Baby Names, Both / By Lindsey A / June 14, 2023 April 21, 2024
Gothic culture is a unique aesthetic that has evolved over the centuries. Rooted in Gothic literature, art, and architecture, this subculture embraces darkness, mystery, and a unique sense of beauty. Many parents are finding baby name inspiration among Goth culture, with naming trends that reflect the dark and mysterious vibes.
Gothic naming trends are popular among those that love things dark, mysterious, and a bit spooky. Today’s parents are often inspired by things like mythology, literature, pop culture, and historical figures. These names capture the essence of Gothic themes and emotions.
Gothic baby names often convey a sense of mystery, power, and darkness. From ancient and regal names like Lucasta and Valerian to mystical and enigmatic choices like Raven and Lilith, Gothic names evoke an otherworldly charm, enchanting for those with a taste for the unconventional. If you want something a bit more unconventional for your baby’s name, you’ll find plenty of goth-inspired baby names on this list.
Goth Baby Names
- Adriana (Latin origin) – “from Adria” – This strong girl name symbolizes strength and grace.
- Alaric (Germanic origin) – “ruler of all” – A name associated with Gothic kings and leadership.
- Alarice (Germanic origin) – “ruler of all” – The feminine form of the name Alaric, representing leadership and authority.
- Alistair (Scottish origin) – “defender of man” – A name symbolizing protection and strength.
- Allegra (Italian origin) – “joyful” – A strong baby girl name with a Gothic happiness and vibrant energy.
- Amara (Latin origin) – “eternal” – A unique name representing everlasting beauty and immortality.
- Ambra (Italian origin) – “amber” – A variation of the name Ambrose, this name refers to the golden colors of amber.
- Ambrose (Greek and Latin origins) – “immortal” – A unique boy’s name that represents everlasting love and life
- Ambrosia (Greek origin) – “immortal” – Another variant of Ambrose, representing eternal life in a more feminine style
- Ambrosius (Greek origin) – “immortal” – A rare boy’s name, similar to the name Ambrose
- Anastasia (Greek origin) – “resurrection” – This feminine name symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings. It is often shortened to nicknames like Ana, Stasi, and Stasia.
- Andromeda (Greek origin) – “ruler of men” – This rare unisex name has strong celestial ties.
- Ansel (Germanic origin) – “godly” – The name Ansel is popular among those that like trendy and modern boy names.
- Aradia (Italian origin) – “eternal” – A rare name with mystical connotations, often associated with witchcraft and magic.
- Aramis (French origin) – “from Aramis” – A rare boy name that is the perfect choice for parents that love unique Gothic names
- Arden (English origin) – “eagle valley” – A gender neutral name that has a sophisticated flair
- Astrid (Norse origin) – “divine strength” – This old Scandinavian name is beautiful and unique
- Aurelia (Latin origin) – “golden” – This beautiful name is feminine and dainty
- Aurelius (Latin origin) – “golden” – A rare boy name name that has a very regal sound to it
- Azrael (Hebrew origin) – “helped by God” – This name also refers to the Angel Of Death in Islam.
- Basil (Greek origin) – “kingly” – A name with a dark allure, often associated with the Gothic and supernatural.
- Bastian (Greek origin) – “venerable” – This name is often used as the nickname for Sebastian
- Beatrice (Latin origin) – “bringer of joy” – A variation of Beatrix, this girl’s name is old-fashioned
- Beatrix (Latin origin) – “bringer of joy, happiness” – this name can also be traced back to Dutch roots and is a great choice for those that like moody baby names. It can be shortened to Bea or Trixie.
- Belial (Hebrew origin) – “wicked” – A name with dark and demonic associations, often used in Gothic literature and mythology. In some stories Belial is another name for the Devil.
- Belinda (Germanic origin) – “bright serpent” – A name with a touch of darkness, combining beauty and danger in a mystical way.
- Belladonna (Italian origin) – “beautiful woman” – Belladonna is the name of a toxic plant with a name that translates to “beautiful lady”, making it perfect for those that love Gothic girl names.
- Bellatrix (Latin origin) – “female warrior” – A fierce and powerful name associated with strength and battle. This is a great name for those that love the name Bella but gravitate towards the darker side of the name spectrum.
- Bertrand (Germanic origin) – “bright raven” – A name combining elements of light and darkness, associated with wisdom and mystery.
