Humiliating names
- Messiah
Origin:
Aramaic word nameMeaning:
"expected savior or deliverer"Description:
A handful of years ago, a judge in Tennessee ruled that parents could not name their son Messiah, "because there's only one." That decision has since been overturned and the name no longer looks out of place besides the growing number of Saints and Chosens.
- Kunta
Origin:
Literary, English, African-AmericanDescription:
Kunta Kinte is the hero of the Roots series of books and TV series, which stem from a novel by Alex Haley. The character -- a Gambian man captured and sold into slavery in America -- is a model of strength in the face of terrible cruelty, and an icon of modern American fiction. Though some may find him too iconic to use his name for a child, others will be drawn to the name's strength and cultural ties. The origins of the name Kunta and the character who bears it are shrouded in controversy. Haley claimed to have based him on a historical account, but others have said that he is mostly invented.
- Hyman
Origin:
Anglicized variation of ChaimMeaning:
"life"Description:
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.
- Cornie
Description:
Cornie is a feminine name primarily used as a diminutive form of Cornelia or other Corn-root names. Derived from the Latin 'Cornelius,' a Roman family name possibly meaning 'horn,' it carries historical connections to ancient Roman nobility. The name has an old-fashioned, quaint quality that evokes rural simplicity and vintage charm. Cornie saw limited popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in rural communities and Dutch-influenced areas, but has since become quite rare. As a standalone name rather than a nickname, it has never reached mainstream usage. The name's similarity to the word 'corny' (meaning trite or sentimental) in English might contribute to its decline. Despite this, Cornie retains a warm, friendly character with nostalgic appeal for those drawn to uncommon vintage names.
- Isis
Origin:
EgyptianMeaning:
"throne"Description:
Isis has gone from magical, feminist name on the rise to the forbidden list because of the extremist terror group called ISIS, an acronym for Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Unsurprisingly, Isis was one of the fastest-falling names in 2014, dropping 130 ranks to reach #706. Interestingly, however, since 2020, it has begun to see increased use again, and 2023 saw it given to 151 girls.
- Plummer
Origin:
English occupational nameDescription:
Plummer might be an occupational name for someone who works with pipes -- yes, like a plumber -- or with feathers, from the Olde English (from the French) plume. Or it could indicate someone who lived near a plum tree.
- Ah
Description:
Ah is an extremely rare masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Chinese, it functions as a prefix expressing familiarity or affection when added to names or kinship terms. In Arabic contexts, it may be related to names like Ahmed or Abdullah. As a standalone name, Ah has appeared sporadically in various cultures but remains exceptionally uncommon. The brevity of this two-letter name gives it a minimalist quality that contrasts with longer naming traditions. In some East Asian cultures, particularly Chinese, Ah might be used as an informal or nickname rather than a formal given name. The simplicity of Ah presents both challenges (potential confusion with an exclamation) and advantages (universally easy to pronounce and remember) as a given name.
- Gaylord
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"brisk, high-spirited"Description:
Best left on the old southern plantation, sipping his mint julep.
- Harm
Origin:
Dutch diminutive of Herman, GermanMeaning:
"soldier, warrior"Description:
Not a viable option if your baby is going to speak English.
- Krystal
Origin:
Variation of Crystal, English word nameMeaning:
"crystal, clear, ice"Description:
This spelling variation of Crystal rose all the way up to #53 in the US in 1985.
- Rafe
Origin:
Variation of Ralph, EnglishMeaning:
"wolf-counsel"Description:
A top ranking choice in England and Wales, making frequent appearances on the Telegraph Announcments, Rafe feels equal parts rugged, amiable, and posh. Traditionally seen used a variant of Ralph (itself from the Old Norse Ráðúlfr), it came into use in the 17th century to reflect this particular pronunciation.
- Candida
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"white"Description:
Attractive ancient name borne by several saints but sullied by association with yeast infection.
- Velva
Description:
Velva is a feminine name that may have originated as a variant of Velma, which has German origins meaning 'determined protector.' Alternatively, it might relate to Latin 'velum' meaning 'veil' or 'covering.' Velva has a soft, vintage quality reminiscent of names popular in the early 20th century. The name reached its peak of modest popularity in the United States during the 1910s-1920s. Today, Velva is quite rare, offering a distinctive choice with a gentle, nostalgic charm. Its soft consonants create a delicate impression, while the name still carries a sense of substance and history.
- Dick
Origin:
Diminutive of RichardMeaning:
"dominant ruler"Description:
Dick was a once-common short form of Richard; replaced by Rick or Richie, and finally by the full name itself. Rude meaning -- make that two rude meanings -- pretty much knocks this one out of consideration.
- Son
Description:
Son is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins and meanings. In Vietnamese tradition, it's a common name meaning 'mountain,' symbolizing strength and stability. In English, while primarily recognized as a relational term, it has occasionally appeared as a given name, particularly in Southern American naming traditions or as a family surname adopted as a first name. In Korean contexts, it appears as part of longer names with various meanings depending on the Chinese character used. Son has the distinction of being one of the shortest possible names, making it strikingly minimalist. Despite its simplicity, the name carries significant meaning across cultures, representing family connection, heritage, and in some traditions, natural strength and endurance.
- Princess
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"princess"Description:
Part of the trend for formerly canine royal names; this is one a little girl might love—up till the age of eight.
- Adolph
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"noble wolf"Description:
World War II stamped a permanent verboten on Adolph.
- Pansy
Origin:
English flower name from FrenchMeaning:
"thought"Description:
Pansy is an early floral name that lost credibility when it became a derogatory slang term for gay people. Better these days: Posy or Poppy.
- Bob
Origin:
English, diminutive of RobertMeaning:
"bright fame"Description:
Kids love Bob the Builder, but do they want to be Bob the Builder? Bob and Bobby have been out of style since the 1960s, but as vintage nickname-names -- Fred, Archie -- come back into vogue, Bob may tag along. Charlie Sheen used it for one of his twin sons.
- Baby
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Usually reserved as a term of endearment, Baby is likely used as a name when parents have yet to choose an official one but need to register their baby. For a girl, it can be considered a nickname for Barbara too.
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