Common Names With Totally Unthinkable Meanings
While names are an integral part of our identities, have you ever stopped to ponder what they mean? No? Don’t worry — you’re probably not alone on that front! Even though it’s been popular in modern times to give babies very unique names, the more common “old-school” selections actually have wilder meanings. And we’ll be running through 20 of them right here.
1. Caesar
Meaning: ‘Hairy’
A name with strong ties to history, you’d think that Caesar, or the alternative spelling Cesar, would have a rather powerful meaning behind it. But that’s not quite the case.
The name stems from the Latin terminology for “long hair” — so yes, Caesar actually means “hairy.” We wonder if Julius ever knew that? Thank goodness the salad didn’t go down that path!
Notable Caesar: Cesar Millan
Now, while the historical figure from ancient Rome is probably the most famous individual to bear the name, he’s not alone. Cesar Millan is one of the more notable examples from modern times.
A dog trainer who made his name via the popular Dog Whisperer TV show, he’s been in the public eye for years. And considering how hairy his animal pals are, Millan’s name is pretty fitting!
2. Portia
Meaning: ‘Pig’
Fans of William Shakespeare’s works are sure to be familiar with the name Portia. After all, that’s the moniker of the female lead in the romantic comedy The Merchant of Venice.
She’s a great character — but the name’s meaning doesn’t reflect her positive aspects. Portia originally comes from Latin, and it was used in the past when referring to “hogs” or “pigs.”
Notable Portia: Portia de Rossi
When it comes to naming notable Portias, Portia de Rossi has to be near the top of the list. On the acting front, she’s probably best known for her hilarious work in the TV classic Arrested Development.
And away from her career on the big and small screen, de Rossi has been married to Ellen DeGeneres since 2008. Unflattering name or not, she’s made quite the life for herself!
3. Calvin
Meaning: ‘Bald’
Calvin’s a pretty nice name, wouldn’t you agree? Yet the meaning behind it is a little odd. Another moniker that dates back to Latin, the name means “hairless” or “bald.” We’re serious!
Apologies to any Calvins out there who’ve still got a full head of thick hair. We hope we haven’t made you too paranoid about what might happen in the future!
Notable Calvin: Calvin (of Calvin and Hobbes)
As for famous Calvins, we can’t think of anyone sweeter than the character from the beloved comic series Calvin and Hobbes. Between 1985 and 1995, readers fell in love with the little guy, as the strips detailed his friendship with a toy tiger.
And bald he most certainly is not. Sporting a spiky blonde hairstyle, Calvin doesn’t live up to the meaning of his name. From what we learned earlier, he’s closer to a Caesar!
4. Leah
Meaning: ‘Weary’
A popular girls name since the turn of the 20th century, Leah popped up long before then in the Bible’s Old Testament. She’s the wife of Jacob — one of the biblical patriarchs.
Broadly speaking, the name Leah, which can alternatively be spelt Lea, is of Hebrew origin, stemming from the term la’ah. As for its connotation, it simply means “weary” or “delicate.”
Notable Leah: Lea Michele
Now, while there have been a few notable Leahs over the years, Lea Michele has been making a name for herself in more modern times. She’s a multi-talented performer who made a splash on Broadway, before turning to TV.
Michele went on to appear in over 120 episodes of Glee, bagging a Primetime Emmy nomination along the way. Given her success on the stage and screen, it’s fair to say she isn’t weary!
5. Lilith
Meaning: ‘Night monster’
How’s this for a wild origin story? In Jewish folklore, a woman by the name of Lilith was married to Adam before being thrown out of the Garden of Eden. She lost her place due to “disobedience.”
Given the meaning of her name, though, that outcome shouldn’t have been too surprising. After all, Lilith in Hebrew means “ghost” or “night monster.” The signs were there!
Notable Lilith: Lily-Rose Depp
On the famous Lilith or Lily front, the shortened version of the name, Lily-Rose Depp has to be up there. The daughter of Johnny Depp, she’s been establishing herself as an actress over the last few years.
