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Most Embarrassing Names on Nameberry

Nameberry has a lot of clunky names like Bertha and Norma that will get your kid made fun of, but that at least have a prayer of someday being cool again. And then there's these.
  1. Rip
    • Origin:

      Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Dick
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Richard
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Moon
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      The original oddball celebrity baby name, via Frank Zappa's daughter Moon Unit, who claims she's always liked it.
  4. Dorcas
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  5. Hortense
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "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).
  6. Ugo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Hugh, Igbo
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Arsen
    • Description:

      Arsen is a strong masculine name with ancient roots, predominantly used in Armenian, Russian, and Eastern European cultures. Derived from the Greek name Arsenios, meaning 'virile' or 'strong,' it has connections to the Latin element 'arsenicum.' The name carries connotations of strength and masculinity across cultures. While never reaching mainstream popularity in Western countries, Arsen maintains consistent usage in Armenia, Russia, and parts of Eastern Europe. In some regions, it's associated with Saint Arsenius the Great, a respected Roman theological instructor. The name has a powerful, distinctive sound that combines traditional heritage with modern appeal.
  8. Nimrod
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. Fanny
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Frances, English from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Gaylord
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "brisk, high-spirited"
    • Description:

      Best left on the old southern plantation, sipping his mint julep.
  11. Gay
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  12. Zero
    • Origin:

      Italian from Arabic and Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. Brain
    • Origin:

      Misspelling of Brian
    • Description:

      Brain is not a name, it's a misspelling of the long-popular Brian. What's really astonishing is not that it made the Top 1000 at all but that it hung on there for 25 years, from 1965 through 1989, Brian's heyday. All we can say is: sad.
  14. Oddie
    • Origin:

      Variation of Odie, English or German
    • Meaning:

      "of the valley; wealthy"
    • Description:

      We can't get past the odd part of this name.
  15. Hella
    • Description:

      Hella is a feminine name with multiple origins. In Germanic languages, it functions as a diminutive of names containing the element 'heil' meaning 'healthy' or 'whole.' It's also associated with Hel, the Norse goddess who ruled the underworld. In modern times, the name gained additional recognition from its use as slang in Northern California meaning 'very' or 'extremely.' Hella has a bright, punchy sound that feels simultaneously vintage and contemporary. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, it enjoys moderate popularity in Scandinavian and German-speaking regions, where its brevity and distinctive sound are appealing qualities for parents seeking something simple yet distinctive.

  16. Dink
    • Description:

      Dink is an uncommon masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may have originated as a nickname for names like Dominic or as a short form of Dinkins. In some contexts, it has been used as a term of endearment for the youngest or smallest child in a family, derived from the notion of something small or 'dinky.' The name has occasional usage in Southern United States communities and has historical presence as a nickname or informal name rather than a formal given name. Dink has a short, punchy quality that gives it a casual, friendly character. While not widely used, its simplicity and distinctive sound offer a unique option for parents seeking an unconventional, brief name with a somewhat playful quality.
  17. Hyman
    • Origin:

      Anglicized variation of Chaim
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  18. Ding
    • Description:

      Ding is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Chinese culture, it's a surname and given name meaning 'strong' or 'steady' (丁), representing the fourth Heavenly Stem in Chinese cosmology. As a given name in Western contexts, Ding is extremely rare and might be used as a nickname or diminutive form. In some European contexts, particularly Germanic languages, it might have evolved as a shortened form of names containing '-ding' elements. The name's brevity gives it a distinct, memorable quality despite its simplicity. While uncommon as a first name in most Western countries, Ding maintains cultural significance in Chinese communities worldwide, where it represents stability and strength.
  19. Oral
    • Origin:

      Variation of Aurelius or Oriol, or English word name
    • Meaning:

      "golden; spoken"
    • Description:

      Possibly inspired by golden names, Oriol and Aurelius, or by the word oral, meaning "spoken", Oral is not one that would work in a modern English-speaking context. Too medical and too sexual, it did however see some popularity back in the early 20th century, likely owing to Evangelist Oral Roberts.
  20. Hooker
    • Origin:

      English occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "shepherd's hook"
    • Description:

      fuhgeddaboutit.

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