300+ Ghost Names That’ll Give You Chills (Supernatural Character Names)

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Ghost Names

Ghost names have this incredible power to instantly transport you to another world, don’t you think? Whether you’re crafting the next great horror novel, developing a spooky video game character, or just planning the most epic Halloween party ever, the right spectral name can make all the difference between “meh” and absolutely spine-tingling.

I’ll never forget the afternoon I spent wandering through Lone Fir Cemetery here in Portland. Picture this: moss-covered headstones dating back to the 1800s, names barely visible through decades of weathering, and this almost otherworldly quiet that made every footstep sound like a whisper. As I traced my fingers over those old engravings – Cordelia, Mortimer, Evangeline – I realized these weren’t just names. They were stories waiting to be told again.

That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. I’ve gathered 300+ of the most hauntingly beautiful ghost names, organized into categories that’ll help you find the perfect fit for whatever supernatural character you’re bringing to life. Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll have more spectral naming options than you know what to do with.

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Classic Victorian Ghost Names

Let’s start with the classics, shall we? Victorian-era names have this perfect blend of elegance and eeriness that just screams “I’ve been haunting this mansion for 150 years.”

  • Cordelia – Celtic origin meaning “heart of the sea,” perfect for spirits tied to water
  • Mortimer – Latin meaning “dead sea,” a traditional gothic favorite
  • Evangeline – Greek meaning “bearer of good news,” creates beautiful irony for vengeful spirits
  • Lysander – Greek meaning “liberator,” ideal for trapped souls seeking freedom
  • Ophelia – Greek meaning “help,” forever linked to tragic drowning
  • Barnabas – Aramaic meaning “son of encouragement,” great for protective spirits
  • Millicent – Germanic meaning “strong in work,” perfect for industrious phantoms
  • Phineas – Hebrew meaning “oracle,” suits prophetic ghosts
  • Seraphina – Hebrew meaning “burning ones,” connects to angelic spirits
  • Thaddeus – Aramaic meaning “heart,” ideal for emotional hauntings
  • Prudence – Latin meaning “caution,” fits watchful spirits
  • Cornelius – Latin meaning “horn,” traditional and distinguished
  • Imogen – Celtic meaning “maiden,” perfect for innocent spirits
  • Lucretia – Latin meaning “profit,” works for materialistic ghosts
  • Percival – Old French meaning “pierce the valley,” knightly and noble
  • Temperance – Latin meaning “moderation,” ironic for excessive spirits
  • Algernon – Norman French meaning “with whiskers,” charmingly old-fashioned
  • Constance – Latin meaning “steady,” perfect for persistent hauntings
  • Reginald – Germanic meaning “ruler’s advisor,” authoritative spirit
  • Guinevere – Welsh meaning “white phantom,” literally perfect for ghosts
  • Bartholomew – Aramaic meaning “son of furrows,” earthy and grounded
  • Penelope – Greek meaning “weaver,” great for spirits who manipulate fate
  • Ignatius – Latin meaning “fiery,” passionate ghostly personality
  • Cordelia – Celtic meaning “jewel of the sea,” ethereal and beautiful
  • Ambrose – Greek meaning “immortal,” fitting for eternal spirits

For more Victorian-inspired naming ideas, check out these gothic girl names and gothic boy names.

Ancient and Mythological Spirit Names

Now we’re getting into the really fascinating territory. These names carry the weight of ancient beliefs about death, the afterlife, and spirits that cross between worlds.

  • Thanatos – Greek personification of death itself
  • Persephone – Greek queen of the underworld, perfect for powerful spirits
  • Anubis – Egyptian god of the afterlife and mummification
  • Morrigan – Celtic goddess of war and death
  • Osiris – Egyptian god of the dead and rebirth
  • Hecate – Greek goddess of crossroads and ghosts
  • Charon – Greek ferryman of the dead
  • Banshee – Irish spirit who wails for the dying
  • Erebus – Greek personification of darkness
  • Nephthys – Egyptian goddess of mourning
  • Hades – Greek ruler of the underworld
  • Kali – Hindu goddess of time and death
  • Yama – Buddhist and Hindu lord of death
  • Mictlan – Aztec underworld deity
  • Hel – Norse goddess of death
  • Psyche – Greek personification of the soul
  • Nyx – Greek goddess of night
  • Minos – Greek judge of the dead
  • Ixtab – Mayan goddess of suicide and hanging
  • Dis – Roman god of the underworld
  • Ereshkigal – Mesopotamian queen of the dead
  • Mara – Buddhist demon of temptation
  • Mot – Canaanite god of death
  • Keres – Greek spirits of violent death
  • Angra – Zoroastrian destructive spirit

