Most Embarrassing Names on Nameberry
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Moon
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
The original oddball celebrity baby name, via Frank Zappa's daughter Moon Unit, who claims she's always liked it.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Oddie
Origin:
Variation of Odie, English or GermanMeaning:
"of the valley; wealthy"Description:
We can't get past the odd part of this name.
- Peabody
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"having the body of a gnat"Description:
Peabody is a quintessentially Waspy surname that your child won't thank you for -- either the pea part or the body part, or the meaning part.
- 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.
- Hung
Description:
Hung is a masculine name with significant usage in Vietnamese culture, where it's pronounced with a rising tone unlike its English pronunciation. In Vietnamese, Hùng means 'brave' or 'heroic' and carries strong connotations of courage and strength. The name has historical significance in Vietnam, connected to the legendary Hùng kings who are considered the founders of Vietnamese civilization. While the name may face pronunciation and unfortunate homonym challenges in English-speaking countries, it remains a proud cultural identifier for many Vietnamese families globally. In Chinese culture, the name (洪) can represent greatness or vastness, often symbolizing prosperity and grand ambitions. It's a name that carries deep cultural meaning for its bearers.
- 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.
- Duscha
Origin:
RussianMeaning:
"happy"Description:
Seems like a possible alternative to the more popular Sascha, but middle school life would be difficult for any girl bearing this name in an English-speaking world.
- Hyman
Origin:
Anglicized variation of ChaimMeaning:
"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.
- Belcher
Origin:
English from FrenchMeaning:
"pretty face"Description:
Try telling the kids it really means "pretty face" and not "burper".
- 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.
- Johnson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of John"Description:
No competition for Jackson.
- 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.