Research has revealed that since the year 1940, one of the least popular names in the United States for boys has been "Adolph". The reason for this is clear. Parents did not want their male children to have names that evoked the memory of a Jew-murdering dictator. (Oddly enough, the name was also unpopular in places like Iran and Iraq, where a Jew-murdering dictator would be welcomed with open arms.)
Sometimes, an unfortunate connotation cannot be blamed on the parent. This occurs in the case of Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Michael Jackson. The "other" Michael Jackson was not famous yet when he was born. Nowadays, though, any Jackson who names their son Michael is truly sadistic, as the poor boy will be forced to endure jokes like "How's Tito?" for the rest of his life.
Speaking of Michael Jackson, he can be blamed as a bad parent for naming his son Prince Jackson. As if being Michael Jackson's son wasn't bad enough, his name evokes another mid-80's pop star whose act relied mostly upon high-pitched vocals and strategic crotch-grabbing.
Unfortunate connotations can occur in other ways as well. A girl in the 1990's named Brandy will probably meet with wisecracks about the young female singer who removes her makeup with the help of a jackhammer and a team of miners. Before this lady who vaguely resembles a human being became well-known, girls named Brandy would likely be informed that she was a fine girl, and what a good wife she would be, but my life, my love, and my lady is the sea. And before that song became popular, she would meet with insults because she was named after an alcoholic beverage. (Perhaps she had sisters named Rum and Vodka.)
Parents should also be aware of historical and linguistic meanings. "Andrea" is a female form of the Greek name "Andrew". The name "Andrew" (and, by connection, the name "Andrea") means "manly". The chairman of the I.N.C.H. indeed knows a very manly woman named Andrea, but manliness does not appeal to all women. Scholars of medieval England rarely name their sons "Jordan", because "Jordan", in addition to being a surname rather than a given name, was also used in Chaucer's day as a synonym for "chamber-pot". Of course, most boys named Jordan don't know what chamber-pots are, anyway.
Examples of the "Unfortunate Connotation" Category:
- O. J. McDuffie
- Dick Trickle
- Jose Jimenez
- Monica Seles