus and a shark, it strikes fear in anyone who dares to venture into its territory.
Makara [Hindu mythology] – Makara is a sea creature with a crocodile body and fish tail, symbolizing fertility and protection in Hindu mythology. Known for strength and power, it represents an unpredictable force in the ocean depths.
Niamh [Irish folklore] -In Irish mythology, Niamh, a fairy princess, loves a mortal man. Her name means “bright” or “radiant,” mirroring her beauty and mystical nature.
Nessie [Scottish folklore] – The legend of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, has fascinated people for centuries. Her name is derived from “Ness,” the loch where she is said to dwell, and adds a touch of endearment to this mysterious creature.
Saturna [Roman] – In Roman mythology, Saturna represents the goddess of time and harvest. Her name is derived from “Saturn,” the god she is often associated with, and symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the changing of seasons.
Graeae [Greek mythology] – The Graeae, also known as the Grey Sisters, are three old women who share one eye and one tooth between them. They are considered to be goddesses of fate and prophecy, with their name meaning “old women” in Greek.
Medusa [Greek mythology] – Medusa, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, was originally a beautiful woman with golden hair. Cursed by Athena, she turned into a monster with snake hair, possessing a petrifying gaze.
Chimera [Greek mythology] – In Greek mythology, Chimera is a fire-breathing creature with the head of a lion, body of a goat, and tail of a serpent. It symbolizes chaos and destruction, challenging the natural order and bringing terror to those who encounter it.
Aurora [Roman mythology] – Aurora, the goddess of dawn in Roman mythology, brings light and renewal to the world each morning. Her name means “dawn” in Latin, evoking images of a beautiful sunrise and the promise of a new day.
Cailleach [Scottish folklore] – In Scottish folklore, Cailleach is a divine hag who controls the weather and seasons. Her name means “old woman” in Gaelic, reflecting her powerful and ancient nature.
Akumu [Japanese] – In Japanese folklore, Akumu is a demon who causes nightmares and sleep paralysis. Its name means “nightmare,” adding to its fearsome reputation.
Yami [Hindu mythology] – Yami, the Hindu goddess of death, is often depicted as a dark and mysterious figure. Her name means “night,” representing her role in guiding souls to the afterlife.
Akuhei [Inuit mythology] – Akuhei, also known as the “Soul Eater,” is a malevolent spirit in Inuit mythology. Its name means “evil spirit,” embodying its destructive and terrifying nature.
Scylla [Greek mythology] – Scylla is a sea monster in Greek mythology with six heads and twelve legs. Its name, “she who rends,” symbolizes its ferocity and power.
Amaru [Inca mythology] – Amaru, the feathered serpent god in Inca mythology, symbolizes fertility and prosperity. Its name, “snake,” represents its role as both protector and destroyer.
Muspell [Norse mythology] – In Norse mythology, Muspell is a fire giant who brings about the end of the world, known as Ragnarok. Its name means “flame” or “blaze,” symbolizing the fiery destruction it unleashes upon the earth.
Banshee [Irish folklore] – The Banshee is a female spirit in Irish folklore who wails and forewarns of approaching death. Her name comes from the old Irish word “bean sí,” meaning “woman of the fairy mounds.”
Cruella [Disney] – Cruella de Vil, the infamous villain in Disney’s “101 Dalmatians,” is known for her obsession with fur and cruel treatment of animals. Her name, a play on words using the French word “cruel,” perfectly sums up her wicked and heartless nature.
Putana [Hindu mythology] – Putana is a demoness in Hindu mythology, known for her attempt to kill the infant Krishna by offering him poisoned milk.
Diti [Hindu mythology] – Diti is a goddess in Hindu mythology, known for her role as the mother of demons. Her name means “bound” or “tied,” representing the constraints and limitations she faced in her marriage to the sage Kashyapa.

Boy Names That Mean Monster, Evil or Demon

Whether inspired by mythology, folklore, or popular culture, these names all have a dark and sinister meaning behind them. Here are some boy names that mean monster, evil or demon:

