Humiliating names

  1. Gar
    • Description:

      Gar is a short, strong masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means 'near' or 'short,' while in Old English it referred to a 'spear.' The name also exists as a shortened form of Edgar or Garfield. In nature, the gar is a prehistoric-looking fish known for its toughness and resilience—characteristics that may appeal to parents seeking a name with rugged overtones. Gar's brevity gives it a punchy, memorable quality uncommon in contemporary naming trends. Its simplicity makes it distinctive in an era of longer names. Though relatively rare as a standalone name, Gar has a straightforward masculinity and cross-cultural versatility that might appeal to parents looking for something both traditional and uncommon.
  2. Reignbow
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "rainbow"
    • Description:

      Modern respelling of Rainbow
  3. Kasino
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "casino"
    • Description:

      Debuted in 2020, when it was used for six baby boys. All the same, gambling isn't an appropriate theme for a baby name.
  4. Silence
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      The Puritans used it as a virtue name -- but today it would just be considered weird: silence is no longer golden.
  5. Nimrod
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "we shall rise up, we shall rebel"
    • Description:

      As a Biblical name, Nimrod appears in the Old Testament as a great-grandson of Noah, a founder of Babylon, and a famous hunter. In popular culture, its image was altered after the dopey Looney Tunes villain, Elmer Fudd, was called "nimrod" by Daffy Duck in a 40s cartoon. It since became associated less with rebellion and hunting, and more with being a fool.
  6. Madog
    • Description:

      Madog is a masculine name of Welsh origin with deep historical roots. It derives from the Welsh elements 'mad' meaning 'fortunate' or 'good' and a diminutive suffix, essentially meaning 'fortunate little one.' The name has significant historical connections, most notably through Madog ab Owain Gwynedd, a legendary Welsh prince who, according to folklore, discovered America in the 12th century before Columbus. While uncommon outside Wales, Madog represents an authentic piece of Welsh heritage and language. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound with its emphasis on the first syllable. For parents interested in Celtic names with historical significance, Madog offers both cultural depth and a distinctive quality that stands apart from more common Welsh exports like Dylan or Owen.

  7. Furious
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "extremely angry"
    • Description:

      A very small number of boys are given this intense and aggressive name each year, but that could increase given that Rowdy is now in the Top 1000.
  8. Ah
    • Description:

      Ah is an extremely rare masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Chinese, it functions as a prefix expressing familiarity or affection when added to names or kinship terms. In Arabic contexts, it may be related to names like Ahmed or Abdullah. As a standalone name, Ah has appeared sporadically in various cultures but remains exceptionally uncommon. The brevity of this two-letter name gives it a minimalist quality that contrasts with longer naming traditions. In some East Asian cultures, particularly Chinese, Ah might be used as an informal or nickname rather than a formal given name. The simplicity of Ah presents both challenges (potential confusion with an exclamation) and advantages (universally easy to pronounce and remember) as a given name.

  9. Kush
    • Description:

      Though mountain climbers may want to honor the famed Central Asian mountain range known as the Hindu Kush, associations with marijuana and Jared Kushner make this a hard sell.
  10. Bae
    • Description:

      Bae is a succinct, modern feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Korean, it means 'inspiration' or can relate to the surname meaning 'pear.' However, its recent popularity stems largely from its use as an acronym for 'before anyone else' in English-language social media and youth culture, where it became a term of endearment for a romantic partner. This contemporary usage has influenced its adoption as a given name in Western contexts. In Danish and Norwegian, Bae relates to the word for 'dwelling' or 'home.' The name's brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal, while its cross-cultural connections offer depth of meaning. Despite its trendy associations, Bae remains relatively uncommon as a formal given name, appealing to parents seeking distinctive, contemporary options with international flair.
  11. Anis
    • Description:

      Anis is a delicate feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic, it means "friendly" or "companion," while in Hebrew it can mean "gathering" or "harmony." The name also refers to the star anise plant, known for its distinctive flavor and fragrance, adding a nature-inspired element to its meaning. Anis has been used across various cultures including Arabic, Persian, French, and South Asian communities. Despite its multicultural presence, the name remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. Its brevity and gentle sound make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that's simple yet distinctive, with rich cultural connections and a subtle botanical reference.

  12. Comfort
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "comfort"
    • Description:

      This Puritan virtue name may be unstylish, but it is also sympathetic and appealing in these largely uncomfortable times.
  13. Pretty
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "attractive"
    • Description:

      For more exciting options with the same meaning, try Jolie, Marini, or Reiko.
  14. Siouxsie
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Meaning:

      "alternative spelling of Susie"
    • Description:

      Familiar due to the English musician Siouxsie Sioux, singer of the 1970s-80s rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees. Apart from its complicated look, the inclusion of the Native American tribe name Sioux in this name feels inappropriate by today's standards. Stick with Susie or Suzie.
  15. Plummer
    • Origin:

      English occupational name
    • Description:

      Plummer might be an occupational name for someone who works with pipes -- yes, like a plumber -- or with feathers, from the Olde English (from the French) plume. Or it could indicate someone who lived near a plum tree.
  16. Gucci
    • Origin:

      Designer name
    • Description:

      Makeup artist to the stars Gucci Westman has made this Italian fashion name a first.
  17. Ladasha
    • Origin:

      Modern invention
    • Description:

      A name used mostly in the 1980s, incorporating the Russian nickname name Dasha.
  18. Flash
    • Origin:

      Word and comic book name
    • Description:

      Flash Gordon makes this a superhero name, but Flash might just appeal to modern parents looking for one of the new active boys' names, ala Ace and Breaker and Ranger. We'd recommend something more pulled-together as a proper name with Flash as a nickname or middle name.
  19. Modesty
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "modesty"
    • Description:

      Modesty is a virtue name dating to Roman times, but never widely used, except for hot 1960s movie spoof heroine, Modesty Blaise, based on a comic strip.
  20. Amillion
    • Origin:

      Invented name
    • Meaning:

      "a million"
    • Description:

      A meeting of two trends — compound names a la Myking and Alegend and money-related -illion names such as Million and Billion.