Names That Mean Poison or Toxic: A Complete Guide

In a world filled with fascinating names, some carry darker and more intriguing meanings. Best 251+ Names that mean poison or toxic have been part of mythologies, stories, and cultures for centuries, often representing danger, mystery, or power. While not commonly used today, these names remain captivating due to their dramatic connotations and rich histories. This blog post will take you through over 251 names that mean poison or toxic, divided into different categories. You’ll discover names from various cultures and learn the origins and meanings of each one.

Origins of Names That Mean Poison or Toxic

Names that symbolize poison or toxicity are often found in ancient mythologies and folklore. Many are linked to gods, spirits, or plants known for their venomous or harmful properties. In some cultures, these names were given to warn of danger or symbolize strength through survival. In others, they were associated with mystical powers and curses. Below, you’ll find names from a variety of regions and their meanings, all connected to the themes of poison, toxicity, or danger.

Ancient Mythological Names

• Achlys

Meaning: Mist of Death
Origin: Greek mythology
Achlys was the personification of misery and death in Greek mythology, associated with deadly mists.

• Alecto

Meaning: Unceasing Anger
Origin: Greek mythology
One of the Furies, Alecto was associated with vengeance and poison.

• Apate

Meaning: Deceit
Origin: Greek mythology
Apate was the goddess of deception and lies, often linked to toxic behaviors.

• Basilisk

Meaning: Little King
Origin: Greek/Latin
The basilisk was a legendary reptile said to kill with its gaze or breath, symbolizing toxicity.

• Calypsa

Meaning: Hidden
Origin: Greek mythology
Calypsa, derived from Calypso, can be linked to hidden dangers or poisons.

• Echidna

Meaning: She-Viper
Origin: Greek mythology
Echidna was a half-woman, half-snake creature known for her venomous powers.

• Hecate

Meaning: Worker from Afar
Origin: Greek mythology
Hecate is often associated with witchcraft, potions, and poison.

• Jormungandr

Meaning: Midgard Serpent
Origin: Norse mythology
A giant serpent who was said to be so poisonous that his bite would end the world.

• Medusa

Meaning: Guardian
Origin: Greek mythology
Famed for her deadly, venomous gaze that turned men to stone.

• Mormo

Meaning: Terror
Origin: Greek mythology
Mormo was a terrifying spirit that fed on children, symbolizing poisonous fear.

• Nemesis

Meaning: Retribution
Origin: Greek mythology
Associated with divine vengeance, often seen as toxic revenge.

• Nidhogg

Meaning: Dreaded Striker
Origin: Norse mythology
A dragon who gnawed at the roots of the World Tree, symbolizing poison and decay.

• Pandora

Meaning: All-Gifted
Origin: Greek mythology
Though her box released all evils, Pandora’s name is often linked with dangerous curiosity.

• Stheno

Meaning: Strong
Origin: Greek mythology
One of the Gorgons is known for her toxic nature.

• Tisiphone

Meaning: Avenging Murder
Origin: Greek mythology
One of the Furies, known for her vengeance, symbolizes toxic fury.

• Vipera

Meaning: Viper
Origin: Latin
The Latin word for a poisonous snake.

• Vritra

Meaning: Obstacle
Origin: Hindu mythology
Vritra was a dragon, often seen as a symbol of obstruction and poison.

• Yara-Ma-Yha-Who

Meaning: None
Origin: Aboriginal mythology
A creature that poisoned its victims by draining their blood.

• Zahhak

Meaning: Serpent King
Origin: Persian mythology
A legendary figure whose shoulders bore two snakes that fed on human brains, symbolizing toxic hunger.

• Zaltys

Meaning: Grass Snake
Origin: Baltic mythology
A symbol of death and poison in Baltic folklore.

Poisonous Plant-Inspired Names

• Aconite

Meaning: Wolf’s Bane
Origin: Greek
Aconite is a highly toxic plant known for its poisonous properties.

• Belladonna

Meaning: Beautiful Lady
Origin: Italian
Also known as deadly nightshade, it is a highly toxic plant with a deceptively beautiful name.

• Cicuta

Meaning: Hemlock
Origin: Latin
A plant used in ancient times as a poison.

• Daphne

Meaning: Laurel Tree
Origin: Greek
Certain types of Daphne plants are toxic, symbolizing hidden danger.