Erebus [Greek] – In Greek mythology, Erebus is the personification of darkness and shadow, often associated with the underworld.
Loki [Norse] – Loki is a trickster god in Norse mythology known for his cunning and mischievous nature.
Baphomet [Occultism] – Baphomet is a deity often associated with witchcraft and the occult, representing duality and the balance between good and evil.
Asmodeus [Jewish] – In Jewish tradition, Asmodeus is a demon who tempts people to commit sins.
Dracula [Fictional] – Inspired by Bram Stoker’s iconic vampire character, Dracula is a name that has come to represent all things dark and sinister.
Lucifer [Biblical] – Often associated with the devil in Christianity, Lucifer was originally an angel who rebelled against God.
Satan [Biblical] – Another name for the devil in Christianity, Satan represents the embodiment of evil and temptation.
Diablo [Spanish] – Meaning “devil” in Spanish, Diablo is also the name of a popular video game character who rules over the underworld.
Ravana [Hindu mythology] – Ravana is a demon king in Hindu mythology known for his ten heads and fierce battles against the gods.
Mephistopheles [German] – This name is associated with the devil in German folklore and literature, often portrayed as a cunning and manipulative figure.
Daemon [Greek] – In Greek mythology, a daemon is a divine being who acts as an intermediary between humans and the gods.
Belial [Jewish] – In Jewish tradition, Belial is a demon who embodies wickedness and lawlessness.
Ahriman [Persian] – Ahriman is the god of darkness and destruction in Persian mythology, often portrayed as the enemy of Ahura Mazda, the god of light.
Beelzebub [Jewish] – Beelzebub is another name for the devil in Jewish tradition, often associated with flies and pestilence.
Azazel [Jewish] – In Jewish lore, Azazel is a fallen angel who taught humans forbidden knowledge and led them to sin.
Caliban [Fictional] – Inspired by Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest,” Caliban is a monster-like character who represents primal and uncivilized nature.
Hades [Greek] – In Greek mythology, Hades is the god of the underworld and ruler of the dead, often portrayed as a dark and brooding figure.
Leviathan [Biblical] – Leviathan is a sea monster in Jewish and Christian tradition, often associated with chaos and destruction.
Moloch [Canaanite] – Moloch is a god in Canaanite mythology who demands child sacrifices as offerings.
Nergal [Babylonian] – Nergal is the god of death and war in Babylonian mythology, often depicted as a lion-headed figure.
Abaddon [Biblical] – In the Book of Revelation, Abaddon is known as the “angel of the abyss” and represents destruction and torment.
Krampus [Folklore] – In Central European folklore, Krampus is a horned demon who punishes children who misbehave during the Christmas season.
Orcus [Roman] – In Roman mythology, Orcus is a god of the underworld and punisher of oath-breakers.
Samhain [Irish] – Samhain is a festival in Irish tradition that marks the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter, often associated with death and the supernatural.
Thanatos [Greek] – In Greek mythology, Thanatos is the personification of death and mortality, often depicted as a winged figure with a sword.
Tartarus [Greek] – Tartarus is the deepest and darkest abyss in Greek mythology, where the Titans were imprisoned after their defeat by the Olympians.
Typhon [Greek] – Typhon is a monstrous creature in Greek mythology, known as the father of all monsters and associated with chaos and destruction.
Zagan [Occultism] – Zagan is a demon in occult traditions who has the power to turn anything into gold and control others’ minds.
Amon [Egyptian] – Amon is a god in Egyptian mythology often represented as a ram or human with a ram’s head, associated with fertility and kingship.
Nebuchadnezzar [Biblical] – Nebuchadnezzar is the name of a Babylonian king in the Bible known for his cruelty and idolatry.
Rakshasa [Hindu mythology] – In Hindu mythology, rakshasas are shape-shifting demons known for their power and malevolent behavior.
Cetus [Greek] – In Greek mythology, Cetus is a sea monster sent by Poseidon to terrorize a kingdom.
Samael [Jewish] – Samael is a fallen angel in Jewish tradition often associated with death and destruction.
Champ [Cryptozoology] – Champ is the name of a lake monster said to inhabit Lake Champlain in North America, similar to the Scottish Loch Ness monster. It is also the short form of the champion, and it came from Middle English, meaning “warrior.”
Fenrir [Norse] – In Norse mythology, Fenrir is a monstrous wolf that is prophesied to bring about the end of the world at Ragnarok.
Grendel [Fictional] – In the epic poem “Beowulf,” Grendel is a monstrous creature that terrorizes the Danes until it is defeated by the hero Beowulf.
Arges [Greek] – In Greek mythology, Arges, one of the Cyclopes, aided Zeus in his battle against the Titans, crafting thunderbolts. Known as the god of lightning and craftsmen.
Balor [Irish] – In Irish mythology, Balor is a giant with a single eye that wreaks havoc and destruction. He was killed by his own grandson Lugh in the Battle of Magh Tuireadh.
Callicantzaros [Greek] – In Greek folklore, Callicantzaros are malevolent creatures that emerge during the 12 days of Christmas to wreak havoc and cause chaos.
Dullahan [Irish] – Dullahan is a headless horseman in Irish mythology who carries his own head as a lantern and appears before someone’s death.
Nuckelavee [Scottish] – In Scottish folklore, Nuckelavee is a demon with a horse’s body and the head of a man that brings disease and death to crops and livestock.
Paimon [Occultism] – Paimon is a demonic king in occult traditions who has the power to reveal hidden knowledge and summon spirits.
Fachan [Scottish] – In Scottish folklore, Fachan is a one-legged creature with one eye, arm, and leg who terrorizes travelers on the moors.
Satanael [Christian] – Satanael is a fallen angel in Christian tradition who rebelled against God and led other angels to do the same.
Hagen [German] – Hagen, a figure in Germanic mythology, infamous for his cunning betrayal of hero Siegfried in the “Nibelungenlied” epic. Associated with treachery and deceit.
Fomorians [Irish] – In Irish mythology, Fomorians are a race of monstrous and deformed beings who represent chaos and destruction.
Kelpie [Scottish] – In Scottish folklore, Kelpies are shape-shifting water spirits that lure unsuspecting travelers to their deaths in the water.
Diabolos [Greek] – Diabolos, meaning “slanderer” or “accuser,” is a term used in Greek and Christian traditions to refer to the Devil or Satan.
Iblis [Islamic] – In Islamic tradition, Iblis is a fallen angel who refused to bow down to Adam as commanded by God and became known as the Devil.
Phobetor [Greek] – In Greek mythology, Phobetor is one of the Oneiroi, the personifications of dreams, and is known as the bringer of nightmares and phobias.
Likho [Slavic] – In Slavic folklore, Likho is a malevolent creature that brings misfortune and destruction to families.
Abchanchu [Incan] – In Incan mythology, Abchanchu is a vampiric creature that drinks the blood of its victims and can shape-shift into different animals.
Kamaitachi [Japanese] – Kamaitachi are weasel-like creatures in Japanese folklore who ride on whirlwinds and slash unsuspecting travelers with their sickles.
Chernobog [Slavic] – In Slavic mythology, Chernobog is the god of darkness and evil, often depicted as a black bird or a dark figure with horns.
Ojancanu [Cantabrian] – Ojancanu is a terrifying giant in Cantabrian folklore who feeds on the flesh of humans and creates storms and disasters.
Puck [English] – Puck, or Robin Goodfellow, is a mischievous fairy in English folklore known for playing pranks and causing chaos.
Furfur [Occultism] – Furfur is a demon in occult traditions who has the power to raise storms and manipulate thunder.
Tezcatlipoca [Aztec] – Tezcatlipoca is a god in Aztec mythology associated with the night sky, fate, and sorcery, often depicted as a jaguar.
Aswang [Philippine] – In Philippine folklore, Aswang is a shape-shifting monster with an insatiable hunger for human flesh and blood.
Naberius [Occultism] – Naberius is a demon in occult traditions who has the power to make people cunning and persuasive, and is often depicted as a three-headed dog.
Gorgon [Greek] – In Greek mythology, Gorgons are monstrous creatures with snakes for hair that can turn anyone who looks at them into stone.

