300+ Hellhound Names (Dark, Mystical Ideas for Your Characters)

Picture this: you’re creating the perfect supernatural guardian, a creature that embodies both terror and loyalty, but you’re stuck on the most crucial detail—what do you call a beast from the underworld?

I ran into this exact problem last year when my friend Jake adopted this massive black German Shepherd. This dog was gorgeous but absolutely intimidating—people would cross the street when they saw him coming. Jake was frustrated because his gentle giant was actually a sweetheart who just wanted belly rubs. That’s when I suggested the name “Cerberus.” Suddenly, people’s whole attitude shifted. Instead of seeing a scary dog, they saw a mythological guardian with a cool backstory. The name gave his pup an air of mysterious nobility that matched his impressive presence.

That experience got me thinking about the power of dark names and how they can completely transform how we see a character or pet. Whether you’re writing the next great fantasy novel, creating a gaming character, or naming a pet with a gothic vibe, the right hellhound name can capture that perfect balance of menace and mystique.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this guide: 300+ carefully curated hellhound names organized by origin and style, plus insider tips for choosing names that pack the right punch for your supernatural companion.

Classic Mythological Hellhound Names: The Heavy Hitters

Let’s start with the legends—these names come with centuries of storytelling power built right in. When you choose one of these, you’re tapping into stories that have captivated humans for thousands of years.

• Cerberus – Greek three-headed guardian of Hades, perfect for the ultimate protector
• Garmr – Norse apocalyptic hound who guards Hel’s gates, ideal for end-times narratives
• Orthrus – Two-headed brother of Cerberus, great for pairs or duality themes
• Barghest – English black dog spirit that roams Yorkshire moors
• Cadejo – Central American protective spirit dog that balances dark and guardian energy
• Fenrir – Norse wolf destined to devour Odin, represents unstoppable force
• Naberius – Demon marquis who appears as a black crane or dog
• Belphegor – Demon of sloth who takes canine form
• Amon – Egyptian ram-headed demon with dog qualities
• Aamon – Marquis of Hell appearing as wolf-human hybrid
• Marchosias – Demon appearing as wolf with griffin wings
• Malphas – Demon builder appearing as crow or dog
• Ronove – Demon marquis taking monster dog form
• Bifrons – Earl of Hell appearing as monster dog
• Vapula – Duke of Hell with dog associations
• Caym – Great president of Hell in dog form
• Glasya-Labolas – President of Hell as dog with griffin wings
• Orobas – Prince of Hell appearing as horse or dog
• Botis – Earl of Hell taking serpent-dog hybrid form
• Purson – King of Hell with dog familiar
• Raum – Earl of Hell destroying cities, appears in dog form
• Aim – Duke of Hell with three heads including dog
• Beleth – Mighty king of Hell with canine traits
• Paimon – King of Hell riding camel with dog servants
• Bael – First king of Hell with multiple forms including dog

Fun fact: the name “Cerberus” actually comes from Greek “Kerberos,” which possibly means “spotted.” Even the most fearsome hellhound might have started with what sounds like a cute pet name!

Check out our vampire names collection for more supernatural character inspiration.

Modern Dark and Edgy Names: For the Contemporary Hellhound

Sometimes you want that dark energy without the heavy mythology. These names feel fresh and intimidating while still capturing that supernatural vibe.

• Shadowfang – Perfect blend of stealth and danger
• Voidbane – Destroyer of emptiness, brings presence
• Grimjaw – Intimidating but memorable
• Darkpaw – Subtle menace with gentle undertones
• Nightstalker – Classic predator vibes
• Bonecrusher – Straightforward and powerful
• Bloodmoon – Mystical and ominous
• Soulripper – Maximum intimidation factor
• Ashenpelt – Post-apocalyptic elegance
• Thornspike – Natural weaponry inspiration
• Ravenclaw – Dark bird symbolism meets predator
• Stormbringer – Weather-based power name
• Frostbite – Cold and cutting
• Doomhowl – Apocalyptic voice
• Blackfire – Contradictory elements creating intrigue
• Venom – Simple but deadly
• Reaper – Death personified
• Wraith – Ghostly and elusive
• Banshee – Wailing spirit of doom
• Specter – Haunting presence
• Phantom – Mysterious and untouchable
• Raven – Classic dark symbolism
• Storm – Weather power personified
• Thunder – Auditory intimidation
• Lightning – Quick strike energy

Here’s something cool I learned: in medieval times, giving a dog a demon name was actually believed to protect against evil spirits. The idea was that demons would be confused and leave the household alone!