• Digitalis

Meaning: Finger
Origin: Latin
A plant used to make heart medication can be toxic in large doses.

• Henbane

Meaning: Hen’s Killer
Origin: Old English
A poisonous plant with hallucinogenic properties.

• Ivy

Meaning: Climber
Origin: English
While usually harmless, certain types of ivy are toxic.

• Larkspur

Meaning: A Plant
Origin: English
Known for its beautiful yet toxic flowers.

• Lily of the Valley

Meaning: None
Origin: Latin
A beautiful yet deadly plant due to its poisonous properties.

• Mandrake

Meaning: Plant Root
Origin: Latin
A plant linked to ancient rituals and poisons.

• Mistletoe

Meaning: Dung Twig
Origin: English
A parasitic plant, some species of which are toxic.

• Oleander

Meaning: Evergreen Tree
Origin: Greek
A toxic plant with poisonous flowers and leaves.

• Poppy

Meaning: Milk of Happiness
Origin: Latin
The plant from which opium is derived is known for its toxic yet medicinal properties.

• Rue

Meaning: Herb of Grace
Origin: Latin
A plant with both medicinal and toxic properties.

• Saffron

Meaning: Yellow
Origin: Arabic
Though usually safe, in large quantities, saffron can be toxic.

• Sanguinaria

Meaning: Bloodroot
Origin: Latin
A plant with toxic sap, often used in ancient remedies.

• Tansy

Meaning: Immortality
Origin: Greek
A plant known for its toxic properties, historically used to preserve dead bodies.

• Thornapple

Meaning: Datura
Origin: Latin
A plant with toxic effects on the nervous system.

• Wisteria

Meaning: None
Origin: English
A climbing plant known for its toxic seeds.

• Yew

Meaning: Evergreen
Origin: English
An evergreen tree whose seeds and needles are highly toxic.

Animal-Inspired Names

• Asp

Meaning: Venomous Snake
Origin: Greek
A venomous serpent is known for its deadly bite.

• Adder

Meaning: Poisonous Snake
Origin: Old English
A name for a venomous snake.

• Basilisk

Meaning: Little King
Origin: Greek/Latin
A legendary reptile with a toxic bite.

• Cobra

Meaning: Snake
Origin: Portuguese
A venomous snake with a lethal bite.

• Mamba

Meaning: Venomous Snake
Origin: Zulu
A highly dangerous, venomous snake native to Africa.

• Scorpion

Meaning: Deadly Stinger
Origin: Greek
A venomous arachnid is known for its poisonous sting.

• Viper

Meaning: Venomous Snake
Origin: Latin
Known for its toxic bite.

• Tarantula

Meaning: Spider
Origin: Latin
A spider species known for its venomous bite.

• Stingray

Meaning: Venomous Fish
Origin: English
A sea creature with a poisonous sting.

• Fire Ant

Meaning: Burning Bite
Origin: English
Known for its painful and toxic sting.

• Gila

Meaning: Venomous Lizard
Origin: Native American
A toxic lizard found in the southwestern United States.

• Fugu

Meaning: Poisonous Fish
Origin: Japanese
A type of pufferfish known for its toxic flesh.

• Hornet

Meaning: Large Wasp
Origin: Old English
A dangerous insect known for its venomous sting.

• Black Widow

Meaning: Deadly Spider
Origin: English
A venomous spider is known for its lethal bite.

• Rattler

Meaning: Rattlesnake
Origin: American
A venomous snake is known for the rattling sound it makes before striking.

• Caterpillar

Meaning: None
Origin: Latin
Certain species, like the Lonomia, are known for their toxic spines.

• Komodo

Meaning: Dragon
Origin: Indonesian
A species of large lizard with venomous saliva.

• Puffer

Meaning: Inflating Fish
Origin: English
A fish is known for its toxic body when consumed.

• Stonefish

Meaning: Venomous Fish
Origin: English
A highly toxic marine fish.

• Box Jellyfish

Meaning: Venomous Sea Creature
Origin: English
A deadly jellyfish known for its lethal sting.

Dark and Dangerous Names

• Alvah

Meaning: Evil, Wicked
Origin: Hebrew
This name holds connotations of darkness and toxic behavior.

• Brone

Meaning: Sorrow
Origin: Irish
A name connected to grief and sorrow, symbolizing emotional toxicity.

