128 Names with Bad Meanings You Didn’t Know About

Choosing a name for a child is a big decision, and it’s important to consider the meaning behind the name. While many names have beautiful and positive meanings, some names come with negative or unfortunate associations.

Understanding names with bad meanings can help you avoid potential pitfalls and ensure that the name you choose carries positive vibes. Let’s explore some names with bad meanings and uncover their origins and implications.

Male Names with Bad Meanings

1. Cameron

Meaning: Crooked nose

Origin: Scottish

The name Cameron comes from the Gaelic “cam sròn,” meaning “crooked nose.” It refers to someone with a distinctive nose shape.

2. Zane

Meaning: God is gracious

Origin: Hebrew

Zane is a variant of John, meaning “God is gracious.” However, in some cultures, it has developed negative connotations related to arrogance or brashness.

3. Brennan

Meaning: Descendant of Braonán (sorrow)

Origin: Irish

Brennan comes from the Irish surname Ó Braonáin, meaning “descendant of Braonán,” which is derived from “braon,” meaning “sorrow.”

4. Calvin

Meaning: Bald

Origin: French

Calvin originates from the French surname “Cauvin,” which is derived from the Latin “calvinus,” meaning “bald.”

5. Kennedy

Meaning: Misshapen head

Origin: Irish

Kennedy comes from the Gaelic “Cinnéidigh,” meaning “misshapen head.”

6. Tristan

Meaning: Sad

Origin: Welsh

Tristan is believed to be derived from the Welsh name Drystan, associated with the Latin “tristis,” meaning “sad” or “sorrowful.”

7. Blaine

Meaning: Thin, lean

Origin: Scottish

Blaine is derived from the Gaelic word “bláán,” meaning “thin” or “lean.”

8. Brendan

Meaning: Prince or stinking hair

Origin: Irish

Brendan has dual meanings; it is commonly associated with “prince,” but another interpretation relates to “stinking hair.”

9. Claudio

Meaning: Lame

Origin: Latin

Claudio is derived from the Latin name “Claudius,” meaning “lame” or “crippled.”

10. Draco

Meaning: Dragon, serpent

Origin: Greek

Draco comes from the Greek word “drakon,” meaning “dragon” or “serpent,” often associated with evil in Western culture.

11. Harold

Meaning: Army ruler

Origin: Old English

Harold originates from the Old English name “Hereweald,” meaning “army ruler.” While not inherently negative, it is sometimes linked to warlike connotations.

12. Jabez

Meaning: Sorrow

Origin: Hebrew

Jabez comes from the Hebrew name “Yabetz,” meaning “sorrow” or “pain.”

13. Levin

Meaning: Dear friend or lightning

Origin: Germanic

Levin has dual meanings; it means “dear friend” in some contexts, but in others, it relates to “lightning,” suggesting suddenness or volatility.

14. Melvin

Meaning: Council protector or bad town

Origin: Celtic

Melvin is derived from the Celtic word “mael,” meaning “council protector,” but another interpretation is “bad town.”

15. Porter

Meaning: Gatekeeper

Origin: Latin

Porter comes from the Latin word “portarius,” meaning “gatekeeper.” While not inherently negative, it can imply servitude or menial work.

16. Ronan

Meaning: Little seal

Origin: Irish

Ronan is derived from the Irish word “rón,” meaning “seal.” The diminutive form can imply insignificance.

17. Seth

Meaning: Appointed or placed

Origin: Hebrew

Seth comes from the Hebrew name “Shet,” meaning “appointed” or “placed.” While not negative in itself, the Biblical Seth’s lineage led to the great flood.

18. Tristram

Meaning: Sad

Origin: Celtic

Tristram is a variant of Tristan, sharing the same root meaning “sad” or “sorrowful.”

19. Uriah

Meaning: God is my light

Origin: Hebrew

Uriah means “God is my light” in Hebrew. Although positive, Uriah in the Bible was betrayed by King David, giving the name a tragic association.

20. Volker

Meaning: People’s guard

Origin: German

Volker comes from the Germanic elements “folk,” meaning “people,” and “heri,” meaning “army” or “warrior,” which can imply conflict.

21. Wolfgang

Meaning: Wolf path

Origin: German

Wolfgang is derived from the Old High German words “wolf” (wolf) and “gang” (path). While it can symbolize strength, the association with wolves can also imply aggression or danger.

22. Bardolph

Meaning: Bright wolf

Origin: English

Bardolph comes from the Old English words “beorht” (bright) and “wulf” (wolf). The name has a dual connotation, with “wolf” often carrying negative associations of fierceness and cunning.

