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Why do bad names happen to good people?

theirishsaint
By theirishsaint
Updated Sat May 06 2023
This is purely my opinion and a bit of a joke.
  1. Agnes

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure, virginal"

    • Description:

      Agnes is the Latin variation of the name Hagne, which itself derived from the Greek word hagnos, meaning "chaste." In medieval times, St. Agnes was a very popular saint, leading to its popularity as a girl's name. Agnes Grey is the title of one of the two novels written by Anne Brontë.
  2. Allegra

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "joyous"

    • Description:

      In music, the term allegro means "quickly, lively tempo," which makes this quintessential Bohemian ballet dancer's name all the more appealing. Allegra is one of the most distinctive yet accessible girl names starting with A.
  3. Agatha

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "good woman"

    • Description:

      Agatha until recently summoned up visions of martyred saints, mauve silk dresses, and high lace collars, but now that some dauntless excavators have begun to resurrect it, we're sure more will follow their lead. Actor Thomas Gibson used it for his daughter in 2004.
  4. Chester

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "fortress, walled town,"

    • Description:

      Chester is a comfortable, little-used teddy-bear of a name that suddenly sounds both quirky and cuddly.
  5. Nero

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "stern"

    • Description:

      The association with the infamous Nero, the fiddling Roman emperor, would be unavoidable. But there was also the detective Nero Wolfe, hero of many mystery stories.
  6. Yolanda

    • Origin:

      Spanish from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "violet flower"

    • Description:

      Bold and distinctive, Yolanda is a floral name that doesn't sound frilly or delicate. Ultimately deriving from the Greek words ioles meaning "violet" and anthos meaning "flower", it appears in a variety of forms internationally, including Jolanda, Jolanta, Iolanthe, Iolanta, Iolanda, and Jolana.
  7. Napoleon

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "lion of the new city"

    • Description:

      Overly ambitious choice, recently borne by the hapless hero of cult movie hit Napoleon Dynamite.
  8. Peaches

    • Origin:

      English fruit name

    • Description:

      Unlike the other fruit names that are just coming onto the baby name menu, Peaches is an old-timey nickname previously reserved for spangled showgirls, and now would be considered an outrageous -- verging on hip -- choice. Or perhaps it was, until 2023, when it entered the UK Top 1000, not sounding too out of place beside other 2023 favorites, Honey, Blossom, Sage, Halo, and Dolly.
  9. Aristotle

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "superior; the best purpose"

    • Description:

      The great philosopher's name is commonly used in Greek families, and is one that could work for daring, philosophical American ones. With user friendly nicknames such as Ari, Aris, Artie, and Ris, Aristotle is a ambitious choice, associated with morality, ethics, literature, and psychology.
  10. Lettice

    • Origin:

      English variation of Letitia

    • Meaning:

      "joy, gladness"

    • Description:

      Lettice is still occasionally heard in upper-class British families, but we fear it would cause too much salad-green teasing to be considered in the U.S. Calling your little Lettice Lettie could help make the name more user-friendly, or go all the way to the original Letitia.
  11. Fyodor

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Theodore

    • Meaning:

      "God's gift"

    • Description:

      This variation of Theodore is familiar here mostly via the great Russian novelist Dostoyevsky. It was also the name of three early tsars of Russia.
  12. Gwenore

    • Origin:

      Variation of Guinevere

    • Meaning:

      "white shadow, white wave"

    • Description:

      An offbeat way to get to Gwen.
  13. Quintessence

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      Sounds pretty. But pretentious.
  14. Archangella

    • Description:

      Archangella is a rare feminine name derived from the word 'archangel,' referring to the highest-ranking angels in several religious traditions. The name combines the Greek elements 'arch' (chief) and 'angelos' (messenger). This elaborate and dramatic name carries powerful religious connotations, suggesting divine protection and spiritual significance. While uncommon in most countries, Archangella occasionally appears in deeply religious Catholic families, particularly those with Italian heritage. The name's elaborate nature and strong religious associations have kept it relatively rare through history. Bearers of this distinctive name might use nicknames like Archy, Angela, or Ella for everyday use.
  15. Jimbo

    • Description:

      Jimbo is a masculine name that originated as a familiar, affectionate nickname for James. With English-American origins, it combines the shortened form 'Jim' with the suffix 'bo,' which was a popular addition to nicknames in the southern United States. This playful diminutive has occasionally been used as a given name in its own right, particularly in the late 20th century when informal names gained acceptance. Jimbo conveys a friendly, approachable quality with a distinctly casual American flair. While not commonly found on birth certificates, it maintains popularity as a nickname and carries associations with down-to-earth warmth and unpretentious charm. The name has folksy appeal and projects an easygoing personality.
  16. Pinky

    • Description:

      Pinky is an unconventional masculine name that originated as a nickname before occasionally being used as a given name. It typically refers to the smallest finger on the hand or the pinkish color. As a given name for boys, it remains quite rare in Western countries but has seen some usage in India and other South Asian communities. The name carries playful, endearing qualities that challenge traditional masculine naming conventions. Pinky may be used as a diminutive for names like Peter or Paul in some cases, though increasingly it stands on its own. Parents choosing this name might appreciate its cheerful connotations and distinctive character that sets their son apart from more conventional names.

  17. Frostine

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "freezing"

    • Description:

      Frostine, best known in the U.S. as the name of the Candyland queen, is newly fashionable in France and is certainly a choice that any little girl the world over would love. Fanciful, if over-the-top, but a perfect name for a winter baby girl.
  18. Ovila

    • Description:

      Ovila is a rare masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'ovilis' meaning 'relating to sheep.' It could be considered a variation of Avila or related to names like Ovid. The name has historical usage in French-Canadian communities, particularly in Quebec, where it appeared during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Ovila carries a gentle, pastoral quality in its meaning and sound. While uncommon in contemporary naming practices, it represents a connection to agricultural heritage and simpler times. The name has a distinctive quality that balances uniqueness with historical grounding, making it an interesting choice for parents seeking a name with both character and subtlety.

  19. Petronilla

    • Origin:

      Roman and Italian feminine variation of Petronius

    • Meaning:

      "yokel, woodpecker, stone"

    • Description:

      Petronilla is an ancient saint's name that relates to the Roman family name Petronius, thought to mean yokel or woodpecker, though some connect it with Petra or Peter, meaning stone. With the resurgence of so many ancient Roman names, the elaborate and pretty Petronilla or its French form Petronille seem more usable these days than they have in centuries.
  20. Radmila

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "industrious for the people"

    • Description:

      Like cousin Ludmila, a Russian name rarely heard in this country.