• Dargan

Meaning: Black-haired
Origin: Irish
While seemingly innocent, this name can be linked to darker characteristics.

• Devlin

Meaning: Unlucky
Origin: Irish
A name tied to misfortune and toxic energy.

• Draven

Meaning: Hunter
Origin: English
Often associated with dark forces or toxic behavior.

• Ebony

Meaning: Dark Wood
Origin: Greek
Though beautiful, ebony is often linked to mystery and darkness.

• Hades

Meaning: Unseen
Origin: Greek mythology
Hades was the god of the underworld, associated with death and toxicity.

• Kieran

Meaning: Dark One
Origin: Irish
A name symbolizing someone with dark, toxic traits.

• Lilith

Meaning: Night Monster
Origin: Hebrew
Associated with a dangerous figure in mythology, Lilith is linked to toxic and venomous qualities.

• Leila

Meaning: Night
Origin: Arabic
Symbolizing darkness, Leila often holds mysterious and toxic undertones.

• Mara

Meaning: Bitter
Origin: Hebrew
A name linked to sorrow and bitterness, symbolizing emotional poison.

• Morrigan

Meaning: Phantom Queen
Origin: Irish mythology
A goddess associated with war and death is often seen as toxic and dangerous.

• Nox

Meaning: Night
Origin: Latin
This name symbolizes the darkness of night and toxic traits.

• Onyx

Meaning: Black Gem
Origin: Greek
A precious but dark stone, symbolizing beauty with an underlying toxicity.

• Persephone

Meaning: Bringer of Destruction
Origin: Greek mythology
Queen of the underworld, associated with death and poisonous attributes.

• Raven

Meaning: Dark Bird
Origin: English
Symbolizing mystery and danger, often linked to toxic behavior.

• Salem

Meaning: Peace
Origin: Hebrew
Though meaning peace, it is often associated with the toxic energy of witch trials.

• Serpens

Meaning: Snake
Origin: Latin
Symbolizing poison and toxicity.

• Umbra

Meaning: Shadow
Origin: Latin
Symbolizing the darkness of shadows, associated with toxic and dangerous qualities.

• Vesper

Meaning: Evening
Origin: Latin
Linked to the time of night, often symbolizing mysterious or toxic traits.

Names from Venomous Creatures

• Adder

Meaning: Venomous Snake
Origin: Old English
A name for a dangerous and venomous snake.

• Asp

Meaning: Snake
Origin: Greek
A venomous snake is known for its lethal bite.

• Black Widow

Meaning: Venomous Spider
Origin: English
Symbolizing danger and toxic venom.

• Boomslang

Meaning: Tree Snake
Origin: Dutch
A venomous snake native to Africa.

• Cobra

Meaning: Snake
Origin: Portuguese
A name for one of the deadliest venomous snakes.

• Copperhead

Meaning: Snake
Origin: English
A venomous snake is native to North America.

• Fer-de-Lance

Meaning: Spearhead
Origin: French
A deadly viper found in Central and South America.

• Gila

Meaning: Venomous Lizard
Origin: Native American
A name for a dangerous, toxic lizard found in the southwestern United States.

• King Cobra

Meaning: King of Snakes
Origin: English
Known for its size and highly toxic venom.

• Komodo

Meaning: Dragon
Origin: Indonesian
The largest living lizard, with venomous saliva.

• Mamba

Meaning: Venomous Snake
Origin: Zulu
A deadly, fast-moving snake known for its venom.

• Pit Viper

Meaning: Venomous Snake
Origin: English
A group of venomous snakes known for their heat-sensing abilities.

• Rattlesnake

Meaning: Venomous Snake
Origin: English
Known for its rattling tail and toxic bite.

• Scorpion

Meaning: Venomous Arachnid
Origin: Greek
A small but deadly creature with a toxic sting.

• Tarantula

Meaning: Spider
Origin: Latin
A large, venomous spider found in warm climates.

• Taipan

Meaning: Serpent
Origin: Australian
A highly venomous snake native to Australia.

• Viper

Meaning: Venomous Snake
Origin: Latin
A deadly snake is often used as a symbol of danger.

• Wasp

Meaning: Stinging Insect
Origin: English
Known for its painful and venomous sting.

