Voodoo, also known as Vodou, is a religion with roots in West Africa and Haiti.
In Voodoo, names play an important role and are often given to individuals based on specific characteristics or attributes.
Some characteristics of Voodoo names include being descriptive, symbolic, and sometimes secret.
These names are often given to individuals as a form of identity and can be used to honor ancestors, connect with spirits, or express personal beliefs and characteristics.
The purposes of Voodoo names can vary, but they often serve as a way of identifying and connecting with one’s spiritual self, as well as the spirits and ancestors that are a part of the Voodoo tradition.
Voodoo names can also be used to invoke the help of spirits, express gratitude, or show respect.
In some cases, these names may also be used as a form of protection or to keep an individual’s true identity hidden.
Female Voodoo Names
Here is a list of traditional female names in voodoo culture:
- Erzulie
- Oshun
- Yemaya
- Mami Wata
- Papa Legba
- Aida Wedo
- Oshosi
- Agwe
- Oya
- Shango
It’s important to note that voodoo is an umbrella term that encompasses many different African diaspora spiritual traditions, and the specific pantheon of spirits and deities can vary greatly between regions and practitioners.
The names and identities of voodoo spirits may also change and evolve over time.
Male Voodoo Names
Some examples of male Voodoo names:
- Damballa – named after the Voodoo deity of snakes and fertility
- Legba – named after the Voodoo deity who is the gatekeeper between the mortal world and the spirit world
- Ogun – named after the Voodoo deity of iron, war, and blacksmiths
- Agwe – named after the Voodoo deity of the sea
- Baron – named after the Voodoo deity who is the ruler of the dead
- Guede – named after the Voodoo family of spirits associated with death and fertility
- Ayizan – named after the Voodoo goddess of the marketplace and fertility
- Azaka – named after the Voodoo deity of agriculture and harvest
- Ogou – named after the Voodoo deity of war, fire, and metalworking
- Marassa – named after the Voodoo twins who are believed to bring good fortune and blessings.
Voodoo Names Generator
Here’s a list of 53 voodoo names, including both male and female spirits:
- Erzulie
- Oshun
- Yemaya
- Mami Wata
- Papa Legba
- Aida Wedo
- Oshosi
- Agwe
- Oya
- Shango
- Damballa
- Ayizan
- Simbi
- Ghede
- Nana Buluku
- Babalu Aye
- Eleggua
- Zaka
- Kalfu
- Mawu
- Loko
- Baron Samedi
- Gran Bwa
- Lasirèn
- Azaka
- Guédé Nibo
- Les mystères
- Ti-Jean Petro
- Xango
- Ibeji
- Orunmila
- Yalode
- Sagbata
- Dambala Wedo
- Je-Souffrant
- Sanposo
- Ti Malice
- Met Kalfu
- Vodoumon
- Nanzete
- Hounon-Gris
- Lwas
- Marassa
- Dan Petro
- Met Tanbou
- Manman Brigit
- Sigbin
- Maitresse Erzulie
- Azaka-Tonnerre
- Gran Esprit
- Bade
- Asebi
- Bossou Ashadeh
As mentioned earlier, voodoo encompasses many different African diaspora spiritual traditions, and the pantheon of spirits and deities can vary greatly between regions and practitioners.
This list provides a sampling of the names and identities associated with voodoo in various cultural contexts.
The Ultimate List Of Voodoo Names
Voodoo Names of Spirits
Here are some examples of Voodoo names of spirits:
- Papa Legba – the Voodoo spirit who serves as the intermediary between the mortal world and the spirit world.
- Erzulie – a Voodoo spirit associated with love, femininity, and beauty.
- Baron Samedi – the Voodoo spirit who presides over death and the dead.
- Damballa – a Voodoo spirit associated with serpents, wisdom, and fertility.
- Agwe – a Voodoo spirit associated with the sea, water, and aquatic life.