23. Mortimer

Meaning: Dead sea

Origin: French

Mortimer originates from the Old French “mort” (dead) and “mer” (sea). The name literally means “dead sea,” which can imply a lifeless or desolate place.

24. Clinton

Meaning: Settlement on a hill or fenced settlement

Origin: English

Clinton comes from the Old English words “clif” (cliff) and “tun” (settlement). While the name itself is not inherently negative, historical associations with political scandals have given it a less favorable connotation.

25. Cassius

Meaning: Hollow, vain

Origin: Latin

Cassius is derived from the Latin word “cassus,” meaning “hollow” or “vain.” It implies emptiness or lack of substance.

26. Desmond

Meaning: From South Munster (region in Ireland) or “Gracious defender”

Origin: Irish

Desmond comes from the Irish “Deas-Mhumhna,” referring to South Munster. Though the name itself is neutral, it can sometimes carry historical and regional connotations.

27. Devin

Meaning: Poet or fawn

Origin: Irish

Devin is derived from the Irish word “damh,” meaning “poet” or “fawn.” In some interpretations, it can imply naivety or fragility.

28. Donovan

Meaning: Dark, brown-haired chieftain

Origin: Irish

Donovan comes from the Irish surname Ó Donnabháin, meaning “descendant of Donnabhán,” where “donn” means “dark” or “brown.” The name can carry a somber or mysterious tone.

29. Herman

Meaning: Army man

Origin: German

Herman is derived from the Germanic words “heri” (army) and “man” (man). The name can imply a martial or warlike character.

30. Icarus

Meaning: Follower

Origin: Greek

Icarus comes from Greek mythology, where Icarus is known for flying too close to the sun and falling into the sea. The name symbolizes overambition and recklessness.

31. Jareth

Meaning: Descent or “Bled of water”

Origin: English

Jareth, while not having a traditional meaning, is often associated with negative characters in popular culture, such as the Goblin King in the movie “Labyrinth.”

32. Judas

Meaning: Praised

Origin: Hebrew

Judas means “praised” in Hebrew. Despite the positive meaning, the name is infamously associated with Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, giving it a strong negative connotation.

33. Kane

Meaning: Little battler

Origin: Irish

Kane is derived from the Irish word “cathán,” meaning “little battler.” It implies conflict and struggle.

34. Rex

Meaning: King

Origin: Latin

Rex means “king” in Latin. While generally a strong name, it can imply arrogance or a domineering nature in some contexts.

35. Soren

Meaning: Severe, stern

Origin: Danish

Soren comes from the Latin name “Severus,” meaning “severe” or “stern.” It implies a strict or harsh personality.

36. Thaddeus

Meaning: Heart

Origin: Aramaic

Thaddeus is derived from the Aramaic word “taddai,” meaning “heart.” Despite its positive meaning, historical associations with less favorable Biblical characters can give it a negative context.

37. Ulysses

Meaning: Wrathful

Origin: Greek

Ulysses comes from the Latin form of Odysseus, meaning “wrathful.” Known for his long and arduous journey in Greek mythology, the name implies struggle and adversity.

38. Zedekiah

Meaning: God is my righteousness

Origin: Hebrew

Zedekiah means “God is my righteousness.” Despite its positive meaning, Zedekiah was a Biblical king who faced tragic downfall and betrayal, casting a shadow over the name.

Female Names with Bad Meanings

1. Cecilia

Meaning: Blind

Origin: Latin

Cecilia comes from the Latin word “caecus,” meaning “blind.” It originally referred to a family’s ancestral blindness.

2. Claudia

Meaning: Lame, crippled

Origin: Latin

Claudia is derived from the Latin name “Claudius,” meaning “lame” or “crippled.”

3. Delilah

Meaning: Delicate, languishing

Origin: Hebrew

Delilah means “delicate” in Hebrew. In the Bible, Delilah betrayed Samson, giving the name a connotation of deceit.

4. Desdemona

Meaning: Ill-fated

Origin: Greek

Desdemona comes from the Greek “dysdaimon,” meaning “ill-fated.” The name is associated with the tragic character in Shakespeare’s “Othello.”

5. Hecate

Meaning: Far-reaching

Origin: Greek

Hecate is the name of the Greek goddess of witchcraft and magic, often associated with the underworld and dark powers.

6. Jezebel

Meaning: Not exalted

Origin: Hebrew

Jezebel means “not exalted” in Hebrew. It is infamous for the Biblical queen who promoted idol worship and was associated with wickedness.

7. Lilith

Meaning: Night monster

Origin: Akkadian

Lilith comes from the Akkadian “lilītu,” meaning “night monster” or “storm demon.” She is often depicted as a demonic figure in various mythologies.

