Some parents place great importance on the meanings behind their baby’s name. If a name doesn’t convey notions of “beauty,” “strength,” or “wisdom,” they might not give it a second glance.
If you share this sentiment, you may want to avoid the names listed here. While each of these names carries a unique charm, their meanings might not align with the overwhelmingly positive connotations many expect.
- Lola
This charming name ranks at #239 among the top 1,000 girls’ names in America. However, it’s a diminutive of the Spanish name Dolores, which translates to “sorrows.” - Mallory
With a meaning of “unfortunate” or “bad luck,” naming your child Mallory might feel like inviting misfortune into your home. - Giselle
Originating from the Germanic word gisil, this name means “pledge” but also carries a darker meaning: “hostage.” - Rue
The phrase “rue the day” suggests deep regret—an ironic twist for a name that means “regret” itself. - Thana
This beautiful Greek name sounds melodic, yet its meaning is “death.” Interestingly, in Hindi, it also means “police station.” - Lorelei
Translating to “luring rock,” Lorelei is steeped in folklore about a siren who lured sailors to their demise. - Courtney
This name has two meanings: “broken” or “short nose.” - Portia
You might think Portia means “precious,” but it actually derives from Porcius, meaning “pig.” - Deborah
Those who dislike insects may want to skip Deborah, as it means “bee.” But bees can be quite endearing. - Mara
Ranking at #681 in popularity, Mara means “bitter” in Hebrew, which hasn’t stopped many parents from choosing it. - Persephone
Meaning “bringer of death,” this name has roots in Greek mythology. It combines the elements pertho (to destroy) and phone (murder). - Campbell
Beyond its soup associations, Campbell means “crooked mouth.” - Kennedy
This trendy name, currently at #59, means “ugly head,” which hasn’t deterred parents. - Aeron
A unisex name, Aeron is the Welsh version of Agrona, meaning “slaughter.” - Coriander
A botanical name with trendy appeal, Coriander means “bed bug.” - Cameron
Much like Campbell, Cameron means “crooked,” specifically referencing the nose. - Tristan
This name has dual meanings: “noise” and “sorrowful.” With kids, noise might be the more applicable meaning. - Brennan
If you resonate with Eeyore’s character, consider naming your child Brennan, which means “descendant of sorrow.” - Byron
This name means “cow barn,” a rather unusual etymology. - Amos
Though it means “carried,” it can also mean “burden,” but your child won’t ever be a burden, right? - Caleb
Derived from the Hebrew word kelev, Caleb means “dog.” - Melvin
If you’re critical of your hometown, you might find humor in naming your son Melvin, which means “bad town.” - Oscar
Contrary to popular belief, Oscar doesn’t mean “grouchy.” It means “deer friend.” - Soren
Despite your child’s sweet demeanor, Soren means “severe.” - Makai
The meaning of this name is unclear, but in Japanese, it translates to “hell.” - Odin
This powerful name means “rage” or “frenzy.” - Caesar
Derived from the Latin caesaries, Caesar means “hair.” - Calvin
In a playful twist, Calvin means “bald,” which could balance out Caesar. - Ares
If you prefer positive meanings, consider the astrological spelling “Aries” (meaning “ram”) over Ares, which means “ruin.”
As the parent of a child named Cameron, I can assure you that a name’s meaning doesn’t define the person. So feel free to choose any of these captivating names without worry; most people won’t be aware of the meanings behind them. For more insights on baby names and their meanings, visit our related blog posts at this link.
In the journey towards parenthood, it’s also beneficial to explore resources like this article for insightful information on fertility and home insemination. And for practical tools, check out this guide for assistance with your home insemination kit.
Summary:
This article highlights 29 baby names that possess intriguing or dark meanings that may not resonate positively with all parents. Each name has a unique backstory, blending charm with unexpected symbolism, making them worth considering despite their unusual connotations.