Unexpected Meanings for Baby Names You Love
You finally found the perfect baby name for your perfect little angel... it works with your last name, it honors a relative, it nods to your heritage, it doesn't rhyme with a curse word, and neither you nor your significant other has a relative, ex-lover, or enemy with that name. But before you go inking it on a certificate, you might want to check out its meaning. Some of the most beautiful and popular names have some of the most bizarre and not-so-pleasing meanings!
Caleb
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Dog
We promise that if you choose this Biblical name for your baby son, he won't bark at the moon or chase cars (but until he's totally potty trained, we can't promise you that he won't pee on the rug).
Portia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Swine, pig
We're pretty sure that Ellen's beautiful wife, Portia de Rossi, doesn't live in a barn, eat slop and snort uncontrollably.
Calvin
Origin: French
Meaning: Bald
If male patterned baldness runs in your family, you might just want to stay away from this one. That said, scientists will probably have developed a simple pill for hair replacement therapy by the time little Calvin starts to thin out on top!
Julia
Origin:
Latin
Meaning:Down-bearded youth
Somehow we think of "Pretty Woman" when we hear the name Julia, not a young dude in need of a shave.
Cameron
Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: Crooked nose
Don't be afraid that this name will result in a need for a nose job-just look at Cameron Diaz's perfect profile.
Olivia
Origin: English
Meaning: Elf army
We don't remember an Olivia from Lord of the Rings ... maybe she works at the North Pole.
Connor
Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: Lover of hounds
Please know that if you name your son Connor, just because his name means hound-lover does not guarantee him a place in veterinary school.
Campbell
Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: Crooked mouth
Beautiful CNN anchor Campbell Brown's lovely lips look plenty straight to us!
Thomas
Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: Twin
Just because you're set on the twin-meaning name for your son doesn't mean the ultrasound tech was wrong when she said there was only one bun in your oven. That said, by the time he's 2, those you'll probably start feeling like he is two different people when "good Thomas" and "bad Thomas" start to emerge.
Cassandra
Origin:
Greek
Meaning:She who entangles men
It's hard for us to associate a devious man-eater with a sweet baby girl in pink named Cassandra. Call us when she's 16!
Emily
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Rival
Although the name Emily has a cut-throat meaning, when we hear this name, all we see is a sweet old-fashioned girl picking flowers.
Caesar
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Hairy
If you're concerned that your cute, little Caesar/Cesar will grow up to be a hairy beast, you might want to counteract the name with the middle name Calvin (see above!).
Leah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Weary
Weary? Please! Everyone knows that Princess Leah is the real hero of Star Wars! (Ok, ok: Leia, Leah... she still rocks!) Plus Leah Remini and Lea Thompson are "anything but" as well!
Kevin
Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: Beautiful at birth
No matter what name you choose for your baby, you're sure to believe the definition of Kevin applies the moment you set eyes on him or her.
Tell us below: What's YOUR favorite baby name?
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