Names That Mean Devil

Names that mean devil include Satan (Hebrew, “adversary”), Lucifer (Latin, “light-bringer”), Iblis and Shaitan (Arabic), Diablo (Spanish, “devil”), Beelzebub (“lord of the flies”), Belial (“worthless”), Mephisto (from the Faust legend), Asmodeus, Abaddon (“destruction”), and Lilith (a night demon in folklore). Most of these are titles for the devil rather than traditional baby names, and many carry a heavy religious meaning.

What Are Devil Names?

Devil names are words, titles, or characters used to refer to the devil, demons, or evil in religious and cultural traditions. Some are direct names like Satan. Others are nicknames, like Old Nick, or names of lesser demons.

People look for them for many reasons: fiction writing, gaming usernames, tattoos, band names, pets, or pure curiosity. Very few families use them for children.

Top Names That Mean Devil

• Satan (Hebrew): “adversary, accuser”
• Lucifer (Latin): “light-bringer”
• Iblis (Arabic): the devil in Islamic tradition
• Shaitan (Arabic): “rebellious one, devil”
• Diablo (Spanish): “devil”
• Diabolos (Greek): “slanderer”
• Beelzebub (Hebrew): “lord of the flies”
• Belial (Hebrew): “worthless, lawless”

Definition of Devil in Different Cultures

The devil is not one single figure across the world. In Christianity, he is a fallen angel who rebels against God. In Islam, Iblis refuses to bow to Adam and becomes the tempter. In Zoroastrianism, Angra Mainyu is the spirit of destruction. In Buddhism, Mara tempts and distracts. In Japan, Oni are fierce demons.

Male Names Meaning Devil

• Lucifer: the best-known male devil name, though it originally meant “morning star.”
• Mephisto: short for Mephistopheles, the demon in the German Faust story.
• Beelzebub: a high-ranking demon, often called a prince of devils.
• Asmodeus: a demon tied to lust and rage.
• Azazel: a desert demon from Hebrew tradition.
• Belial: a name used for wickedness itself.
• Abaddon: “destruction,” also used as a place name in scripture.
• Samael: an angel of death and accuser in Jewish lore.
• Diablo: the Spanish word for devil.

Female Names Meaning Devil

• Lilith: a night demon in Jewish folklore, now popular in fiction and sometimes used as a given name.
• Diabla: feminine Spanish form of devil.
• Mara: a Buddhist tempter figure. In Hebrew, Mara also means “bitter.”
• Lamia: a child-stealing monster from Greek myth.
• Hecate: goddess of witchcraft, sometimes linked to dark magic.
• Akuma: Japanese for “devil,” used for any gender.

Unisex and Short Devil Names

• Nick (from Old Nick)
• Mara
• Akuma
• Oni
• Imp
• Scratch
• Fiend
• Hex

Arabic and Urdu Names for the Devil

Iblis and Shaitan are the main terms. The “ash” or “al” in Ash-Shaitan marks the Devil as a specific being rather than just any devil.

Islamic teaching generally discourages naming children after Shaitan or Iblis. These words are used in prayers for seeking protection, not as names.

Hebrew and Biblical Names

• Satan: the adversary.
• Belial: worthlessness.
• Beelzebub: lord of the flies.
• Abaddon: destruction.
• Azazel: associated with the scapegoat ritual.
• Mammon: a demon of greed in later writing.

Latin, Greek and Spanish Names

• Lucifer: Latin for “light-bringer.”
• Diabolus: Latin for devil.
• Diabolos: Greek for “one who throws accusations.”
• Diablo: Spanish.
• Demonio: Spanish for demon.

Names from Literature and Pop Culture

Writers have given the devil many faces. Mephistopheles comes from Faust. Lucifer appears in Paradise Lost. Beelzebub appears in many stories. Damien became a dark name after a famous horror film, even though it comes from a Greek word meaning “to tame.”

Characters named Diablo, Lilith, and Lucifer are common in games and shows.

Nicknames for the Devil

• Old Nick
• Old Scratch
• The Evil One
• The Tempter
• The Deceiver
• Father of Lies
• Prince of Darkness
• Dark Lord
• Lord of the Flies

Other Dark Names: Demons and Tricksters

If you want a mischievous or dark feel without directly naming the devil, there are softer options.

• Loki: Norse trickster god.
• Puck: English mischievous spirit.
• Rogue: a lovable rebel.
• Raven: dark and mysterious.
• Onyx: deep black stone.
• Sable: dark and elegant.

Religious Influences

Religion shapes how people react to these names. In many Christian and Muslim communities, naming a child after the devil would be seen as offensive or unlucky. In other settings, like fantasy writing or metal music, the same names are seen as bold or dramatic.

Psychological Impact of Devil Names

A name that sounds sinister can affect how a person is treated. Teachers, employers, and classmates may form quick judgments. Some people grow up embracing a dark name, while others find it a burden.

This is one reason parents usually avoid names that mean devil.

Cultural Perceptions and Bias

Names carry reputations. A name like Lucifer might cause curiosity in one country and shock in another. Before using any of these names for a person, think about the community around them.

Using Devil Names for Characters, Pets and Usernames

These names fit best in creative spaces.

• Characters: Mephisto for a charming villain, Lilith for a mysterious woman, Abaddon for a ruthless warlord.
• Pets: Diablo or Scratch suit a mischievous cat or dog.
• Usernames and brands: Akuma, Hex, or Belial look striking and are easy to remember.

How to Choose a Name with a Safer Meaning

• Know the full meaning: many dark names have more than one origin.
• Check cultural views: a name may be fine in one place and offensive in another.
• Say it in a sentence: imagine it on a school register or job form.
• Consider alternatives: pick a name with a strong, bold sound but a neutral meaning.
• Think long term: a name must work for a baby and for an adult.

FAQs

What is the most common name that means devil?

Satan is the most common. It comes from Hebrew and means “adversary.”

Does Lucifer really mean devil?

Lucifer is Latin for “light-bringer” or “morning star.” It became linked to the devil through later Christian interpretation.

What does Shaitan mean in Arabic?

Shaitan means a rebellious or evil being. It refers to the devil in Islamic tradition.

What does Diablo mean?

Diablo is the Spanish word for devil.

Is Lilith a devil name?

Lilith is a female demon in Jewish folklore. She is often treated as a dark figure in fiction, but she is not the devil himself.

Can I name my child after the devil?

Legally you can in many places, but it is not advised. These names can lead to teasing, bias, and religious offense. Many countries also have rules against offensive names.

What names mean evil or demon in other languages?

Akuma (Japanese, devil), Oni (Japanese, demon), Mara (Buddhist tempter), Iblis (Arabic), and Diabolos (Greek) are common examples.

What are cool names for a villain character?

Mephisto, Abaddon, Belial, Azazel, and Asmodeus all sound strong and menacing.

What is a nickname for the devil?

Old Nick, Old Scratch, the Tempter, the Deceiver, and the Prince of Darkness.

Are there devil names that sound soft?

Yes. Mara, Lilith, and Raven have a gentle sound but a dark meaning or mood.