Modern Ethereal Names

Sometimes you need something that feels contemporary but still carries that otherworldly vibe. These names work beautifully for spirits in modern settings.

  • Whisper – English, literally means soft speech
  • Echo – Greek meaning “reflected sound”
  • Mist – English, evokes ethereal appearance
  • Sage – Latin meaning “wise one”
  • River – English, flowing and fluid like spirits
  • Storm – English, powerful and dramatic
  • Dawn – English, represents new beginnings
  • Vale – Latin meaning “valley,” peaceful resting place
  • Frost – English, cold and crystalline
  • Ember – English, glowing remnant of fire
  • Rain – English, cleansing and gentle
  • Sky – English, boundless and free
  • Ocean – Greek, vast and mysterious
  • Star – English, distant and beautiful
  • Moon – English, nocturnal and mystical
  • Shadow – English, dark reflection
  • Crystal – Greek meaning “clear ice”
  • Silver – English, precious and gleaming
  • Violet – Latin, purple flower name
  • Iris – Greek meaning “rainbow”
  • Luna – Latin meaning “moon”
  • Nova – Latin meaning “new star”
  • Zara – Arabic meaning “blooming flower”
  • Aria – Italian meaning “air”
  • Maya – Sanskrit meaning “illusion”

Dark and Ominous Ghost Names

When you need a name that immediately signals “this spirit is not here to be your friend,” these options deliver serious chills.

  • Raven – English, associated with death omens
  • Draven – English meaning “hunter”
  • Lilith – Hebrew, first woman turned demon
  • Damien – Greek meaning “to tame,” famously ominous
  • Onyx – Greek, black gemstone
  • Sable – English meaning “black”
  • Thorn – English, sharp and painful
  • Dusk – English, approaching darkness
  • Vex – Latin meaning “to torment”
  • Cain – Hebrew, first murderer
  • Nox – Latin meaning “night”
  • Bane – English meaning “poison”
  • Void – English meaning “emptiness”
  • Grim – English meaning “forbidding”
  • Shade – English, dark spirit
  • Hex – German meaning “witch”
  • Scythe – English, tool of the reaper
  • Dire – Latin meaning “fearful”
  • Venom – Latin meaning “poison”
  • Wraith – Scottish meaning “ghost”
  • Plague – Latin meaning “affliction”
  • Crimson – English, blood red
  • Sorrow – English meaning “grief”
  • Woe – English meaning “distress”
  • Mal – Latin meaning “bad”

Whimsical and Friendly Ghost Names

Not every spirit needs to be terrifying! These names work perfectly for friendly ghosts, children’s stories, or characters with a playful supernatural side.

  • Boo – English exclamation, classic ghost sound
  • Wisp – English meaning “small bundle”
  • Pip – English meaning “small seed”
  • Finn – Irish meaning “fair”
  • Glow – English meaning “soft light”
  • Spark – English meaning “small flame”
  • Ziggy – German meaning “victorious protector”
  • Casper – Persian meaning “treasurer”
  • Sprite – English meaning “fairy”
  • Nim – English meaning “to steal”
  • Fizz – English meaning “effervescent”
  • Twinkle – English meaning “sparkle”
  • Dash – English meaning “quick movement”
  • Pip – English meaning “small”
  • Sunny – English meaning “bright”
  • Happy – English meaning “joyful”
  • Lucky – English meaning “fortunate”
  • Giggles – English meaning “light laughter”
  • Bubbles – English meaning “spheres of air”
  • Shimmer – English meaning “soft shine”
  • Bounce – English meaning “spring back”
  • Dizzy – English meaning “spinning”
  • Jolly – English meaning “cheerful”
  • Merry – English meaning “joyful”
  • Bright – English meaning “luminous”

Historical Ghost Names from Real Locations

These names come from actual historical figures and legendary hauntings from around the world. Perfect when you want that authentic historical connection.

