Controversial Names 

Colston is a masculine name of English origin derived from the Old English elements 'col' (coal or charcoal) and 'tun' (settlement or town), meaning 'coal town' or 'from the coal settlement.' This surname-turned-first-name has historically been associated with various locations in England. The name has a strong, distinguished sound with its two syllables and hard consonants. While never extremely common as a first name, Colston has seen occasional use, particularly in communities with English heritage. The name carries a certain refinement and traditional masculinity. In recent years, the name has become controversial in the UK due to its association with Edward Colston, a 17th-century slave trader, leading some to reconsider its use.

Colston

Hermione's costarring role in Harry Potter has made this previously ignored, once stodgy name suddenly viable. Hermione could really take off once today's children start having kids of their own. 
 In ancient Greek myth, Hermione is the daughter of Spartan King Menelaus and his wife Helen; in pre-Potter lit, the name appears in Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale and in Walter Scott's novel The Fortunes of Nigel.

Hermione

Not too long ago, Temperance was found only on lists of Puritan <a href="https://nameberry.com">baby names</a>.
 
With increased increase in virtue names, and Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan on long-running television series Bones, this name has experienced a surprising revival.

Temperance

Huntley was best known as Brinkley's fellow news anchor back in the 60s and 70s, while in the UK, it might still be linked to a high profile murder case. Nevertheless, this surname style choice feels tough, trendy, preppy, and outdoorsy at the same time and may fit in with the likes of Hunter, Wesley, and Bentley.
 
As of 2024, the name is a truly neutral choice, given to 102 girls and 98 boys.

Huntley

One of the first generation of cool surname names, now largely used for girls in the US, but still popular for boys in its native Scotland. A prominent association for Brits is former prime minister Tony Blair, who was leader at the time of the Iraq War.

Blair

Prudence, like Hope and Faith, is a Puritan virtue name with a quiet charm and sensitivity that is slowly returning to favor, though it hasn't yet registered on the charts.
 The White Album Beatles song Dear Prudence was written for Prudence Farrow, sister of Mia, who was with them in India when studying with the Marahishi Mahesh Yogi, seeking enlightenment.
 One notable historic bearer is Prudence Crandall, a 19th century Quaker schoolteacher who stirred controversy by admitting an African-American student. In pop culture, Prudence Halliwell was one of the three witches on Charmed, sister to Piper and Phoebe.
 Asset: Sweet nickname Pru/Prue.

Prudence

We've got Saint, we've got King, we've got Prince Duke Bishop Deacon and Messiah. So why not Sir? While some might find it slightly pretentious, at least 80 parents chose it for their babies in 2024.. 
 
 The name of Beyonce and Jay-Z's son, Sir is an honorific and a word name that fits right in with current trends. And it does guarantee your son will be addressed with respect, at least nominally.

This still attractive place name was one of the first to gain popularity, though it now probably owes some of its favor to the similar Aisha. Asia ranked as high as Number 195 on the US <a href="https://nameberry.com/">baby names</a> popularity list in 1997. 
 In Greek myth, Asia is the daughter of Oceanus and Tethys and mother of, among others, Atlas and Prometheus.
 One of the best known modern bearers of the name is Italian actress, singer, and director Asia Argento, who is probably responsible for its popularity in Italy, where it ranks Number 35. Asia Monet Ray is a dancer featured on the hit television shows Dance Moms and Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition.

Asia

The hurricane blew this one out of the realm of possibility. 

Katrina

Corbyn is a modern masculine name with Old French and English roots. Derived from "corbeau" meaning "raven" or possibly from a place name meaning "settlement in a deep valley." 

The name gained notable attention in the UK through politician Jeremy Corbyn. As a given name, Corbyn has a contemporary feel with its trendy "yn" ending, similar to popular names like Robyn and Jordyn. The name has seen modest but steady usage since the early 2000s, particularly in English-speaking countries. 

Nearly 100 baby boys were named Corbyn in the US last year, along with almost 700 named Corbin.

Parents are drawn to Corbyn for its distinctive sound, strong consonants, and relative uniqueness compared to more common boys' names. The name projects strength and individuality while remaining accessible and easy to pronounce, making it appealing to parents seeking something modern yet grounded in historical roots.

Corbyn

Yet another noble name to join King, Prince, Princess, et al. The name Empress was given to over 100 baby girls in the US last year.

Empress

Coco came to prominence as the nickname of the legendary French designer Chanel (born Gabrielle) and has lately become a starbaby favorite, initially chosen by Courteney Cox for her daughter Coco Riley in 2004. At first it was the kind of name that the press loves to ridicule, but we predict Coco's heading for more broad acceptance and even popularity.

