67 Ugly Girl Names and Their Hidden Meanings

Choosing the right name for a baby is a big decision, and sometimes the names we come across can be surprising. Ugly girl names are often avoided because they carry bad meanings or are considered outdated.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of these names so you can reconsider them and make a more informed choice. Discover which names to avoid to ensure your child has a name that is both beautiful and meaningful.

Ugly Girl Names

1. Gertrude

Often perceived as harsh-sounding, Gertrude means “spear of strength.” Once popular in the early 20th century, it has since fallen out of favor due to its heavy and old-fashioned sound. Despite its strong meaning, many parents avoid it because it lacks the softness that modern names often possess.

2. Mildred

Mildred is an old-fashioned name that means “gentle strength.” While the meaning is lovely, the name itself has a dated and somewhat clunky feel, making it less appealing to contemporary parents. Its hard consonants contribute to its perception as an unattractive choice.

3. Hester

A name that sounds antiquated, Hester means “star.” Though it has literary significance, thanks to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter,” its harsh sound and old-fashioned feel have made it less popular in recent years.

4. Bertha

Once popular, Bertha is now considered clunky and outdated. It means “bright one,” but its heavy and somewhat awkward sound has led to its decline in usage. Many people find it lacks the elegance and charm expected of modern names.

5. Helga

Helga is a strong, old name meaning “holy” or “blessed.” Its Nordic roots give it a rich cultural background, but its harsh sound makes it less attractive to parents today. The strong consonants give it a severe tone that many find unappealing.

6. Brunhilda

A heavy name meaning “armed for battle,” Brunhilda has a powerful and imposing sound. While its meaning is strong and warrior-like, the name itself is often seen as overly harsh and outdated, making it less desirable for a modern child.

7. Agatha

Though it means “good,” Agatha is often seen as old-fashioned. Its hard consonants and formal sound contribute to its perception as an unattractive name. While it has literary and historical significance, it doesn’t fit well with current naming trends.

8. Eunice

Eunice is a name with a dated feel, meaning “good victory.” Its unusual combination of sounds makes it stand out, but not necessarily in a favorable way. It’s rarely chosen for newborns today due to its old-fashioned and somewhat awkward sound.

9. Dolores

Dolores means “sorrows,” which can carry a negative connotation. Beyond its meaning, the name itself sounds heavy and dated, contributing to its lack of popularity. Many parents avoid it due to its somber meaning and old-fashioned sound.

10. Myrtle

An old-fashioned botanical name, Myrtle has a quaint but outdated feel. While nature names are popular, Myrtle’s specific sound and association with older generations make it less appealing compared to more modern botanical names.

11. Opal

Once elegant, Opal is now seen as somewhat outdated. Although it’s a gemstone name, its sound has fallen out of favor. It doesn’t have the same contemporary appeal as other gem-inspired names like Ruby or Jade.

12. Fern

Simple and nature-inspired, Fern is considered old-fashioned by some. While it has a gentle and earthy feel, its popularity peaked decades ago, and it hasn’t seen the same revival as other vintage names.

13. Ethel

An old name meaning “noble,” Ethel is often seen as outdated. Its harsh sound and association with much older generations have led to its decline in use. It lacks the soft, melodic quality that many modern parents seek in a name.

14. Maude

A name from medieval times meaning “battle-mighty,” Maude has a strong historical background but sounds outdated to contemporary ears. Its sharp, abrupt sound contributes to its perception as an unattractive choice.

15. Griselda

A heavy-sounding name meaning “gray battle,” Griselda is rarely chosen today. Its length and complex sound make it seem cumbersome and old-fashioned, despite its intriguing historical roots and strong meaning.

16. Hilda

Hilda means “battle woman” and has strong Germanic roots. Though it signifies strength and resilience, its harsh and dated sound makes it less appealing in contemporary naming trends. The name’s rigid structure and hard consonants contribute to its decline in popularity.

17. Gretchen

Gretchen is a diminutive of Margaret, meaning “pearl.” Although it has a sweet meaning, the name’s harsh consonants and Germanic origins make it sound severe and less appealing to modern parents. It’s often perceived as a dated and rigid name.

18. Ingrid

Ingrid means “beautiful” and has strong Scandinavian roots. Despite its positive meaning, its strong consonants and abrupt sound can make it seem harsh. It’s a name that carries a sense of strength and resilience but is often overlooked due to its rigid pronunciation.

19. Edwina

Edwina means “wealthy friend,” but its strong consonants and old-fashioned sound make it less appealing today. The name has a formal and somewhat stiff quality, which can make it seem out of place among more contemporary choices.