- Caiaphas (Aramaic origin) – “holder” – A great choice for parents that want a biblical name, this name is also the name of the high priest in the New Testament.
- Caius (Latin origin) – “rejoice” – A name symbolizing celebration and joy that has dark vibes to it.
- Casilda (Spanish origin) – “dwelling in a castle” – A perfect name for those that love Gothic architecture, this name could refer to the beautiful castles.
- Casper (Persian origin) – “treasurer” – Just like popular movie Casper, this name may remind you of friendly ghosts, representing a mix of darkness and innocence.
- Caspian (Persian origin) – “white” – Aocean themed nameevoking images of the vast and mysterious Caspian Sea.
- Cassandra (Greek origin) – “prophetess” – A name with mystical connotations and foresight.
- Celestia (Latin origin) – “heavenly” – A feminine choice for those that love celestial names
- Constantine (Latin origin) – “steadfast” – A name symbolizing unwavering determination and strength.
- Corvus (Latin origin) – “raven” – A subtle nod to Edgar Allan Poe, this name means “raven”
- Cressida (Greek origin) – “golden” – Cressida appears in many Medieval and Renaissance stories as a Trojan woman.
- Damian (Greek origin) – “to tame” – A strong and mysterious name with biblical and Gothic connotations.
- Damon (Greek origin) – “to tame” – A variation of Damian.
- Dante (Italian origin) – “enduring” – Inspired by the Italian poet Dante Alighieri known for his journey through Hell, this name is great for those that love the darker side of life.
- Desdemona (Greek origin) – “ill-fated” – A name with tragic connotations, famously used in Shakespeare’s “Othello.”
- Desideria (Latin origin) – “longing, desire” – This rare Gothic girl name can be shortened to Des for an adorable nickname.
- Desiderius (Latin origin) – “longing, desire” – A rare boy name you may not have heard before!
- Draven (English origin) – “hunter” – A name with a Gothic appeal, this name has a strong Gothic style
- Drusilla (Latin origin) – “fruitful” – Often associated with vampires and witches, the name Drusilla is an ancient Roman name. Drusilla is the name of a character in Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
- Drusus (Latin origin) – “strong” – A name with a touch of power and resilience, often associated with Gothic characters.
- Elara (Greek origin) – “bright, shining” – A celestial name associated with the moon, stars, and cosmic beauty.
- Eldric (English origin) – “wise ruler” – A name with a Gothic appeal, representing wisdom and authority.
- Elowen (Cornish origin) – “elm” – A name connected to nature, symbolizing strength and resilience. This name is great for those that love unisex baby names with an edgy side.
- Elvira (Spanish origin) – “truth” – A name with a dark and mysterious appeal, this name’s dark charm may come from the 1988 horror film “Elvira: Mistress of the Dark”.
- Elysia (Greek origin) – “blissful” – A name with an ethereal and otherworldly quality. Elysia is also the name of an American deathcore band making this name perfect for parents that love Gothic hard rock music.
- Emeric (Germanic origin) – “powerful ruler” – A strong and captivating name, often associated with Gothic tales.
- Esmeralda (Spanish origin) – “emerald” – A mysterious and enchanting name, known for its association with the novel or movie “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” This name is great for book-loving parents, as well as those that love nicknames. Esmeralda is often shorted to Esme or Essie.
- Evadne (Greek origin) – “well pleased” – A name with a touch of mystery, often associated with enchanting characters. In Greek mythology, Evadne is the daughter of Poseidon.
- Evander (Greek origin) – “good man” – A name with a sense of nobility and righteousness, often associated with heroes in both Greek and Roman mythology.
- Evangeline (Greek origin) – “bearer of good news” – A name with a dark romanticism, associated with tragic heroines.
- Fabian (Latin origin) – “bean grower” – This unique boy name has a flair of both royalty and darkness.
- Fidelia (Latin origin) – “faithful” – A perfect choice for those that love rare girl names
- Freya (Norse origin) – “lady” – Growing in popularity, the name Freya is found in Norse mythology as the goddess of love and fertility.
- Gareth (Welsh origin) – “gentle” – A unique boy name, this name was made famous by Sir Gareth who was a Knight of the Round Table of King Arthur.
- Genevieve (French origin) – “woman of the race” – A name associated with noble lineage and grace.
- Gideon (Hebrew origin) – “hewer” – In the Bible, Gideon was a judge and leader.
