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Controversial Names
Across 18 pages
of 18
About this list
Divisive and controversial names are names that might cause you and your child some trouble.
From cringing and eyerolls to questions about your morals and values, the names on this list may be viewed as controversial for different reasons and to very different degrees. As such, a name might be considered divisive because some see it as lacking in substance (let’s say Gigi or Lulu), whereas others might be divisive because they’re politically and historically loaded (let’s go with the obvious: Adolf).
Other types of divisive names include food names (Lemon), celebrity baby names (Stormi), names with alternative spellings (Addilynn), “boy names” for girls, (Emerson), brand names (Dior), distinctly religious word names (Hallelujah), demon or devil names (Leviathan), names with religious significance (Cohen), alcohol names (Chardonnay), names associated with racial stereotyping (Jemima), politician names (Vance), title names (Sir), old-fashioned names (Gladys), modern invented names (Nevaeh), names of fictional characters (Maysilee), names of controversial or unpleasant figures in history (Leopold), names of contemporary criminals and creeps (Jeffrey), violent names (Ripper), gun names (Luger), names associated with tragedies or hurricanes (Salem), names from memes (Karen), names with sounds that might cause teasing (Archibald) and so on.
Does that mean all of these names are off limits? Not necessarily. It heavily depends on where you are in the world, your culture and heritage, and whether you mind others not liking your child’s name. And while we’d definitely advise against some of the names on this list, you might even like the associations or style that would put others off. More to the point, there is a big difference between using a name others may find too old fashioned or too nickname-y to using a name with heavy, negative, and historical associations.
So if you do find one of your favorites on this list, we’re not saying you have to rule it out. It might just be worth considering its history and evaluating what others may think on hearing it — and if this could impact you and your child (or not!)
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