- Simbi – a Voodoo spirit associated with water, rain, and healing.
- Gran Bwa – a Voodoo spirit associated with nature, the forest, and the wilderness.
- Ghede – a Voodoo spirit family associated with death, fertility, and sensuality.
- Azaka – a Voodoo spirit associated with agriculture, the harvest, and fertility.
- Maman Brigitte – a Voodoo spirit associated with death, healing, and protection.
Voodoo Names for Cats
In Voodoo culture, cats are often associated with mystery, magic, and spiritual energy.
Here are some examples of Voodoo names for cats:
- Simbi – named after the Voodoo spirit associated with water and healing.
- Zaka – named after the Voodoo spirit associated with agriculture and fertility.
- Baron – named after the Voodoo spirit who presides over death and the dead.
- Legba – named after the Voodoo spirit who serves as the intermediary between the mortal world and the spirit world.
- Ayida – named after the Voodoo spirit associated with the rainbow and transformation.
- Ogun – named after the Voodoo spirit of iron, war, and blacksmiths.
- Damballa – named after the Voodoo spirit associated with serpents and fertility.
- Mami Wata – named after the Voodoo spirit associated with water and femininity.
- Mawu – named after the Voodoo deity associated with the moon, femininity, and fertility.
- Anaisa Pye – named after the Voodoo spirit associated with love, femininity, and sensuality.
Voodoo Names for Dogs
Some voodoo-inspired names that could be great for dogs:
- Legba
- Oya
- Shango
- Ghede
- Baron
- Ayizan
- Xango
- Eleggua
- Mawu
- Agwe
- Oshun
- Damballa
- Zaka
- Mami Wata
- Nana
It’s always important to choose a name that feels right for your dog and reflects their personality, so feel free to take inspiration from these names but also consider other factors that may influence your decision.
Voodoo Names for Pets
Here are some examples of Voodoo names for pets:
- Zora – named after the Voodoo spirit associated with love, beauty, and creativity.
- Caiman – named after the Voodoo spirit associated with strength and power.
- Ezili – named after the Voodoo spirit associated with love, femininity, and beauty.
- Oshun – named after the Voodoo spirit associated with love, beauty, and fertility.
- Shango – named after the Voodoo spirit associated with thunder, lightning, and fire.
- Mambo – named after the Voodoo priestess or female leader in the religion.
- Kouzin – named after the Voodoo spirit associated with the kitchen and cooking.
- Ghede – named after the Voodoo spirit family associated with death, fertility, and sensuality.
- Guede – named after the Voodoo spirit family associated with death and fertility.
- Marassa – named after the Voodoo twins who are believed to bring good fortune and blessings.
Voodoo Names and Meanings
Here are some voodoo names and their meanings, along with a brief description of the associated spirit or deity:
- Erzulie: A spirit associated with love, beauty, and sensuality, Erzulie is revered as the patroness of the arts and is often depicted with multiple arms to symbolize her ability to offer comfort and love to many people at once.
- Oshun: A spirit of love, fertility, and fresh water, Oshun is considered to be one of the most powerful and benevolent spirits in the voodoo pantheon. She is often depicted with golden bracelets and a crown of cowrie shells, symbols of wealth and prosperity.
- Yemaya: A spirit of the sea, motherhood, and fertility, Yemaya is revered as a powerful protector of women and children and is often called upon for guidance and comfort.
- Mami Wata: A spirit associated with the water and the ocean, Mami Wata is considered to be a powerful and mercurial spirit who can bring both blessings and curses. She is often depicted with long hair, a fish tail, and a regal bearing.
- Papa Legba: A spirit associated with the crossroads and communication, Papa Legba is considered to be the intermediary between the human and spiritual realms. He is often depicted with a straw hat and a cane and is called upon to clear the way for other spirits to enter the human world.
- Aida Wedo: A spirit of love and fertility, Aida Wedo is considered to be the wife of Damballa, the serpent god, and is revered as a powerful protector of women and children.