- Giselle (Germanic origin) – “pledge” – A name common in dark fairy tales and romanticism.
- Guinevere (Welsh origin) – “fair, white phantom” – A name with a touch of mystery and enchantment, this name is also spelled Gwynevere.
- Hadrian (Latin origin) – “dark” – A name representing the mysteries of the night and the shadows, it is also the name of a former Roman emperor
- Hespera (Greek origin) – “evening” – In Greek mythology, Hespera is one of the Hesperides that tends to the Golden Apples of Immortality. She is also the Nymph Goddess of Immortality and the golden lights of sunsets. This is a great Gothic name for those that love mythology and hidden meanings.
- Imogen (Celtic origin) – “maiden” – A name symbolizing purity and innocence.
- Ingrid (Scandinavian origin) – “beautiful” – this name is often to represent a heroine in Viking stories.
- Isabeau (French origin) – “pledged to God” – A name with an elegant and mysterious charm, popular in medieval tales.
- Isadora (Greek origin) – “gift of Isis” – this name appears throughout many Greek and Roman stories of a beloved goddess.
- Isidore (Greek origin) – “gift of Isis” – A name with a dark and mysterious appeal, representing a divine gift.
- Isolde (Celtic origin) – “beautiful” or “ice ruler” – A name associated with tragic love stories and enchanting beauty. The story of Tristan and Isolde is a medieval love and romance story of a couple that drinks a magic love potion.
- Jasper (Persian origin) – “treasurer” – Those that are fans of the Twilight series will recognize this great Goth name.
- Keira (Irish origin) – “dark-haired” – A name associated with dark beauty.
- Lavinia (Latin origin) – “purity” – Also afloral baby name, the name Lavinia is also seen stories from Roman mythology.
- Lazarus (Greek and Hebrew origins) – “God is my help” – A variant of Lazarus, symbolizing resurrection and divine assistance.
- Leander (Greek origin) – “lion of a man” – A rare name representing bravery and strength.
- Lenore (Greek origin) – “light” – A name symbolizing illumination and clarity.
- Leopold (Germanic origin) – “brave people” – A name with a regal sound and mysterious touch.
- Leopoldine (Germanic origin) – “brave people” – A feminine form of Leopold, symbolizing strength and bravery.
- Ligeia (Greek origin) – “clear-voiced, shrill” – The name of a short story by Edgar Allan Poe and art created by Dante Gabriel Rosetti. In Greek mythology Ligeia is a Siren and a sea nymph.
- Lillith (Hebrew origin) – “night monster” – This Gothic name is great for those that love the spooky side of nature.
- Lucasta (Latin origin) – “bright, pure” – A name associated with both light and darkness in a Gothic context.
- Lucian (Latin origin) – “light” – A variant of Lucien, representing both light and darkness.
- Luciana (Italian origin) – “light” – The feminine form of Lucius, embodying both light and shadow.
- Lucien (French origin) – “light” – A name representing both light and shadow.
- Lucinda (Latin origin) – “light” – A name with a gothic twist, conveying both light and darkness.
- Lucius (Latin origin) – “light” – A name with Gothic undertones, representing both light and shadow.
- Luna (Latin origin) – “moon” – A celestial name associated with mystery and the supernatural. Luna is a very popular baby girl name in the United States.
- Lysander (Greek origin) – “liberator” – A name with an air of mystery, often used in Gothic literature.
- Lysandra (Greek origin) – “liberator” – A variant of Lysander, representing strength and freedom.
- Magnus (Latin origin) – “great” – A powerful and imposing name, often associated with strength and leadership.
- Malachi (Hebrew origin) – “my messenger” – A name with biblical origins, often associated with darkness and prophecy. It is pronounced “mal-ah-kai”.
- Marceline (Latin origin) – “warlike” – this beautiful name carries a dark meaning.
- Matilda (German origin) – “mighty in battle” – This beautiful name is perfect for a Gothic girl.
- Melantha (Greek origin) – “dark flower” – A name representing the allure of dark flowers and the night.
- Meliora (Latin origin) – “better things” – A name with a Gothic touch, representing the aspiration for improvement and progress.
- Melisande (Germanic origin) – “strong worker” – A name with an air of mystery and strength, this is one of my favorite Gothic baby girl names.
- Mordecai (Hebrew origin) – “warrior” – A strong and commanding name associated with courage and bravery.
- Morgaine (Arthurian origin) – “dweller of the sea” – A variant of Morgana, associated with Arthurian legend and magic.
