Picking out a name for your little one is no small task. It’s a choice that helps define who they’ll grow up to be and gives a nod to what you’re all about as parents.

Now, if you’re like me and dig that dark, mysterious, and seriously powerful metal feel, then you’re in the right place. I’ve put together 40 baby boy names with a bit of a gothic metal twist—names that are strong, a little mysterious, and have just the right touch of the supernatural.

Whether you’re just curious or seriously considering one of these names, make sure it’s something you’re both on board with. Your little Vlad might sound cool right now, but unless you’ve got some strong Transylvanian or Slavic roots (raises hand coyly), just picture the look on their face when they’re picking up that uni degree someday. So, think it over—because a name is something they’ll carry with them for life.

Acheron

Backstory: Acheron is one of the rivers in the Greek underworld, known as the river of woe. It’s got a strong connection with death, thanks to the ferryman Charon who takes souls across it.

Why It’s Cool: Unique, steeped in mythology, and has a strong, dark feel.

Heads Up: The whole death association might be a bit much for some folks.

Astaroth

Backstory: Astaroth is a big deal in demonology—a Grand Duke of Hell, no less, and often depicted as a fallen angel.

Why It’s Cool: It’s uncommon, powerful, and has that mysterious vibe.

Heads Up: Its demonic roots might not sit well with everyone.

Balthazar

Backstory: Balthazar is traditionally one of the names given to one of the three Wise Men in Christian tradition.

Why It’s Cool: It’s got history, biblical connections, and sounds pretty regal.

Heads Up: It might come off as a bit grand for a little one.

Blaise

Backstory: St. Blaise was a bishop and physician known for miraculous cures, and the name means “fire” in French.

Why It’s Cool: Strong, fiery, and with a saintly connection.

Heads Up: Could be mixed up with the more common “Blaze.”

Bram

Backstory: Bram comes from Bram Stoker, the guy who wrote “Dracula.” So yeah, it’s got some gothic literary cred.

Why It’s Cool: Short, strong, and with a cool literary twist.

Heads Up: Might be a bit too vampire-y for some.

Caius

Backstory: An old Roman name meaning “rejoice,” though in fiction it often has a darker, more regal vibe.

Why It’s Cool: Ancient, strong, and still feels fresh.

Heads Up: Pronunciation might throw some people off (it’s KYE-us).

Damien

Backstory: Got famous thanks to “The Omen,” where Damien is the name of the Antichrist.

Why It’s Cool: Modern, strong, and with a bit of a mysterious edge.

Heads Up: That strong connection with evil might not be for everyone.

Dante

Backstory: Named after Dante Alighieri, who wrote “The Divine Comedy,” famous for its portrayal of Hell.

Why It’s Cool: Literary, classic, and with deep historical roots.

Heads Up: Could be seen as a bit dramatic or heavy.

Dorian

Backstory: From Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” a story about eternal youth and moral decay.

Why It’s Cool: Elegant, timeless, and with a dark literary twist.

Heads Up: The story’s themes might be a bit too dark for some.

Draven

Backstory: A modern name that screams darkness and edge, popularized by the character Eric Draven in “The Crow.”

Why It’s Cool: Unique and edgy, perfect for a future rock star.

Heads Up: Might be a bit too unconventional for some.

Elric

Backstory: Inspired by Michael Moorcock’s antihero, Elric of Melniboné, a sorcerer with a tragic fate.

Why It’s Cool: Unique, literary, with a strong, mystical vibe.

Heads Up: Could be tricky to spell or pronounce for some.

Erebus

Backstory: In Greek mythology, Erebus is the personification of deep darkness and shadow.

Why It’s Cool: Mythological, with a unique and powerful sound.

Heads Up: Its strong link with darkness might not appeal to everyone.

Fenrir

Backstory: Named after the monstrous wolf in Norse mythology, destined to play a big part in Ragnarok.

Why It’s Cool: Strong, mythical, and powerful.

Heads Up: Might come across as too aggressive or intense.

Gideon

Backstory: A biblical name meaning “hewer” or “one who cuts trees,” Gideon was a judge of Israel known for his faith.

Why It’s Cool: Classic, strong, and with deep biblical roots.

Heads Up: Might seem a bit old-fashioned to some.

Hades

Backstory: The Greek god of the underworld, ruler of the dead.

Why It’s Cool: Mythological, powerful, with a dark, majestic vibe.

Heads Up: Strong association with death and the underworld.

Ignatius

Backstory: Comes from the Latin word for “fire,” and St. Ignatius was a Spanish Basque priest and theologian.

Why It’s Cool: Strong, historical, and fiery.

Heads Up: Could be a bit too formal or old-school for some.

Jareth

Backstory: Inspired by the Goblin King from “Labyrinth,” played by the one and only David Bowie.

Why It’s Cool: Unique, whimsical, with a touch of dark fantasy.

Heads Up: Strong connection with the movie character.

Lazarus

Backstory: A biblical figure brought back to life by Jesus, symbolizing resurrection.

Why It’s Cool: Strong, historical, and with a powerful, hopeful meaning.

Heads Up: That resurrection thing might be too much for some.

Lestat

Backstory: A nod to Anne Rice’s iconic vampire character, Lestat de Lioncourt.

Why It’s Cool: Charismatic, mysterious, with a darkly romantic edge.