Unisex Names That Mean Monster

If you’re still undecided about what name that means monster you should give to your little one, here are some gender-neutral names you can try.

Yokai [Japanese] – In Japanese folklore, Yokai are supernatural monsters or spirits that can take on many forms.
Leshy [Slavic] – In Slavic folklore, Leshy is a male woodland spirit who protects the forests and its creatures, but can also be dangerous to humans.
Ogre [Fictional] – Ogres are large, grotesque monsters often depicted as evil and brutish in fairy tales and folklore.
Succubus/Incubus [Occultism] – Succubi and incubi are demons in occult traditions who seduce and prey on humans in their sleep.
Kaiju [Japanese] – In Japanese popular culture, Kaiju are giant monsters that often cause destruction and chaos.
Kraken [Norse] – In Norse mythology, Kraken is a sea monster of enormous size and strength that terrorizes sailors.
Oni [Japanese] – Oni are demons or ogres in Japanese folklore known for their fierce appearance and strength.
Cyclops [Greek] – In Greek mythology, Cyclopes are one-eyed giants who were skilled craftsmen and forged weapons for the gods.
Mngwa [African] – In East African folklore, Mngwa is a large and ferocious feline creature that is said to be the size of a donkey.
Chimera [Greek] – In Greek mythology, Chimera is a monstrous fire-breathing creature with the body of a lion, head of a goat, and tail of a serpent.
Belial [Christian] – Belial is a demon in Christian tradition often associated with lawlessness, deceit, and perversion.
Yowie [Australian] – In Australian folklore, Yowie is a large and hairy creature resembling Bigfoot or Sasquatch.
Kraken [Scandinavian] – In Scandinavian folklore, Kraken is a giant sea monster believed to dwell in the oceans.
Nephilim [Jewish/Christian] – Nephilim are giants in Jewish and Christian traditions who were the offspring of angels and humans.
Ghoul [Arabic] – In Arabic folklore, Ghoul is an evil spirit or monster that robs graves and feeds on the flesh of dead humans.
Wendigo [Native American] – In Native American folklore, Wendigo is a cannibalistic creature said to possess humans and drive them to madness.
Harpy [Greek] – In Greek mythology, Harpies are winged creatures with the heads of women and bodies of birds who were sent to punish those who had done wrong.
Behemoth [Hebrew] – In Hebrew mythology, Behemoth is a huge and powerful land animal who represents chaos and the primal forces of nature.
Naga [Hindu/Buddhist] – In Hindu and Buddhist mythology, Naga are semi-divine beings that take on the form of serpents.
Kasa Obake [Japanese] – Kasa Obake are umbrella spirits in Japanese folklore that can transform into one-eyed creatures with long tongues.

Final Thoughts

Naming your child after a monster may seem unconventional, but these creatures have rich histories and meanings behind them.

One can also use these names for their characters, fiction and what not.

Whether you choose a name from Greek mythology, Slavic folklore, or occult traditions, each one carries its own unique story and symbolism.

Whichever monster-inspired name you choose for your little one, it is sure to make them stand out in the best way possible.