Humiliating names
- Lord
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"loaf-keeper"Description:
If it's royalty you're after, stick with Earl or Prince -- this is too deified.
- Lucifer
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"light-bearer"Description:
Lucifer is the name of the archangel cast into hell -- theologians disagree on whether he and Satan are separate beings -- and as such has long been on the forbidden list for religious parents. Still banned in New Zealand, Lucifer is occasionally used in the contemporary U.S.: Six boys were given the name in the most recent year counted.
- Madog
Description:
Madog is a masculine name of Welsh origin with deep historical roots. It derives from the Welsh elements 'mad' meaning 'fortunate' or 'good' and a diminutive suffix, essentially meaning 'fortunate little one.' The name has significant historical connections, most notably through Madog ab Owain Gwynedd, a legendary Welsh prince who, according to folklore, discovered America in the 12th century before Columbus. While uncommon outside Wales, Madog represents an authentic piece of Welsh heritage and language. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound with its emphasis on the first syllable. For parents interested in Celtic names with historical significance, Madog offers both cultural depth and a distinctive quality that stands apart from more common Welsh exports like Dylan or Owen.
- Makaveli
Origin:
American variation of Machiavelli, ItalianMeaning:
"bad nail; king of light"Description:
Makaveli was an alias of Tupac Shakur — his posthumous album, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, was released under the pseudonym. The album was released in 1996, following his death, and the next year Makaveli debuted on the baby name charts after being given to 11 baby boys.
- Maksymilian
Origin:
Polish, from LatinMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
The Polish form of Maximilian.
- Man
Description:
Man is an uncommon feminine name with diverse cultural roots. In Vietnamese tradition, it's pronounced with a different tone than the English word and means 'ten thousand' or 'intelligence.' In Chinese contexts, depending on the character used, it can represent concepts like 'fullness' or 'literary elegance.' The name's simplicity belies its cultural depth in various Asian naming traditions. While extremely rare as a standalone given name in Western contexts, it holds significance in several Eastern cultures. As a female name, Man offers a minimalist yet meaningful choice, embodying conciseness and strength. Its cross-cultural nature gives it versatility, though its brevity and homonym status with the English word may present practical challenges in some contexts.
- Mayhem
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"chaos, disorder"Description:
You're really asking for it with this one.
- Messiah
Origin:
Aramaic word nameMeaning:
"expected savior or deliverer"Description:
A handful of years ago, a judge in Tennessee ruled that parents could not name their son Messiah, "because there's only one." That decision has since been overturned and the name no longer looks out of place besides the growing number of Saints and Chosens.
- Modesty
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"modesty"Description:
Modesty is a virtue name dating to Roman times, but never widely used, except for hot 1960s movie spoof heroine, Modesty Blaise, based on a comic strip.
- Money
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"payment, currency"Description:
Not as palatable as Cash.
- My
Origin:
Swedish diminutive of MariaMeaning:
"bitter; wished-for child"Description:
Although the sound is pretty, "my" is too common of an English word for My to be usable as a baby name in Anglophone countries.
- Marijuana
- Master
- Myking
- Nacho
Origin:
Word name or short form of IgnacioDescription:
Not unless you want your son to grow up to be just like a wacky Jack Black character.
- Nappy
Description:
Nappy is an uncommon masculine name that may have multiple origins. It could be a diminutive of Napoleon, the name of the famous French emperor, or possibly a nickname derived from other names beginning with 'N'. In some contexts, the name might relate to the Italian name Napoleone or be a variation of Napier, an old Scottish surname. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its short, cheerful sound. While rare in formal usage, it has an informal charm that might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive nickname-style name. Cultural sensitivities should be noted as the word has different meanings in various English dialects, including some potentially negative connotations in American English.
- Nimrod
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"we shall rise up, we shall rebel"Description:
Our kids laughed when they saw this name. Enough said.
- Normal
- Obedience
Origin:
Virtue nameDescription:
It may have been used by the Puritans, but any modern child would chafe under this name.
- Oral
Description:
Oral is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the word meaning "spoken" or "relating to the mouth." It gained modest popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, particularly in religious communities. The name is perhaps most famously associated with evangelist Oral Roberts. Beyond English-speaking countries, similar forms appear in various cultures, including connections to the Irish name Orell. Oral has a distinctive, brief sound with biblical associations that appeal to some families. While uncommon today, it represents a straightforward, dignified option with historical usage. Its simplicity and unique sound set it apart from more common contemporary choices.