Please Don't Name a Human This

World War II stamped a permanent verboten on Adolph.

An early day name worthy of consideration today for someone seeking a truly unusual name.

When actress Shannyn Sossamon dubbed her newborn Audio Science, it sent out some definite shock waves. We don't recommend Audio or Video for even the most intrepid baby namer.

When actress Rachel Griffiths chose this highly unusual name for her son, many assumed it was a bizarre invention. But a noted Australian poet (Griffiths is an Aussie) is known by this name.

One of the aggressive new boys' names, ala Tracker and Heller, that have become fashionable among parents who are courting trouble.

Fluttery and flighty. But there are a couple of names that mean butterfly you might consider, such as Yara and Farasha.

Cedar is, like Ash, Oak, Pine and Ebony, one of the new tree/wood names that parents are starting to consider; this one is particularly aromatic.

Clearence is a variant spelling of the more common name Clarence, which derives from Latin and means 'bright' or 'clear.' This alternative spelling appears to be a contemporary adaptation that emerged as parents sought to personalize traditional names. The original name Clarence has Anglo-Norman origins and was introduced to England during the Norman Conquest. While Clearence maintains the same pronunciation as Clarence, the modified spelling gives it a slightly more modern feel. Though not as widely used as the traditional spelling, Clearence offers families a way to honor the classic name while adding a distinctive touch. The name carries connotations of clarity, transparency, and brightness.

Prime example of the aggressive word names that are an off-the-grid branch of the new macho names. Makes Cannon, Maverick, and Ranger feel almost soft and sensitive by comparison.

With Levi in vogue and country names on trend, Denim could fit in among the Waylons, Walkers, Coltons, and Rhetts. As a boys name, it brings to mind the qualities of the fabric: hardworking, cool and versatile. Singer Toni Braxton chose this name for her son in 2001, and parents have been using it for boys and girls ever since.

Dune is a name of several layers. It's a modern nature name, like Ocean, Bay and Reef, although rarer, conjuring up images of breezy sand dunes on summer beach days.

A wonderful meaning for a bright and musical West African name.

An admirable meaning, with roots in a Germanic word meaning wisdom, but we fear it will never be detached from the hobbit hero of The Lord of the Rings.

Like Silver, a shimmering metallic color name, almost too dazzling for an ordinary boy.

Hyman was commonly used by first-generation Jewish immigrants to Anglicize Chaim, but similarities to terms like heinie and hymen have taken it out of the realm of modern possibility. The original Chaim would be preferable to Hyman.

Krispin is a masculine name derived from the Latin name Crispinus, which was originally a Roman family name meaning 'curly-haired.' It's a variant spelling of Crispin, a name with historical significance associated with Saint Crispin, the patron saint of shoemakers. The name gained some recognition through Shakespeare's Henry V, which features the famous St. Crispin's Day speech. This alternative spelling with a 'K' gives the traditional name a modern twist while maintaining its classical roots. Krispin remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it distinctive without being completely unfamiliar. The name carries connotations of craftsmanship, artistry, and a certain refined European heritage.

Mandolin may seem like an outlandish choice for a name, but since BANJO has been used as a baby name, all the instruments in the band seem to be auditioning for a place on birth certificates. This one comes with a real name nickname, MANDY.

Royal names are on the rise. Along with names such as King, Prince, and Royal, why not Palace? Why not indeed.

Quandra is a feminine given name that appears to be a modern creation, possibly emerging in the United States during the latter half of the 20th century. The name's etymology is not definitively established, but it may be related to names like Kendra or Sandra with a distinctive 'Qu-' beginning. Alternatively, it could be connected to the Latin root 'quad-' meaning 'four' or 'square.' The name has remained relatively uncommon in usage statistics, never appearing in the top 1000 names recorded by the Social Security Administration. Quandra has a distinctive sound with the emphasis typically on the first syllable (QUAN-dra). Without clear etymological documentation, it's best understood as part of the trend toward creative, distinctive naming that gained momentum in American naming practices during the late 20th century. The name's uniqueness gives it a special quality for those who bear it.