Humiliating names

  1. Special
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "unusually better"
    • Description:

      Is there a more fitting choice for your unique and well, special little girl? For six sets of parents one recent year, the answer was no.
  2. Bachellor
    • Description:

      Bachellor is an uncommon masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of "Bachelor," which historically referred to a young knight, a university degree holder, or an unmarried man. This distinctive spelling may have emerged as a family surname before transitioning to occasional use as a given name. With its unusual spelling and academic or chivalric associations, Bachellor carries a formal, distinguished quality that sets it apart from more common names. The name remains exceptionally rare in official records, making it a truly distinctive choice. Its aristocratic feel and connection to medieval terminology give Bachellor a refined, sophisticated character. For parents seeking an extremely uncommon name with historical resonance and a dignified presence, Bachellor offers uniqueness while maintaining connections to recognizable terminology in English-speaking cultures.

  3. Velva
    • Description:

      Velva is a feminine name that may have originated as a variant of Velma, which has German origins meaning 'determined protector.' Alternatively, it might relate to Latin 'velum' meaning 'veil' or 'covering.' Velva has a soft, vintage quality reminiscent of names popular in the early 20th century. The name reached its peak of modest popularity in the United States during the 1910s-1920s. Today, Velva is quite rare, offering a distinctive choice with a gentle, nostalgic charm. Its soft consonants create a delicate impression, while the name still carries a sense of substance and history.

  4. Whizdom
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Wisdom
    • Description:

      Configuration coined by troubled former NBA star Jayson Williams for his daughter.
  5. Rude
    • Description:

      Rude is an uncommon masculine name with Germanic origins, found primarily in Scandinavian countries and parts of Central Europe. Despite its potentially problematic connotations in English, the name has entirely different associations in its native context. In Germanic languages, it often derives from elements meaning 'fame' and 'wolf' or serves as a short form of names like Rudolf (famous wolf) or Rudolph (famous wolf). Pronounced roughly as ROO-deh in its original form, the name has declined in international usage due to its negative English meaning. Historically, it was more common in the medieval and early modern periods before English became a global language. Though rare today, Rude represents an example of how names can carry vastly different cultural associations across language boundaries.
  6. Nappy
    • Description:

      Nappy is an uncommon masculine name that may have multiple origins. It could be a diminutive of Napoleon, the name of the famous French emperor, or possibly a nickname derived from other names beginning with 'N'. In some contexts, the name might relate to the Italian name Napoleone or be a variation of Napier, an old Scottish surname. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its short, cheerful sound. While rare in formal usage, it has an informal charm that might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive nickname-style name. Cultural sensitivities should be noted as the word has different meanings in various English dialects, including some potentially negative connotations in American English.
  7. Increase
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      One Puritan virtue name unlikely to thrive in the 21st century.
  8. Alegend
    • Origin:

      American invented name
    • Meaning:

      "a legend"
    • Description:

      The popularity of legendary names, such as Legend, Legendary, and Legacy, has led to the creation of new names in this genre — meet Alegend (and ALegend and A'Legend). Phrases as names are slowly filtering into the mainstream, with choices like AKing, MyLove, and AMillion garnering more and more use each year.
  9. Man
    • Description:

      Man is an uncommon feminine name with diverse cultural roots. In Vietnamese tradition, it's pronounced with a different tone than the English word and means 'ten thousand' or 'intelligence.' In Chinese contexts, depending on the character used, it can represent concepts like 'fullness' or 'literary elegance.' The name's simplicity belies its cultural depth in various Asian naming traditions. While extremely rare as a standalone given name in Western contexts, it holds significance in several Eastern cultures. As a female name, Man offers a minimalist yet meaningful choice, embodying conciseness and strength. Its cross-cultural nature gives it versatility, though its brevity and homonym status with the English word may present practical challenges in some contexts.
  10. Asser
    • Description:

      Asser is a masculine name with ancient roots. It originates from Hebrew, where it was spelled 'Asher' and meant 'happy' or 'blessed'. The name appears in the Bible as one of Jacob's sons and one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Denmark, Asser has historical significance, being the name of several notable medieval figures including Asser Rig, a Danish nobleman, and Asser of Canterbury, an early medieval monk. The name has remained relatively uncommon in modern times, giving it a distinctive quality. Its biblical connections may appeal to those seeking a name with religious significance, while its strong consonant sounds give it a masculine character.

  11. Heavynlie
    • Description:

      Heavynlie is an unusual feminine name that appears to be a creative elaboration of 'Heavenly.' This distinctively spelled name reflects the modern trend of virtue names with unique orthography. The insertion of 'yn' gives the name an unexpected visual quality while maintaining the celestial, spiritual connotations of its inspiration. Heavynlie projects images of divinity, ethereal beauty, and elevated virtue. It remains quite rare in usage, likely appealing to parents seeking names with positive meanings and truly distinctive presentations. The name's length and multiple syllables give it a flowing, almost musical quality when spoken. While some might find the spelling unconventional, Heavynlie represents the contemporary movement toward names that combine meaningful concepts with individualized spellings, creating a truly one-of-a-kind identity.
  12. Proctor
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "official, administrator"
    • Description:

      With the new fashion for occupational names, we may hear more of this one.
  13. Tewdwr
    • Origin:

      Welsh, from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "gift from God; ruler of the people"
    • Description:

      A medieval Welsh form of Tudor. Rhys ap Tewdwr was an 11th-century king of Deheubarth in Wales
  14. Obedience
    • Origin:

      Virtue name
    • Description:

      It may have been used by the Puritans, but any modern child would chafe under this name.
  15. Girl
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "female child"
    • Description:

      Although it has no doubt been used as a name by someone somewhere, Girl likely appears on the US extended baby names list most years as a kind of holding term, where parents have not yet decided on the name so the baby is instead recorded as "Girl", "Boy" or "Unknown".
  16. Oral
    • Origin:

      Variation of Aurelius or Oriol, or English word name
    • Meaning:

      "golden; spoken"
    • Description:

      Possibly inspired by golden names, Oriol and Aurelius, or by the word oral, meaning "spoken", Oral is not one that would work in a modern English-speaking context. Too medical and too sexual, it did however see some popularity back in the early 20th century, likely owing to Evangelist Oral Roberts.
  17. Peeter
    • Description:

      Peeter is a masculine name primarily found in Estonian and Dutch linguistic traditions, serving as a variant spelling of Peter. Derived from the Greek "Petros" meaning "rock" or "stone," it carries the same connotations of strength and steadfastness as its more common counterpart. While Peter appears in numerous languages worldwide, Peeter maintains regional distinctiveness, particularly in Estonia where it has been a traditionally popular choice. The double 'e' spelling creates a slightly different pronunciation, emphasizing the first syllable. Though less internationally recognized than Peter, Peeter retains the name's dignified history and biblical associations while offering a unique cultural identity that connects to northern European heritage.

  18. Clotilda
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "famous in battle"
    • Description:

      Old and aristocratic European name that would be tough for an American kid to pull off.
  19. Saad
    • Origin:

      Aramaic
    • Meaning:

      "help, support"
    • Description:

      A traditional name in the Arabic world.
  20. Wm
    • Origin:

      Abbreviation of William
    • Description:

      Were boys really named Wm at the turn of the last century, or was the old-timey abbreviation of William simply what was noted on the official records? We're guessing the latter, but as the Social Security Administration counts each spelling of a name in its tally and doesn't presume to change Wm into William (or Bryleigh into Briley, or is it Brylee?), this name stands as is through the ages.