Halloween is right around the corner and if you’re expecting a baby around that time, you might want to consider some spooky names for your child. While some of these names come from literature and pop culture others come from folklore, mythology, and religion. As humans, we’re obsessed with the darkness in this world which means it’s only natural to be curious about spooky names.
We found a variety of spooky names with plenty of creep factor for you to get into the Halloween spirit. We’ve got names for your little demon daughters and sinister sons below and you should find no shortage of goosebumps-inducing appellations to be used or reviled. Spooky names are fun to think about but before you go naming your child Beelzebub, it’s best to practice a bit of caution. After all, what would grandma say!? Let’s get haunted by some sincerely spooky names!
Spooky Names for Ghoulish Girls
Wendy
The name Wendy is actually a literary invention created by Sir James Barrie for the big sister role in his play, Peter Pan. For horror fans, the name should conjure the image of Shelley Duvall running through a hedge maze from Jack Nicholson in The Shining.
Lilith
Lilith comes from Babylonian and Hebrew origin, meaning “night monster” or “of night.” She was considered a night demon that terrorized the dreams of men! Lilith has been listed among other spooky names for centuries now.
Thomasin
Thomasin couldn’t catch a break after her family was forced out of town and into the New England wilderness. The Witch is a terrifying look at life for young, unmarried women in Puritan (Calvinist) society. It was not so great in the 17th century! Thomasin becomes the unlikely dark hero by the end of the film which we weren’t expecting. The name is an English diminutive of Thomas, a name that means “twin.”
Akeldama
Akeldama is of Aramaic origin, meaning “field of blood.” Eek! Why would anyone choose this name for their daughter? Its meaning makes it one of the spooky names that we’re totally not touching.
Susie
In the original Giallo, the name was spelled Suzy, but in Luca Guadagnino‘s remake, it’s spelled, Susie. Both the original and the remake of Suspiria are polarizing and very weird. We love the hero of both, Susie (Suzy). The name has English and Hebrew origins and means “lily.”
Elena
Elena is of Italian and Latin origin, meaning “bright, shining one.” Elena Gilbert is one of the leading characters in The Vampire Diaries.
Sidney
Sidney Prescott had one rough ride after another throughout the Scream franchise. We absolutely love her name! It’s very French and means “Saint-Denis.” While this name is a perfectly acceptable gender-neutral option, we tend to favor it for girls.
Morticia
Morticia is of English origin/invention, meaning “undertaker.” The name famously was created for Morticia Addams of The Addams Family.
Shideh
Under the Shadow is both a war film and a horror movie. This excellent movie is anchored by the performance of Narges Rashidi as a haunted and protective mother. Her character’s name, Shideh is a beautiful one. It has Persian origins and means “luminous.”
Claudia
Claudia is of Latin origin, meaning “lame.” Claudia belongs to the child vampire with a ferocious that causes a lot of trouble in Interview with the Vampire.
Samara
Samara is a name with Hebrew origins that means “under God’s rule.” The name should make you think of the doomed child who crawls out of a TV in The Ring. Pro tip: avoid VHS.
Mina
Mina is of German origin, meaning “love.” Mina Harker becomes a Bride of Dracula after drinking his blood and becoming a vampire in Dracula.
Sally
The sly arthouse horror film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is almost too brutal to get through, even today. The original “final girl,” a term coined by feminist film theorist Carol J Clover, is a horror trope that describes the single woman left standing at the end of a movie. Sally’s the original survivor that so many other characters (Laurie Strode, Ripley, Nancy Thompson, and Sidney Prescott) have been loosely modeled after. Sally is a diminutive of Sarah and means “princess.”
Lamia
A name from Greek folklore, Lamia means “fiend.” She is described as having the body of a snake with the breasts and head of a woman. She eats young men and children.
Rosemary
Go ahead and name your baby Rosemary! Mia Farrow, as Rosemary Woodhouse, was absolutely terrorized by her new neighbors in Rosemary’s Baby. We love this herb name that can also mean “dew of the sea.”
Hecate
From Greek mythology, Hecate was a goddess of witchcraft, demons, and the underworld. She was worshipped in ancient times as a protector of the household and hearth. But, she was rarely so innocent of ill intention. The name means “far off.”