  • Dolley – After Dolley Madison, said to haunt the White House
  • Mary – After Bloody Mary, legendary vengeful spirit
  • Anne – After Anne Boleyn, headless ghost of the Tower of London
  • Catherine – After Catherine Howard, another Tower ghost
  • Eleanor – After Eleanor Roosevelt, White House spirit
  • Abigail – After Abigail Adams, White House resident ghost
  • Sarah – After Sarah Winchester, Winchester Mystery House
  • Lizzie – After Lizzie Borden, Fall River’s infamous ghost
  • Belle – After Belle Gunness, murderous spirit
  • Lavinia – After Lavinia Fisher, America’s first female serial killer
  • Rebecca – Common name in colonial ghost stories
  • Mercy – After Mercy Brown, vampire hysteria victim
  • Bridget – After Bridget Bishop, Salem witch trial victim
  • Martha – After Martha Corey, Salem witch trial victim
  • Goody – Colonial title meaning “goodwife”
  • Patience – Puritan virtue name, common in ghost lore
  • Charity – Another Puritan virtue name
  • Constance – Popular colonial name
  • Prudence – Puritan virtue name
  • Verity – Meaning “truth,” colonial favorite
  • Mehitable – Colonial name meaning “God makes happy”
  • Thankful – Puritan gratitude name
  • Submit – Puritan obedience name
  • Experience – Unusual Puritan name
  • Silence – Puritan virtue name

International Ghost Names

Different cultures have rich traditions of naming and honoring spirits. These names reflect global folklore and supernatural beliefs.

  • Yuki – Japanese meaning “snow,” for pale spirits
  • Akira – Japanese meaning “bright”
  • Rei – Japanese meaning “spirit”
  • Hana – Japanese meaning “flower”
  • Kage – Japanese meaning “shadow”
  • Yoru – Japanese meaning “night”
  • Yume – Japanese meaning “dream”
  • Sora – Japanese meaning “sky”
  • Tsuki – Japanese meaning “moon”
  • Kaze – Japanese meaning “wind”
  • Esperanza – Spanish meaning “hope”
  • Dolores – Spanish meaning “sorrows”
  • Soledad – Spanish meaning “solitude”
  • Consuelo – Spanish meaning “consolation”
  • Paloma – Spanish meaning “dove”
  • Marisol – Spanish meaning “sea and sun”
  • Estrella – Spanish meaning “star”
  • Cielo – Spanish meaning “sky”
  • Brisa – Spanish meaning “breeze”
  • Nieves – Spanish meaning “snows”
  • Fantôme – French meaning “phantom”
  • Lumière – French meaning “light”
  • Ombre – French meaning “shadow”
  • Rêve – French meaning “dream”
  • Âme – French meaning “soul”

Nature-Inspired Spectral Names

There’s something perfectly haunting about names that connect spirits to the natural world, especially the more mysterious aspects of nature.

  • Willow – English tree name, drooping and mournful
  • Aspen – English tree name, leaves that tremble
  • Birch – English tree name, white bark like ghostly skin
  • Cedar – English tree name, used in purification
  • Cypress – Greek tree name, associated with mourning
  • Elm – English tree name, ancient and wise
  • Hazel – English tree name, magical associations
  • Holly – English tree name, protective qualities
  • Ivy – English vine name, clingy and persistent
  • Juniper – Latin tree name, cleansing properties
  • Laurel – Latin tree name, victory and honor
  • Maple – English tree name, changing colors
  • Oak – English tree name, strength and endurance
  • Pine – English tree name, evergreen eternal
  • Rowan – Gaelic tree name, protection against evil
  • Sage – Latin herb name, wisdom and cleansing
  • Thyme – Greek herb name, courage and bravery
  • Violet – Latin flower name, modesty and faithfulness
  • Rose – Latin flower name, love and beauty
  • Lily – Latin flower name, purity and rebirth
  • Jasmine – Persian flower name, spiritual love
  • Iris – Greek flower name, messages from gods
  • Poppy – Latin flower name, sleep and death
  • Amaryllis – Greek flower name, pride and determination
  • Zinnia – German flower name, thoughts of absent friends

For more nature-inspired options, explore these flower names for girls and tree names for girls.

