Most Embarrassing Names on Nameberry
- Moon
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
The original oddball celebrity baby name, via Frank Zappa's daughter Moon Unit, who claims she's always liked it.
- 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.
- Rip
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"strength, might"Description:
The name of Rip Van Winkle – and Rip (born Elmore) Torn – will probably never be ready for further consumption, if only because of the implications of R. I. P. The only thing that could save it is Rip Wheeler, the handsome ranch foreman on the soapy Western Yellowstone.
- Hortense
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"of the garden"Description:
Hortense is actually the French feminine form of Hortensia, the name of a strong, politically active early Roman woman. Hortense began to be used in the English-speaking world in the nineteenth century. Napoleon had a stepdaughter named Hortense, it was the name of one of the main characters in the film Secrets and Lies and is also associated with novelist Hortense Calisher. As unappealing as it might be to most American parents, Hortense is now Number 155 in France (as of 2021).
- Dorcas
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"doe, gazelle"Description:
Classic name used by the Romans, the Puritans, and the Bard, but pretty much taboo today due to the objectionable connotations of both its front and back ends.
- Zero
Origin:
Italian from Arabic and SanskritMeaning:
"void"Description:
Zero has been documented as a given name before, but it's largely familiar as a stage name (such as Zero Mostel, born Samuel Joel Mostel) and comic book and anime characters. Seven boys were called Zero is a recent year.
- Gaylord
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"brisk, high-spirited"Description:
Best left on the old southern plantation, sipping his mint julep.
- Fanny
Origin:
Diminutive of Frances, English from LatinMeaning:
"from France; free man"Description:
As this word is less often used to mean derriere, it becomes more possible to view Fanny as the kind of appealingly quaint nickname name, like Josie and Nellie, that many parents are favoring now.
- Nimrod
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"we shall rise up, we shall rebel"Description:
As a Biblical name, Nimrod appears in the Old Testament as a great-grandson of Noah, a founder of Babylon, and a famous hunter. In popular culture, its image was altered after the dopey Looney Tunes villain, Elmer Fudd, was called "nimrod" by Daffy Duck in a 40s cartoon. It since became associated less with rebellion and hunting, and more with being a fool.
- Johnson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of John"Description:
No competition for Jackson.
- Ugo
Origin:
Italian variation of Hugh, IgboMeaning:
"mind, intellect; eagle"Description:
Ugo is a familiar choice in Italy and France, where it is used as variation of Hugh or Hugo, but also in Nigeria, where it means "eagle" in Igbo.
- Buttler
Description:
Buttler is primarily a surname of English and Norman-French origin that has occasionally been used as a male given name. Derived from the occupational title 'butler,' it historically referred to a wine steward or head servant in a wealthy household. The spelling with double 't' is a less common variant of the more traditional 'Butler.' As a first name, Buttler has remained extremely rare throughout recorded naming history, never appearing on major popularity charts. When used as a given name, it often honors a family surname or creates a connection to aristocratic or service traditions. The name carries connotations of dignity, service, and formality.
- Dodo
Origin:
English diminutive of Dorothy, GreekMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
Dodo is one of the few names of the cute repeating-sounds genre that is not alas so cute, being a slang word for someone brainless as well as the name of the infamous extinct bird. Dot, Dottie, Dory, or Thea are all preferable.
- Asser
Description:
Asser is a masculine name with ancient roots. It originates from Hebrew, where it was spelled 'Asher' and meant 'happy' or 'blessed'. The name appears in the Bible as one of Jacob's sons and one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Denmark, Asser has historical significance, being the name of several notable medieval figures including Asser Rig, a Danish nobleman, and Asser of Canterbury, an early medieval monk. The name has remained relatively uncommon in modern times, giving it a distinctive quality. Its biblical connections may appeal to those seeking a name with religious significance, while its strong consonant sounds give it a masculine character.
- Nefertiti
Origin:
EgyptianMeaning:
"the beautiful one has arrived"Description:
This ancient Egyptian queen's name would be best saved for a cat.
- Anis
Description:
Anis is a delicate feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic, it means "friendly" or "companion," while in Hebrew it can mean "gathering" or "harmony." The name also refers to the star anise plant, known for its distinctive flavor and fragrance, adding a nature-inspired element to its meaning. Anis has been used across various cultures including Arabic, Persian, French, and South Asian communities. Despite its multicultural presence, the name remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. Its brevity and gentle sound make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that's simple yet distinctive, with rich cultural connections and a subtle botanical reference.
- Belcher
Origin:
English from FrenchMeaning:
"pretty face"Description:
Try telling the kids it really means "pretty face" and not "burper".
- Pervis
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"passage"Description:
The perv connection crosses this name off the list.
- Gay
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"joyful"Description:
The meaning of this word flipped from "cheerful" to "homosexual" during the twentieth century, and it's now almost certainly too loaded to sit comfortably as a baby name. Which is a shame as sound-wise it's very appealing, just a short step away from Gray, Gale and Guy.
- Freek
Description:
Freek is a masculine name with Dutch origins, functioning as a diminutive form of names containing the Germanic element "fred" or "frid," meaning "peace" or "ruler." Common in the Netherlands and occasionally found in Flemish-speaking regions of Belgium, Freek is typically pronounced "frayk" rather than how it might appear in English. The name remains uncommon outside Dutch-speaking countries. Within the Netherlands, it has maintained modest popularity as a straightforward, unpretentious choice with historical roots. Freek conveys a friendly, approachable quality while still carrying traditional masculine energy. The name's simplicity and connection to the widely valued concept of peace give it enduring appeal, though its pronunciation in English contexts may present challenges due to its spelling.
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