Bad Names for Boys: A Guide to Avoiding the Worst Choices

Looking for a name for your baby boy that's unique and memorable? While you might be tempted by names that are "edgy" or "different," it's important to consider the long-term impact of a name. Some names, while they might sound cool now, could lead to teasing or embarrassment down the road. This list explores names that are generally considered to be "bad" for boys, due to their negative connotations, unfortunate meanings, or simply their awkwardness. Before you choose a name, consider its potential impact on your son's life and whether it's truly a name that you'd be proud to call him.
| Name | Meaning/Association |
|---|---|
| Abaddon | Hebrew for "destruction" or "place of destruction" |
| Asmodeus | A demon in Jewish mythology known for lust and wickedness |
| Beelzebub | A demon often depicted as the "Lord of the Flies" |
| Cain | The first murderer in the Bible |
| Caligula | A Roman Emperor known for his cruelty and depravity |
| Draco | A type of dragon, often associated with evil |
| Edgar | Means "wealthy spear," but can be associated with the villainous Edgar Allan Poe |
| Ezekiel | A Hebrew prophet, but also a name that sounds like "Eek!" |
| Faustian | Relating to the German legend of Faust, who sold his soul to the devil |
| Grendel | A monstrous character from the epic poem Beowulf |
| Hades | The Greek god of the underworld |
| Lucifer | The fallen angel, also known as Satan |
| Malachi | A Hebrew prophet, but also a name that sounds similar to "malicious" |
| Mephistopheles | A demon in German folklore |
| Nero | A Roman Emperor known for his cruelty and persecution of Christians |
| Oedipus | A Greek king who unknowingly killed his father and married his mother |
| Phineas | A biblical character known for his jealousy and rage |
| Quentin | A name that sounds similar to "quittin'" |
| Reginald | A name that sounds like "regretful" |
| Rufus | Latin for "redhead," but can be associated with the "Rufus" character in the movie "The Princess Bride" |
| Salem | The name of a city known for its witch trials |
| Saul | The first king of Israel, but also a name that sounds similar to "sowl" |
| Septimus | A Latin name meaning "seventh," but can sound similar to "septic" |
| Simeon | A biblical character, but also a name that sounds similar to "semen" |
| Solomon | The wisest king of Israel, but also a name that sounds similar to "solemn" |
| Thanatos | The Greek personification of death |
| Uriah | A biblical character who was killed by King David |
| Valkyrie | Norse mythology figures who choose who dies in battle |
| Vlad | A name that can be associated with Vlad the Impaler |
| Zephyr | The Greek god of the west wind, but also a name that sounds like "zephyr" |
| Agathocles | A Greek tyrant known for his cruelty |
| Ahab | A biblical king known for his wickedness |
| Amon | An Egyptian god, but also a name that sounds like "among" |
| Antiochus | A Greek king known for his persecution of the Jews |
| Barabbas | A criminal who was released in place of Jesus |
| Belial | A Hebrew word meaning "worthlessness," but also a demon in Jewish mythology |
| Boaz | A biblical character, but also a name that sounds like "Boaz" |
| Brontë | A name that sounds similar to "bronchitis" |
| Caractacus | A British king who fought against the Roman Empire |