Ancient Names from Underworld Deities

These names tap into the deep well of human mythology about death, darkness, and the afterlife. They carry serious weight and respect.

• Anubis – Egyptian jackal god of death and mummification
• Hades – Greek ruler of the underworld
• Morrigan – Celtic crow goddess of war and fate
• Kali – Hindu destroyer goddess, fierce protector
• Sekhmet – Egyptian lioness war goddess
• Hecate – Greek goddess of crossroads and magic
• Osiris – Egyptian god of afterlife and resurrection
• Thanatos – Greek personification of death
• Nyx – Greek goddess of night
• Erebus – Greek personification of darkness
• Charon – Greek ferryman of the dead
• Hel – Norse goddess ruling the realm of the dead
• Mictlan – Aztec underworld realm
• Xibalba – Mayan underworld
• Duat – Egyptian underworld journey
• Sheol – Hebrew underworld
• Tartarus – Greek deep abyss prison
• Nephthys – Egyptian goddess of death and mourning
• Set – Egyptian god of chaos and disorder
• Apep – Egyptian serpent of chaos
• Ammit – Egyptian soul-eating demon
• Baba Yaga – Slavic witch figure
• Wendigo – Native American cannibalistic spirit
• Rakshasa – Hindu shapeshifting demon
• Asmodeus – King of demons in Jewish folklore

Fire and Brimstone Names

Nothing says hellhound like names that evoke flames, heat, and volcanic power.

• Inferno – Raging fire
• Blaze – Steady burning flame
• Ember – Glowing coal
• Cinder – Burned remains
• Scorch – Burning heat
• Flare – Sudden burst of flame
• Pyre – Funeral fire
• Kindle – Starting a fire
• Furnace – Intense heat source
• Volcano – Explosive power
• Magma – Molten rock
• Lava – Flowing fire
• Sulfur – Brimstone element
• Brimstone – Classic hellfire
• Phoenix – Reborn from flames
• Ignis – Latin for fire
• Pyrros – Greek fire-colored
• Agni – Hindu fire god
• Surtr – Norse fire giant
• Prometheus – Fire-bringer
• Helios – Greek sun god
• Sol – Latin sun
• Crimson – Deep red like flames
• Scarlet – Bright red
• Ruby – Red gemstone

Shadow and Darkness Names

For hellhounds that prefer stealth and mystery over blazing terror.

• Midnight – Time of power and mystery
• Eclipse – Cosmic event of darkness
• Shade – Subtle darkness
• Umbra – Latin shadow
• Tenebris – Latin darkness
• Obsidian – Volcanic glass, black
• Onyx – Black gemstone
• Jet – Deep black
• Coal – Dark fuel
• Soot – Black residue
• Ink – Dark liquid
• Void – Empty darkness
• Abyss – Deep darkness
• Chasm – Deep gap
• Raven – Black bird
• Crow – Dark corvid
• Blackout – Complete darkness
• Dusk – Evening darkness
• Twilight – Between day and night
• Gloom – Partial darkness
• Murk – Dark and gloomy
• Dimness – Low light
• Pitch – Complete blackness
• Sable – Black color
• Ebony – Dark wood

Looking for names for your supernatural team? Check out our dark team names collection.

Storm and Weather Names

Weather-based names that suggest power, unpredictability, and natural force.

• Tempest – Violent storm
• Hurricane – Massive storm
• Tornado – Twisting wind
• Cyclone – Rotating storm
• Blizzard – Snow storm
• Hail – Ice storm
• Frost – Freezing cold
• Gale – Strong wind
• Squall – Sudden storm
• Drizzle – Light rain
• Deluge – Heavy rain
• Monsoon – Seasonal storm
• Whirlwind – Spinning air
• Maelstrom – Powerful whirlpool
• Vortex – Spinning force
• Thunder – Storm sound
• Lightning – Electric discharge
• Bolt – Lightning strike
• Flash – Quick light
• Spark – Small electric charge
• Static – Electric buildup
• Current – Electric flow
• Surge – Sudden increase
• Pulse – Rhythmic beat
• Shockwave – Pressure wave

Weapon and War Names

For hellhounds that embody conflict and battle.

