Choosing a name for a boy can be a fun but tricky task. While some names are classic and charming, others might not be as appealing. This post will talk about some names that people may consider “ugly” or less attractive. These names can be unusual, old-fashioned, or simply hard to say.
Today, we’ll share a list of boy names that might not have the best reputation. Many of these names come with their own unique stories and meanings. Whether you’re looking for a quirky choice or just curious, these names might surprise you. Let’s take a look!
Ugly Boy Names
1. Marmaduke
This old-fashioned name carries a heavy weight, as it means ‘blessed from the sea.’ Its bulky sound and historical quirks can make it appear unattractive to some.
2. Mortimer
Mortimer means ‘dead sea’, which is not the most pleasant association for a name. Its unique style may appeal to those looking for something unusual, but its meaning often puts it in the “ugly” category.
3. Hubert
With roots meaning ‘bright heart’, Hubert has fallen out of favor and often sounds clunky to modern ears, giving it an unattractive feel.
4. Elmer
Elmer, which means ‘noble’ or ‘famous’, brings to mind an old-fashioned charm that some may find unappealing. Its association with a popular glue brand also contributes to its ugly status.
5. Clyde
This name may remind people of Clyde the Glide, but it also has a ruggedness to it that doesn’t attract everyone. It represents an unattractive sound to many ears.
6. Rufus
Rufus means ‘red-haired,’ but its hefty sound and association with certain characters might make it less desirable for some parents.
7. Bertram
An old name meaning ‘bright raven’, Bertram might resonate with a few but is generally regarded as outdated and unattractive.
8. Gomer
Gomer, which is an Old Testament name meaning ‘completion’, may not sit well with many due to its unusual sound and antiquated charm.
9. Silas
While some love Silas, many find its ancient roots and rustic feel make it appear less appealing.
10. Oswald
An ancient name meaning ‘God’s power’, Oswald has an old-timey vibe that many today consider ugly.
11. Thaddeus
This name means ‘heart’ or ‘courageous’, but its complicated sound often leads some to deem it unattractive.
12. Eustace
Meaning ‘fruitful’, Eustace has a clunky phonetic structure that many feel is less refined and thus ugly.
13. Horace
This name, linked to time, has a stuffy and dated feel. Its lack of modern flair makes it less desirable.
14. Otis
Otis means ‘wealthy’ but carries a tone that many might find unappealing, making it a contender for ugly names.
15. Ignatius
Meaning ‘fiery’, Ignatius has a lot of history but also a lot of syllables, making it a bit too much for some.
16. Ulysses
Derived from the Greek name Odysseus, Ulysses isn’t seen as charming by many due to its complex sound and associations.
17. Alphonse
This name means ‘noble and ready’, but its heavy sound feels old-fashioned and unattractive to many.
18. Cornelius
Cornelius means ‘horn’, and its bulky structure gives it an old-world appeal that some might consider unattractive.
19. Edgar
While Edgar implies wealth and fortune, its vintage nature leads many to categorize it as an ugly boy name.
20. Morty
A diminutive of Mortimer, Morty often reminds people of old cartoons, giving it an unattractive vibe.
21. Sterling
Though some find it charming, Sterling’s heavy sound can make it seem unattractive, fitting the ugly boy name theme.
22. WINSTON
This name means ‘joyful stone’ but has a clunky feel that turns some people off, landing it on this list.
23. Alphonso
This elaborate version of Alphonse sounds bulky and heavy, making it feel unattractive to many.
24. Fergal
With Celtic roots meaning ‘man of strength’, Fergal’s pronunciation can leave a rough impression on many.
25. Hyman
This name means life but has strong cultural connections that might not resonate well with everyone.
26. Barnaby
Meaning ‘son of consolation’, Barnaby has an antiquated sound that can be perceived as unattractive.
27. Chester
Chester evokes images of an old-fashioned man, and while it has charm, it also has ugliness to many ears.
28. Fenton
This name means ‘marshland,’ and its murky sound reflects less appealing qualities.
29. Leroy
Although it means ‘the king,’ Leroy often comes off as outdated and unattractive to many new parents.
30. Phineas
This name means ‘oracle’ but has an antiquated sound that may not appeal to modern tastes.
31. Wesley
This name means ‘western meadow’ but often carries a stuffy feeling that many parents find unattractive.
32. Winthrop
With an old English origin meaning ‘from the friendly village’, Winthrop has a cumbersome sound that can be off-putting.
