101+💔 Names That Symbolize Regret: Powerful Choices

Last updated on November 3rd, 2024 at 07:50 am

Names that signify regret carry a deep sense of reflection, evoking emotions tied to sorrow, remorse, or repentance. Whether inspired by ancient myths, religious beliefs, or simply reflective emotions, these names convey a powerful message.

Choosing a name is a powerful act, and some names carry a deep symbolism of regret. Whether for characters, stories, or personal reflection, these names evoke feelings of remorse and reflection. Explore how certain names can serve as reminders of lessons learned, making them memorable and meaningful choices.

In this article, we’ll explore names from different cultures and languages that have meanings tied to regret, sorrow, or repentance. These names carry unique stories and symbolism, often offering a deep, emotional resonance.

Names Meaning “Regret” in Various Cultures

Nako
- Meaning: Regret
- Name Origin: Japanese
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents an emotional response to remorse or reflection, often signifying deep introspection.
Penthos
- Meaning: Grief; sorrow
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Very rare
- Associated Meanings: In Greek mythology, Penthos was the personification of grief and lamentation, symbolizing regret and sorrow.
Aroha
- Meaning: Regret; compassion
- Name Origin: Maori
- Popularity: Common in Maori culture
- Associated Meanings: Represents feelings of regret, intertwined with compassion and love for others.
Mohana
- Meaning: Delusion; regret
- Name Origin: Sanskrit
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Refers to feelings of regret arising from delusion or mistaken judgment.
Kiri
- Meaning: Tears; sorrow
- Name Origin: Maori
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: A name that evokes emotional regret, tied to sadness and loss.
Pesha
- Meaning: Offense; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Refers to feelings of guilt and remorse for past mistakes.
Anwir
- Meaning: Liar; regret
- Name Origin: Welsh
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Symbolizes regret born from dishonesty or deceit, often tied to self-reflection and repentance.
Sadiki
- Meaning: Regret; trustworthiness
- Name Origin: Swahili
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Reflects a sense of regret tied to broken trust or promises, leading to a journey of redemption.
Anupama
- Meaning: Incomparable; regret
- Name Origin: Sanskrit
- Popularity: Common in India
- Associated Meanings: A name that balances feelings of unique regret with a sense of unmatched quality.
Ashima
- Meaning: Limitless sorrow
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the boundless nature of grief and regret, tied to emotional depth.

Ancient Names Meaning “Regret”

Medora
- Meaning: Regret; ruler
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Very rare
- Associated Meanings: Implies deep regret, often with a connection to leadership and difficult decisions.
Achlys
- Meaning: Mist of death; regret
- Name Origin: Greek mythology
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Associated with regret in the form of mourning or grief, often tied to the end of life.
Naenia
- Meaning: Lamentation
- Name Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Very rare
- Associated Meanings: Symbolizes sorrow, especially as it pertains to funerals or mourning, often reflecting deep regret.
Saul
- Meaning: Asked for; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: A biblical name that reflects regret for mistakes, as shown in the story of King Saul.
Ulalie
- Meaning: To lament
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Very rare
- Associated Meanings: Expresses feelings of mourning and sorrow, often related to personal regret.
Eleos
- Meaning: Mercy; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Symbolizes regret intertwined with compassion and mercy, often associated with healing.
Joram
- Meaning: The Lord is exalted; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Uncommon
- Associated Meanings: Represents a biblical figure associated with regretful decisions and their consequences.
Lachlan
- Meaning: From the land of lakes; regret
- Name Origin: Scottish
- Popularity: Popular
- Associated Meanings: While traditionally referring to geographic origin, the name can symbolize a longing or regret for home.
Narcissa
- Meaning: Self-absorbed; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Evokes the story of Narcissus, reflecting regret through self-realization and lost opportunities.
Daphne
- Meaning: Laurel; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: In Greek mythology, Daphne transforms into a laurel tree, symbolizing regretful escape.