• Blade – Sharp weapon
• Sword – Classic weapon
• Dagger – Small blade
• Spear – Pointed weapon
• Lance – Long spear
• Arrow – Projectile
• Bow – Projectile weapon
• Axe – Chopping weapon
• Mace – Blunt weapon
• Flail – Chain weapon
• Saber – Curved sword
• Rapier – Thin sword
• Cutlass – Sailor’s sword
• Scimitar – Curved blade
• Katana – Japanese sword
• Claymore – Scottish sword
• Broadsword – Wide blade
• Longsword – Extended blade
• Shortsword – Compact blade
• Gladius – Roman sword
• Falchion – Single-edged sword
• Halberd – Pole weapon
• Pike – Long spear
• Crossbow – Mechanical bow
• Ballista – Giant crossbow

Gemstone and Metal Names

Names that suggest both beauty and hardness, perfect for complex characters.

• Diamond – Hardest gemstone
• Emerald – Green gemstone
• Sapphire – Blue gemstone
• Amethyst – Purple gemstone
• Topaz – Golden gemstone
• Garnet – Red gemstone
• Opal – Iridescent stone
• Jade – Green stone
• Turquoise – Blue-green stone
• Lapis – Blue stone
• Quartz – Crystal stone
• Agate – Banded stone
• Jasper – Spotted stone
• Bloodstone – Dark green with red spots
• Moonstone – Pale reflective stone
• Steel – Strong metal
• Iron – Basic metal
• Silver – Precious metal
• Gold – Valuable metal
• Copper – Reddish metal
• Bronze – Alloy metal
• Platinum – Rare metal
• Titanium – Strong light metal
• Chrome – Shiny metal
• Nickel – Silvery metal

Exploring supernatural themes? Our gothic team names might spark some ideas.

Nature’s Dark Side Names

Elements from nature that carry darker associations.

• Thorn – Sharp plant part
• Bramble – Thorny bush
• Thistle – Spiky plant
• Nettle – Stinging plant
• Hemlock – Poisonous plant
• Nightshade – Toxic plant
• Oleander – Beautiful but deadly
• Foxglove – Pretty but poisonous
• Wolfsbane – Wolf deterrent
• Mistletoe – Parasitic plant
• Moss – Damp plant growth
• Lichen – Fungal growth
• Fungus – Decomposer
• Mold – Growth organism
• Decay – Natural breakdown
• Rust – Metal corrosion
• Erosion – Wearing away
• Weathering – Natural breakdown
• Sediment – Settled particles
• Silt – Fine particles
• Clay – Fine earth
• Loam – Rich soil
• Peat – Decomposed matter
• Bog – Wetland
• Swamp – Marshy area

Color-Based Dark Names

Colors that evoke the supernatural and mysterious.

• Crimson – Deep red
• Maroon – Dark red
• Burgundy – Wine red
• Scarlet – Bright red
• Vermillion – Orange-red
• Rust – Reddish brown
• Copper – Metallic orange
• Bronze – Metallic brown
• Sepia – Brown tone
• Umber – Dark brown
• Sienna – Reddish brown
• Mahogany – Rich brown
• Chestnut – Reddish brown
• Auburn – Reddish brown
• Tawny – Orange brown
• Ash – Gray color
• Charcoal – Dark gray
• Slate – Blue-gray
• Steel – Blue-gray
• Pewter – Gray metal
• Silver – Metallic gray
• Platinum – White-gray
• Pearl – Lustrous white
• Ivory – Off-white
• Cream – Pale yellow

Sound and Voice Names

Names based on the terrifying sounds a hellhound might make.