• Water Moccasin

Meaning: Venomous Snake
Origin: English
A highly toxic snake that lives in water.

• Zebra Snake

Meaning: Striped Venomous Snake
Origin: English
A striped snake is known for its toxic bite.

Poisonous Flower Names

• Aconite

Meaning: Wolf’s Bane
Origin: Greek
A highly poisonous plant used historically for its toxic properties.

• Belladonna

Meaning: Beautiful Lady
Origin: Italian
Known as a deadly nightshade, its beauty hides its deadly toxicity.

• Hemlock

Meaning: Poison Plant
Origin: Greek
Used in ancient Greece for poisoning, as with the philosopher Socrates.

• Foxglove

Meaning: Glove of the Little Folks
Origin: English
A toxic plant used in heart medication but deadly in large amounts.

• Lily of the Valley

Meaning: None
Origin: Latin
Known for its beautiful flowers but is extremely toxic.

• Oleander

Meaning: Evergreen Tree
Origin: Greek
A highly toxic plant, often grown for its beautiful flowers.

• Nightshade

Meaning: Night Toxicity
Origin: Latin
Linked to poison due to the dangerous berries it produces.

• Sanguinaria

Meaning: Bloodroot
Origin: Latin
A plant with toxic sap used in ancient medicines.

• Tansy

Meaning: Immortal Flower
Origin: Greek
A highly toxic plant with a rich history of medicinal use.

• Thornapple

Meaning: Datura
Origin: Latin
A poisonous plant used in ancient rituals.

• Datura

Meaning: Thorn Apple
Origin: Latin
A plant with hallucinogenic and toxic properties.

• Henbane

Meaning: Killer of Hens
Origin: English
A poisonous plant with deadly effects.

• Larkspur

Meaning: Summer Poison
Origin: English
Known for its toxic flowers, often causing poisoning in livestock.

• Yew

Meaning: Evergreen
Origin: English
A poisonous tree known for its deadly needles and seeds.

• Monkshood

Meaning: Aconite
Origin: English
A highly toxic plant often associated with poison and death.

• Buttercup

Meaning: Little Frog
Origin: English
While seemingly innocent, the buttercup can be toxic to animals when ingested.

• Angel’s Trumpet

Meaning: Beautiful But Deadly
Origin: Latin
A stunning flower is known for its toxic properties.

• Jimsonweed

Meaning: Thorn Apple
Origin: English
A toxic plant known for its psychoactive effects and poisonous seeds.

• Autumn Crocus

Meaning: Fall Flower
Origin: Latin
Highly toxic, this beautiful flower is dangerous if ingested.

• Wolfsbane

Meaning: Killer of Wolves
Origin: Greek
A deadly plant used in ancient poisons and medicines.

Names Linked to Toxic Substances

• Arsen

Meaning: Arsenic
Origin: Greek
A name linked to the poisonous chemical element arsenic.

• Mercury

Meaning: Liquid Metal
Origin: Roman
Known for its toxic properties, mercury is both dangerous and mystical.

• Cyan

Meaning: Blue
Origin: Greek
Derived from cyanide, a deadly toxin.

• Radon

Meaning: Radioactive Gas
Origin: English
A toxic, radioactive element.

• Plutonium

Meaning: Radioactive Element
Origin: Roman
A highly toxic substance named after the planet Pluto.

• Lead

Meaning: Heavy Metal
Origin: English
A dangerous and toxic substance known to cause poisoning.

• Toxin

Meaning: Poison
Origin: Latin
A straightforward name symbolizing poison.

• Cadmium

Meaning: Toxic Element
Origin: Greek
A heavy metal that is both toxic and dangerous.

• Bane

Meaning: Cause of Death
Origin: English
A name that evokes danger and toxicity.

• Strychnine

Meaning: Poison
Origin: Greek
A deadly poison used in various forms of toxicity.

• Thallium

Meaning: Poisonous Element
Origin: Greek
A highly toxic chemical element.

• Nicotine

Meaning: Tobacco Poison
Origin: French
Derived from the toxic substance found in tobacco plants.

• Arsenio

Meaning: Strong
Origin: Spanish
Though meaning strength, it is closely related to arsenic, a deadly poison.

• Methane

Meaning: Natural Gas
Origin: Greek
Though natural, methane can be highly toxic in large amounts.

