Humiliating names

Gayleen is a feminine name that emerged primarily in the mid-20th century as a variation of Gaylene or an elaboration of Gay. It combines the name element 'Gay,' meaning happy or joyful, with the feminine suffix '-leen,' similar to names like Kathleen. Gayleen saw modest popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, reflecting the era's preference for cheerful, optimistic names. The name has a melodic, two-syllable flow and conveys a sense of brightness and positivity. Though less commonly used in recent decades, Gayleen retains a vintage charm that might appeal to parents drawn to mid-century name aesthetics or seeking to honor a relative from that generation.

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

Gearoid is a masculine Irish name, the Gaelic form of Gerard. It derives from Germanic elements meaning 'spear' (ger) and 'brave' or 'hardy' (hard), thus signifying 'brave with a spear' or 'strong spear-carrier.' Pronounced roughly as 'GAR-ohd' in Irish, this name has deep roots in Irish history and culture. It was borne by notable figures including Gearóid Óg FitzGerald, the 9th Earl of Kildare. While common in Ireland, particularly among families honoring their Gaelic heritage, Gearoid remains rare internationally. The name reflects Ireland's linguistic traditions and continues to be chosen by parents seeking to connect their children with authentic Irish cultural roots.

Although it has no doubt been used as a name by someone somewhere, Girl likely appears on the US extended baby names list most years as a kind of holding term, where parents have not yet decided on the name so the baby is instead recorded as "Girl", "Boy" or "Unknown".

Girlie is a feminine name that originated as a term of endearment or nickname before occasionally being used as a given name. The name literally means 'little girl' or 'girl-like' and historically was more commonly used as an affectionate term rather than a formal name. As a given name, Girlie has been most prevalent in the Philippines and some Pacific Island cultures, where it is used without the diminutive connotations it might carry in Western contexts. The name has a sweet, youthful quality that some find appealing, though in many Western societies it might be considered too informal or potentially limiting. Despite its simplicity, in cultures where it is embraced, Girlie can represent femininity, sweetness, and an affectionate connection.

Glanda is an uncommon feminine name that may have multiple origins. It could be a variant of Glenda, which derives from the Welsh elements "glan" (clean, holy) and "da" (good). Alternatively, it might be related to words for "land" or "earth" in various European languages. The name has a strong yet feminine quality with a pleasing rhythm when spoken. Glanda remains quite rare in most English-speaking countries, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking uniqueness. While similar to the more common Glenda, which saw peak popularity in the mid-20th century, Glanda has maintained a much lower profile. Its distinctive sound offers familiarity while still standing apart from more common names.

Makeup artist to the stars Gucci Westman has made this Italian fashion name a first.

The patron saint of comedians and dancers (also known as St Vitus) has a name that is both the ultimate everyman, and has a hint of British aristocracy. In the States, Guy was most popular in the 1950s. Now he hovers steadily below the Top 1000, in the sweet spot of familiar but not overused. With the meteoric rise of Kai, Guy may have potential with parents looking for a more classic name with a similar sound.

Gypsy, long associated with the intellectual stripper Gypsy Rose Lee and the musical that was made about her life, was used by Drea de Matteo and Shooter Jennings as the middle name of their daughter Alabama. Be aware, however, that the word gypsy is now considered an ethnic slur when used for the Romani, or Roma, people.

Not a viable option if your baby is going to speak English.

Chance has risen far on the baby-naming charts, but Hazard has a considerably more dangerous edge. It was the middle name of famed US naval commander Oliver Hazard Perry.

Heavynlie is an unusual feminine name that appears to be a creative elaboration of 'Heavenly.' This distinctively spelled name reflects the modern trend of virtue names with unique orthography. The insertion of 'yn' gives the name an unexpected visual quality while maintaining the celestial, spiritual connotations of its inspiration. Heavynlie projects images of divinity, ethereal beauty, and elevated virtue. It remains quite rare in usage, likely appealing to parents seeking names with positive meanings and truly distinctive presentations. The name's length and multiple syllables give it a flowing, almost musical quality when spoken. While some might find the spelling unconventional, Heavynlie represents the contemporary movement toward names that combine meaningful concepts with individualized spellings, creating a truly one-of-a-kind identity.

fuhgeddaboutit.

Howl joins the wild new gang of names with attitude to spare: We're talking Rebel, Rogue, Wilder, and Wiley. Howell makes it much more genteel.

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.

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.

One Puritan virtue name unlikely to thrive in the 21st century.