​
​
Advanced Search

Why do bad names happen to good people?

theirishsaint
By theirishsaint
Updated Sat May 06 2023
This is purely my opinion and a bit of a joke.
  1. Agnes

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure, virginal"

    • Description:

      Agnes is the Latin variation of the name Hagne, which itself derived from the Greek word hagnos, meaning "chaste." In medieval times, St. Agnes was a very popular saint, leading to its popularity as a girl's name. Agnes Grey is the title of one of the two novels written by Anne Brontë.
  2. Chester

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "fortress, walled town,"

    • Description:

      Chester is a comfortable, little-used teddy-bear of a name that suddenly sounds both quirky and cuddly.
  3. Agatha

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "good woman"

    • Description:

      Agatha until recently summoned up visions of martyred saints, mauve silk dresses, and high lace collars, but now that some dauntless excavators have begun to resurrect it, we're sure more will follow their lead. Actor Thomas Gibson used it for his daughter in 2004.
  4. Allegra

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "joyous"

    • Description:

      In music, the term allegro means "quickly, lively tempo," which makes this quintessential Bohemian ballet dancer's name all the more appealing. Allegra is one of the most distinctive yet accessible girl names starting with A.
  5. Nero

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "stern"

    • Description:

      The association with the infamous Nero, the fiddling Roman emperor, would be unavoidable. But there was also the detective Nero Wolfe, hero of many mystery stories.
  6. Yolanda

    • Origin:

      Spanish from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "violet flower"

    • Description:

      Bold and distinctive, Yolanda is a floral name that doesn't sound frilly or delicate. Ultimately deriving from the Greek words ioles meaning "violet" and anthos meaning "flower", it appears in a variety of forms internationally, including Jolanda, Jolanta, Iolanthe, Iolanta, Iolanda, and Jolana.
  7. Peaches

    • Origin:

      English fruit name

    • Description:

      Unlike the other fruit names that are just coming onto the baby name menu, Peaches is an old-timey nickname previously reserved for spangled showgirls, and now would be considered an outrageous -- verging on hip -- choice. Or perhaps it was, until 2023, when it entered the UK Top 1000, not sounding too out of place beside other 2023 favorites, Honey, Blossom, Sage, Halo, and Dolly.
  8. Napoleon

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "lion of the new city"

    • Description:

      Overly ambitious choice, recently borne by the hapless hero of cult movie hit Napoleon Dynamite.
  9. Aristotle

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "superior; the best purpose"

    • Description:

      The great philosopher's name is commonly used in Greek families, and is one that could work for daring, philosophical American ones. With user friendly nicknames such as Ari, Aris, Artie, and Ris, Aristotle is a ambitious choice, associated with morality, ethics, literature, and psychology.
  10. Lettice

    • Origin:

      English variation of Letitia

    • Meaning:

      "joy, gladness"

    • Description:

      Lettice is still occasionally heard in upper-class British families, but we fear it would cause too much salad-green teasing to be considered in the U.S. Calling your little Lettice Lettie could help make the name more user-friendly, or go all the way to the original Letitia.
  11. Domhnall

    • Origin:

      Gaelic form of Donald

    • Description:

      Star Wars and Harry Potter actor Domhnall Gleeson put this Irish and Scottish name on the international map. Sometimes Anglicized as Donal, its pronunciation is close to Donald without the final d.
  12. Gwenore

    • Origin:

      Variation of Guinevere

    • Meaning:

      "white shadow, white wave"

    • Description:

      An offbeat way to get to Gwen.
  13. Fyodor

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Theodore

    • Meaning:

      "God's gift"

    • Description:

      This variation of Theodore is familiar here mostly via the great Russian novelist Dostoyevsky. It was also the name of three early tsars of Russia.
  14. Quintessence

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      Sounds pretty. But pretentious.
  15. Roibeard

    • Description:

      Roibeard is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of the name Robert, infusing the familiar classic with Celtic heritage. Pronounced roughly as 'ROH-bard' or 'HROH-byart,' this masculine name derives from Germanic elements meaning 'bright fame' or 'shining with glory.' While rare outside Ireland, Roibeard represents a deep connection to Irish linguistic traditions and cultural identity. The name experienced its greatest popularity in medieval Ireland but has seen limited use in modern times, making it an uncommon choice that stands out. Parents might choose Roibeard to honor Irish ancestry or to select a distinctive name with historical roots and a strong cultural connection.
  16. Jimbo

    • Description:

      Jimbo is a masculine name that originated as a familiar, affectionate nickname for James. With English-American origins, it combines the shortened form 'Jim' with the suffix 'bo,' which was a popular addition to nicknames in the southern United States. This playful diminutive has occasionally been used as a given name in its own right, particularly in the late 20th century when informal names gained acceptance. Jimbo conveys a friendly, approachable quality with a distinctly casual American flair. While not commonly found on birth certificates, it maintains popularity as a nickname and carries associations with down-to-earth warmth and unpretentious charm. The name has folksy appeal and projects an easygoing personality.
  17. Petronilla

    • Origin:

      Roman and Italian feminine variation of Petronius

    • Meaning:

      "yokel, woodpecker, stone"

    • Description:

      Petronilla is an ancient saint's name that relates to the Roman family name Petronius, thought to mean yokel or woodpecker, though some connect it with Petra or Peter, meaning stone. With the resurgence of so many ancient Roman names, the elaborate and pretty Petronilla or its French form Petronille seem more usable these days than they have in centuries.
  18. Pinky

    • Description:

      Pinky is an unconventional masculine name that originated as a nickname before occasionally being used as a given name. It typically refers to the smallest finger on the hand or the pinkish color. As a given name for boys, it remains quite rare in Western countries but has seen some usage in India and other South Asian communities. The name carries playful, endearing qualities that challenge traditional masculine naming conventions. Pinky may be used as a diminutive for names like Peter or Paul in some cases, though increasingly it stands on its own. Parents choosing this name might appreciate its cheerful connotations and distinctive character that sets their son apart from more conventional names.

  19. Mcdonald

    • Description:

      McDonald is primarily known as a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic 'MacDhòmhnaill,' meaning 'son of Donald.' Donald itself comes from the Gaelic name Dòmhnall, composed of the elements 'domno' (world) and 'val' (rule), essentially meaning 'world ruler.' As a first name, McDonald is quite uncommon, representing a modern trend of using surnames as given names. This practice often honors family heritage or ancestry. The name carries connotations of Scottish clan history and pride, particularly connected to the powerful Highland Clan MacDonald. When used as a first name, it often goes by the nickname 'Don' or 'Mac.' Its use as a first name remains rare, making it a distinctive choice.
  20. Ovila

    • Description:

      Ovila is a rare masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'ovilis' meaning 'relating to sheep.' It could be considered a variation of Avila or related to names like Ovid. The name has historical usage in French-Canadian communities, particularly in Quebec, where it appeared during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Ovila carries a gentle, pastoral quality in its meaning and sound. While uncommon in contemporary naming practices, it represents a connection to agricultural heritage and simpler times. The name has a distinctive quality that balances uniqueness with historical grounding, making it an interesting choice for parents seeking a name with both character and subtlety.