Heads Up: The vampire connection might not sit well with everyone.

Lucian

Backstory: Comes from the Latin “Lucianus,” meaning “light,” but often has a gothic twist.

Why It’s Cool: Elegant, timeless, with a subtle gothic vibe.

Heads Up: The meaning “light” might seem a bit contradictory.

Malachi

Backstory: A biblical name meaning “my messenger,” with prophetic significance.

Why It’s Cool: Strong, historical, with a mysterious, ancient vibe.

Heads Up: Pronunciation could trip some people up (it’s MAL-uh-kai).

Morpheus

Backstory: The Greek god of dreams, known for shaping and controlling dreams.

Why It’s Cool: Mythological, mysterious, with a cool, dreamy vibe.

Heads Up: Strong association with the Matrix character.

Nero

Backstory: A Roman emperor known for his tyranny and excess, the name Nero means “strong” or “vigorous.”

Why It’s Cool: Strong, historical, with a powerful sound.

Heads Up: The historical baggage might be a bit heavy for some.

Orion

Backstory: A hunter in Greek mythology, Orion is also a prominent constellation.

Why It’s Cool: Mythological, cosmic, with a cool, strong sound.

Heads Up: Might be tricky for some to spell or pronounce.

Ozias

Backstory: A biblical name meaning “salvation,” with a strong, ancient feel.

Why It’s Cool: Strong, historical, with a unique, powerful sound.

Heads Up: Could be tough for some to spell or pronounce.

Raven

Backstory: Inspired by the bird, which is often associated with mystery, darkness, and the supernatural.

Why It’s Cool: Simple, dark, with a strong, mysterious vibe.

Heads Up: Could be seen as too dark or stark.

Requiem

Backstory: Refers to a Mass for the dead, often associated with solemnity and darkness.

Why It’s Cool: Unique, powerful, with a deep, solemn vibe.

Heads Up: The death association might be too much for some.

Salem

Backstory: Famous for the Salem witch trials, this name has a deep connection with mystery and history.

Why It’s Cool: Historical, dark, with a strong, mysterious edge.

Heads Up: Strong ties to the witch trials could be off-putting.

Silas

Backstory: A biblical name with Greek origins, often tied to the woods or forests.

Why It’s Cool: Strong, earthy, with a simple, powerful sound.

Heads Up: Might feel a bit too old-fashioned to some.

Thanatos

Backstory: The personification of death in Greek mythology.

Why It’s Cool: Mythological, powerful, with a dark, mysterious vibe.

Heads Up: The strong association with death could be a bit much.

Thorne

Backstory: A name that brings to mind dark forests and gothic castles, with a sense of mystery.

Why It’s Cool: Strong, evocative, with a simple, powerful sound.

Heads Up: Might come off as too unconventional or stark.

Valerian

Backstory: An ancient name with Roman roots, often linked with strength and power.

Why It’s Cool: Noble, powerful, with a historical depth.

Heads Up: Could seem a bit too grand or formal.

Varian

Backstory: A unique name with a noble, gothic feel, often tied to valor and strength.

Why It’s Cool: Unique, noble, with a strong, evocative sound.

Heads Up: Might be tough for some to spell or pronounce.

Vlad

Backstory: Inspired by Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure behind Dracula.

Why It’s Cool: Strong, historical, with a dark, powerful edge.

Heads Up: Strong ties to a notorious historical figure.

Warwick

Backstory: A name that conjures up old English castles and ancient battles, with a noble feel.

Why It’s Cool: Noble, historical, with a strong, evocative sound.

Heads Up: Might feel a bit too old-fashioned or formal.

Wolf

Backstory: A primal, powerful name that suggests strength and mystery, often linked with the wild.

Why It’s Cool: Strong, primal, with a simple, powerful sound.

Heads Up: Might be seen as too unconventional or stark.

Zephyr

Backstory: A name that means “west wind,” with a gentle yet enigmatic vibe, often linked with ancient mythology.

Why It’s Cool: Unique, gentle, with a mystical, airy feel.

Heads Up: Might be tricky for some to spell or pronounce.

Zoltan

Backstory: A Hungarian name meaning “sultan,” often tied to strength and power.

Why It’s Cool: Strong, regal, with a unique, powerful sound.

Heads Up: Might be tough for some to spell or pronounce.

Zosimus

Backstory: An ancient Greek name meaning “likely to survive,” often associated with strength and endurance.

Why It’s Cool: Unique, historical, with a powerful, resilient feel.

Heads Up: The unique sound might be unfamiliar to some.

Zuriel

Backstory: A Hebrew name meaning “my rock is God,” often linked with strength and divine protection.

Why It’s Cool: Strong, spiritual, with a unique, powerful sound.

Heads Up: The religious connotation might not appeal to everyone.

\m/

These gothic metal baby boy names give you a solid range of options, each with its own unique backstory and vibe.

Whether you’re into mythology, history, literature, maybe D&D (also me) or just love the dark, energy that comes with the metal scene, there’s a name on this list that could be just right for your little dark prince in the making.

Remember, the best name is the one that feels right for you and your family, capturing the unique identity you want for your child. Take your time with this—explore these names, and find the one that really speaks to you.

Believe me, I went through over 500 names with the wife before we finally landed on Dad Jr. So, don’t rush it—your kid’s name is a big deal, after all.