20. Agnes

Agnes means “pure” or “holy,” but its hard consonants and antique feel contribute to its decline in popularity. Although it was once a common name, its sharp sound and association with older generations make it less attractive to modern parents.

21. Mabel

Mabel means “lovable” and was a favorite in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, its vintage charm has not seen a significant revival, and it is often considered quaint and old-fashioned. The name carries a sweet sentiment but lacks modern appeal.

22. Phyllis

Phyllis, meaning “green bough,” was once a popular name but has declined in use. Its association with older generations and its somewhat rigid sound contribute to its outdated feel. While it evokes images of nature, it doesn’t resonate with contemporary naming preferences.

23. Beulah

Beulah means “married” and has biblical roots. The name was more common in the early 1900s but is rarely used today. Its unique sound and antique vibe make it seem out of place among modern names, contributing to its perception as outdated.

24. Gladys

Gladys means “land” or “nation” and was popular in the early 20th century. Its hard consonants and dated sound have led to a decline in its usage. Despite its historical popularity, Gladys is often seen as an old-fashioned choice that lacks contemporary flair.

25. Edna

Edna means “rejuvenation” or “delight” and was once a common name. Today, it is often considered outdated and rarely chosen for newborns. The name’s simple and somewhat plain sound contributes to its perception as an old-fashioned name.

26. Blanche

Blanche means “white” and has French origins. It was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but is now rarely used. The name’s formal and somewhat stiff sound makes it seem antiquated, despite its elegant meaning.

27. Doris

Doris means “gift” and was a popular name in the mid-20th century. Its strong consonants and dated feel contribute to its decline in popularity. While it has a pleasant meaning, the name’s old-fashioned sound makes it less appealing today.

28. Thelma

Thelma, meaning “will” or “volition,” was once a fashionable name but is now considered outdated. Its unique sound and association with older generations contribute to its decline in use. The name’s vintage charm has not seen a revival in recent years.

29. Muriel

Muriel means “bright sea” and has Celtic origins. It was popular in the early 20th century but is now rarely used. The name’s soft sound and old-fashioned feel make it seem out of place among modern names, despite its lovely meaning.

30. Wilma

Wilma means “resolute protector” and was popular in the mid-20th century. Its strong consonants and association with older generations contribute to its outdated feel. While it has a strong meaning, the name’s vintage charm has not seen a revival in recent years.

31. Olga

Olga is a name of Russian origin meaning “holy” or “blessed.” It was popular among Russian royalty and nobility but has a strong, somewhat harsh sound that can make it feel outdated to modern ears.

32. Svetlana

Svetlana is a Slavic name meaning “light” or “holy.” While it has a beautiful meaning, the name’s length and distinct Eastern European sound can make it seem less appealing to contemporary parents.

33. Germaine

Germaine is a French name meaning “brotherly” or “from Germany.” Despite its historical significance, its formal sound and association with older generations have led to its decline in popularity.

34. Brunhilde

Brunhilde is of German origin, meaning “armored warrior woman.” Known from Norse mythology and opera, its complex and heavy sound makes it less desirable in modern naming trends.

35. Gilda

Gilda is an Italian name meaning “sacrifice” or “value.” Once glamorous, its vintage charm has faded, and it is now often considered an old-fashioned choice due to its dated sound.

36. Yvonne

Yvonne is a French name meaning “yew wood.” While it has a soft and elegant sound, its association with older generations and vintage feel make it less popular today.

37. Ludmila

Ludmila is a Slavic name meaning “people’s favor.” It has a rich cultural heritage but can sound cumbersome to modern ears due to its length and strong consonants.

38. Hortense

Hortense is a French name derived from the Latin “hortus,” meaning “garden.” Despite its nature-related meaning, the name’s stiff and formal sound makes it seem outdated.

39. Walburga

Walburga is of Germanic origin, meaning “ruler” or “protection.” Known from Saint Walburga, the name’s strong consonants and medieval feel make it an uncommon choice today.

40. Eudora

Eudora is a Greek name meaning “good gift.” While it has a lovely meaning, the name’s antiquated sound and association with older generations have led to its decline in use.

41. Hildegard

Hildegard is a German name meaning “battle guard.” Known from Saint Hildegard of Bingen, the name’s heavy and formal sound makes it less appealing to contemporary parents.

42. Zillah

Zillah is a Hebrew name meaning “shade” or “shadow.” Despite its biblical roots, the name’s unusual sound and vintage feel make it less popular in modern times.

43. Xenia

Xenia is of Greek origin, meaning “hospitality.” Although it has a positive and welcoming meaning, its exotic sound can make it seem less familiar and therefore less appealing to some parents.