- Morgana (English origin) – “sea fortress” – A variant of Morgan, associated with enchantment, sorcery, and ancient legends.
- Morgause (Arthurian origin) – “sea-born” – A mystical name from Arthurian legend, associated with magic and enchantment.
- Morgwen (Welsh origin) – “white sea circle” – A name with a touch of mystery, combining elements of water and purity.
- Morpheus (Greek origin) – “shape-shifter” – A name associated with the Greek god of dreams and transformation.
- Morrigan (Irish origin) – “phantom queen” – A Celtic goddess tied to war and fate.
- Morten (Latin origin) – “dead sea” – A variant of Mortimer, representing a name associated with darkness and the depths of the sea.
- Morticia (English origin) – “deadly” – Full of dark beauty and Gothic elegance, Morticia Addams is the matriarch of the Addams family.
- Mortimer (English or French origins) – “dead sea” – A name that combines the elements of death and water, creating a Gothic ambiance.
- Morvoren (Cornish origin) – “sea maiden” – A name with a touch of magic, combining elements of water and myth.
- Morwen (Welsh origin) – “waves of the sea” – A variant of Morwenna, representing the power and beauty of the ocean.
- Morwenna (Cornish origin) – “waves of the sea” – A hauntingly beautiful name with ties to the ocean’s charm and beauty.
- Narcissa (Greek origin) – “numbness” – A name with a haunting beauty, associated with self-obsession and tragedy. Narcissa Malfoy is a character from the Harry Potter series.
- Nathaniel (Hebrew origin) – “gift of God” – A biblical boy name representing divine blessings and protection and is often shortened to Nathan or Nate.
- Nerissa (Greek origin) – “from the sea” – An ocean-themed name symbolizing the mysterious depths of the ocean.
- Oberon (Germanic origin) – “noble bear” – In Medieval and Renaissance literature, Oberon was the King Of The Fairies.
- Octavia (Latin origin) – “eighth” – A name with a touch of mysticism, often associated with the number eight.
- Odette (French origin) – “wealthy” – A name with an air of elegance and mystery and the given name of the Good Swan in Tchaikovsky’s ballet, Swan Lake.
- Onyx (English origin) – “black gemstone” – This unique name is gender neutral and great for parents that love short baby names.
- Ophelia (Greek origin) – “help” – A name representing tragic heroines and melancholic beauty in Greek mythology.
- Orion (Greek origin) – “hunter” – This strong name is given to a mighty hunter in Greek mythology and is a constellation.
- Orionis (Greek origin) – “hunter” – A variant of Orion, representing the hunter constellation in the night sky.
- Oswin (Old English origin) – “divine friend” – Also meaning “God’s friend”, this name is also spelled Oswyn.
- Peregrine (Latin origin) – “traveler” – A name with a sense of adventure and exploration, often associated with wanderers.
- Persephone (Greek origin) – “bringer of destruction” – In mythology, Persephone is the queen of the underworld and the cycle of life and death.
- Phaedra (Greek origin) – “bright” – A beautiful Goth girl name symbolizing radiant beauty and elegance.
- Ragnar (Old Norse origin) – “warrior” – Awarrior boy namethat is strong and masculine.
- Raven (English origin) – “blackbird” – A name symbolizing the dark and mysterious nature of the raven and a nod to the classic Gothic literature of Edgar Allan Poe. This is a great choice for those that love unisex names.
- Ravenna (Italian origin) – “raven” – A girly name with a dark and Gothic appeal.
- Remiel (Hebrew origin) – “mercy of God” – A name with angelic connotations, Remiel is the archangel of hope.
- Romulus (Latin origin) – “of Rome” – The perfect choice for those that love Gothic surnames with a sense of power and authority.
- Rosalind (English origin) – “pretty rose” – A dainty name that has Gothic vibes.
- Rosaline (French origin) – “little rose” – A name symbolizing the delicate beauty of a rose.
- Rosamund (Germanic origin) – “horse of protection” – Also spelled Rosamond, this rare girl name is the perfect opportunity to make a popular name like Rose into a more Gothic female name.
- Rowena (Germanic origin) – “fame and joy” – A name with an old-world charm, representing beauty and intelligence.
- Rune (Scandinavian origin) – “secret” – Rune is inspired by ancient alphabets used for divination and magic.