- Oshosi: A spirit associated with hunting, justice, and the wilderness, Oshosi is revered as a powerful and fearless warrior who is often called upon for protection and guidance.
- Agwe: A spirit associated with the sea and maritime commerce, Agwe is revered as a powerful and benevolent protector of sailors and fishermen.
- Oya: A spirit associated with death, transformation, and the afterlife, Oya is considered to be a powerful and transformative force that brings change and rebirth.
- Shango: A spirit associated with thunder, lightning, and fire, Shango is revered as a powerful and passionate spirit who is often called upon for protection and guidance.
This is just a sampling of the many names and meanings associated with voodoo spirits and deities, and it’s important to note that the specifics can vary greatly depending on the cultural context and tradition.
New Orleans Voodoo Names
New Orleans Voodoo is a form of Voodoo that developed in the southern United States, particularly in New Orleans.
Here are some examples of New Orleans Voodoo names:
- Marie Laveau – named after the famous Voodoo priestess who lived in New Orleans in the 19th century.
- Dr. John – named after a legendary Voodoo practitioner who was active in New Orleans in the 19th century.
- Maman Brigitte – a Voodoo spirit associated with death, healing, and protection, who is also prominent in New Orleans Voodoo.
- Papa Legba – the Voodoo spirit who serves as the intermediary between the mortal world and the spirit world, who is also an important figure in New Orleans Voodoo.
- Marie Salope – named after a figure in New Orleans Voodoo who is associated with sexuality and fertility.
- Zombi – named after the undead creatures in Haitian and New Orleans Voodoo folklore.
- Bayou John – a name that combines the concept of a bayou (a slow-moving, marshy body of water) with the name John, which has connections to New Orleans Voodoo.
- Tituba – named after the enslaved woman who was accused of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials, but who was also believed to have been a practitioner of Voodoo.
- La Source – a name that means “the source” in French, and is associated with the idea of spiritual power and energy.
- Marie-Catherine – a combination of the names Marie (a common name in New Orleans Voodoo) and Catherine (a name associated with purity and innocence).
Caribbean Voodoo Names
Here are some Caribbean voodoo names, along with a brief description of the associated spirit or deity:
- Papa Legba: A spirit associated with the crossroads and communication, Papa Legba is considered to be the intermediary between the human and spiritual realms. He is often depicted with a straw hat and a cane and is called upon to clear the way for other spirits to enter the human world.
- Damballa: A serpent deity associated with the sky, creation, and wisdom, Damballa is revered as the creator of the universe and is often depicted as a massive serpent. He is considered to be the source of all life and knowledge.
- Oya: A spirit associated with death, transformation, and the afterlife, Oya is considered to be a powerful and transformative force that brings change and rebirth.
- Shango: A spirit associated with thunder, lightning, and fire, Shango is revered as a powerful and passionate spirit who is often called upon for protection and guidance.
- Erzulie: A spirit associated with love, beauty, and sensuality, Erzulie is revered as the patroness of the arts and is often depicted with multiple arms to symbolize her ability to offer comfort and love to many people at once.
- Yemaya: A spirit of the sea, motherhood, and fertility, Yemaya is revered as a powerful protector of women and children and is often called upon for guidance and comfort.
- Agwe: A spirit associated with the sea and maritime commerce, Agwe is revered as a powerful and benevolent protector of sailors and fishermen.
- Oshun: A spirit of love, fertility, and fresh water, Oshun is considered to be one of the most powerful and benevolent spirits in the voodoo pantheon. She is often depicted with golden bracelets and a crown of cowrie shells, symbols of wealth and prosperity.
- Aida Wedo: A spirit of love and fertility, Aida Wedo is considered to be the wife of Damballa, the serpent god, and is revered as a powerful protector of women and children.