8. Lola

Meaning: Sorrow

Origin: Spanish

Lola is a diminutive of Dolores, meaning “sorrows” in Spanish, derived from “Nuestra Señora de los Dolores” (Our Lady of Sorrows).

9. Mara

Meaning: Bitter

Origin: Hebrew

Mara means “bitter” in Hebrew. In the Bible, Naomi adopts this name to express her grief and sorrow.

10. Mallory

Meaning: Unfortunate

Origin: Old French

Mallory is derived from the Old French word “malheure,” meaning “unfortunate” or “unlucky.”

11. Molly

Meaning: Bitter

Origin: Hebrew

Molly is a diminutive of Mary, which can mean “bitter” in Hebrew.

12. Persephone

Meaning: Bringer of destruction

Origin: Greek

Persephone’s name is linked to Greek words meaning “to destroy” and “slaughter,” reflecting her role as the queen of the underworld.

13. Portia

Meaning: Pig

Origin: Latin

Portia is derived from the Latin “porcus,” meaning “pig.”

14. Rue

Meaning: Regret

Origin: English

Rue means “regret” in English and is also a herb associated with sorrow.

15. Sorrow

Meaning: Sadness

Origin: English

Sorrow directly translates to “sadness” or “grief” in English.

16. Trixie

Meaning: Bringer of joy or she who brings happiness

Origin: Latin

Trixie, derived from Beatrix, means “bringer of joy,” but can also carry the connotation of being a trickster.

17. Trista

Meaning: Sad

Origin: Celtic

Trista is derived from the Celtic word “tristis,” meaning “sad” or “sorrowful.”

18. Valeria

Meaning: Strength or to be strong

Origin: Latin

Valeria means “strength” in Latin, but historically, many with the name suffered tragic fates, giving it a somber tone.

19. Veda

Meaning: Knowledge

Origin: Sanskrit

Veda means “knowledge” in Sanskrit, but can also imply “burdened with knowledge.”

20. Leah

Meaning: Weary

Origin: Hebrew

Leah means “weary” in Hebrew, reflecting a sense of tiredness or fatigue.

21. Lorna

Meaning: Forsaken

Origin: Scottish

Lorna is derived from the Scottish place name Lorne, and is sometimes associated with loneliness or being forsaken.

22. Lorelei

Meaning: Luring rock

Origin: German

Lorelei is associated with a rocky cliff on the Rhine River and a siren who lured sailors to their deaths.

23. Marcia

Meaning: War-like

Origin: Latin

Marcia comes from Mars, the Roman god of war, and means “war-like.”

24. Melisande

Meaning: Strength or honey bee

Origin: Germanic

Melisande means “strength” or “honey bee” in Old German, but medieval tales associate it with tragic and sorrowful stories.

25. Ophelia

Meaning: Help

Origin: Greek

Ophelia means “help” in Greek, but the name is famously linked to the tragic character in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

26. Raven

Meaning: Dark-haired or bird

Origin: English

Raven is associated with the bird, which is often seen as an omen of death or misfortune.

27. Tempest

Meaning: Storm

Origin: English

Tempest means “storm” in English, implying tumultuous or turbulent conditions.

28. Thana

Meaning: Death

Origin: Arabic

Thana means “death” in Arabic, carrying a direct and dark connotation.

29. Ulva

Meaning: Wolf

Origin: Scandinavian

Ulva is derived from Old Norse “úlfr,” meaning “wolf,” often associated with wildness and danger.

30. Vampira

Meaning: Vampire

Origin: English

Vampira is derived from “vampire,” evoking images of the undead and darkness.

31. Zilla

Meaning: Shadow

Origin: Hebrew

Zilla means “shadow” in Hebrew, suggesting darkness or obscurity.

32. Loretta

Meaning: Laurel or bay tree

Origin: Latin

Loretta means “laurel” or “bay tree” in Latin, but has been associated with sorrow in various literary works.

33. Lillith

Meaning: Night monster

Origin: Akkadian

Lillith comes from the Akkadian “lilītu,” meaning “night monster” or “storm demon.” She is often depicted as a demonic figure in various mythologies.

34. Diana

Meaning: Divine

Origin: Latin

Diana means “divine” in Latin, but as the Roman goddess of the hunt, she is also associated with wildness and untamed nature.

35. Ember

Meaning: Spark, burning low

Origin: English

Ember means “spark” or “burning low,” implying something that is fading away or nearly extinguished.

36. Alma

Meaning: Nourishing or soul

Origin: Latin

Alma means “nourishing” in Latin, but in Spanish, it can also mean “soul,” and has connotations of melancholy.