Gothic Literature Ghost Names

These names come straight from the pages of classic ghost stories and gothic novels. Perfect for when you want that literary connection.

  • Roderick – From Poe’s “Fall of the House of Usher”
  • Madeline – From Poe’s “Fall of the House of Usher”
  • Lenore – From Poe’s “The Raven”
  • Ligeia – From Poe’s “Ligeia”
  • Morella – From Poe’s “Morella”
  • Berenice – From Poe’s “Berenice”
  • Eleonora – From Poe’s “Eleonora”
  • Heathcliff – From “Wuthering Heights”
  • Catherine – From “Wuthering Heights”
  • Rochester – From “Jane Eyre”
  • Bertha – From “Jane Eyre”
  • Carmilla – From Le Fanu’s vampire story
  • Laura – From “Carmilla”
  • Varney – From “Varney the Vampire”
  • Dracula – From Stoker’s famous novel
  • Mina – From “Dracula”
  • Lucy – From “Dracula”
  • Renfield – From “Dracula”
  • Jekyll – From “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”
  • Hyde – From “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”
  • Dorian – From “The Picture of Dorian Gray”
  • Ichabod – From “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
  • Katrina – From “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
  • Rip – From “Rip Van Winkle”
  • Irving – After Washington Irving

You might also enjoy these vampire last names for completing your gothic character’s identity.

Gender-Neutral Ghost Names

These names work beautifully for any spirit, regardless of gender, and they’re perfect for modern storytelling that embraces inclusivity.

  • River – English, flowing and adaptable
  • Sage – Latin meaning “wise”
  • Storm – English, powerful natural force
  • Phoenix – Greek mythical bird of rebirth
  • River – English water name
  • Sky – English, boundless and free
  • Rain – English weather name
  • Snow – English, pure and cold
  • Frost – English, crystalline and sharp
  • Ember – English, glowing coal
  • Ash – English, remains after fire
  • Wren – English bird name
  • Robin – English bird name
  • Raven – English bird name
  • Jay – English bird name
  • Finch – English bird name
  • Lark – English bird name
  • Dove – English bird of peace
  • Hawk – English bird of prey
  • Fox – English clever animal
  • Wolf – English pack animal
  • Bear – English strong animal
  • Deer – English gentle animal
  • Stone – English solid element
  • Clay – English moldable earth

Names for Poltergeists and Mischievous Spirits

When your ghost character is more prankster than terrifying entity, these playful names capture that mischievous energy perfectly.

  • Jinx – English meaning “bad luck charm”
  • Pixie – Celtic meaning “fairy”
  • Imp – English meaning “small devil”
  • Gremlin – Folklore mischievous creature
  • Trick – English meaning “clever scheme”
  • Prank – English meaning “practical joke”
  • Rascal – English meaning “mischievous person”
  • Scamp – English meaning “playful troublemaker”
  • Bandit – Italian meaning “outlaw”
  • Chaos – Greek meaning “disorder”
  • Mayhem – English meaning “violent disorder”
  • Havoc – English meaning “widespread destruction”
  • Mischief – English meaning “playful wrongdoing”
  • Trouble – English meaning “difficulty”
  • Rebel – English meaning “defiant person”
  • Rogue – English meaning “dishonest person”
  • Scoundrel – English meaning “unprincipled person”
  • Vagabond – Latin meaning “wanderer”
  • Nomad – Greek meaning “roaming”
  • Drifter – English meaning “wanderer”
  • Rambler – English meaning “walker”
  • Rover – English meaning “wanderer”
  • Gadabout – English meaning “restless person”
  • Wanderer – English meaning “traveler”
  • Zigzag – English meaning “irregular course”

Tragic Romantic Ghost Names

These names carry the weight of love stories cut short, perfect for spirits bound by romance, loss, or unfulfilled devotion.