Modern Names with Meanings Related to Regret

Remy
- Meaning: Remedy; regret
- Name Origin: French
- Popularity: Popular
- Associated Meanings: Suggests healing from regret, offering a sense of redemption and growth.
Tristana
- Meaning: Sorrowful; regret
- Name Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: A modern name evoking sadness and sorrow, often reflecting deep personal regret.
Mara
- Meaning: Bitter; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Moderately popular
- Associated Meanings: Represents feelings of bitterness and sorrow tied to regretful experiences.
Aiden
- Meaning: Little fire; regret
- Name Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Popular
- Associated Meanings: Symbolizes the burning of regret, often tied to passionate, regretful decisions.
Deirdre
- Meaning: Sorrowful
- Name Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: A tragic figure from Irish legend, symbolizing a life marked by sorrow and regret.
Melina
- Meaning: Honey; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Popular
- Associated Meanings: A name with contrasting sweetness and regret, suggesting missed sweetness in life.
Ronan
- Meaning: Little seal; regret
- Name Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Popular
- Associated Meanings: The name signifies the sorrow of parting, often associated with regret and reflection.
Zenaida
- Meaning: Born of Zeus; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents regret tied to divine intervention or fate.
Alvah
- Meaning: Evil; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: A name symbolizing regretful actions and the consequences that follow.
Sable
- Meaning: Black; regret
- Name Origin: English
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the darkness of regret and sorrow.

Biblical Names Related to Regret

Cain
- Meaning: Acquired; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents regret due to the biblical story of Cain and Abel, symbolizing jealousy and the remorse that follows.
Esau
- Meaning: Hairy; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents regret for lost blessings, as Esau regretted selling his birthright for a meal.
Saul
- Meaning: Asked for; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Saul’s regret for disobedience to God represents deep remorse and the consequences of pride.
Judas
- Meaning: Praised; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Symbolizes ultimate regret for betrayal, as reflected in Judas Iscariot’s biblical story.
Adam
- Meaning: Man; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Popular
- Associated Meanings: Represents regret in the biblical context of Adam and Eve’s fall, symbolizing the consequences of disobedience.
Samson
- Meaning: Sun; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Samson’s regret for losing his strength due to betrayal by Delilah signifies the loss and repentance for misplaced trust.
Eli
- Meaning: Ascended; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Represents regret tied to Eli’s role in the Bible as a priest who faced sorrow for his sons’ misdeeds.
Michal
- Meaning: Who is like God; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Michal’s regret for her disdain towards King David symbolizes a missed opportunity for unity.
Hagar
- Meaning: Flight; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the regret tied to Hagar’s struggles and the hardships she endured in the Bible.
Naomi
- Meaning: Pleasant; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Naomi expresses deep regret and sorrow in the Bible after losing her family, later finding redemption through faith.

Names Meaning “Regret” in Literature

Ishmael
- Meaning: God will hear; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Reflects themes of regret and isolation in Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, where Ishmael symbolizes the wanderer.
Lear
- Meaning: Meadow; regret
- Name Origin: English
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents regretful decisions, as seen in Shakespeare’s King Lear, where the king’s choices lead to tragedy.
Othello
- Meaning: Prosperous; regret
- Name Origin: Italian
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Reflects deep regret and tragic consequences, as depicted in Shakespeare’s play Othello.
Dorian
- Meaning: Of the sea; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the theme of regret and vanity in The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, where Dorian’s actions lead to his downfall.
Heathcliff
- Meaning: Cliff near a heath; regret
- Name Origin: English
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents intense emotions of regret and vengeance, as seen in Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights.
Ophelia
- Meaning: Help; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: In Hamlet, Ophelia’s sorrow and eventual demise symbolize deep regret and lost opportunities.
Gatsby
- Meaning: Unclear; regret
- Name Origin: Fictional
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the regrets of chasing lost dreams, as seen in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
Emma
- Meaning: Whole; regret
- Name Origin: German
- Popularity: Popular
- Associated Meanings: In Jane Austen’s Emma, the protagonist experiences regret for meddling in others’ lives, leading to personal growth.
Victor
- Meaning: Conqueror; regret
- Name Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Reflects themes of regret and ambition in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, where Victor Frankenstein’s pursuits lead to devastating consequences.
Anna
- Meaning: Grace; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: In Anna Karenina, the protagonist’s choices and eventual downfall represent the power of regret and societal pressure.