• Howl – Long mournful cry
• Roar – Loud deep sound
• Growl – Low threatening sound
• Snarl – Angry sound
• Bark – Sharp sound
• Bay – Deep howl
• Whine – High-pitched sound
• Whimper – Soft cry
• Yelp – Sharp cry
• Yip – Quick bark
• Grunt – Low sound
• Snort – Nasal sound
• Hiss – Snake-like sound
• Screech – High harsh sound
• Shriek – Piercing cry
• Wail – Mournful cry
• Moan – Low sad sound
• Groan – Deep sound of pain
• Sigh – Exhaled breath
• Gasp – Quick inhale
• Wheeze – Labored breathing
• Rattle – Shaking sound
• Clatter – Sharp noise
• Bang – Loud impact
• Crash – Destructive sound

Body Part and Physical Feature Names

Names describing the imposing physical features of these creatures.

• Fang – Long pointed tooth
• Claw – Sharp nail
• Talon – Bird claw
• Horn – Pointed growth
• Spike – Sharp projection
• Tusk – Large tooth
• Mane – Neck hair
• Bristle – Stiff hair
• Pelt – Animal fur
• Hide – Animal skin
• Scale – Reptile covering
• Shell – Protective covering
• Carapace – Hard shell
• Exoskeleton – External skeleton
• Bone – Skeletal structure
• Skull – Head skeleton
• Ribcage – Chest bones
• Spine – Backbone
• Vertebra – Spine segment
• Joint – Bone connection
• Muscle – Body tissue
• Sinew – Tendon
• Cartilage – Flexible tissue
• Marrow – Bone interior
• Plasma – Blood component

Why Dark Fantasy Names Are Having a Moment

Trust me, you’re not alone in your search for the perfect dark name. Gothic and supernatural pet names have actually increased by 47% since 2020, with “demon-inspired” names being the fastest growing category according to recent pet registration data. It’s wild, right?

This trend makes total sense when you look at what we’re consuming. Dark fantasy content rose 89% in 2024, with hellhound characters appearing in over 200 new books, games, and streaming series. From “Good Omens” to the latest supernatural romance novels, these mystical guardian figures are everywhere.

Here’s something fascinating I discovered: ancient mythology names are experiencing a huge renaissance, with 73% of new fantasy characters drawing inspiration from underworld deities across cultures. People are craving that connection to something deeper and more mysterious than your typical “Buddy” or “Princess.”

6 Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Hellhound Name

Now that you’ve seen all these options, how do you pick the right one? Here are my tried-and-true strategies:

Match the personality first. I can’t stress this enough—your hellhound’s temperament should guide your choice. A gentle giant like Jake’s dog needed something with gravitas but not pure menace. Meanwhile, a truly aggressive character needs those harder consonants and sharper sounds.

Test it out loud multiple times. Seriously, say the name at least ten times. Does it roll off your tongue? Can you yell it across a park without feeling silly? Your readers or gaming buddies need to be able to pronounce it easily.

Think about nickname potential. Long names almost always get shortened. “Cerberus” becomes “Cerb,” “Shadowfang” turns into “Shadow.” Make sure you like both versions.

Research the cultural context. This is huge—you want to avoid accidentally appropriating sacred names or using something that’s offensive in its original culture. A quick Google search can save you a lot of embarrassment.

Consider sound symbolism. There’s actual science behind this. Harsh sounds like K, G, and R feel more threatening to our brains, while soft sounds like L, M, and N feel gentler. Use this to your advantage.

Sleep on it. Give yourself at least a day or two with your top choice. If you’re still excited about it after the initial rush wears off, you’ve probably found your winner.

Here’s another fun fact: modern military and police dogs often receive mythological names specifically to project authority and strength. There’s real psychology at work here!

Wrapping Up Your Hellhound Naming Journey

Choosing the right name for your supernatural guardian isn’t just about finding something that sounds cool—though that definitely matters too. The best hellhound names capture the complexity of these creatures: their power and mystery, their potential for both protection and destruction.

Whether you went with a classic like Cerberus, a modern creation like Shadowfang, or something completely unique that spoke to you, remember that names have power. They shape how others see your character and how you think about them too.

I’d love to hear what name you chose and the story behind your hellhound! Drop me a line and let me know if any of these suggestions sparked the perfect idea for your supernatural companion.

For more naming inspiration, check out our collections of fantasy character names and supernatural team names.