Trashy Baby Names

  1. Dwayne
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Duane
    • Meaning:

      "swarthy"
    • Description:

      This is an offshoot of Duane, which is an old Irish surname. It took off in the 1960s, when it conveyed a surfer boy image, and reached as high as Number 111 in 1961. The most prominent current bearer is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The basketball superstar spells his name DwYAne Wade.
  2. Reign
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "rule"
    • Description:

      Reign is one of a new, ahem, kingdom of word names that suggest a high-born child, joining Royal, Lorde, Titan, Saint, King, Princess, and Noble. We predicted this kind of defining name to be the Number 1 baby name trend of 2015...two weeks before Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick named their third child, a boy, Reign.
  3. Lexus
    • Origin:

      Greek variation of a diminutive of Alexis
    • Description:

      Lexus, an automotive newcomer, has recently entered the Top 1000 -- more because of its association, we fear, with the status symbol car than its relation to the name Alexis. If you love this name, do your child a favor and make it Alexis or at least spell it Lexis.
  4. Tyrion
    • Origin:

      Literary name
    • Description:

      Tyrion is one of the many new names entering the lexicon thanks to George R. R. Martin, author of the Game of Thrones book. Tyrion's name shares its first two letters with those of his father Tywin and his grandfather Tytos. The Tyrion Lannister character, a dwarf, is played by award-winning actor Peter Dinklage. Martin has said he saw the Tyrion character as being both the ugliest and the most intelligent person in the world, a mixed legacy for any child.
  5. Armani
    • Origin:

      Italian surname derived from Herman or Arman, German or Persian
    • Meaning:

      "son of Ermanno; soldier; wish,hope"
    • Description:

      Armani is catching on along with other brand names, and this one is among the most gender-neutral — sitting in the Top 500 for both boys and girls. Its similarity to the likes of rising stars Amari, Arlo, and Amias, along with the more classic Arthur and Giovanni helps it feel more "name-y" than "brand-y".
  6. Peach
    • Origin:

      Fruit name
    • Description:

      Peach is one of those names that, a generation ago, would have been placed in the wacky celebrity baby name category. But now with the proliferation of word, nature, and yes, food names, Peach sounds adorably baby-ready.
  7. Merry
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "lighthearted, happy"
    • Description:

      She'd better be. Merry is one of the classic names for Christmas babies.
  8. Chantelle
    • Description:

      Chantelle is a feminine name of French origin, derived from 'chanter' meaning 'to sing.' This melodic name emerged as an elaboration of Chantal, which refers to a stone or rocky place in Old French. Chantelle gained significant popularity in English-speaking countries during the 1970s and 1980s, appreciated for its elegant French flair and musical quality. The name evokes images of sophistication and femininity, often associated with beauty and artistic expression. While its peak popularity has passed, Chantelle maintains a timeless appeal and continues to be chosen by parents drawn to names with French heritage. Its distinctive sound and spelling make it recognizable without being overly common, striking a balance between uniqueness and familiarity.

  9. Charity
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "charity"
    • Description:

      Charity is one of the Big Three abstract virtue names, along with Hope and Faith, though far less widely used than the others. But as Faith, Grace and Hope grow more common, some parents are beginning to look at the more unusual three-syllable choices like Verity, Amity, Clarity and Charity, which sound much fresher and also have that pleasingly rhythmic 'y'-ending sound.
  10. Shelly
    • Description:

      Shelly is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive of Michelle or as a reference to seashells, giving it both personal and nature-inspired origins. Popular during the 1960s and 1970s in English-speaking countries, Shelly has a cheerful, friendly quality that made it a favorite during this period. The name evokes coastal imagery and has a naturally pleasant sound. While it can stand alone as a given name, Shelly continues to serve as a nickname for Michelle, Rochelle, or Shelby. Though its peak popularity has passed, Shelly maintains an unpretentious charm and familiarity. The name's association with seashells gives it a subtle nature connection that appeals to parents drawn to ocean themes.
  11. Aja
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Aya or Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "goat"
    • Description:

      Sounds like and is often confused with Asia, though it has an air of retro cool via the seminal Steely Dan album. Or, pronounced eye-ah, it can be an alternate spelling of the international favorite Aya.
  12. Chyna
    • Description:

      Chyna is a feminine name representing an alternative spelling of 'China,' referring to the Asian country. This contemporary spelling variant gained notable popularity in the 1990s, partly influenced by professional wrestler Joanie 'Chyna' Laurer. The name evokes associations with the fine porcelain that bears the same name, suggesting elegance and delicacy. Chyna peaked in usage during the late 1990s and early 2000s as part of a trend toward place names and unique spellings. Parents might choose this name for its exotic flair, distinctive spelling, and strong, memorable quality. Though less common today than at its peak, Chyna remains recognizable while maintaining a sense of uniqueness and boldness.
  13. Diamond
    • Origin:

      Word name, English from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "diamond"
    • Description:

      Diamond sparkled all through the nineties--reaching as high as Number 150 in 1999. Although its shine has diminished quite a bit, it remains in use.
  14. Serah
    • Description:

      Serah is a feminine name with biblical origins, appearing as a variant of Sarah or as a distinct character in some biblical texts. The name carries connotations of 'princess' or 'noblewoman,' similar to its Hebrew root. While less common than Sarah, Serah has maintained a subtle presence throughout history, often appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet traditional-sounding name. In recent years, it has gained modest popularity among those drawn to its biblical heritage combined with its slight uniqueness compared to the more prevalent Sarah. The name's gentle sound and spiritual connections make it an elegant, meaningful choice that bridges ancient traditions with contemporary naming preferences.

  15. Chardonnay
    • Origin:

      French, a dry white wine
    • Description:

      If you're actually considering this as a name for your child, you must have had a glass too many. But it's an awesome name for a white cat.
  16. Dijon
    • Origin:

      French place-name
    • Description:

      Dijon is the capital city of the Burgundy region of eastern France, famed for its wine and yes, its mustard. As a first name, it's been brought to wider attention by a few prominent musicians and could grow in use.
  17. Agate
    • Origin:

      French, a semiprecious stone, or variation of Agatha
    • Description:

      Though it's French, most Americans would pronounce it as the stone.
  18. Tonya
    • Origin:

      Variation of Tanya
    • Description:

      This common variation of Tanya makes it less international and more ordinary.
  19. Jewel
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Just like Flora is for botanicals, Jewel is the generic gemstone name, not used much since the early twentieth century, when it was seen as a symbol of how precious a daughter could be. The French version, Bijou, feels more modern, as do Pearl and Ruby.
  20. Vicki
    • Description:

      Vicki is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Victoria, which derives from Latin meaning "victory." This shorter, friendlier version gained significant popularity as an independent name during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Vicki offers a perky, approachable alternative to the more formal Victoria, reflecting the mid-century preference for cheerful, nickname-style given names. Though its usage has declined since its peak, Vicki maintains associations with warmth and friendliness. The name carries a certain retro charm today, often bringing to mind the lively, can-do spirit of the Baby Boomer generation. Alternative spellings include Vicky and Vickie.