33. Grover
Though it means ‘lives in a grove’, Grover sounds bulky and outdated, placing it on the ugly boy names list.
34. Mortimer
Heavy and unattractive, Mortimer means ‘sea of death,’ giving it an unattractive vibe.
35. Jimmy
This diminutive of James has a clunky sound to it, especially when considered as a full name. For many, it’s less appealing.
36. Stetson
This name makes one think of a hat instead of a boy, causing some to view it as an unattractive name.
37. Malcolm
Meaning ‘devotee of Saint Columba,’ Malcolm sounds old and clunky to many ears, giving it ugly vibes.
38. Lionel
While it means ‘young lion,’ Lionel carries a vintage charm that might not resonate with new parents.
39. Sanford
This Old English name means ‘sandy ford’, but its bulky sound often makes it seem unattractive.
40. Fergus
A Scottish name meaning ‘man of strength’, the clunky sound can seem unattractive to many.
41. Reginald
Although it carries regal connotations, Reginald’s length and old-fashioned style might categorize it as ugly.
42. Orville
This name means ‘golden city’, but its old-style feel often leads many to deem it unattractive.
43. Bruce
While it means ‘thick brush’, Bruce has an odd sound that many find less appealing.
44. Waldo
A name often associated with the character in Where’s Waldo, it carries a quirky charm that can come off ugly to some.
45. Ebenezer
This biblical name meaning ‘stone of help’ has lost its charm over time, sounding ugly to many.
46. Ludovic
A French variant of Louis, Ludovic has an elaborate complexity that can sound unattractive today.
47. Elwood
This name means ‘elder tree by the lake’, yet its awkwardness leads many to consider it ugly.
48. Silvester
This name ultimately means ‘wooded’, but its pronunciation and style often feel old-fashioned and unattractive.
49. Alistair
While it means ‘defender of mankind’, its uncommon sound may not appeal to everyone, landing it on the ugly list.
50. Quentin
This name means ‘the fifth’, but it’s often overlooked due to its heavy sound, making it unattractive to some.
51. Edgar
This name means ‘wealthy spear’ but has a dusty old feel that many find unappealing.
52. Tiberius
This Roman name has a strong history, but its weight can deter parents looking for something appealing.
53. Grover
With its roots suggesting ‘grove’, Grover gives off a lumberjack quality that some deem unattractive.
54. Phileas
This Greek name means ‘loving’, but its uncommon sound can be considered off-putting for many.
55. Erasmus
This name means “beloved” but has an antiquated ring to it that many modern listeners find ugly.
56. Bythewood
With a unique phonetic structure, Bythewood may feel disjointed and unattractive to many.
57. Gilead
This biblical name meaning ‘hill of testimony’ has an unusual sound that can deter many parents.
58. Anselm
This name means ‘godly helmet’, but many feel it sounds cumbersome and unattractive.
59. Lyle
While it means ‘the island’, Lyle has a rugged and harsh sound that doesn’t appeal to all.
60. Fido
Named often for dogs, Fido can sound less appealing for a boy’s name, fitting into the ugly category.
61. Quincy
This name, suggesting ‘fifth’ or ‘estate of the fifth son’, can sound heavy and unattractive.
62. Clyde
This name means ‘river’ yet can come off as clunky to many, contributing to its ugly boy name reputation.
63. Simeon
While it means ‘heard,’ Simeon has a certain awkward tone that may turn many parents away.
64. Leander
With a meaning of ‘lion man’, Leander can sound disjointed, making it seem unattractive.
65. Arnold
This ancient name meaning ‘eagle power’ has fallen from grace and can feel unappealing today.
66. Enoch
While it signifies ‘dedicated’, Enoch feels antiquated and awkward, leading some to find it ugly.
67. Malachi
A Biblical name meaning ‘my messenger’, Malachi has an eccentric sound that might be unattractive.
68. Thaddeus
This Hebrew name means ‘courageous heart’, yet its complexity may turn many parents off.
69. Reginald
With royal connotations, Reginald has a clunky quality that might be viewed as unattractive.
70. Barnabas
This name means ‘son of encouragement’, but its weightiness can come off as ugly to many.
71. Percy
Meaning ‘pierces the valley’, Percy invokes a quirky charm that not everyone finds appealing.
72. Desmond
This name means ‘man of the homeland’, yet has an awkward charm that feels less attractive.
73. Chesterfield
With its origin as ‘fortress of the army’, the long and cumbersome feel makes it unattractive to many.
