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Most Embarrassing Names on Nameberry

clairels
By clairels
Updated Thu May 25 2023
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. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Johnson

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of John"

    • Description:

      No competition for Jackson.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.

  12. 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.
  13. Latrina

    • Description:

      Latrina is a feminine name that emerged in American naming patterns in the mid-20th century. The name may have developed as a variation of names like Katrina (a form of Katherine, meaning 'pure') with the 'La-' prefix that became popular in many modern names. Alternatively, it could represent a feminine form of Latrell or be inspired by the Latin word 'latrina.' Despite having phonetic similarity to the English word for a type of toilet (derived from Latin), the name's usage suggests it developed independently as a melodic feminine name. Usage patterns show Latrina appearing in records from the 1950s onward, with peak popularity in the 1970s. The name has a rhythmic quality with its three syllables and flowing sound, characteristic of many feminine names ending in '-a' that have been popular throughout various periods.
  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. 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.
  16. Diarra

    • Origin:

      West African

    • Meaning:

      "gift"

    • Description:

      Diarra has a nice meaning, but we could see it leading to possible teasing re association with a certain digestive problem.
  17. Sikko

    • Description:

      Sikko is a rare masculine name with potential ties to various cultural origins. In Finnish contexts, it may function as a diminutive form of names containing "Sik-" elements. The name also has possible Frisian roots, where it appears in historical records in northern European coastal regions. In some East Asian contexts, similar-sounding names carry meanings related to truth or sincerity. Sikko maintains an extremely low profile in global naming statistics, making it an exceptionally distinctive choice. The name's compact, symmetrical structure gives it a modern feel despite its traditional origins. Its rarity means that a person named Sikko would likely have a unique identity in most communities. The name's brevity and clear pronunciation make it accessible despite its uncommon status, potentially appealing to parents seeking a truly distinctive name with international character.
  18. Gaylord

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "brisk, high-spirited"

    • Description:

      Best left on the old southern plantation, sipping his mint julep.
  19. Nefertiti

    • Origin:

      Egyptian

    • Meaning:

      "the beautiful one has arrived"

    • Description:

      This ancient Egyptian queen's name would be best saved for a cat.
  20. Doogie

    • Description:

      Doogie is a diminutive masculine name that gained recognition primarily through the 1989-1993 television series 'Doogie Howser, M.D.' featuring a teenage medical prodigy. Originally a Scottish nickname for Douglas (derived from the Gaelic 'dubhglas' meaning 'dark water'), Doogie has a distinctly informal, boyish quality. The name evokes a sense of youthfulness, intelligence, and precocious ability due to its TV association. While rarely used as a formal given name, it sometimes appears as a nickname or pet name. The name has a friendly, approachable sound that contrasts with its relative rarity in official use. For those familiar with the television reference, Doogie suggests exceptional intelligence and accomplishment at a young age.