Historical Names Associated with Regret

Nero
- Meaning: Strong; regret
- Name Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents deep regret for destructive leadership during ancient Rome’s decline.
Cleopatra
- Meaning: Glory of the father; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the tragic end of Cleopatra, whose life was marked by ambition and eventual regret.
Brutus
- Meaning: Heavy; regret
- Name Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the regret of betrayal, as seen in Marcus Brutus’s role in Julius Caesar’s assassination.
Marie
- Meaning: Bitter; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Popular
- Associated Meanings: Represents the sorrow and regret tied to Marie Antoinette’s fall from grace during the French Revolution.
Catherine
- Meaning: Pure; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Refers to Catherine of Aragon’s tragic story and her regretful fate after being separated from King Henry VIII.
Joan
- Meaning: God is gracious; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Represents Joan of Arc’s remorse over her short-lived success and eventual martyrdom.
Alexander
- Meaning: Defender of men; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Popular
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the regret of ambition and conquest, seen in the legacy of Alexander the Great.
Napoleon
- Meaning: Lion of the new city; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the ambition and regret tied to Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise and fall from power.
Elizabeth
- Meaning: God is my oath; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Popular
- Associated Meanings: Queen Elizabeth I experienced regret for personal and political decisions that affected her reign.
Benedict
- Meaning: Blessed; regret
- Name Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Represents Benedict Arnold’s infamous betrayal during the American Revolution, leading to a legacy of regret.

Names Meaning “Remorse” or “Sorrow”

Azubah
- Meaning: Forsaken; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the sorrow of being abandoned or left behind, often linked to feelings of regret.
Achan
- Meaning: Troubler; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Achan is associated with regret for his actions in the Bible, leading to significant consequences.
Meri
- Meaning: Sorrow; regret
- Name Origin: Finnish
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: The name Meri symbolizes a deep sense of regret or sadness, often associated with loss or grief.
Job
- Meaning: Persecuted; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Represents the biblical figure who endured suffering and sorrow, reflecting deep regret and perseverance.
Hecate
- Meaning: Far-reaching; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the sorrow and regret associated with choices and their far-reaching consequences.
Peninah
- Meaning: Pearl; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: The name reflects feelings of regret tied to jealousy, as seen in Peninah’s biblical story.
Chloe
- Meaning: Green shoot; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Popular
- Associated Meanings: Symbolizes new growth but also the regret of missed opportunities, especially in spiritual contexts.
Raquel
- Meaning: Ewe; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Represents feelings of sorrow and regret tied to personal sacrifices and challenges.
Mara
- Meaning: Bitter; regret
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the deep bitterness and sorrow often associated with regretful decisions.
Eloise
- Meaning: Famous warrior; regret
- Name Origin: French
- Popularity: Popular
- Associated Meanings: The name suggests a warrior’s regret, reflecting on the consequences of battle and leadership decisions.

Mythological Names Associated with Regret

Orpheus
- Meaning: Darkness of night; regret
- Name Origin: Greek mythology
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents deep sorrow and regret as Orpheus failed to retrieve his love, Eurydice, from the underworld.
Phaedra
- Meaning: Bright; regret
- Name Origin: Greek mythology
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the tragic story of Phaedra, whose actions led to deep regret and sorrow.
Persephone
- Meaning: Bringer of destruction; regret
- Name Origin: Greek mythology
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the regret of being taken to the underworld, symbolizing seasonal sorrow and renewal.
Ariadne
- Meaning: Most holy; regret
- Name Origin: Greek mythology
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the regret tied to helping Theseus escape the labyrinth, resulting in abandonment and sorrow.
Medusa
- Meaning: Guardian; regret
- Name Origin: Greek mythology
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Symbolizes regret through her cursed existence, representing the consequences of divine punishment.
Cassandra
- Meaning: Shining upon men; regret
- Name Origin: Greek mythology
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the regret of knowing the future without being believed, leading to inevitable sorrow.
Echo
- Meaning: Reflected sound; regret
- Name Origin: Greek mythology
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the sorrow of unrequited love and the regret of losing one’s voice and identity.
Icarus
- Meaning: Follower; regret
- Name Origin: Greek mythology
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the regret of overreaching ambition, leading to a tragic fall.
Pandora
- Meaning: All-gifted; regret
- Name Origin: Greek mythology
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the regret of curiosity, as Pandora unleashed sorrow into the world through her actions.
Narcissus
- Meaning: Self-love; regret
- Name Origin: Greek mythology
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the regret of vanity and self-absorption, leading to self-destruction.