These names are just a few examples of the spirits and deities associated with Caribbean voodoo, and the specifics can vary greatly depending on the cultural context and tradition.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that voodoo encompasses many different African diaspora spiritual traditions, and the pantheon of spirits and deities can vary greatly between regions and practitioners.
Cool Voodoo Names
In African traditional religion and in some African American and Afro-Caribbean cultures, Voodoo spirits, or Loa, are considered to be divine beings who serve as intermediaries between the physical world and the spiritual realm.
Here are some of the commonly recognized Voodoo spirits:
- Papa Legba: Acts as a gatekeeper, allowing communication between humans and the other spirits.
- Damballah Wedo: A serpent spirit associated with creation, wisdom, and fertility.
- Ogun: Spirit of war, metal work, and politics.
- Erzulie: Spirit of love, beauty, and prosperity.
- Baron Samedi: Spirit of death and resurrection, often associated with cemeteries and crossroads.
- Simbi: Spirit of water and magic.
- Azaka Medeh: Spirit of agriculture and harvest.
- Kouzin Zaka: Spirit of fire and the hearth.
- Guede Nibo: Spirit of wine, partying, and fertility.
It’s important to note that the list of Voodoo spirits can vary depending on the specific culture or tradition.
Voodoo Spirit Names
Below are some potential voodoo-inspired names:
- Bayou Bones
- Hoodoo Hattie
- Papa Legba
- Baron Samedi
- Mama Marie
- Dr. John
- Marie Laveau
- Papa Midnight
- Black Cat Mojo
- Shadow Man
Voodoo Goddess Names
There are many voodoo goddesses in various voodoo traditions, each with their own unique names and characteristics.
Some examples of voodoo goddess names include:
- Erzulie: A voodoo goddess of love and beauty, often associated with the Virgin Mary and syncretized with various Catholic saints.
- Mami Wata: A West African and Afro-Caribbean water spirit and goddess associated with beauty, wealth, and fertility.
- Ezili Dantor: A Haitian voodoo goddess associated with motherhood, protection, and vengeance.
- Oya: A Yoruba goddess of winds, storms, and death, often syncretized with the Catholic Saint Teresa.
- Ayida Wedo: A voodoo rainbow serpent goddess associated with fertility, creation, and the balance of male and female energies.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other voodoo goddesses with different names and attributes in various voodoo traditions.
Evil Voodoo Names
In African traditional religion and some African American and Afro-Caribbean cultures, Voodoo spirits are not necessarily classified as “good” or “evil.”
Rather, they are considered to be powerful and sometimes unpredictable forces that can be harnessed for positive or negative purposes, depending on the intentions of the person working with them.
However, some Voodoo spirits are widely considered to have more malevolent aspects and are often invoked for darker purposes, such as causing harm to others or seeking revenge.
Here are a few Voodoo spirits that are commonly associated with darker aspects of the tradition:
- Aida Wedo: Spirit of the rainbow and the forest, sometimes associated with sorcery and dark magic.
- Simbi Makaya: Spirit of death and the underworld, often considered to be a malevolent force.
- Gran Bwa: Spirit of the forest, often associated with wild and uncontrolled forces.
- Marassa: Spirit of duality, sometimes associated with chaos and confusion.
It’s important to note that these categorizations are not universally accepted, and the associations with “good” or “evil” can vary depending on the specific culture or tradition.
Moreover, some Voodoo practitioners may not consider any spirit to be inherently “evil.”
French Voodoo Names
Some examples of voodoo names in these contexts include:
- Papa Legba: A loa (spirit) associated with the crossroads and communication, often depicted as an old man with a cane and a straw hat.
- Baron Samedi: A loa associated with death and the afterlife, often depicted as a skeleton wearing a top hat and smoking a cigar.
- Marie Laveau: A legendary voodoo queen of New Orleans who was known for her healing and divination powers.
- Damballa: A loa associated with creation, wisdom, and snakes, often depicted as a serpent or a man with a snake’s head.