• Zinc

Meaning: Metal
Origin: German
Ingesting too much zinc can be poisonous.

• Chloro

Meaning: Green
Origin: Greek
Derived from chlorine, a toxic gas used in warfare.

• Bismuth

Meaning: White Lead
Origin: German
A heavy metal known for its toxicity.

• Cobalt

Meaning: Goblin
Origin: German
Though a metal, excessive exposure to cobalt is toxic.

• Tungsten

Meaning: Heavy Stone
Origin: Swedish
Known for its strength, tungsten is also toxic in certain forms.

• Bromine

Meaning: Stench
Origin: Greek
A toxic chemical element with a dangerous reputation.

Names Associated with Toxic Nature

• Thorn

Meaning: Sharp Point
Origin: English
Thorns are a natural defense, often associated with pain and toxicity.

• Venom

Meaning: Poison
Origin: Latin
A direct name symbolizing toxic substances.

• Ivy

Meaning: Climbing Plant
Origin: English
While often beautiful, certain ivy species are toxic.

• Stinger

Meaning: Sharp and Poisonous
Origin: English
A name connected to dangerous, venomous creatures.

• Thistle

Meaning: Prickly Plant
Origin: English
Known for its spiny leaves, symbolizing natural defenses and toxicity.

• Poppy

Meaning: Flower
Origin: Latin
The poppy plant, while lovely, is associated with opium and toxicity.

• Clove

Meaning: Nail
Origin: Latin
Though often used in cooking, excessive consumption can be toxic.

• Willow

Meaning: Graceful Tree
Origin: English
Certain species of willow trees are known for their toxic properties.

• Briar

Meaning: Thorny Patch
Origin: English
Symbolizes a sharp and potentially harmful environment.

• Violet

Meaning: Purple Flower
Origin: Latin
Though often innocent, certain violet species can be toxic.

• Holly

Meaning: Prickly Shrub
Origin: Old English
A festive but toxic plant if consumed in large quantities.

• Sumac

Meaning: Poisonous Plant
Origin: Latin
Poison sumac is infamous for causing rashes and skin irritation.

• Yarrow

Meaning: Flower
Origin: Old English
A plant used in ancient times, known for its healing and toxic properties.

• Daisy

Meaning: Day’s Eye
Origin: Old English
Though typically harmless, some daisies have toxic varieties.

• Mistletoe

Meaning: Parasite Plant
Origin: English
Though often associated with love, mistletoe is highly toxic if ingested.

• Sloe

Meaning: Small Fruit
Origin: Old English
A small fruit that can cause stomach issues when eaten raw.

• Juniper

Meaning: Evergreen Tree
Origin: Latin
While often used in gin, juniper berries can be toxic in large quantities.

• Reed

Meaning: Grass
Origin: Old English
Some species of reed plants are toxic to livestock.

• Cedar

Meaning: Tree
Origin: Latin
Cedarwood contains toxins harmful to certain animals.

• Nettle

Meaning: Stinging Plant
Origin: Old English
Known for its stinging hairs that irritate.

Poisonous Gemstone Names

• Cinnabar

Meaning: Mercury Ore
Origin: Persian
A red mineral is known for its toxic mercury content.

• Galena

Meaning: Lead Ore
Origin: Greek
A highly toxic mineral containing lead.

• Orpiment

Meaning: Gold-like
Origin: Latin
A mineral containing arsenic, known for its toxic properties.

• Realgar

Meaning: Red Lead
Origin: Arabic
A toxic mineral used historically for its bright colors.

• Torbernite

Meaning: Uranium Mineral
Origin: German
A radioactive and toxic green mineral.

• Pyrite

Meaning: Fool’s Gold
Origin: Greek
Though beautiful, pyrite can release toxic sulfur gases.

• Asbestos

Meaning: Indestructible
Origin: Greek
Known for its toxicity, asbestos causes serious health issues.

• Autunite

Meaning: Radioactive Mineral
Origin: French
A yellow-green mineral that is radioactive and toxic.

• Chalcanthite

Meaning: Blue Copper
Origin: Greek
A bright blue mineral that is toxic due to its copper content.

• Crocidolite

Meaning: Blue Asbestos
Origin: Greek
A fibrous mineral that is highly toxic.

• Uraninite

Meaning: Uranium Ore
Origin: English
A radioactive mineral used in nuclear power, highly toxic.