Coco

Delta is an unusual vintage option, blending the sounds of Della and Etta. The fourth letter of the Greek alphabet and a geographical term, used to describe an island formed at the mouth of a river, some may be put off by Delta's links the airline company of COVID variant on the same name.
 
Borne by singer Delta Goodrem and actress Delta Burke, it was given to around 80 girls in a recent year.

Delta

Ryett feels like a trendy name, bringing to mind picks like Ryder and Ryker, as well as rhyming name Wyatt. However, being a homophone for "riot" might give some people pause.

Ryatt is the most common spelling, currently in the US Top 1000, but Ryett is reminiscent of other -ett boy names, such as Rhett and Everett. And, the connotations of the word "riot" aren't all bad: riot can be used to describe someone who is outrageously funny or entertaining. It also brings to mind the famous quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "a riot is the language of the unheard."

Ryett

Knight (as opposed to Night) is a name clad in shiny armor. This high-ranking word name was introduced by singers Kelis and Nas. Knight might join brothers King, Royal, and Noble in a new definition of <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/453/royal-baby-names">royal baby names</a>.

Knight

Hardy is a spirited and durable un-Germanic German surname that is starting to be used in this country. 
 British fashion designer Hardy Amies (born Edwin) is its best known bearer, and Thomas Hardy could make a literary namesake--as might the old Hardy Boys series of adventure books for young boys.

Hardy

Far more friendly and open than similar one-syllable names like Kent, Kurt, and Karl, it's been associated for more than half a century with actor Kirk Douglas, whose birth name was Issur Danielovitch Demsky. 

Kirk

A quaint and quirky flower name, until recently considered a bit too prim for most American classrooms but brought back to life in recent years by the attractive character of Primrose "Prim" Everdeen in the Hunger Games series. In the Top 300 girl names in England and Wales and on Nameberry, Primrose remains rare in the US, but is made more accessible by a raft of sweet nickname options, including Rosie and Posy.

 The flower name Primrose derives from Latin prima rosa, meaning "first rose", since primrose flowers are among the first to appear in early spring, heralding the coming of better weather. Primrose also has an alternative history as a Scottish surname deriving from the place name Penrhos, from the Welsh words pren "tree" and rhos "moor." The spelling was later altered due to association with the flower.

 In the H. E. Bates book and 90's British TV series, The Darling Buds of May, there is a character named Primrose Violet Anemone Iris Magnolia Narcissa Larkin, who has twin sisters named Zinnia and Petunia.

Primrose

In Greek mythology, Nyx was a powerful goddess and the embodiment of the night, giving this name a dark yet mystical feel. She is often depicted as one of the first deities, an offspring of Chaos who appears in black robes and whom even Zeus fears to anger.
 
Similar in sound to Nicks (or Nicky) and to Onyx, Phoenix, Lennyx, Pixie, and Trixie, some may associate it too strongly with the word nix (meaning "nothing", "refuse" or "put an end to"), or to the make-up brand, Nyx. It was nevertheless chosen for nearly 70 girls (and 30 boys) in the US in a recent year.

Hillary is a lovely name that, for the moment at least, is tightly bound to an individual with a strong image: Hillary Clinton. Whatever your feelings about Mrs. Clinton, her fame now dominates the name, making it feel less baby-ready than it deserves to be. Hillary as a name has so much going for it: the popular, rhythmic three-syllable structure, the fact that it's strong but light, proper but jaunty, with an irresistible meaning -- having the same root as hilarious. The Italian Ilaria may be one way to make the name fresh. 
 Traditionally, Hilary was the form used for males and Hillary for females, but since there are so few boy Hilarys these days, that tradition has fallen by the wayside. A few other modern notables have laid claim to the name: musicians Hilary du Pre and Hilary Hahn, and actresses Hilary Swank and Hilary Duff.

Hillary

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

), whereas others might be divisive because they’re politically and historically loaded (let’s go with the obvious: 

), names associated with racial stereotyping (

),  names of controversial or unpleasant figures in history (

), names of contemporary criminals and creeps (

), names associated with tragedies or hurricanes (

),  names with sounds that might cause teasing (

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!)

Controversial Names are names with that might cause you trouble. Divisive and controversial names include food names, names associated with bad figures from history, food names, celebrity baby names, names of contemporary criminals, demon names, very religious names, violent names, modern names, and made up names. Whether a name is controrversial depends on where you are in the world.  (Page 7)