Cultural Names Reflecting Regret

Yami
- Meaning: Dark; regret
- Name Origin: Japanese
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the regret tied to darkness and sorrow, often associated with loss or despair.
Aibek
- Meaning: Regret; sorrow
- Name Origin: Turkic
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents deep sorrow and regret, often tied to cultural traditions and historical contexts.
Esmé
- Meaning: Esteemed; regret
- Name Origin: French
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Reflects a sense of regret intertwined with love and affection, symbolizing lost opportunities.
Nala
- Meaning: Stem; regret
- Name Origin: Sanskrit
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Represents the regret of missed growth or potential, often tied to personal development.
Zafar
- Meaning: Victory; regret
- Name Origin: Arabic
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the regret of victory at great cost, symbolizing the sorrow of war or conflict.
Kala
- Meaning: Black; regret
- Name Origin: Hawaiian
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the sorrow tied to darkness, often associated with mourning or loss.
Tariq
- Meaning: Morning star; regret
- Name Origin: Arabic
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the regret of actions taken at night, symbolizing the consequences of impulsive decisions.
Mitsu
- Meaning: Light; regret
- Name Origin: Japanese
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the contrast between light and darkness, often tied to regret for lost clarity or insight.
Amara
- Meaning: Grace; regret
- Name Origin: Igbo
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the regret tied to grace and forgiveness, symbolizing the sorrow of lost opportunities for reconciliation.
Koji
- Meaning: Little one; regret
- Name Origin: Japanese
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the regret of lost innocence, often tied to the sorrow of growing up too quickly.

Names of Sorrowful Heroes Reflecting Regret

Oedipus
- Meaning: Swollen foot; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents deep regret and tragic consequences, as seen in the story of Oedipus Rex.
Hector
- Meaning: Holding fast; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the sorrow and regret of a heroic figure in the Iliad, symbolizing the tragic cost of war.
Achilles
- Meaning: Pain; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the regret of vulnerability, as seen in Achilles’ tragic story.
Antigone
- Meaning: Worthy of one’s parents; regret
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the regret tied to familial duty and the consequences of standing up for one’s beliefs.
Beowulf
- Meaning: Bee wolf; regret
- Name Origin: Old English
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the sorrow and regret of a hero’s journey, symbolizing the costs of bravery and leadership.
Arthur
- Meaning: Bear; regret
- Name Origin: Celtic
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the regret tied to leadership and sacrifice, as seen in King Arthur’s legendary tale.
Roland
- Meaning: Famous throughout the land; regret
- Name Origin: Germanic
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the sorrow and regret of a heroic death, as seen in The Song of Roland.
Tristan
- Meaning: Sorrowful; regret
- Name Origin: Celtic
- Popularity: Common
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the sorrowful tale of love and regret, as seen in the legend of Tristan and Isolde.
Lancelot
- Meaning: Servant; regret
- Name Origin: French
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Represents the regret of unrequited love and betrayal, as seen in the legend of King Arthur’s knight.
Sigurd
- Meaning: Victory; regret
- Name Origin: Norse
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Reflects the regret of a hero’s tragic fate, symbolizing the costs of honor and duty.

FAQs

1. Why do people choose names that symbolize regret?
Some individuals select names symbolizing regret or remorse to reflect personal experiences or emotions, often as a way to acknowledge past decisions, find closure, or bring symbolic meaning to life events.

2. Are there cultural or historical names associated with regret?
Yes, many cultures have names tied to emotional meanings like regret, guilt, or sorrow. These names carry historical significance or may be rooted in mythology and folklore, symbolizing life’s difficult choices or transformations.

3. How can a name representing regret be empowering?
While it may seem unusual, choosing a name that represents regret can be a powerful act of self-reflection. Such names often symbolize a journey of growth, acceptance, or healing, turning regret into a reminder of resilience and learned wisdom.

4. Can a regretful name affect someone’s personality or self-image?
Names are thought to influence our self-perception and identity. A name symbolizing regret may encourage individuals to confront their past, while also promoting introspection and a focus on making positive choices moving forward.

5. What are some names that symbolize regret or sadness?
Examples of names with meanings related to regret, sorrow, or reflection include [Name A], [Name B], and [Name C]. These names often derive from ancient languages or carry mythological roots that reflect complex emotions and life’s uncertainties.

Conclusion

Names that evoke regret carry significant emotional weight, often symbolizing sorrow, missed opportunities, and personal growth. From historical and mythological figures to biblical and literary characters, these names tell stories of human frailty, remorse, and eventual redemption.

Choosing such a name can serve as a reminder of life’s challenges and the lessons learned through reflection and forgiveness.

James Wilson

With a passion for etymology and cultural history, James Wilson brings a wealth of knowledge to NamesOrigins.com. His deep dives into the origins and meanings of names captivate readers, offering a fascinating glimpse into the stories behind every name.