Humiliating names

Pansy is an early floral name that lost credibility when it became a derogatory slang term for gay people. Better these days: Posy or Poppy.

A word name with religious and secular significance.

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.

A surefire way to give your child a perfectionism complex.

Spanish speakers use this name for Jesus Christ only. Probably a good policy.

Pet is an unusual feminine name that originated as a diminutive nickname form of names like Patricia or Petra. It derives from the same Latin root 'petra' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' While more commonly recognized as a term for a beloved animal companion, Pet as a given name has historical usage particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. It remains extremely rare in modern naming practices. The name can be seen as endearing and affectionate, suggesting someone who is cherished or treasured. Its brevity gives it a simple, distinctive quality, though parents might hesitate due to its stronger association with companion animals.

Far-fetched, but friends can always call him Phil.

Plummer might be an occupational name for someone who works with pipes -- yes, like a plumber -- or with feathers, from the Olde English (from the French) plume. Or it could indicate someone who lived near a plum tree.

For more exciting options with the same meaning, try Jolie, Marini, or Reiko.

Part of the trend for formerly canine royal names; this is one a little girl might love—up till the age of eight.

With the new fashion for occupational names, we may hear more of this one.

A common name in Indonesia that would not work well in English-speaking countries, being too close to putrid or putty.

Used almost exclusively in England; would make an equally amiable short form here for Raphael or Rafferty -- and could also stand on its own. If you're looking for boys' names starting with R, this is one of your cooler choices.

Modern respelling of Rainbow

Robt is an abbreviated form of Robert, a Germanic name composed of the elements 'hrod' meaning 'fame' and 'beraht' meaning 'bright.' This shortened version was historically used in written records and documents as an abbreviation for the full name. Unlike conventional nicknames like Rob or Bob, Robt is less commonly used as a standalone given name. Its brevity gives it a distinctive quality while maintaining connection to the popular and classic Robert. The name carries the same connotations of strength, distinction, and reliability as its parent name.

A spelling alternative of Ruby that ranked in the US Top 1000 in the early 20th century. It peaked in 1909 when it reached #372 on the charts. It mostly dropped out of use in the 50s, though at least 8 girls were given this spelling in 2023. Notably borne by actress Ruby De Remer, there's a good chance those unfamiliar with it would pronounce it roo-BYE instead of ROO-bee.

Rude is an uncommon masculine name with Germanic origins, found primarily in Scandinavian countries and parts of Central Europe. Despite its potentially problematic connotations in English, the name has entirely different associations in its native context. In Germanic languages, it often derives from elements meaning 'fame' and 'wolf' or serves as a short form of names like Rudolf (famous wolf) or Rudolph (famous wolf). Pronounced roughly as ROO-deh in its original form, the name has declined in international usage due to its negative English meaning. Historically, it was more common in the medieval and early modern periods before English became a global language. Though rare today, Rude represents an example of how names can carry vastly different cultural associations across language boundaries.

A traditional name in the Arabic world.

If you live in a state where marijuana is legal (or maybe even if you don't), you might know that Sativa is one of the major strains of weed.