Embarrassing Names

Maybe if you're planning to have only one child -- and iffy even then.

Not even for Brandy's twin brother.

Configuration coined by troubled former NBA star Jayson Williams for his daughter.

If you like the idea of King and Prince but find them too regal, too royalist, this might be the name for you. Eight boys were called Boss in a recent year, and while it may feel like a totally modern choice, it has been appearing in the US stats since the late 19th century.

With word names and modern virtue names such as Sunny, Lucky, and even Blessed gaining in popularity, an upbeat adjective name such as Cheerful seems like a reasonable possibility.

This name's all-male occupational roots help it break the Barbara bonds, but still not the most inspiring surname choice.

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.

Unite is an uncommon feminine name derived from the English word meaning 'to join together' or 'come into harmony.' This virtue name carries powerful connotations of bringing people together, healing divisions, and creating wholeness. Unite emerged as part of the broader trend of word names and conceptual names that gained some traction in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The name has a distinctive, modern feel while embodying a universally positive concept. Though rare in usage, Unite appeals to parents seeking names with inspirational meanings and contemporary sensibilities. Its simplicity in spelling and pronunciation contrasts with its profound philosophical implications, making it a subtly powerful choice for a daughter.