Humiliating names

Kunta Kinte is the hero of the Roots series of books and TV series, which stem from a novel by Alex Haley. The character -- a Gambian man captured and sold into slavery in America -- is a model of strength in the face of terrible cruelty, and an icon of modern American fiction. Though some may find him too iconic to use his name for a child, others will be drawn to the name's strength and cultural ties. The origins of the name Kunta and the character who bears it are shrouded in controversy. Haley claimed to have based him on a historical account, but others have said that he is mostly invented.

Turbo debuted on the charts in 2020, when it was given to six baby boys.

Jermajesty is a slightly bizarre name created by Jackson brother Jermaine, making his son a royal version of himself.

Latrina is a feminine name that emerged in American naming patterns in the mid-20th century. The name may have developed as a variation of names like Katrina (a form of Katherine, meaning 'pure') with the 'La-' prefix that became popular in many modern names. Alternatively, it could represent a feminine form of Latrell or be inspired by the Latin word 'latrina.' Despite having phonetic similarity to the English word for a type of toilet (derived from Latin), the name's usage suggests it developed independently as a melodic feminine name. Usage patterns show Latrina appearing in records from the 1950s onward, with peak popularity in the 1970s. The name has a rhythmic quality with its three syllables and flowing sound, characteristic of many feminine names ending in '-a' that have been popular throughout various periods.

Rappers Cardi B and Offset gave the truly unique word name Kulture to their daughter in 2018. Its message is more inclusive and artistic than such elevated celebrity baby names as Saint, Reign, and Sir. Kulture may refer to a creative culture or a social culture. The baby's middle name is Kiari, which is dad Offset's birth name.

Kulture is one of the most unique celebrity baby names of recent years.

Spanish speakers use this name for Jesus Christ only. Probably a good policy.

Simple, Zen-like name of a mythological forest elf.

Robt is an abbreviated form of Robert, a Germanic name composed of the elements 'hrod' meaning 'fame' and 'beraht' meaning 'bright.' This shortened version was historically used in written records and documents as an abbreviation for the full name. Unlike conventional nicknames like Rob or Bob, Robt is less commonly used as a standalone given name. Its brevity gives it a distinctive quality while maintaining connection to the popular and classic Robert. The name carries the same connotations of strength, distinction, and reliability as its parent name.

Not a viable option if your baby is going to speak English.

Bald is an uncommon masculine name with ancient Germanic origins. Rather than relating to hair loss, the name derives from the Old English element 'beald' meaning 'bold' or 'brave.' It was found in Anglo-Saxon England, often as part of compound names like Baldwin (bold friend) or Archibald (genuinely bold). As a standalone name, Bald has become exceedingly rare in modern times. Historically, it was associated with courage and fearlessness in battle. The name experienced a decline after the Norman Conquest when French-influenced names gained popularity. Today, Bald might be encountered more as a surname or nickname than as a given name, though it preserves its heritage of connoting courage and daring.

Ag is an exceptionally rare feminine name with multiple possible origins. In Irish, it functions as a diminutive of Agnes, derived from the Greek 'hagnos' meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' Alternatively, it represents the chemical symbol for silver, giving it modern appeal as an element-inspired name. In some Southeast Asian cultures, particularly Vietnamese, it appears as a shortened form of longer traditional names. The brevity of Ag makes it one of the shortest possible given names, consisting of just two letters. This extreme simplicity has limited its widespread adoption, making it an exceptionally uncommon choice across all cultures. For parents seeking a truly minimalist name with versatile cultural connections, Ag offers an unconventional option that combines ancient Irish heritage with contemporary element symbolism.

Associated with havoc, disaster, and trouble, this bold moniker is unlikely to be many parents' first choice, but it has nevertheless been appearing in the US charts since 2006. It may appeal to those who like Danger, Wild, and Rowdy, or associate Chaos with rebellion, mythology, or physics.

Affrikah represents a creative spelling variation referencing the continent of Africa. The doubled 'f' and the ending 'h' create a distinctive spelling while maintaining the phonetic pronunciation of 'Africa.' This type of geographical name adaptation emerged primarily in the late 20th century as part of a broader pattern of names celebrating cultural heritage and geographic connections. The spelling may specifically reflect an Afrocentric or Pan-African perspective, with the modified spelling potentially emphasizing cultural reclamation and identity. Usage data shows this name remaining quite rare. Similar place-name adaptations (like Asia/Asia, India/India) have been used as given names across various communities, though Affrikah specifically represents a more distinctive and deliberate adaptation with its unique spelling.

Demon is probably best left as an edgy nickname or chosen moniker than put on the birth certificate. Typically associated with evil or familiar spirits, it could also be considered an Ancient Greek name, meaning "the people".

Not as palatable as Cash.

The Polish form of Maximilian.

You're really asking for it with this one.

Not the most aspirational word names you could give to a child, although it does work as a nickname. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's daughter Chicago is often called Chi, pronounced "shy."

Son is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins and meanings. In Vietnamese tradition, it's a common name meaning 'mountain,' symbolizing strength and stability. In English, while primarily recognized as a relational term, it has occasionally appeared as a given name, particularly in Southern American naming traditions or as a family surname adopted as a first name. In Korean contexts, it appears as part of longer names with various meanings depending on the Chinese character used. Son has the distinction of being one of the shortest possible names, making it strikingly minimalist. Despite its simplicity, the name carries significant meaning across cultures, representing family connection, heritage, and in some traditions, natural strength and endurance.