106 Baby Names That Mean “Trouble”
Choosing a baby name is a significant decision for parents. While many opt for names that exude grace, beauty, or strength, there’s a growing trend towards names that embody a bit of mischief or unpredictability. Names that mean “trouble” or “chaos” can offer a unique blend of character and charm, setting your child apart in a sea of traditional names.
The Allure of Names that Mean Trouble
There’s something undeniably captivating about names that carry a hint of mischief. Such names often evoke a sense of adventure, independence, and resilience. By choosing a name that means “trouble,” parents might be hoping to instill a spirit of fearlessness and determination in their child, or perhaps they simply appreciate the unique and memorable nature of these names.
The Power and Significance of Names
Names are more than just labels; they carry weight, history, and meaning. They can influence perceptions, shape identities, and even impact future opportunities. A name can be a reflection of one’s heritage, aspirations, or the characteristics parents hope their child will embody. In many cultures, the act of naming is a sacred ritual, signifying the importance of the name in shaping the child’s life.
Why Names are a Reflection of Culture and Times
Over the years, the popularity of names has shifted based on cultural events, famous personalities, and societal trends. Names that mean “trouble” or “chaos” reflect a modern embrace of individuality and breaking from tradition. In a world that celebrates uniqueness, such names can be a testament to a parent’s desire for their child to stand out and chart their own path.
Boy Names That Mean Trouble
Abaddon Hebrew origin
Meaning: Angel of death.
Alastor Greek origin
Meaning: Persecutor or tormentor. Alastor is an avenging spirit in Greek mythology.
Anansi African origin
Meaning: The spider trickster.
Atropos Greek Mythology
Meaning: Inevitable, inflexible.
Balor Irish origin
Meaning: Refers to a one-eyed giant.
Beretta Italian origin
Meaning: From the gun.
Blade English origin
Meaning: The cutting edge of a knife. Can be linked to the superhero, Blade.
Boris Turkish origin
Meaning: To fight. This name is linked to the Prime Minister of the UK, Boris Johnson.
Breaker English origin
Meaning: Trouble.
Buster
Meaning: Belligerent or belly buster, full of wisecracks.
Cain Hebrew origin
Meaning: Spear or possessed.
Cameron Scottish origin
Meaning: Crooked nose.
Cannon English origin
Meaning: Clergyman.
Cassius Roman origin
Meaning: Refers to a famous Roman senator. It is also the name of Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer.
Crash American origin
Meaning: Following “Maverick” and “Wilder”.
Dagger English origin
Meaning: Instrument to murder.
Damon Greek origin
Meaning: To subdue. The name has been used for an anti-hero Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries series.
Dexter Latin origin
Meaning: Dyer or right-handed. This name is famously associated with the serial killer, Dexter, from the series of the same name.
Devlin Irish origin
Meaning: Unlucky.
Diesel German origin
Meaning: Fuel.
Duncan Scottish/Irish origin
Meaning: Dark-haired man. King Duncan is a famous character in the play Macbeth by Shakespeare.
Fachnan Irish origin
Meaning: Malicious.
Fox English origin
Meaning: The name of an animal associated with being cunning.
Hunter English origin
Meaning: The one who hunts.
Jacob
Meaning: Supplanter.
Jax
Meaning: Derived from Jack. The name of a fighter from Mortal Kombat.
Lowell English origin
Meaning: Little wolf.
Maddox Welsh origin
Meaning: Derived from Madoc, meaning fortunate.
Mort French origin
Meaning: Dead.
Odysseus Greek origin
Meaning: Wrathful.
Oleander Medieval Latin origin
Meaning: Poisonous flower.
Osman Arabic origin
Meaning: Son of snake.
Paine Latin origin
Meaning: Villager. However, this name is similar to the word, Pain, and is associated with the famous character Max Payne from the Max Payne game series.
Patrick Irish origin
Meaning: Noble.
Phobus Ancient Greek origin
Meaning: Fear.
Rocket American origin
Meaning: Supercharged.
Rowdy
Meaning: Derived from Clint Eastwood’s character.
Sameal Hebrew origin
Meaning: Venom of God.
Shiva Indian origin
Meaning: Refers to the Hindu God of Destruction.
Teivel Yiddish origin
Meaning: Devil.
Terach Hebrew origin
Meaning: Wild goat.
Thorton English origin
Meaning: Place of thorns.
Tornado Spanish origin
Meaning: Whirlwind.
Ubel German origin
Meaning: Evil.
Wilder American origin
Meaning: As the name suggests.
Wily Old English origin
Meaning: Deceitful, gaining an advantage, or crafty.
Wolf German origin
Meaning: Derived from Wolfgang, has a rebellious side.
Girl Names That Mean Trouble
Adrienne Latin origin
Meaning: The dark one.
Aella Greek mythology
Meaning: Amazon warrior. The name means whirlwind.
Aiden Irish origin
Meaning: Little and fiery. This name is derived from the Celtic sun god, Aodh.
Alea or Aleah Arabic/Italian origin
Meaning: Arabic meaning is exalted, godlike. Italian meaning is a risk or hazard.
Alvah Arabic origin
Meaning: Evil.
Amelia Latin origin
Meaning: Industrious, and striving.
Akuji African origin
Meaning: Dead and awake.
Beretta Italian origin
Meaning: Gun.
Cecila Latin origin
Meaning: Blind.