And while there’s no indication that she’s a “night monster,” Depp will be seen with one on the big screen in 2024. She’ll be appearing in the remake of the iconic horror story Nosferatu!
6. Kennedy
Meaning: ‘Helmet head’
A unisex name that’s also used as a surname, Kennedy’s origins can be traced back to both Scotland and Ireland. It started out as Cinnéidigh, before being anglicized to its current form.
As for its meaning, there are a few variations. “Helmet head” is one, while “misshapen head” and “chief with helmet” are on the list, too. Unique to say the least, wouldn’t you agree!
Notable Kennedy: John F. Kennedy
Now, when we think of notable Kennedys, one figure springs to mind immediately — a certain John F. Kennedy. He was America’s 35th president, holding office for two years until his assassination in November 1963.
JFK was essentially a modern “chief with helmet” during his time in power, so he definitely lived up to his surname. We’re not sure if he had a weirdly-shaped head, though!
7. Olivia
Meaning: ‘Elf army’
In Latin, the meaning of Olivia is “peace” or “olive tree.” But here’s where things get crazy. As the name is the feminine form of Oliver, it also means “elf army.”
We’re not kidding, folks! How did that come about, then? Well, Oliver originally stems from Alfihar, which is a Lower German title. Broken up, it quite literally comes to “elf army.”
Notable Olivia: Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John is arguably the most notable of her namesakes. An actress and singer, she cemented her place as a movie legend thanks to her starring role in the 1978 classic Grease.
And with four Grammy Awards under her belt, her time in the music industry was equally fruitful, prior to her sad passing in 2022. During her life, though, we don’t think Newton-John was ever part of an elf army!
8. Cameron
Meaning: ‘Crooked nose’
A gender-neutral name, Cameron first emerged in Scotland. It’s widely believed that it originates from cam sron, which is an old Gaelic term. The meaning? “Crooked nose.” Talk about unflattering!
Cam abhainn is another Gaelic word with a potential tie to Cameron as well, in case you were curious. And it’s not nearly as harsh — the term means “crooked river.”
Notable Cameron: Cameron Diaz
As for famous Camerons, look no further than Cameron Diaz. After making a memorable big screen debut in 1994’s The Mask, she went on to become a Hollywood mainstay over the next several years. And with no “crooked nose” in sight!
The actress starred in the likes of There’s Something About Mary, the Shrek franchise, and Charlie’s Angels. Following a ten-year hiatus, Diaz will be returning soon in the suitably titled Back in Action.
9. Giselle
Meaning: ‘Hostage’
With ties to both Germany and France, Giselle has a pretty glamorous origin. But what does the name mean? Well, it emerged from gisil, an old Germanic term that meant “hostage” and “pledge.”
To give you some context, this was referring to the custom where folks in medieval times would trade kids with bitter rivals. It was done in an attempt to stave off potential conflicts going forward.
Notable Giselle: Gisele Bündchen
When thinking about famous Giselles and Giseles, a variation of the name, no one springs to mind faster than Gisele Bündchen. A legendary figure in the modeling world, she got started as a teen, before agreeing a mega-deal with Victoria’s Secret in 2000. It earned the Brazilian a whopping $25 million.
As for her personal life, Bündchen was married to Tom Brady for 13 years prior to their split in 2022. And as far as we can tell, she’s never been used as a hostage between two warring factions!
10. Tristan
Meaning: ‘Tumult’
While Arthurian legend is full of many recognizable figures, few can touch the story of the unfortunate Tristan. His tragic romance with Ireland’s Princess Iseult has endured throughout the centuries!
Where does the name come from, though? Well, it’s a Celtic moniker with ties to the French term triste. It means “tumult” or “melancholy,” which lines up with the experiences of Arthur’s Tristan.
Notable Tristan: Tristan Thompson
And in a sense, Tristan Thompson might also relate to those feelings. One of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ star players in the NBA, he’s a father to two kids with Khloé Kardashian. But saying their relationship is tumultuous would be putting it mildly.
They broke up more than once, with stories of cheating swirling over the romance. Thompson no doubt tasted plenty of melancholy during those tough periods.