- La Sirène: A loa associated with the sea and mermaids, often depicted as a beautiful woman with a fishtail.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other voodoo names and spirits in different variations of the tradition.
Voodoo Queen Names
In voodoo, there are many legendary figures who are known as “voodoo queens” or “voodoo priestesses” who were influential in the development and practice of the religion.
Some famous voodoo queen names include:
- Marie Laveau: A voodoo queen of New Orleans who lived in the 19th century and was known for her healing and divination powers. She was also involved in social and political issues and was a prominent figure in the city’s African American community.
- Sanité Dédé: A Haitian voodoo priestess who fought in the Haitian Revolution and was known for her military leadership and spiritual guidance.
- Julia Brown: A Louisiana voodoo priestess who lived in the early 20th century and was said to have prophesied the devastating Hurricane of 1915.
- Aunt Caroline Dye: An African American voodoo practitioner who lived in the Mississippi Delta and was known for her healing and divination powers. She was also a respected midwife and community leader.
These are just a few examples of voodoo queens and priestesses who are known in the voodoo tradition, but there are many others who have made significant contributions to the development and practice of the religion.
Voodoo Doll Names
Voodoo dolls are a traditional tool used in some African American and Afro-Caribbean cultures for purposes such as healing, protection, or hexing.
In these traditions, voodoo dolls are often named after a specific Voodoo spirit or deity, with the name chosen based on the desired outcome of the spell or ritual.
Here are a few Voodoo spirit names that are commonly associated with voodoo doll work:
- Erzulie: Spirit of love, beauty, and prosperity, often invoked for love spells and rituals.
- Papa Legba: Acts as a gatekeeper, allowing communication between humans and the other spirits, often invoked for protection spells.
- Ogun: Spirit of war, metal work, and politics, often invoked for hexing or protection spells.
- Damballah Wedo: A serpent spirit associated with creation, wisdom, and fertility, often invoked for healing and protection spells.
- Baron Samedi: Spirit of death and resurrection, often associated with cemeteries and crossroads, sometimes invoked for protection spells or to communicate with the dead.
It’s important to note that the use of voodoo dolls is not universally accepted within African traditional religion or Afro-Caribbean cultures, and may be considered a cultural appropriation of African spiritual practices.
Additionally, many Voodoo practitioners consider the use of voodoo dolls for harmful purposes to be unethical and in violation of spiritual principles.
Voodoo Priest Names
Here are some examples of names associated with Voodoo priests:
- Papa Legba
- Baron Samedi
- Marie Laveau
- Mambo Brigitte
- Damballa
- Erzulie Freda
- Ogoun
- Simbi
- Agwe Tawoyo
Please note that Voodoo priest names can vary based on the specific tradition or region in which they are practiced.
Voodoo Priestess Names
Voodoo priestesses, also known as mambo or houngan in Haitian Vodou, hold important spiritual roles in the religion.
Here are some traditional names for Voodoo priestesses:
- Erzulie
- Aida Wedo
- Maman Brigitte
- Agwe Tawoyo
- La Sirene
- Oya
- Lilith
- Gran Bwa
- Ezili Danto
- Yemaya
It’s important to note that these names come from specific Voodoo traditions, and may not be universally recognized or used in all practices of Vodou.
Additionally, it’s customary for Voodoo priestesses to be given a spiritual name, also known as a “Vodou name”, by a spiritual mentor or during a spiritual initiation ceremony.
The History of New Orleans Voodoo
New Orleans Voodoo is a blend of African, European, and indigenous American religious practices and beliefs, and has a long and complex history.
Origins of New Orleans Voodoo
The origins of New Orleans Voodoo can be traced back to the transatlantic slave trade, which brought thousands of Africans to the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Many of these slaves came from the area now known as Benin and Togo, where Vodou (a related religion to Voodoo) was practiced.
These enslaved Africans brought with them their religious practices and beliefs, which blended with those of other African tribes as well as those of the indigenous people of the Americas.