44. Minerva

Minerva is a Latin name meaning “intellect” or “goddess of wisdom.” Known from Roman mythology, the name’s formal and somewhat old-fashioned sound makes it a rare choice today.

45. Ursula

Ursula is a Latin name meaning “little bear.” Despite its association with Saint Ursula and its strong meaning, the name’s harsh sound and vintage feel have led to its decline in popularity.

46. Hazel

Hazel, inspired by the hazel tree and its nuts, was popular in the early 20th century. Its earthy and vintage charm has led to a modest revival, but it still carries an old-fashioned feel.

47. Ivy

Ivy is a plant name that symbolizes fidelity and eternity. While it has a fresh, green image, its vintage sound can make it feel outdated compared to more modern botanical names.

48. Iris

Iris is a flower name with Greek origins, meaning “rainbow.” Although it has a lovely and colorful connotation, the name’s association with older generations gives it a slightly dated feel.

49. Marigold

Marigold is a cheerful flower name that was more common in past centuries. Its bright and sunny image contrasts with its old-fashioned sound, making it a rare choice today.

50. Violet

Violet is a delicate flower name that has seen varying levels of popularity over the years. Despite its pretty connotation, it can be considered somewhat old-fashioned and is less commonly used now.

51. Magnolia

Magnolia is a southern flower name that evokes elegance and beauty. However, its length and formal sound can make it feel somewhat antiquated to modern ears.

52. Daisy

Daisy is a charming flower name that symbolizes innocence and purity. Though it retains some vintage appeal, its simplicity and association with older generations can make it feel dated.

53. Lilac

Lilac is a fragrant flower name that brings to mind images of delicate purple blooms. Its soft and gentle sound is lovely, but it remains underused, contributing to its old-fashioned feel.

54. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb name that suggests calm and serenity. While it has a soothing image, its length and somewhat formal sound make it a less popular choice today.

55. Poppy

Poppy is a vibrant flower name that symbolizes remembrance and consolation. Despite its cheerful image, the name’s playful sound can make it feel less suitable for more formal or professional settings.

56. Willow

Willow is a tree name that suggests grace and flexibility. Although it has a beautiful and serene connotation, its association with older nature names can give it a somewhat dated feel.

57. Peony

Peony is a flower name that symbolizes wealth and honor. Its unique and elaborate blooms are beautiful, but the name itself has a vintage sound that can make it feel old-fashioned.

58. Griselda

Griselda is a name from medieval literature, known from Chaucer’s “The Clerk’s Tale” in “The Canterbury Tales.” It means “gray battle.” Despite its strong literary roots, the name’s heavy and somewhat somber sound makes it less appealing to modern parents.

59. Beatrix

Beatrix is a name with roots in both literature and mythology, meaning “voyager” or “blessed.” It is famously associated with Beatrix Potter, the beloved children’s author. While it has a vintage charm, its somewhat formal sound can feel outdated.

60. Ophelia

Ophelia is a name made famous by Shakespeare’s tragic heroine in “Hamlet.” It means “help” in Greek. Despite its literary significance, the name’s association with tragedy and its antique sound make it less popular today.

61. Isolde

Isolde is a name from Arthurian legend, meaning “ice ruler.” Known from the tragic love story of Tristan and Isolde, the name’s heavy and dramatic sound can make it feel outdated and less appealing for contemporary use.

62. Minerva

Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, known for her strategic skill. The name means “intellect” or “goddess of wisdom.” While it carries a strong mythological heritage, its formal and old-fashioned sound has led to a decline in popularity.

63. Guinevere

Guinevere is the name of King Arthur’s queen in Arthurian legend, meaning “white shadow” or “white wave.” Despite its romantic and regal associations, the name’s length and old-fashioned sound make it less commonly chosen today.

64. Cressida

Cressida is a name from literature, known from Shakespeare’s play “Troilus and Cressida.” It means “gold.” Despite its literary roots and elegant connotation, the name’s unique and somewhat complex sound can make it feel outdated.

65. Desdemona

Desdemona is a name from Shakespeare’s tragedy “Othello,” meaning “ill-fated.” While it has a strong literary presence, the tragic associations and heavy sound of the name make it less appealing to modern parents.

66. Persephone

Persephone is a name from Greek mythology, meaning “bringer of destruction.” As the queen of the underworld, the name carries a sense of mystery and darkness. Its length and mythological weight can make it seem cumbersome and less suitable for everyday use.

67. Titania

Titania is the queen of the fairies in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The name, meaning “great one,” has a whimsical and regal feel. However, its dramatic and elaborate sound can make it seem less practical for modern naming trends.