11. Julia
Meaning: ‘Peach fuzz’
As it turns out, Julia was a much-coveted name in ancient Rome. Not only was it a popular choice for babies born in Julius Caesar’s inner circle, but its meaning was quite positive, too — “youthful.”
Mind you, Julia didn’t emerge as a name in the Roman times. It was already in use long before then in ancient Greece, stemming from the term iolos. Essentially, that means “peach fuzz.”
Notable Julia: Julia Roberts
Now, on the subject of famous Julias, we can’t not mention Julia Roberts. She’s been a Hollywood staple for over three decades, starring in the likes of Pretty Woman, Notting Hill, and Erin Brockovich.
The actress also picked up her one and only Oscar for the latter. In truth, we’ve never noticed any peach fuzz on Roberts’ face — but she still looks pretty youthful!
12. Ralph
Meaning: ‘Wolf-counsel’
Few names have a cooler origin than that of Ralph. Its ties go back to ancient Scandinavia, emerging from the Norse term Ráðúlfr. The name means “wolf-counsel” — hey, we said it was cool!
It made its way to England prior to the Middle Ages, where it became Rædwulf. Then, the moniker changed to Raulf and Ralf before we got the spelling we’re more accustomed to today in the 1700s.
Notable Ralph: Ralph Lauren
There are few more notable Ralphs than Ralph Lauren. After all, he’s the founder of one of the most famous brands on the planet, kick-starting his company back in 1967.
Since then, the Ralph Lauren brand has gone on to produce a wide-range of products, from fancy outfits to gorgeous perfumes. Whether Lauren got any advice from wolves during that time is up for debate, though!
13. Drake
Meaning: ‘Snake’
Drake’s origins as a name can be traced back to the shores of the United Kingdom many centuries ago. It evolved from the word draca, which means “dragon” or “snake.”
Keeping that in mind, Drake became a pretty formidable nickname during the 600s. It was given to folks who were seen as “tough and fearsome.” Talk about an interesting start!
Notable Drake: Aubrey “Drake” Graham
While Francis Drake might be history’s most famous Drake, Aubrey “Drake” Graham has been making the name his own in more modern times. After getting his start as a soap actor, he’s gone on to establish himself as one of the world’s leading rap artists.
He’s a five-time Grammy winner. And Graham doesn’t just make news for his music — his love life gets a lot of focus, too. He’s dated the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna over the years. Is he closer to a dragon or snake? We’ll leave that up to you!
14. Lola
Meaning: ‘Sorrows’
An abridged version of Delores, Lola first got its start as a name in Spain. It emerged from a title handed to the Virgin Mary — Nuestra Señora de los Dolores. In English, that means “Our Lady of Sorrows.”
And the “sorrows” label has stuck to Lola ever since. But try not to think of it negatively. The original gist is that happiness can’t be enjoyed without a bit of sadness in your life.
Notable Lola: Lola Kirke
On the subject of famous Lolas, Lola Kirke has emerged in recent times. After making her on-screen debut in 2010, the actress has gone on to build a solid career for herself. She’s appeared in the likes of Gone Girl, The Leftovers, and American Made.
Yet Kirke is probably best known for her work in Mozart in the Jungle. She featured in 40 episodes of the show during its run. There’s not much to be sad about here!
15. Rebecca
Meaning: ‘To tie firmly’
Rebecca emerged as a popular girls name in America back in the 17th century, and continues to be used quite frequently now. But how did the name get its start?
And what does it actually mean? Well, Rebecca evolved from Rivkah — a Hebrew title. As for its meaning, it stands for “to tie firmly.” We never would’ve guessed that prior to today!
Notable Rebecca: Rebecca Hall
On the notable Rebeccas front, Rebecca Hall has to be up there. The British star has been in plenty of popular projects over the years, including The Prestige, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Iron Man 3, and Godzilla vs. Kong.
She also directed her first feature film in 2021, titled Passing. As an actress, Hall certainly ties her movies together with her excellent performances, so her name is pretty fitting!