- Sabine (Latin origin) – “Sabines” – A name with ancient origins, representing strength and resilience.
- Sable (English origin) – “black” – With a dark and sleek allure, this name representing the color of night.
- Sabrina (Celtic and Latin origins) – “legendary princess” – Inspired by one of pop culture’s favorite Goth girls, Sabrina The Teenage Witch, this name is beautiful with mystical vibes.
- Selene (Greek origin) – “moon goddess” – In Greek mythology, Selene is the Goddess of the Moon.
- Seraphim (Hebrew origin) – “fiery ones” – A variant of Seraphina, symbolizing angelic beings and celestial fire.
- Seraphina (Hebrew origin) – “fiery ones” – A name associated with angelic beings with wings and a celestial glow.
- Severin (Latin origin) – “stern” – A cool name with a dark sound, this name represents harsh emotions.
- Silas (Greek origin) – “forest” – A rare name with a nod to nature and the mystery of forests.
- Soren (Scandinavian origin) – “stern” – A name representing strength and resilience, often associated with dark aesthetics.
- Sybil (Greek origin) – “prophetess” – A name with mystical connotations, representing wisdom and foresight.
- Thaddeus (Aramaic origin) – “courageous heart” – A rare name that can be shortened to Thad or Tad.
- Thalia (Greek origin) – “to flourish” – According to Greek mythology, Thalia is one of the Three Graces.
- Theda (Germanic origin) – “people” – A name with Gothic allure, often associated with vintage Hollywood and dark glamour. Theda Bara was a famous American actress known for her seductress style and sensual films.
- Theodora (Greek origin) – “gift of God” – This name is timeless and ranks high on the list of Gothic Victorian names.
- Thora (Scandinavian origin) – “thunder goddess” – A powerful and striking name with roots in Norse mythology.
- Thorne (English origin) – “thorny bush” – A name evoking a sense of darkness and protection.
- Tristan (Celtic origin) – “sorrowful” – A name associated with tragic love stories and bittersweet romances, like the story of Tristan and Isolde.
- Ursula (Latin origin) – “little bear” – This name is often associated with the evil sea witch from Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid”.
- Valencia (Spanish origin) – “brave” – A name with Gothic undertones, symbolizing strength and courage.
- Valentina (Latin origin) – “strong, healthy” – A feminine form of Valerian, representing strength and vitality.
- Valerian (Latin origin) – “strength” – A name evoking power and resilience, often used in Gothic literature.
- Vesper (Latin origin) – “evening star” – A name associated with the twilight hours, representing darkness and mystery.
- Vespera (Italian origin) – “evening” – A form of Vesper, representing the mystical and atmospheric quality of the evening.
- Vesperia (Latin origin) – “evening” – A variant of Vespera, symbolizing the enchanting beauty of the night.
- Victor (Latin origin) – “victorious” – A powerful and strong name, often associated with Gothic literature and evokes feelings of victory.
- Victorine (Latin origin) – “victorious” – A feminine form of Victor that is more unique than the popular name Victoria.
- Victorique (French origin) – “victorious” – A feminine variant of Victor, representing triumph and success.
- Vivienne (French origin) – “alive” – A name representing liveliness and vivacity with multiple different spellings.
- Vlad (Slavic origin) – “prince” – A name associated with the infamous Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula.
- Wednesday (English origin) – “Woden’s day” – One of the more well-known Goth icons, Wednesday Addams is a member of the fictional Addams family. The name Wednesday is becoming a popular for those that love Gothic female names.
- Winifred (Welsh origin) – “blessed peacemaking” – A name representing harmony and peace.
- Wolfgang (Germanic origin) – “wolf path” – A name with a dark and powerful aura, symbolizing the strength of a wolf.
- Xander (Greek origin) – “defender of man” – A name symbolizing protection and strength.
- Yseult (Celtic origin) – “fair, beautiful” – A name representing captivating beauty and charm.
- Zara (Arabic origin) – “princess” – A name associated with royalty and regal qualities, a form of the name Sarah.
- Zenobia (Greek origin) – “life of Zeus” – Made famous by Queen Zenobia, The Rebel Queen Who Took Rome, this name is powerful and makes a great first name for a strong little girl.
- Zephyr (Greek origin) – “west wind” – A rare unisex name associated with the mysterious wind of the west.
- Zephyrine (Greek origin) – “west wind” – A variation of the name Zephyr, this name representing the gentle and refreshing breeze.
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