Names That Will Curse Your Child

  1. Truly
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "in a truthful way"
    • Description:

      A would-be up-and-comer if it wasn't for the spiked seltzer brand.
  2. 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.
  3. Banana
    • Origin:

      Word name, English from Spanish and Portuguese
    • Meaning:

      "banana"
    • Description:

      Banana is one fruity name we wouldn't recommend. Pick Plum instead. There is a Japanese novelist whose pen name is Banana Yoshimoto--birth name Mahoko.
  4. Earth
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "earth"
    • Description:

      An early African-American name, along with variation Eartha.
  5. 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.

  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Goddess
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

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

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Gaylen
    • Description:

      Gaylen is a masculine name with Celtic and Gaelic origins, though some sources also suggest possible Germanic roots. It's believed to be a variation of Galen, which comes from the Greek word meaning "calm" or "tranquil." Alternatively, it may derive from the Gaelic elements meaning "slender" or "foreign." Gaylen gained modest recognition in the United States during the mid-20th century but has remained relatively uncommon. The name has a gentle, melodic quality while still maintaining masculine energy. It offers parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible a perfect balance of uniqueness and familiarity. Notable bearers include musicians and athletes, though it hasn't been widely popularized by celebrity usage. Gaylen can also be spelled Gaylon or Galen, with each variation maintaining similar pronunciation.

  11. Dickie
    • Description:

      Dickie is traditionally a masculine name functioning primarily as an affectionate diminutive of Richard, which has Germanic origins meaning 'strong ruler' or 'brave power.' While sometimes used as a standalone name, particularly in the early to mid-20th century, Dickie is more commonly encountered as a nickname. The name carries a vintage quality, evoking mid-century Americana and British culture where such familiar forms were more commonly formalized. Notable bearers include various athletes and entertainers who preferred this friendly variation. Though its popularity as a formal name has declined in recent decades due to potential teasing concerns and changing naming trends, Dickie remains part of naming heritage particularly in English-speaking countries, representing an era when casual, approachable name forms were embraced.
  12. Messiah
    • Origin:

      Aramaic word name
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. Baby
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      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.
  14. 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...
  15. Tita
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Martita et al
    • Description:

      A diminutive diminutive, too tease-worthy.
  16. 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").
  17. Plenty
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Wishful thinking.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.