Ripley
The name Ripley has an interesting meaning, a “strip of clearing in the woods.” Okay! The name is most familiar to you probably because Sigourney Weaver bore it as the powerful character in Alien. And if you’re wondering, Alien is a horror movie and that’s not up for debate.
Mara
From Scandinavian folklore, Mara is a wraith. In Hebrew tradition, she brings nightmares to children. In Buddhist folklore, she personifies evil. That’s a wildly disliked name! Mara from Hebrew tradition means “bitter.”
Regan
Believe it or not, the demonically possessed Regan MacNeill helped foster the popularity of the name. Yes, that terrifying child from The Exorcist made the name trend the year following the release of the movie in 1974. Regan is a name with Irish origins that means “little king” (of darkness).
Qarinah
In Arabian mythology, Qarinah is a female demon from Egypt. She is a succubus who appears in dreams to seduce men. She was said to have caused everything from poor mental health to death.
Mercedes
Mercedes is one of our favorite names and we were thrilled Guillermo Del Toro chose it for the compassionate housekeeper and revolutionary in his fantasy-horror picture, Pan’s Labyrinth. The name Mercedes has Spanish origins and means “gracious gifts.”
Keep Reading for Even More Spooky Names for Girls
Empusa
A monster from Greek mythology, commanded by Hecate, Empusa had a name that even sounds unsettling. She is said to have one leg of a donkey and the other is made of brass. Okay!
Marion
Marion Crane played by Janet Leigh, made a huge impression in her short time on the screen in Psycho. She should have never stopped off at that sleepy motel. Marion is an English name with French and Hebrew origins that means “bitterness.”
Lamashtu
From Mesopotamian mythology, Lamashtu is seven witches combined into one body. She feeds on newborns, the unborn, and children. Eeeek! Seven-in-one? No thanks!
Eli
Eli is a name with Hebrew origins that means “ascended.” Eli from Let the Right One In (2008) was anything but that for the majority of the movie and instead, leaned into her most base tendencies. Viciously loyal, this vampire woman-child was very, very scary but remained a very good friend to Oskar.
Laurie
We can’t talk about heroes of horror without discussing Jame Lee Curtis‘s Laurie Strode in Halloween. She is the toughest babysitter out there. Laurie is a very retro name that has English origins and means “bay laurel.” We’re sure your little Laurie could kick some tail.
Jay
The name Jay has Latin origins and means “jaybird.” While Jay is traditionally a choice for boys, David Robert Mitchell chose it for the female hero of his horror saga, It Follows. If you choose this name for your daughter, be sure to teach her to swim at an early age.
Helga
“Grandmamma! Grandmamma!” Luke Eveshim called his grandmother in The Witches. The character’s actual name is Helga Eveshim who was played brilliantly by Mai Zetterling. We love the Scandi name Helga and think it would sound very charming for your daughter. Helga means “blessed.” No witches will dare mess with her.
Heather
Heather is a name that had its moment in the 70s and 80s and we feel like it’s primed for a comeback. Who could forget the documentarian, Heather Donahue, who should have really hung onto that map of the Black Hills Forest? If you saw The Blair Witch Project at too young of an age, chances are, it scarred you for life. Let’s commemorate that with this wonderful botanic name for your baby girl.
Dani
Midsommar will cure any desire to experiment with psychedelics. The main character of the film, Dani is eventually crowned May Queen but she had to suffer a group of mediocre men to get there. We love the name Dani for a girl! It’s a shortened, feminine form of Daniel, which means “God is my judge.” You’ll also find the name in the beloved family horror film, Hocus Pocus.
Clarice
Clarice Starling, a character created by Thomas Harris, will forever be associated with Jodie Foster’s performance in the film adaptation of Silence of the Lambs. She’s a tough, bright FBI cadet that’s not afraid of the dark. Clarice has Italian origins and means “bright.”
Charlie
Hereditary is one of the scariest movies to come out in recent years. Thanks in no small part to the performances of Milly Shapiro and Toni Collette. Both of their characters’ names make this list as Annie and Charlie are both so fine. Charlie is a shortened form of Charlotte which, again, means “free man.” If you decide to go with this name, be sure to test for a nut allergy ASAP.