16. Courtney
Meaning: ‘Broken’
Another unisex name, Courtney originates from France. It stemmed from the name Courtenay and a Latin term — curtus. Now, here’s where things get really interesting. There’s been a long debate about what it means.
Certain folks believe that Courtney’s meaning is “short nose,” while others are convinced that it’s actually “broken.” Quite the gap in definitions, right? Still, it’s an argument that shows little sign of stopping.
Notable Courtney: Courtney Love
Few Courtneys have been in the spotlight more than Courtney Love over the years. She was an integral part of the grunge music scene in the 1990s, performing as a singer and marrying the legendary Kurt Cobain.
Yet her life hasn’t been without its controversies. Love’s previous addiction to drugs made headlines throughout her career, while Cobain’s tragic death didn’t help things. Could an argument be made that she was broken back then?
17. Cassandra
Meaning: ‘One who entangles men’
Cassandra first emerged as a name in ancient Greece, where it was spelt Kassandra. The spelling we’re more familiar with today is actually a Latin variation! The name held great significance in the past.
After all, the Kassandra in Homer’s Iliad prophesied the Trojan War and Troy’s eventual downfall, only to be dismissed. Cassandra is now said to mean “one who entangles men” or “unheeded prophetess.”
Notable Cassandra: Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura
Speaking of other famous Cassandras, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura has been making headlines recently. The versatile star is both an actress and singer, with Step Up 2: The Streets among her most notable credits.
She was also engaged in a long-term romance with Sean “Diddy” Combs between 2007 and 2018. They were certainly entangled! But it didn’t end well. Ventura sued him in November 2023 for some allegedly awful behavior, only for a settlement to be reached 24 hours later.
18. Caleb
Meaning: ‘Dog’
Caleb is a name with Hebrew origins, stemming from a pair of different words — kal and lev. And when joined into a single word, that leads to the meaning “whole-hearted.” So, the name has taken on that same connotation, as well as a few others such as “brave” and “faithful.”
At the same time, though, kelev is the Hebrew term for dog, which not only sounds similar but denotes faithfulness, too. Caleb may have partly emerged from there.
Notable Caleb: Caleb Followill
There aren’t too many Calebs in the limelight today, but Caleb Followill is certainly doing his bit. He’s been a star in the world of music since 1999, forming Kings of Leon with his two brothers and his cousin.
They’ve gone on to become one of the greatest indie rock bands of the modern era. Now, while we wouldn’t describe Followill as a dog, his faithfulness to the group, and by extension his family, is definitely fitting for his name.
19. Emily
Meaning: ‘Rival’
Since the 1700s, Emily has been a very popular name. Between 1996 and 2007 it held the top spot as America’s go-to baby name for girls. What a great run! Emily originated from the Latin moniker Aemilia, and boasts a few different meanings.
From “eager” to “laborious,” it’s an interesting selection. Yet “rival” is arguably the most eye-catching of them all. Talk about an unexpected connotation.
Notable Emily: Emily Dickinson
There aren’t many Emilys more notable than Emily Dickinson. During her life in the 1800s, she established herself as one of America’s greatest poets and her work is still recognized today. That only ten of Dickinson’s poems ended up in print while she was alive is pretty wild, considering she wrote close to 1,800 of them!
Did she have any rivals? Well, the closest may have been Walt Whitman, but he was more of a peer than an adversary.
20. Cecilia
Meaning: ‘Blind’
Like a lot of the names we’ve looked at, Cecilia’s origins can also be traced back to the Latin language. It emerged from the term caecus and the name Caecilia. It means “hidden” or “blind.”
On top of that, the name has other connotations thanks to Saint Cecilia. In case you didn’t know, she’s the patron saint of musicians and music.
Notable Cecilia: Cecilia Bartoli
Keeping that in mind, there’s no better Cecilia to bring up here than Cecilia Bartoli. She’s a renowned opera singer from Italy, boasting a quite incredible voice. Her on-stage charisma can’t be dismissed, either.
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And with her record sales in the millions, it proves that folks can’t get enough of Bartoli. She may not be blind or hidden, but the opera star’s contribution to the music world is befitting of her classic name.