There is one person in everyone’s life who, in a million years, they would never name their child after. Maybe it was that little playground bully in fifth grade that made you turn a blind eye to all Spencers ever since, or maybe it was your horrible boss, Ross, who was literally covered in thorns. Chances are you also have some TV roles (as well as movie leads) that you avoid associating with your children.
Unfortunately, the writers behind some of the best movies and shows don’t really care if they make the name unusable. Of course, they had to come up with a name for their character. But when the character becomes so huge – whether because they’re beloved or just plain evil – anyone who really likes the name might want to avoid using it when naming their child. Think of all the Disney characters you know and love. Were it not for their animated associations, you’d probably see more of little Aurora and Flynn.
After browsing baby name forums and polling real parents, these 19 names came up most often as choices they might have considered but were ruined by characters in pop culture. Sorry in advance, twilight fan.
01Damian
omen is a cult classic horror film that has been remade and expanded upon time and time again. And, alas, since little boy Damian turns out to be the literal Antichrist, it’s hard to shake off that name association.
02Clarice
Naming your child Clarice essentially dooms people to a lifetime of Hannibal Lecter’s creepiest impressions, which sounds like a terrible way to live. This is a bit disappointing because it’s a very pretty nickname meaning “bright” or “clear”.
03Inigo
Inigo is a gorgeous Spanish name traditionally given to boys that means “passionate” or “fiery.” However, consider that you probably can’t pronounce this name without reciting Inigo Montoya’s quote. princess brideyou’ll understand why you don’t see more little Inigo running around.
04bella
Bella Swan, played by Kristen Stewart, has been the butt of many jokes; twilight Generally speaking. (I mean…I get it.) So, many parents may shy away from names like Bella, Edward, Jasper, and Emmett for a while (although Alice and Jacob are such classics, they still uncontaminated).
05Reagan
if you have seen omenyou may also have seen The Exorcistwhich may be enough to keep you away from the name Regan for life. Demonic possession – plus some visual effects from the movie – isn’t exactly the best baby name inspiration in the world. no thanks.
06Elsa
Let it go – no matter what, you dream of naming your child Elsa. because freezinga name that instantly brings to mind ice and snow, and will cause many kids they meet to start singing “Let It Go.”
07Carrie
Well, there’s also Stephen King’s Carriewhich is terrible in many ways. And, of course, there’s Carrie Bradshaw, who is basically insufferable 90% of the time (that’s a lot of time in seven seasons and two movies) Sex and the City series, and two of them that’s all).
08Ursula
Iconic Sea Witch: Yes. Baby names: Not so much. because of bad people little mermaid This name is so famous that she is probably the first thing we think of when we hear it. So think about how many of the Ursulas you know were born after the film premiered in 1989.
09ramsay
If you have seen game of Thronesthe name has an immediate association in your brain – you definitely don’t want to throw this name at your child. Ramsay Bolton is arguably the most cruel character in the entire series, and his actions are so despicable we need not repeat them here. Joffrey is terrible too, but I doubt that name has been on many parents’ radar before get Anyway.
10Beautiful
The name Miaoli existed long before it was given a name harry potter character, originated sometime in the 1800s. Of Greek origin, meaning “messenger”, it is a quirky and adorable female name. But now, you can’t use that with your daughter unless you’re willing to accept that everyone will associate your child with the wizarding world.
11Fiona
Fiona is a beautiful name that’s popular in Scotland, but in America you might be getting your kids into ogre jokes. However, as your child grows up and moves away from their annoying classmates, the name may fade away.
12Salda
Regardless, this one will only appeal to retro name lovers. between The Legend of Zelda Video game series and a scene from it pet cemetery (shudder), this is a hard no for most parents. That said, if you like playing games and need a name for your pet, it would be cute to name a dog or cat (ask me how I know that).
13Angelica sinensis
Oh, Angelica Pickles – did you know she’s only supposed to be 3 years old? dwarf? She’s not most kids’ favorite on first viewing by any means, and when you hear the name now you immediately think of her.
14Ross
Listen, Ross Geller is either your favorite character or your least favorite character. friendsBut no matter what, when you hear his name, you think of him. You may be the first to yell “PIVOT” to your child, but you won’t be the last.
15Dexter
yes, like Dextera show about a Miami Police Department blood-splattered analyst who kills people (but only the bad guys!). Even if you avoid watching the show, you’ll probably remember Dexter’s Laboratory From that day on. If this name makes you scream “Dee Dee!” in your head, just know you’re not alone.
16Oscar
Parents will never stop using this name, nor should they – it’s a timeless, successful name for boys. That said, we all know Oscar has a reputation for being grumpy and living in the trash. This name is not completely Ruined, but it’s something parents who choose it must consider.
No. 17Jamie
Jamie Dutton from yellowstone park Just not the nicest person around (understatement this year). None of the Duttons have enough role models to name your kids, but Jamie seems to be the most universally disliked of the entire family.
18Marley
Yes, marley and me Should come with a trigger warning. Obviously, singer Bob Marley also comes to mind when you hear the name, but for some, the heartache from that movie also pops up.
Would you still name your children these names?