37. Alecto

Meaning: Unceasing anger

Origin: Greek

Alecto is one of the Furies in Greek mythology, and her name means “unceasing anger.”

38. Amara

Meaning: Bitter

Origin: Latin

Amara means “bitter” in Latin, despite being a beautiful-sounding name.

39. Corinne

Meaning: Maiden

Origin: Greek

Corinne means “maiden” in Greek, but has been associated with sorrowful literary characters.

40. Desiree

Meaning: Desired

Origin: French

Desiree means “desired” in French, but has been linked to tragic and unfulfilled desires in various stories.

Names with Bad Meanings in Literature and Pop Culture

1. Voldemort

Meaning: Flight of death

Origin: French

In J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, Voldemort is the dark wizard whose name means “flight of death.” He embodies evil and fear.

2. Regan

Meaning: Little king

Origin: Irish

In Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” Regan is one of Lear’s treacherous daughters who betrays him.

3. Goneril

Meaning: Unknown

Origin: Literary

Another treacherous daughter from Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” Goneril is known for her ruthlessness and cruelty.

4. Lucifer

Meaning: Light-bringer

Origin: Latin

In Christian theology, Lucifer is the fallen angel who becomes Satan, representing ultimate evil.

5. Scar

Meaning: Scar

Origin: English

In Disney’s “The Lion King,” Scar is the villainous lion who kills his brother Mufasa and takes over the Pride Lands.

6. Norma Bates

Meaning: Normal

Origin: English

In Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” Norma Bates is the name of Norman Bates’ mother, whose influence drives him to madness and murder.

7. Grendel

Meaning: Unknown

Origin: Old English

In the epic “Beowulf,” Grendel is the monstrous creature who terrorizes the mead hall of King Hrothgar.

8. Medusa

Meaning: Guardian, protectress

Origin: Greek

In Greek mythology, Medusa is the Gorgon whose gaze turns people to stone, symbolizing deadly beauty.

9. Cruella

Meaning: Derived from “cruel”

Origin: English

In Dodie Smith’s “101 Dalmatians,” Cruella de Vil is the villainess who wants to make a coat out of dalmatian puppies.

10. Hannibal

Meaning: Grace of Baal

Origin: Phoenician

In Thomas Harris’ novels, Hannibal Lecter is a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer.

11. Iago

Meaning: Supplanter

Origin: Spanish

In Shakespeare’s “Othello,” Iago is the manipulative antagonist who deceives Othello and brings about his downfall.

12. Smeagol/Gollum

Meaning: Burrowing, cave-dweller

Origin: Old English

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” Gollum, once known as Smeagol, is a creature corrupted by the One Ring.

13. Medea

Meaning: To ponder, cunning

Origin: Greek

In Greek mythology, Medea is a sorceress who kills her own children to avenge her husband’s betrayal.

14. Moriarty

Meaning: Sea warrior

Origin: Irish

In Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Sherlock Holmes” series, Professor Moriarty is the criminal mastermind and archenemy of Sherlock Holmes.

15. Joffrey

Meaning: Peace of a stranger

Origin: Germanic

In George R.R. Martin’s “Game of Thrones,” Joffrey Baratheon is a cruel and sadistic young king.

16. Ratched

Meaning: Derived from “wretched”

Origin: English

In Ken Kesey’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” Nurse Ratched is the oppressive and manipulative head nurse.

17. Freddy Krueger

Meaning: Peaceful ruler

Origin: Germanic

In the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” series, Freddy Krueger is a supernatural killer who haunts and kills teenagers in their dreams.

18. Carrie

Meaning: Free man

Origin: Germanic

In Stephen King’s “Carrie,” Carrie White is a telekinetic teenager who takes revenge on her tormentors.

19. Norman Bates

Meaning: North man

Origin: Germanic

In Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” Norman Bates is the disturbed proprietor of the Bates Motel who has a split personality.

20. Patrick Bateman

Meaning: Nobleman

Origin: Irish

In Bret Easton Ellis’ “American Psycho,” Patrick Bateman is a wealthy, psychopathic New York City investment banker and serial killer.

21. Maleficent

Meaning: Doing evil

Origin: Latin

In Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty,” Maleficent is the evil fairy who curses Princess Aurora.

22. Bellatrix

Meaning: Female warrior

Origin: Latin

In J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, Bellatrix Lestrange is a loyal Death Eater and one of Voldemort’s most dangerous followers.

23. Anakin

Meaning: Warrior

Origin: Sanskrit

In the “Star Wars” series, Anakin Skywalker becomes Darth Vader, a powerful Sith Lord.