Carrie
Carrie was popularized by Stephen King‘s frightening novel about the supernatural. Sissy Spacek brought so much humanity to the character, Carrie White, that the horrors that followed that infamous bucket of pig’s blood seemed almost justified. Carrie is a form of Carol and shares the same meaning, “free man.”
Carol Anne
We always root for little Carol Anne after she’s been abducted by darkness in Poltergeist. “They’re here,” remains the scariest line of dialogue in any movie. Carol Anne is one of those classic combo monikers that marries Carol a name that means “free man” and Anne which means “grace.”
Jezebeth
A demon of anger and falsehoods preying on the weak and angered, Jezebeth is not a name you want to mess with, parents! She can follow a human for their entire life, feeding on their negative energy.
Barbra
Night of the Living Dead has solidified itself as a horror masterwork. The film was ahead of its time in so many ways. The character Barbra had a unique name, the American version of Barbara which means “stranger.” If you want to bestow a touch of mystery upon your daughter, consider this fun name.
Prosperine
From Roman mythology, Prosperine is the daughter of Ceres who became the princess of the underworld. She is closely associated with Persephone from Greek mythology and both are very spooky names.
Audrey
Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors had a heart of gold. Who could forget Ellen Greene‘s unnervingly campy performance in this horror-comedy-musical hybrid? Audrey is currently a trending name so many parents must really be into this musical about a carnivorous alien plant. The name has English origins and means “noble strength.”
Sekhmet
A vampire goddess from ancient Egypt, Sekhmet would hunt for blood if her offerings did not suffice. She’s a picky lady so it’s another one of the spooky names to avoid.
Annie
Misery brought to life one of the most tormenting characters ever, Annie Wilkes. If you want your daughter to grow up to be an artist with a sledgehammer, consider this English name. It means “grace,” which is rich.
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Spooky Names for Boo! Boys
Shigeharn
Shigeharn is a Japanese name that can mean different things depending on the kanji chosen for it. Commonly, you’ll find “luxuriant sun” as a popular choice. In the terrifying film, Audition, Shigeharn is simply trying to find love after being widowed. Instead, he finds himself all tied up. A child with this name should be forbidden from playing or being put in large cloth sacks.
Zagan
From Christian demonology, Zagan is said to be a fallen angel and servant of Lucifer. That definitely makes it one of the spooky names to mess with. But, you do you!
Samuel
Samuel, a troubled boy who becomes haunted by a figure in a children’s book called The Babadook, is one high-strung kid that we’d love to know. Samuel has Hebrew origins and means “told by God.” If you pick this name, no books are allowed, ever. Also, be sure to closely monitor your child as they might have a knack for crafting weapons.
Peter
Peter is a Greek name that means “rock.” The character of Peter in Hereditary was far from solid. Instead, he is tormented by bizarre occurrences and ghastly visions. He did end up with a crown for better or worse!
Typhon
A name used in Satanic rituals, Typhon is considered the Greek personification of Satan. We don’t mess with the Devil! So it’s def. one of the spooky names for boys that folks should avoid!
Pan
Pan the mystical creature from Pan’s Labyrinth is also known as El Fauno. The creature informs Ofelia of her true identity as Princess Moanna. He looks sorts of terrifying while doing it, but we’re here for the name. Pan can be found in both Greek and Hindi and means “all” or “shepherd.”
Oskar
A bullied, lonely boy named Oskar is befriended by a mysterious girl with a taste for blood in Let the Right One In. One of Sweden’s most popular horror exports, this film and its protagonist, Oskar, is a tender look at the need for friendship. Oskar has German origins and means “God spear.”
Ravana
In Hinduism, Ravana symbolizes evil and is associated with a heart-stopping shriek. Unless you want your baby to cry a little more like a shriek, it’s one of the spooky names that’s best left unsaid.
Mitch
Mitch is another form of Mitchell which itself is a form of Michael. Mitch does not just belong to old, evil, men! It also belongs to the protagonist of The Birds, Mitch Brenner. Mitch would be someone you could count on in a storm (of birds).
