10 Unluckiest Baby Names You Don't Want Your Child To Have & 10 Lucky Ones
The Power of a Name
Many cultures believe that certain sounds or meanings carry a specific type of energy that can follow a person around. It's fun to explore which monikers are tied to good fortune and which ones might come with negative associations. With that in mind, here are 10 name choices that carry heavy historical baggage and 10 that invite nothing but sunshine and success.
1. Desdemona
You can't argue that this name doesn't sound fancy and lovely. Most people associate it with Shakespeare's tragic heroine, who met a very grim end through no fault of her own. Choosing this for a daughter might feel like you're inviting unnecessary drama into her life before she even starts school.
2. Malachi
Malachi has been a trendy vintage name lately, but the Hebrew translation literally means "my messenger," which can take a turn toward the "bringer of bad tidings" in certain interpretations. Some parents avoid it because of its sharpness. You might find that it carries a weight that feels a little too serious for a bubbly toddler.
3. Pandora
The girl who just couldn't resist opening that box needs no introduction. You're basically signing your kid up to constantly hear "what's in the box?" for the rest of their life if you name them this. It's a lot of pressure for a kid to walk around with a name synonymous with unexpected disasters.
4. Tristan
Tristan is such a romantic name, but in Celtic tradition, it means "sadness." There are tons of folklore tales about lovers with this name who are tragically separated. You probably want your son's life to be full of joy rather than a series of melancholic ballads.
5. Cecilia
Though it's a classic and elegant choice, the meaning behind it is actually "blind." Interestingly, the saint associated with the name is the patron of music. Many parents prefer a name that implies vision or light rather than one that suggests a lack of sight.
6. Calvin
Calvin is such a cute, vintage name. But the Latin translation means "bald." You might want to stick to a name that highlights a more flattering trait for your little guy. So maybe choose a different one.
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7. Dolores
In Spanish, this name literally translates to "sorrows" or "pains," which is a pretty heavy burden for a small child to carry. It was originally used as a derivation of the Blessed Virgin Mary's title. It's hard to imagine a carefree childhood when your name is a direct synonym for suffering.
8. Gideon
This strong biblical name actually means a "hewer" or someone who is "maimed." Having a name that suggests being broken isn't exactly the vibe most parents are going for these days. It's a bit of a rough linguistic start for someone you want to see thrive and stay whole.
9. Mallory
Super trendy in the 1990s, Mallory is actually French for "unfortunate" or "bad luck." Parents are staying away from this name because, while it sounds cute and chic, the literal translation is pretty unlucky. You'd likely prefer something else.
10. Kennedy
Okay, so it may have a lot of presidential wow factor, but Kennedy is actually Gaelic for "misshapen head." If parents don't know this fun fact, tell them and watch their faces drop. Most parents would rather their child's name celebrate their beauty rather than a physical quirk.
Now that we've talked about the 10 unluckiest names, here are 10 of the luckiest.
1. Felix
Literally meaning "happy" or "fortunate" in Latin, Felix has a spunky charm that's sure to bring a smile to your face. Plus, it just sounds like the type of name a kid who lucks out in life would have. Welcome your son into the world with a name that serves as a good luck charm.
2. Asher
Another name that just sounds happy to be here, Asher is Hebrew for "blessed" or "happy." It's quickly rising in popularity, and it's easy to see why. Soft and modern, your child will thank you for a name that means they're a blessing.
3. Beatrice
For those who love vintage vibes, this name means "she who brings happiness," which is a pretty fantastic job description for a baby. If you're going for a vintage name that feels lucky, you really can't go wrong with Beatrice. Your daughter will make everyone's day brighter, every day.
4. Evangeline
Feeling airy and angelic, Evangeline means "bearer of good news." The name is as sweet as it sounds, and you'll love calling your joyful daughter by it. Who knows? With a name like that, she might become a preacher herself one day.
5. Bennett
While technically a shortened form of Benedict, Bennett feels friendlier and more down-to-earth. Still meaning "blessed," Bennett sounds like the type of boy who always manages to find his lucky penny. It's a friendly name for a friendly kid.
6. Gwyneth
"Blessed" or "happy" is how you'd translate Gwyneth from Welsh. It has an otherworldly feel to it while still sounding familiar. Royal, happy, and strong are just a few words that come to mind when we think of Gwyneth.
7. Faustina
Avoiding any connection to that famous dude, the female variation of Faust literally means "lucky." Faustina is bold and uncommon, making it a great pick if you want your daughter to stand out from the crowd. Giving her a name that's a direct synonym for good luck is a pretty confident parenting move.
8. Edmund
Digging into more traditional names, Edmund is an English name meaning "prosperous protector." Sounds like the type of man who would have a nice life and take care of his family? You got it. Plus, it's a strong name your son will grow into.
9. Felicity
To experience intense happiness is what felicity means. Calling your daughter Felicity is basically guaranteeing she'll have a sunny disposition. With a happy feel and fun-to-say rhythm, you can't go wrong with Felicity. Plus, prosperity sounds fantastic when you think about life.
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10. Onni
Want something short and sweet? Look no further than Onni, a Finnish name that means happiness or luck. Popular in Finland, you're more likely to find one of these around the holidays than in the United States. Your son will have a unique name that other kids will think is cool.