Development of New Orleans Voodoo
In New Orleans, Voodoo developed as a syncretic religion, blending African, European, and indigenous American religious practices and beliefs.
Voodoo practitioners in New Orleans combined elements of Catholicism, Native American religions, and African spiritual practices to create a new form of Voodoo that was unique to the city.
One of the most important figures in the development of New Orleans Voodoo was Marie Laveau, a free woman of color who was born in New Orleans in the late 18th century.
Laveau was a well-known Voodoo priestess who provided spiritual and practical guidance to many people in the city.
She was also a respected member of her community, and used her influence to advocate for the rights of free people of color in New Orleans.
Beliefs and Practices of New Orleans Voodoo
New Orleans Voodoo is a syncretic religion that incorporates elements of African, European, and indigenous American religions.
It is characterized by a belief in a pantheon of spirits, who are believed to have the power to affect the lives of humans.
These spirits include Papa Legba, who serves as the intermediary between the mortal world and the spirit world; Erzulie, the spirit of love and beauty; Baron Samedi, the spirit who presides over death and the dead; and many others.
New Orleans Voodoo is also characterized by the use of magical spells and rituals to bring about desired outcomes.
These spells and rituals are often performed by Voodoo priests and priestesses, who are believed to have special powers and abilities.
They may involve the use of candles, herbs, charms, and other objects, as well as the recitation of prayers and incantations.
Modern-Day New Orleans Voodoo
Today, New Orleans Voodoo continues to be practiced by a small but dedicated community of people in the city.
It has also had an influence on popular culture, with depictions of Voodoo and its practitioners appearing in movies, television shows, and literature.
However, it is important to note that New Orleans Voodoo has often been misunderstood and misrepresented by outsiders.
It has been the subject of many myths and stereotypes, which have contributed to a negative perception of the religion.
Nonetheless, for those who practice New Orleans Voodoo, it remains an important part of their cultural and spiritual identity.
FAQs – Voodoo Names
Where did Voodoo originate?
Voodoo, also known as Vodou or Vodun, is a religion that originated in West Africa and was brought to the Caribbean and the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade.
It has since evolved and adapted to local cultures in different parts of the world.
While there is no specific French voodoo tradition, there are variations of voodoo that are practiced in French-speaking countries and territories, such as Haiti and Louisiana
What are the names of voodoo gods?
The names of voodoo gods include Legba, Erzulie Freda, Agwe, Aida Wedo, and Ogoun.
These are powerful spirits that practice Voodoo believe to be able to influence human behavior and health.
They are often invoked in rituals and ceremonies.
What is the name for a voodoo priestess?
A voodoo priestess is often referred to as a Mambo or Houngan.
They are responsible for leading rituals and ceremonies, and interpreting messages from the gods.
A priestess is believed to have spiritual wisdom that can help direct people on their journey through life.
What are the names of voodoo in New Orleans?
In New Orleans, voodoo is commonly known as Voodoo Hoodoo or Louisiana Voodoo.
It is a mix of spiritual and religious beliefs with African, Caribbean, and Native American influences.
Voodoo Hoodoo includes traditional practices such as ancestor worship, spirit possession, and hoodoo magic, which are all intertwined.
Commonly revered voodoo gods include Legba, Erzulie Freda, and Agwe.
Conclusion – Voodoo Names
Voodoo Names are a fascinating and important part of the culture that has been in practice for centuries.
They are used to represent a person’s spiritual identity and connection to their ancestors.
The name is an expression of the divine nature of the individual and serves as a means of communicating with the spirit world.
The names can be whimsical, poetic, or serious in nature depending on the individual’s preference.
Furthermore, Voodoo Names also have certain characteristics such as being easy to remember and pronounceable that make them ideal for sharing with others.
Ultimately, these powerful words serve as a reminder of who we are and how much we owe to our ancestors.