Michael
Your little one won’t be able to celebrate Halloween with a name inspired by Michael Myers. The risk would just be too great! You should also discourage the wearing of masks (if we ever get through this pandemic). Michael is a Hebrew name that means “who is like God.” Which, Myers is very much not.
Radna
A demon recognized in Medieval folklore as the King of Demons. He fills people with envy and greed and then, feeds off of their negativity. It’s one of the spooky names to stay away from unless you want your child to be a total downer.
Malachi
In the campy 1980s adaptation of Stephen King’s horror story, the name is spelled Malachai. Do not use this spelling. It sounds like you’re describing a bad cup of chai tea. Instead, keep the spirit of Children of the Corn but spell it, Malachi, instead. The Hebrew name means “my messenger.”
Jim
Jim woke up to a whole new reality in 28 Days Later. The zombie apocalypse had already begun and it was certainly a rude awakening. Jim is an English diminutive of James which means “supplanter.” Don’t let this little one take a nibble out of you!
Samael
Samael is a Hebrew name meaning “venom of God.” Samael is an angel of death who engineered the fall of Adam and Eve. If you think this is a good alternative to Samuel, it’s not! It’s one of the spooky names that you should not even think about using.
Jason
In real life, we’ve only ever met good Jasons. But, on-screen we’ve seen one of the scariest characters with the name. Get your son a hockey mask because he’ll be getting big Jason Voorhees energy with this Friday the 13th inspired name. Jason has Greek origins and means “to heal.” Wow! This name is really not fitting for the character!
Jack
Not only did Danny make the list, but papa Jack did too. In The Shining, Jack writes about himself becoming a “dull boy” but actually he turns into a monster. Jack is an English name and an alternative form of John which means “God is gracious.”
Orobas
In Christian demonology, Orobas is considered a Prince of Hell who drives people’s malicious actions. You don’t want to name your son for a Prince of Hell! No, let’s keep this with the other spooky names you should not consider!
Ichabod
Ichabod is a name that’s unfortunate for a number of reasons. It sounds like “icky bod.” Ew. It also has a negative meaning from Hebrew, “the glory is gone.” Further, the name belonged to Ichabod Crane who comes up against a headless horseman in Sleepy Hollow. Further, that character was played by the very disappointing Johnny Depp. Okay, maybe just skip “ick.”
Hannibal
Hannibal, Hannibal, Hannibal. A few actors have taken a stab at this character but the best-known is probably Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs. Additionally, fannibals of the TV series have enjoyed Mads Mikkelsen‘s turn with the role. Hannibal has Assyrian origins and means “grace of Baal” or “god of fertility and fortune.”
Cerberus
In Greek mythology, Cerberus is considered a hound of Hades as he comes in the form of a three-headed dog. A couple of things here: you don’t want to name your child for a hound, much less a hound of hell. Nope, it’s one of the spooky names you should definitely stay away from.
Gabe
If you’ve seen Us, you’ll recall a certain action-packed scene on a boat between Gabe Wilson and his doppelganger. It’s one of the most thrilling things we’ve ever seen! Additionally, the sometimes goofy patriarch of the family is one of the best characters in the film. Gabe is a short form of Gabriel, a Hebrew name that means “God is my strength.”
Freddy
Finally, a character that is not himself a child, but instead would like to harm them! Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street is pure nightmare fuel. Freddy is a short form of Frederick which means “peaceful ruler.” If you pick this name, you can teach your little Freddy to count with the “One, Two Freddy’s Coming for You” song!
Morfran
As far as spooky names go, this one already raises some red flags. It sounds like “More Fran” which no one actually wants! In Welsh mythology, Morfran is a hideous warrior, so ugly that knights were too afraid to strike him in battle. Many believe he is the Devil in human form.
Elias
Elias and Lukas are twins who aren’t coping well in Goodnight Mommy. They are such scary little boys! Elias makes for a handsome moniker. It’s the Greek form of Hebrew, Elijah which means “Yahweh is God.” If you choose this name, you’re never allowed to get plastic surgery.
