Now on iOS & AndroidSwipe baby names with your partner — match on names you both love.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
Nameberry Logo

Names That Will Curse Your Child

  1. Christmas
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Description:

      Christmas is a day name long and quietly used as a name for babies born at Christmas. Prettier and more modern than Noel or Noelle.
  2. Dix
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "tenth"
    • Description:

      Once a birth order name, now might work as a cool x-ending nickname. But be warned that it sounds very close to an unfortunate slang term.
  3. Earth
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "earth"
    • Description:

      An early African-American name, along with variation Eartha.
  4. Edit
    • Description:

      Edit is a feminine name with multiple origins and meanings across different cultures. In Hungarian, it's a form of Edith, pronounced 'EH-deet,' and has been a traditional name for centuries. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, Edit also appears as a variant of Edith. The name ultimately derives from the Old English 'Eadgyth,' combining 'ead' (wealth, prosperity) and 'gyth' (battle). Despite its simplicity, Edit may cause confusion in English-speaking countries as it's identical to the English verb 'edit.' The name experienced modest popularity in Hungary and parts of Northern Europe throughout the 20th century but remains uncommon in most Western countries. It has a concise, straightforward quality while carrying historical depth.

  5. Farmer
    • Origin:

      Occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "farmer"
    • Description:

      Shepherd is soaring in the charts, so why not Farmer? Perhaps because, unlike some of the occupation names that are so popular today, it is still an everyday word. Even so, if you're looking for a name that fits modern trends but no one else is using, Farmer could be the one.
  6. Generosity
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Full-hearted new virtue choice, though five syllables is a lot to handle.
  7. Generous
    • Description:

      Generous is an exceptionally rare feminine virtue name derived directly from the English word describing someone who gives freely and abundantly. Unlike more common virtue names like Grace, Faith, or Hope, Generous remains virtually unestablished as a given name in English-speaking countries. The name carries obvious positive connotations of kindness, unselfishness, and magnanimity. As a word-name, it directly communicates the quality parents might wish to inspire in their child. While virtue naming has experienced several revivals throughout history, Generous has never gained traction in mainstream usage. The name might appeal to parents seeking a truly distinctive choice with transparent meaning and positive associations. However, its unusualness presents both uniqueness and potential challenges, as the bearer might frequently need to explain her uncommon name throughout life.
  8. Goddess
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Talk about pressure! Too much name for any little girl to bear.
  9. Gunna
    • Description:

      Gunna is a feminine name with Norse and Scandinavian origins, derived from elements meaning 'battle' or 'war.' In Norse mythology, Gunnr was one of the Valkyries, the powerful female figures who chose warriors to join Odin in Valhalla. The name carries connotations of strength, courage, and resilience. While relatively uncommon outside Nordic countries, Gunna remains in use in Iceland, Norway, and other Scandinavian regions. Its brevity gives it a striking, direct quality, while its historical and mythological connections provide depth and cultural resonance. The name's warrior associations make it appealing to parents seeking strong feminine names rooted in Nordic tradition. Its unfamiliarity in many regions gives it a distinctive quality internationally.
  10. Hooker
    • Origin:

      English occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "shepherd's hook"
    • Description:

      fuhgeddaboutit.
  11. Illumination
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Illumination is a many-syllabled entrant in the new-fashioned virtue name group, but doesn't stand much chance of rivaling shorter choices like Hope and Faith.
  12. Infinity
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Infinity is a name that could have a long, bright future ahead of it, with its bold meaning and fashionable sound. It's an awful lot of name to pull off, but if Destiny can do it...
  13. Kulture
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group"
    • Description:

      Rappers Cardi B and Offset gave the truly unique word name Kulture to their daughter in 2018. Its message is more inclusive and artistic than such elevated celebrity baby names as Saint, Reign, and Sir. Kulture may refer to a creative culture or a social culture. The baby's middle name is Kiari, which is dad Offset's birth name.

      Kulture is one of the most unique celebrity baby names of recent years.
  14. Lucifer
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "light-bearer"
    • Description:

      Lucifer is the name of the archangel cast into hell and while theologians disagree on whether he and Satan are separate beings, it long been on the list of forbidden names for religious and non-religious parents alike. With connotations of hell and devilry so strongly attached to it, the name is officially banned in some places, including New Zealand.
  15. Maeby
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Mae
    • Description:

      Maeby sprang into the modern consciousness via the cult TV favorite Arrested Development, in which the appealing teen character Maeby's name is a nickname for Mae. It's also a homonym for Maybe, which undercuts its inherent cuteness. Is Maeby prime for a real life baby name? Sorry, but we can't resist: Maybe.
  16. Mercury
    • Origin:

      Roman
    • Meaning:

      "messenger of the gods, quicksilver"
    • Description:

      It's a car brand, a planet, and the messenger of the gods -- but it's questionable whether it works as a little girl's name.
  17. Merica
    • Description:

      Merica is a feminine name that can be viewed as a shortened form of "America" or possibly derived from Latin "merica" meaning "a portion." Some may see it as a patriotic reference in American culture, while others might connect it to variants like Marica or Merika found in Eastern European languages. The name has gained some modest attention in recent years as parents seek unique but pronounceable alternatives to more common names. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Merica has an appealing rhythm and contemporary sound. Its pronunciation is typically MEH-ri-ka, making it accessible despite its uniqueness. The name carries connotations of independence and national pride for some families.

  18. Pebbles
    • Origin:

      English, word name
    • Description:

      As the former stage name of TLC founder Perri Reid and the name of the youngest member of the animated Flintstones clan, it's got some pop culture cache. But it'll be too cutesy by half for most parents.
  19. Plenty
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Wishful thinking.
  20. Ptarmigan
    • Origin:

      Scots Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "name of a bird species"
    • Description:

      Ptarmigan is the common English name for the genus Lagopus, in the grouse family of birds. The name is derived from the Scottish word for the bird, tàrmachan (meaning unknown), with the initial P- added by erroneous association with the Greek pteron ("wing").

The Nameberry App Is Live

Nameberry app screenshot
Find your perfect baby name together in our app, now available on the App Store and Google Play.
  • Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
  • Names you match on are saved to your shared list
  • Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
  • Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
  • Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
Nameberry app screenshot