• Halite

Meaning: Rock Salt
Origin: Greek
Though essential in small amounts, large quantities can be toxic.

• Arsenopyrite

Meaning: Arsenic Iron
Origin: Greek
A toxic mineral containing both arsenic and iron.

• Tremolite

Meaning: Asbestos Mineral
Origin: Greek
A fibrous mineral in the asbestos family, toxic when inhaled.

• Azurite

Meaning: Deep Blue
Origin: Persian
While stunning, azurite can release toxic dust when handled improperly.

• Malachite

Meaning: Green Copper
Origin: Greek
A striking green gemstone, malachite contains copper, making it potentially toxic in powdered form.

• Stibnite

Meaning: Antimony Sulfide
Origin: Latin
A metallic mineral that can be poisonous due to its antimony content.

• Erythrite

Meaning: Cobalt Bloom
Origin: Greek
A striking red mineral containing toxic cobalt.

• Proustite

Meaning: Ruby Silver
Origin: Greek
A deep red gemstone containing toxic silver arsenic compounds.

• Löllingite

Meaning: Arsenic Iron
Origin: German
A metallic mineral, highly toxic due to its arsenic content.

Names Associated with Destruction in Mythology

• Fenrir

Meaning: Monstrous Wolf
Origin: Norse
A giant wolf in Norse mythology prophesied to bring destruction during Ragnarok.

• Hades

Meaning: God of the Underworld
Origin: Greek
Ruler of the dead, often associated with death and destruction.

• Loki

Meaning: Trickster
Origin: Norse
A god is known for chaos and destruction, especially during Ragnarok.

• Anubis

Meaning: God of Death
Origin: Egyptian
Guardian of the dead, often associated with destruction and decay.

• Persephone

Meaning: Bringer of Destruction
Origin: Greek
Though also a goddess of spring, Persephone’s descent into the underworld represents death and destruction.

• Kali

Meaning: Goddess of Destruction
Origin: Sanskrit
The Hindu goddess of time and destruction is known for her fierce and destructive nature.

• Ares

Meaning: God of War
Origin: Greek
A god associated with bloodshed, destruction, and chaos in battle.

• Surtur

Meaning: Giant of Fire
Origin: Norse
A fire giant who is prophesied to bring the destruction of the world during Ragnarok.

• Shiva

Meaning: Destroyer
Origin: Sanskrit
One of the primary deities in Hinduism is known as the destroyer of evil and the transformer.

• Set

Meaning: God of Chaos
Origin: Egyptian
The god of chaos, disorder, and destruction in Egyptian mythology.

• Typhon

Meaning: Father of Monsters
Origin: Greek
A monstrous figure in Greek mythology known for his destructive nature and battle against the gods.

• Jörmungandr

Meaning: Midgard Serpent
Origin: Norse
A giant serpent destined to destroy the world during Ragnarok by causing massive floods.

• Apophis

Meaning: Serpent of Chaos
Origin: Egyptian
A chaotic deity in Egyptian mythology symbolizes destruction and opposition to order.

• Baba Yaga

Meaning: Witch
Origin: Slavic
A fearsome witch in Slavic folklore, associated with death and destruction.

• Hel

Meaning: Goddess of the Underworld
Origin: Norse
A goddess who rules over the underworld, often linked to death and destruction.

• Enyo

Meaning: Goddess of War
Origin: Greek
A lesser-known goddess of war and destruction, often accompanying Ares.

• Echidna

Meaning: Mother of Monsters
Origin: Greek
A creature in Greek mythology that gives birth to many destructive monsters.

• Baldur

Meaning: God of Beauty
Origin: Norse
Though he represents beauty, Baldur’s death brings about destruction and chaos in Norse mythology.

• Tiamat

Meaning: Chaos Monster
Origin: Mesopotamian
A primordial goddess representing the forces of chaos and destruction.

• Yama

Meaning: God of Death
Origin: Hindu
A deity associated with death and the underworld, bringing destruction to mortal life.

Conclusion

This guide offers a wide array of names tied to destruction, toxicity, and dark mythology, giving parents or storytellers creative ideas for names that evoke a sense of danger or mystery. Whether you’re searching for a name with historical significance or a modern twist, these names capture a potent mix of meanings from both nature and myth.