Names I Dislike

  1. Augusta
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Augustus, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"
    • Description:

      Augusta is a dignified name reminiscent of wealthy great-aunts and stately homes, but with the fashion for both August and Gus for boys, and the renewed interest in clunky classics like Gwendolyn and Winifred for girls, Augusta might just appeal to contemporary parents.
  2. Cab
    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Cabell
    • Description:

      Even for lovers of Cab (born, yes, Cabell) Calloway's music, the connection to 'Taxi!' is too strong.
  3. 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.
  4. Eugenia
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Eugene, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "wellborn, noble"
    • Description:

      Eugenia, a name scarcely used at all since the 1980's, is another that flourished a century ago and could be due for a revival.
  5. Eleanor
    • Roberta
      • Origin:

        Feminine variation of Robert, English from German
      • Meaning:

        "bright fame"
      • Description:

        Roberta has been one of the most successful feminization names, up at #64 in 1936. It's a name that's found all over children's lit, often nicknamed Bobbie or Robbie, though Bertie is another possibility. Notable bearers have included singers Roberta Flack and Roberta Peters--plus it's the birth name of Joni Mitchell.
    • Sophia
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "wisdom"
      • Description:

        Sophia, which was the Number 1 girls' name in the US from 2011 to 2013, is among the top girl names in the Western World, with a sensuous sound and high-minded meaning. A real winner, Sophia reached the top of the charts without losing any—okay, much—of its sophisticated beauty.
    • Tabitha
      • Origin:

        Aramaic
      • Meaning:

        "gazelle"
      • Description:

        Though never as popular as the name of her Bewitched mother, Samantha, Tabitha has its own quirky, magical charm. The name of a charitable woman who was restored to life by Saint Peter in the Bible, it was a popular Puritan choice. Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick chose it for one of their twin daughters, which gave it a slight boost. Nonetheless, Tabitha remains in decline.