74. Balthazar
A name with historical weight, meaning ‘Baal protects the king’, it sounds cumbersome to modern ears.
75. Channing
This name means ‘young wolf’ but can sound outdated and awkward, making it less appealing.
76. Zebulon
Meaning ‘dwelling’, Zebulon can feel heavy and old-fashioned, landing it as an ugly boy name.
77. Rufus
Rufus has a meaning associated with ‘red-haired,’ but its sound often turns people away.
78. Humphrey
This name sounds bulky and outdated to many, making it less appealing for parents today.
79. Algie
Algie means ‘a wise one’ but might be seen as too clunky and outdated, landing it as an ugly name.
80. Harlan
Meaning ‘rocky land’, Harlan has a heavy sound that doesn’t sit well with many modern parents.
81. Beaumont
This name translates to ‘beautiful mountain,’ yet its cumbersome sound can make it unattractive.
82. Chester
A vintage name meaning ‘fortress’, Chester might evoke thoughts of older generations, not appealing today.
83. Orson
This name means ‘bear cub’, yet its quirky sound can be perceived as unattractive to some.
84. Oren
This name means ‘pine tree’ but sounds ancient to many, giving it an ugly association.
85. Herbert
Meaning ‘bright army’, Herbert has an old-fashioned charm that many parents frown upon.
86. Ganesh
This name from Hindu mythology has a heavy historical significance but can sound unattractive to many due to its pronunciation.
87. Archibald
This name means ‘genuine and bold’, yet its lengthy and complex sound can deter many parents.
88. Morton
A name meaning ‘from the moor’, Morton can seem clunky and unattractive in sound.
89. Totty
Though it can mean ‘tired’, Totty barely even qualifies as a name to some, making it fall on the ugly list.
90. Patton
This name means ‘fighter’s town’, but has a rugged nature that can seem unattractive.
91. Virgil
With a meaning linked to ‘flourishing’, Virgil carries a heavy historical weight that doesn’t appeal to all.
92. Gideon
Although it means ‘hewer’, Gideon can sound rustic and old-fashioned, making it unattractive.
93. Ansel
Meaning ‘godly’, Ansel can feel awkward in sound and appearance, landing it as an ugly boy name.
94. Hyman
This name can mean ‘life’, but its cultural connotations may create a less charming impression.
95. Elmo
While it means ‘noble’ and ‘famous’, its association with a children’s character makes it less appealing to many.
96. Nikodemus
This historical name meaning ‘victory of the people’ can feel verbose and unattractive to many.
97. Prince
While it suggests royalty, Prince can seem simplistic and unappealing as a first name for a boy.
98. Quinlan
This Irish name means ‘descendant of Caoinlean’, but its sound can feel heavy and unattractive.
99. Calder
This name means ‘rocky rivulet’, but its uniqueness can lead many to perceive it as ugly.
100. Abram
A name that means ‘exalted father’, Abram can sound awkward, falling into the ugly category.
101. Dwayne
This name has a rugged, harsh sound, often leading some parents to deem it unattractive.
102. Olympius
The name associated with Olympus has a heavyweight connotation, making it feel less appealing.
103. Ruford
This name may carry a sense of ruggedness, leading it to be perceived as unattractive.
104. Grover
Elongated and heavy, Grover can feel old-fashioned and even ugly to some modern parents.
105. Cletus
A name meaning ‘famous’, Cletus has an awkward charm that can sound unattractive to modern ears.
106. Roland
Meaning ‘famed throughout the land’, Roland’s sound may feel clunky and unattractive to some.
107. Cornelious
This variant of Cornelius has an elaborate structure that can be perceived as ugly.
108. Wilbur
This name meaning ‘wild boar’ evokes images that may not be appealing, landing it on the ugly list.
109. Urijah
Derived from Hebrew, meaning ‘my light is Yahweh’, Urijah can sound too complicated for many modern parents.
110. Alaric
This name means ‘ruler of all’, yet its historical connection can come off as unattractive.
111. Osian
With Welsh roots, Osian might provide cultural meaning but often feels heavy and unattractive.
112. Ajax
This name, meaning ‘eagle’, sounds like a cleaning product to some modern ears, leading to the ugly perception.
113. Barnabas
Meaning ‘son of consolation’, Barnabas’s bulkiness can turn people off as an ugly name.
114. Everett
While it means ‘brave as a wild boar’, Everett can sound clunky and unattractive to many.