Danny
So, we didn’t intend for this to morph into a scary kid list! We promise we’ll stop scaring you from choosing these cursed names. Danny Torrance’s imaginary friend let him see more than he wanted in The Shining. If you choose this name do not let your little Danny play with twins or enter room number 237. Danny is a playful form of Daniel that means “God is my judge.”
Keep Scrolling for More Spooky Names for Boys
Abaddon
In Christian mythology, Abaddon is the “Angel of the Abyss.” He commands an army of giant locusts with the teeth of lions. Avoid Abaddon along with the other spooky names on this list as we don’t want any giant locusts.
Damien
We’re on a roll with spooky kid names starting with D. Damien is yet another child that’s been kissed by darkness in The Omen. Don’t let him get behind you on the stairs! Damien has Greek origins and means “to tame.”
Dalton
The creepy kid from Insidious, Dalton, gets into an astral projection mess and his family must save him. Dalton is a pleasant English name that means “the settlement in the valley.” We hope no evil spirits are trapped there. Moreover, we hope it is not The Further.
Ahriman
In early Iranian religious myth, Ahriman is considered the “Lord of Darkness and Chaos.” He is the root of all human disappointment, strife, and confusion. Unless you want the curse of one of these spooky names, best to leave old Ahriman alone!
Cole
The English name Cole means “coal black.” The handsome name belonged to a character who could commune with the dead in The Sixth Sense. Don’t expect any huge plot twists or surprises with this easy, attractive name.
Chris
Chris Washington begins to notice things are off after he arrives at his girlfriend Rose’s family home. As he begins to pick up on certain clues that they might not be who they seem, the situation reaches a boiling point. Get Out is an incredible film and its protagonist, Chris has an affable name. Chris is an English name that means “one who carries Christ.”
Amon
Of all the spooky names on this list, doesn’t Amon sound especially sinister? By the 17th century, Amon was considered the “Marquis of Hell” who commands forty legions of lesser demons.
Bruno
Name your favorite talking mouse! Go! We have a soft spot for the gluttonous Bruno in The Witches. Bruno is a wonderful German name that merely means “brown.”
Forneus
Forneus is one of the spooky names that just sounds dirty. In Roman folklore, Forneus is a sea monster who can assume the form of a man. However, he remains a demon and imparts knowledge only to trick his victims with it.
Bates
Norman Bates has an excellent name and we think his last makes for an exciting first. Don’t worry, naming your son Bates won’t guarantee a little psycho! Bates is a diminutive of Bartholomew which has Aramaic origins and means “son of the furrow.”
Iblis
In the Quran, Iblis is a name meaning “eternal grief.” Iblis is an angel who was ordered to look at God’s creation, Adam. Iblis refuses, believing himself superior, and is cast out from heaven. Iblis is clearly another one of the spooky names to shy from unless eternal grief sounds attractive to you.
Ash
Consider the trusty name Ash. This English name means “ash tree.” Let’s see can you think of any chainsaw-wielding characters with this name? Ah, yes! Ash from the Evil Dead franchise makes for a hero that you could proudly name your son after.
Gadreel
An archangel who leads the watchers, Gadreel tempted Eve and taught humanity about murder and weapons. Not a cool dude, right? It’s best to avoid this one along with the other ultra-spooky names on this list.
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Arash
Have you seen A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, yet? It’s a reimagined vampire story that’s unlike any horror movie you’ll ever see. A female vampire, known simply as “the girl,” befriends a young man named Arash. The name has a storied history in the epic Persian book of legends, the Shah Nameh (Letter Of The Kings). It means “shining.”
Balam
The Semitic name Balam means “possessor.” A demon with this name has the power to incite rebellion. With three heads, he is believed to have the ability to see the past, present, and future. Nope! Keep Balam and all of these other spooky names out of your mouth!
There you go! Did these spooky names give you goosebumps! We sort of hope they did as we are ready to celebrate Halloween the best way we know how, with creepy, spooky names that you should probably never give to a child. Although they are a lot of fun, some of these spooky names from horror movies can be triggering as well as the ancient names that have been infamous for centuries! But, it is fun to creep yourself out!
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