Claudia Roman origin
Meaning: Never truly in or out, their own way. The name, however, is derived from a powerful Roman family, Claudier, and is associated with a main character from the Vampire Diary series.
Dempsey Irish origin
Meaning: Proud or haughty.
Emily Latin origin
Meaning: Rival. This name can be linked to actress Emily Blunt.
Harley English origin
Meaning: Hare’s meadow. The name is popularly associated with Batman’s famous villain, Harley Quinn.
Hecate Greek origin
Meaning: Not a good omen. Hecate is also the name of the goddess of witchcraft and necromancy.
Jezebel Hebrew origin
Meaning: An impure follower of idols.
Jinx Latin origin
Meaning: Die another day.
Kali Indian origin
Meaning: Refers to the Hindu Warrior Goddess of Destruction.
Keres Greek origin
Meaning: Evil spirits.
Leah American or Hebrew origin
Meaning: Tired of hearing.
Lilith Hebrew origin
Meaning: Night monster or ghost. From the Bible, Lilith was the first wife of Adam, who rebelled against God to stand equal to Adam.
Lorelei German origin
Meaning: Ambush cliff. A German legend about a beautiful girl transformed into a siren who lures fishermen to destruction.
Mary Hebrew origin
Meaning: Rebellion. This name is associated with Mother Mary from the New Testament of the Bible.
Medea Greek origin
Meaning: Cunning.
Molly
Meaning: Bitter.
Nerezza Italian origin
Meaning: Darkness.
Pandora Greek origin
Meaning: All endowed. Associated with the mysterious Pandora’s Box, this Greek name sounds powerful and dangerous.
Persephone Greek origin
Meaning: To destroy or murder. This name is from Greek mythology and refers to the daughter of Demeter and is the bringer of destruction.
Rebecca Biblical origin
Meaning: To tie firmly, bind. This name, suitable for a classy girl, is linked to the famous novel, Rebecca.
Rhonda Welsh origin
Meaning: Noisy one.
Roxie Persian origin
Meaning: Dawn.
Sidero Latin origin
Meaning: Evil nymph.
Sophia Greek origin
Meaning: Wisdom.
Tempest English Origin
Meaning: Storm. It is also the name of the famous play by Shakespeare, The Tempest.
Thana Arabic origin
Meaning: Death.
Trixie English origin
Meaning: Brings joy or happiness.
Tvora Hebrew origin
Meaning: Break or fracture.
Zilla Hebrew origin
Meaning: Shadow and gloom.
Gender-Neutral Names That Mean Trouble
Aiden Irish origin
Meaning: “Enlightened”, which also means they have many tricks up their sleeves.
Axel Scandinavian origin
Meaning: Cauldron. It is the name of the famous vocalist of Guns n’ Roses, Axl Rose.
Azazel Hebrew origin
Meaning: Evil demon or evil spirit.
Blaise
Meaning: Latin meaning is fire. A female name.
Blaze
Meaning: The male variant of Blaise.
Blazer Middle English origin
Meaning: Fire.
Brazen
Meaning: The name just elicits pure practical jokes and mischief.
Briar Middle English origin
Meaning: A thorny patch.
Charlie
Meaning: A German name meaning free, which would express their nature.
Raven Middle English/Old Norse
Meaning: A great name for a baby with jet black hair. Dark-haired, wise, or thieving. Refers to a black bird. Often considered a symbol of doom, Raven is also a fierce superhero, part of the X-Men.
Rebel English origin
Meaning: The ultimate in trouble. Defiant.
Rekker
Meaning: American name, meaning as the name suggests, wrecker.
Riot
Meaning: This one is self-explanatory.
Robin
Meaning: Old Medieval name, meaning bright and shining. However, most attribute it to Robin Hood, a trickster that was a good guy, stealing from the rich, and giving to the poor.
Rogue Latin origin
Meaning: Unpredictable. A dishonest man. It is linked with the famous Marvel superhero, Rogue.
Ruse
Meaning: The name means red-haired, and we know how mischievous, and feisty redheads are. It is English, derived from what they called the Scottish and Irish.
Ryder Old English origin
Meaning: Mounted warrior.
Saxon
Meaning: German, meaning people of the dagger, so sharp-edged.
Shabina Arabic
Meaning: “Eye of the storm”.
Shooter
Meaning: English, associated with”sharpshooter, funny.”
Storm Old English origin
Meaning: Violent winds. Associated with turbulent weather, never knowing what will happen next. It is the name of a superhero who is part of the X-Men.
Valkyrie Scandinavian origin
Meaning: Chooser of the Slain. It is associated with Norse mythology where Valkyries would take away the soul of fallen warriors.
While names that signify “trouble” might not be everyone’s cup of tea, they undeniably offer a fresh and intriguing alternative to conventional naming choices. Whether you’re drawn to these names for their sound, meaning, or the story behind them, they’re sure to leave a lasting impression. After all, in a world filled with Johns and Janes, who wouldn’t want their child to have a name that’s as distinctive and spirited as they hope their child will be?
Katie Reed is a passionate writer and mother of four vivacious boys from Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing from her own journey through TTC, pregnancy, and the joys of raising children, she offers a wealth of insight into the world of motherhood. Beyond her heartfelt tales, Katie delights her readers with family-friendly recipes, engaging crafts, and a curated library of printables for both kids and adults. When she’s not penning her experiences, you’ll find her crafting memories with her husband and sons—Dexter, Daniel, Chester, and Wilder.