115. Gerald
A name meaning ‘rule of the spear’, Gerald may feel antiquated, landing it on this list for unattractiveness.
116. Aubrey
Though it means ‘elf ruler’, Aubrey can seem more vintage and unloved in modern naming trends.
117. Diogenes
This name, meaning ‘born of Zeus’, often brings about awkward associations, leading to ugliness.
118. Humphrey
Meaning ‘peaceful warrior’, Humphrey can feel heavy and unattractive to modern parents.
119. Abner
Meaning ‘father of light’, Abner can sound old-fashioned and unappealing to many.
120. Lorenzo
With a meaning linked to ‘laurel’, Lorenzo isn’t seen as a charming name by many modern parents.
121. Thornton
Meaning ‘thorn bush town’, Thornton has an awkward feel that might not resonate well.
122. Eliezer
This biblical name meaning ‘God is my help’ can sound clunky and unattractive today.
123. Wilfred
This name means ‘desires peace’ and may feel very vintage to modern audiences, lending it an unattractive quality.
124. Chester
This name suggests a fortress but doesn’t carry the sound many find appealing in today’s naming culture.
125. Upton
Meaning ‘upper town’, Upton can sound awkwardly heavy, making it seem unattractive.
126. Wilbur
With a meaning of ‘resolute’ or ‘brilliant’, many find Wilbur heavy and old-fashioned.
127. Ambrose
Meaning ‘divine’, Ambrose carries a weight to it that may come off as unattractive.
128. Lancelot
This romanticized name from King Arthur’s tales is often clunky and may not appeal to many parents.
129. Adolphus
An elaboration of Adolf, which means ‘noble wolf’, carries heavy historical baggage and sounds unattractive.
130. Finnian
This name means ‘fair or white’, but its unique pronunciation might deter many modern parents.
131. Lufkin
While it has a sweet sound, Lufkin may also remind some of less appealing images, landing it as an ugly name.
132. Barnard
This name carries the meaning ‘brave as a bear,’ but it sounds cumbersome and unattractive to many.
133. Wigglesworth
The name has a funny sound and can be humorous yet cumbersome, leading to its ugly category.
134. Oswin
Meaning ‘divine protector’, Oswin can feel dated and unattractive to some ears.
135. Mortimer
With a meaning of ‘dead sea’, Mortimer has an unattractive and heavy sound.
136. Whitaker
A name meaning ‘white field’, Whitaker often feels too clunky and old-fashioned.
137. Tiberius
With a strong historical legacy, Tiberius can also have a bulky and unattractive sound to many.
138. Finnegan
This name means ‘small fair one’, but its elaborate construct often doesn’t appeal to many parents.
139. Edgar
Meaning ‘wealthy spear’, Edgar has historical connections but feels cumbersome to modern parents.
140. Mortimer
This name means ‘sea of death’, evoking grim imagery that makes it less attractive.
141. Woburn
A name with geographical ties, Woburn may sound clunky and unattractive to many.
142. Jules
Meaning ‘youthful’, Jules carries an old-world charm that may not resonate with modern-styled names.
143. Philip
While it means ‘lover of horses’, Philip can sound heavy and unattractive due to its prolonged history.
144. Timothée
This French name means ‘honoring God’, but can often sound cumbersome in its pronunciation.
145. Ambrose
With a meaning of ‘immortal’, Ambrose carries a weightiness that can come off as unattractive.
146. Archibald
This historical name means ‘genuine and bold,’ yet its lengthy structure can sound unattractive.
147. Thaddeus
Meaning ‘courageous heart’, Thaddeus often sounds ancient and unappealing to modern parents.
148. Increase
This name ties to financial growth but its strange sound can seem unattractive to many.
149. Ezekiel
This name means ‘God strengthens’, but can be difficult to say and perceived as unattractive.
150. Anson
This name has a stately sound but can also feel heavy and unattractive, landing it on this list.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an “ugly” boy name can seemCounter-intuitive, but unique names often come with rich histories and meanings that add character. What’s ugly for one may resonate well with another. The names mentioned feature a range of stories, charms, and quirks that could even make them appealing in their own way.
Understanding these aspects allows you to appreciate the charm in uniqueness, even if the names themselves are considered unattractive. If you are still searching for more unconventional names, explore our lists of boy names and weird boy names for further inspiration!
Ultimately, the name you choose should resonate with you and your family, regardless of its popularity or reputation.