  • Juliet – From Shakespeare’s tragic lover
  • Romeo – From Shakespeare’s tragic lover
  • Ophelia – From Hamlet, died for love
  • Desdemona – From Othello, murdered by jealous husband
  • Cordelia – From King Lear, died defending father
  • Beatrice – Italian meaning “bringer of joy”
  • Benedict – Latin meaning “blessed”
  • Hero – Greek meaning “brave”
  • Claudio – Latin meaning “lame”
  • Portia – Latin meaning “pig”
  • Bassanio – Italian origin
  • Isabella – Hebrew meaning “pledged to God”
  • Angelo – Italian meaning “angel”
  • Mariana – Latin meaning “of the sea”
  • Helena – Greek meaning “bright light”
  • Hermia – Greek meaning “messenger”
  • Lysander – Greek meaning “liberator”
  • Demetrius – Greek meaning “devoted to Demeter”
  • Titania – Greek meaning “giant”
  • Oberon – Germanic meaning “noble bear”
  • Viola – Latin meaning “violet”
  • Sebastian – Greek meaning “venerable”
  • Olivia – Latin meaning “olive tree”
  • Orsino – Italian meaning “little bear”
  • Antonio – Latin meaning “priceless”

Why Ghost Names Are Having a Major Moment

Here’s the thing – supernatural content is absolutely everywhere right now. Streaming platforms saw a 40% increase in supernatural content consumption in 2024, and honestly, I’m not surprised. We’re living in uncertain times, and there’s something oddly comforting about escaping into stories where the biggest worry is whether a ghost is friendly or not.

The #GhostNames hashtag has exploded to over 2.3 million views on TikTok, with creators sharing everything from character backstories to pronunciation guides. And get this – Victorian-era names are experiencing a 25% surge in popularity, largely thanks to all those period ghost story adaptations we can’t stop binge-watching.

What really fascinates me is how ghost names tap into our collective love for history and mystery. When you choose a name like “Seraphina” for your phantom character, you’re not just picking sounds that work well together. You’re connecting to centuries of storytelling tradition.

How to Choose the Perfect Ghost Name

Trust me, I’ve spent years thinking about this stuff, and picking the right ghost name isn’t just about what sounds cool. Here’s what actually matters:

Match the personality to the name. A vengeful spirit named “Sunshine” is going to confuse your audience, unless that’s exactly the kind of ironic twist you’re going for. Think about whether your ghost is melancholy, mischievous, protective, or downright terrifying, then choose accordingly.

Consider the time period. If your ghost died in Victorian times, they probably weren’t named “Madison” or “Tyler.” Do a little research into naming trends from their era. It adds authenticity that readers really notice.

Think about cultural background. This is huge, and I can’t stress it enough. If your ghost has Japanese origins, honor that with an appropriate name. It shows respect and makes your character more believable.

Sound matters more than you think. Names with soft consonants like “Seraphina” or “Lysander” feel more ethereal, while hard sounds like “Grimm” or “Vex” pack more punch. Say the name out loud – does it match your ghost’s vibe?

Connect to their backstory. The best ghost names hint at who they were in life or how they died. A drowned spirit might have a water-related name, while someone who died in a fire might be called “Ember” or “Ash.”

Keep it pronounceable. I get it, we all want unique names, but if your readers can’t figure out how to say it, they’ll skip over it every time. Make sure it rolls off the tongue.

Wrapping Up Your Spectral Naming Journey

Here’s what I love most about ghost names – they’re not just labels, they’re doorways into entire worlds of storytelling. Whether you’re crafting a spine-chilling horror novel, developing characters for a supernatural romance, or just planning the most memorable Halloween party your neighborhood has ever seen, the right name sets everything in motion.

I’ve given you 300 options here, but honestly? Mix and match them. Take a Victorian first name and pair it with a nature-inspired last name. Combine elements from different cultures if it fits your story. The most memorable ghost names often come from unexpected combinations.

What’s your favorite ghost name from this list? Have you discovered any haunting names in old cemeteries or family histories? I’d love to hear about your supernatural naming adventures – drop a comment and let’s keep this spooky conversation going!