24. Damien

Meaning: To tame, subdue

Origin: Greek

In “The Omen” series, Damien Thorn is the Antichrist, destined to bring about the apocalypse.

25. Dexter

Meaning: Right-handed, skilled

Origin: Latin

In Jeff Lindsay’s “Dexter” series, Dexter Morgan is a forensic analyst who leads a secret life as a vigilante serial killer.

26. Sauron

Meaning: Abhorred

Origin: Quenya (Tolkien’s Elvish language)

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” Sauron is the dark lord who creates the One Ring to dominate Middle-earth.

27. Cersei

Meaning: Bird, hawk

Origin: Greek

In George R.R. Martin’s “Game of Thrones,” Cersei Lannister is a manipulative and power-hungry queen.

28. Joker

Meaning: One who jests

Origin: English

In DC Comics, the Joker is a psychopathic criminal mastermind and the archenemy of Batman.

29. Lecter

Meaning: Derived from “lectern,” a reading desk

Origin: English

In Thomas Harris’ novels, Hannibal Lecter is a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer.

30. Ahab

Meaning: Father’s brother

Origin: Hebrew

In Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick,” Captain Ahab is the obsessed and vengeful captain pursuing the white whale.

31. Frankenstein

Meaning: Derived from “Frank’s stone”

Origin: German

In Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” Victor Frankenstein is the scientist who creates the monster, often referred to by his creator’s name.

32. Griffith

Meaning: Strong chief

Origin: Welsh

In Kentaro Miura’s “Berserk,” Griffith is a charismatic leader who becomes the demonic Femto, representing ambition and betrayal.

33. Jadis

Meaning: Sorceress

Origin: French

In C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia,” Jadis, the White Witch, rules Narnia with an iron fist and brings eternal winter.

34. Dorian

Meaning: Of the sea

Origin: Greek

In Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” Dorian Gray remains youthful while his portrait ages, symbolizing vanity and moral decay.

35. Lestat

Meaning: Joy, estate

Origin: French

In Anne Rice’s “The Vampire Chronicles,” Lestat de Lioncourt is a charismatic but morally ambiguous vampire.

36. Morgana

Meaning: Sea-born

Origin: Welsh

In Arthurian legend, Morgana (or Morgan le Fay) is a powerful sorceress often depicted as an antagonist to King Arthur.

37. Gollum

Meaning: Burrowing, cave-dweller

Origin: Old English

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” Gollum, once known as Smeagol, is a creature corrupted by the One Ring.

38. Tybalt

Meaning: Brave people

Origin: Germanic

In Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” Tybalt is a hot-headed Capulet who provokes conflict and is ultimately killed by Romeo.

39. Regina George

Meaning: Queen

Origin: Latin

In the movie “Mean Girls,” Regina George is the manipulative and controlling leader of the Plastics.

40. Heathcliff

Meaning: Heath near a cliff

Origin: English

In Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights,” Heathcliff is a brooding and vengeful character who causes much suffering.

41. Dracula

Meaning: Son of the dragon

Origin: Romanian

In Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” Count Dracula is a vampire who preys on the living to sustain his immortality.

42. Rumpelstiltskin

Meaning: Little rattle stilt

Origin: German

In the fairy tale “Rumpelstiltskin,” the character is a cunning and manipulative imp who demands a high price for his magical services.

43. Saruman

Meaning: Man of skill

Origin: Old English

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” Saruman is a powerful wizard who betrays the forces of good.

44. Rasputin

Meaning: Debauchee

Origin: Russian

In Russian history and various adaptations, Rasputin is portrayed as a sinister and manipulative figure with a notorious reputation.

45. Beelzebub

Meaning: Lord of the flies

Origin: Hebrew

In religious texts and literature, Beelzebub is a demon or devil associated with corruption and evil.

46. Steerpike

Meaning: Derived from “steer” (to guide) and “pike” (a sharp weapon)

Origin: English

In Mervyn Peake’s “Gormenghast” series, Steerpike is a cunning and ambitious character who manipulates others for his own gain.

47. Vlad

Meaning: To rule

Origin: Slavic

Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure behind the Dracula legend, is known for his brutal and violent reign.

48. Tywin

Meaning: Derived from “Ty” (from Typhon) and “win” (friend)

Origin: Literary

In George R.R. Martin’s “Game of Thrones,” Tywin Lannister is a ruthless and power-hungry lord.

49. Azazel

Meaning: Scapegoat, strong one

Origin: Hebrew

In various religious texts, Azazel is a fallen angel or demon associated with sin and corruption.

50. Stryver

Meaning: To strive

Origin: English

In Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities,” Mr. Stryver is a self-serving lawyer whose ambition is more notable than his ethics.