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Being given a name when you’re born is a lottery. You might get lucky and end up with an amazing name like Jonathan or James (or Jonas), but your parents might give you an unfortunate name that will haunt you for the rest of your life, all because of some piece of pop culture that appears later on in your life.
Jesse McLaren, who describes himself as a ‘late night TV writer’ and has more than 1.2 million followers on Twitter, asked his fans what piece of popular culture ruined their first names. And the responses were awesome. That’s why we gathered the very best pieces of pop culture that ruined first names into this neat list for you to enjoy. So get ready to pity some people named Zelda and Karen, scroll down, and upvote your fave funny names. Keep scrolling for Bored Panda's interview with Nick, also known as Skyquake, about pop culture and how it 'ruined' his name.
More info: Twitter | Instagram
Image credits: McJesse
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#2
Moo Moo Futch 6 years ago
My first name is Tiffany. I was born in 1981. I've been haunted by "I think we're alone now" for most of my childhood. Then just as I thought I would be ok, Deep Blue Something came out with "Breakfast At Tiffany's". I just managed to claw my way through my teenage years only to have the BBC soap "Eastenders" introduce a character called "Tiffany Mitchell" played by Martine McCutcheon. So year, I'd say my name has been a real pisser.
Jonathan Armstrong 6 years ago
She might fit the stereotype if you look at her Facebook name and profile pic.
#3
GodOfHyperdeath 6 years ago
If you have a talking snowman, I’m sure that would clear some things
Nadia Baldrighi 6 years ago
yeah well... her name is not ANA, but ANNA. Just check the wikipedia page...
For those of you who might not know who Jesse is, he’s the guy who tricked Google into thinking that he was 2017’s Person of the Year. Jesse’s Twitter thread about pop culture and worst names was quite popular. More than 16,000 people liked it and 1,600 retweeted the question he asked his followers.
Jesse himself admitted that what ruined his first name was the song ‘Jessie’s Girl’ by Australian singer Rick Springfield. Of course, Jesse and Jessie aren’t the exact same name, but the extra ‘i’ doesn’t really matter much when you’re listening to a song, does it?
#4
Jyri Hakola 6 years ago (edited)
Your name would have been ruined already in the ancient Rome...
TheExtremeSmell 6 years ago
I hear he has snakes with human traits. And also room down bill cosby
#5
Zenozenobee 6 years ago
And I'm sure every single one is happy about his/her joke, thinking no one ever thought of it. ;p
Milda Mockūnaitė 6 years ago
That moment when in the movie Vader actually did not said "Luke (I am your father)"... That f*****g Mandela effect...
Eric Rossman 6 years ago
My anniversary is May 4 (may the fourth be with you), my wife's ring tone for me is the Imperial March, and my oldest is named Luke... yes, you can probably guess what the first thing I said to my newborn was.
HoffLensMetalHedLovesAnimalsUK 6 years ago
I know several people called Luke and have never made this joke before.
Carol Taylor 6 years ago
my eldest son is named Luke..he gets this a lot..but he is a Star wars fan too..
#6
Tenay Douglas 6 years ago
In my APES class last year there was a girl named Alexa; loved answering questions
Miss Cris 6 years ago (edited)
Hi, hi... How do you fell when speaking with alexa-the-robot? Does it happen that someone calls you at home and she answers? Just curiosity. :)
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ChiveChilly 6 years ago
That's my name, can't tell you how many times people I've heard "Alexa play Despacito"
Zenozenobee 6 years ago
In France, we already had that kind of problem with a brand car naming its models "Megane" or "Zoe"...
Sadie Shapiro 6 years ago
I have a friend with the last name Siry, my buddies always say "HEY SIRI" and expect her to answer XD
Jonathan Armstrong 6 years ago
There is somebody named Alexa trapped in the little cylinder in my kitchen. She answers any question you could have.
Bored Panda reached out to Nick, a Twtich.tv streamer from New Hampshire who goes by the moniker Skyquake online, to talk to him about how popular culture ‘ruined’ his first name. In a response to Jesse McLaren’s thread, Nick had said that the Nickelodeon theme song ‘did irreversible damage’ to him from the 1st grade right up to the 8th grade. However, now things aren’t as difficult for him.
“I feel like most people I know have outgrown making comments like that about my name, with a few exceptions. It happens so infrequently that I don't even consider it a problem. My younger self would wholeheartedly disagree with that and would say it's the worst thing that's ever happened to him.”
“As kids grow up, they tend to make these jokes relating to things that are popular at the time, typically at others' expense whether they realize it or not. Aside from a few comments here and there, it doesn't happen enough anymore to bother me,” Nick revealed.
#7
Geoffrey Holland 6 years ago
Yes Mike Pence is a bummer. In both meanings.
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#8
Hard 2 Guess 6 years ago
Misssster Anderson ... Guilty here, sorry can't help but say it whenever I see Anderson as last name.
error_404_user_not_found 5 years ago
as do I, but do you say it in smiths voice
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Amber Cook 6 years ago
My maiden name is Anderson... but let me do that one even better... my initials before marriage were AAA. So I always got asked if o could tow a car.
Bored Fox 6 years ago (edited)
If he would be female then the jokes about Pamela Anderson and Baywatch could be very common.
#9
CrunChewy McSandybutt 6 years ago
I was in high school when "Dirty Diana" came out. Anyone want to guess my first name?
Liam Walsh 6 years ago
🎵 What's that she's playing? Annie get your gun. What's that she's taking? The song has to be sung.🎵 (Squeeze)
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Tom Hardeveld 6 years ago
that must be Bad. Are you okay? ( see what I did there? I am so smooth...)
Emerald Joanna 6 years ago
Oh. My. God. I have spent my whole life thinking the song was "Eddie are you ok?" I have just this moment realised he was singing Annie all along...😂😂😂😶😶😶
He also had some ideas about who it is that people make fun of the most: “I feel like I hear a lot of people poke fun at names that are referenced in songs, like Annie in "Smooth Criminal" or "Jesse's Girl" as Jesse McLaren mentioned in his reply to the original tweet.”
“References in shows and movies come and go, but I think really catchy songs & lyrics stick in people's minds which make the jokes a lot more common.”
“I don't believe that the majority of parents willingly choose their child's name knowing it will embarrass them. I think most parents take the time to thoroughly consider what issues their child's future name or initials would create for them later on in their life.”
“You may have seen news headlines from a few years ago where a video game company rewarded new parents with a lifetime supply of their product if they named their child after one of their characters,” Nick said. “While that kid probably hasn't had the easiest time dealing with the inevitable comments they received, I can't imagine many other future parents make the same kind of decisions with their newborn.”
#10
Jeff Requier 6 years ago
Her dad named her on purpose. I know i saw a commercial with the two of them about the video game. Thats how I know she exists
chiizkake 6 years ago
I guess my next daughter will be named "Kerbal." Or "Master Chief."
Load More Replies... Lotus Flower 6 years ago
Robin Williams was a huge Zelda video game fan. I loved her name then for that reason and now. I think it’s sweet.
Vicky Zar 6 years ago
Well.... I like that name. I would be gratefull her father wasn't more into Mario...
Daria B 6 years ago
Mario is a very common name around the places where I'm from, though. Very very common. Luigi a little less. But the female versions of both names (Maria, Luisa) are more commonly heard around the world.
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Gameking1happy 6 years ago
People should give these names: Spongebob, Squidward, and more names of Video Games/TV Shows/Movies/etc
SykesDaMan 6 years ago
"Down with Zelda from the very start; I got the heart and smarts to play the part; Peepin' through with an overhead view; Cuz a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do... " Did she get that one?
#11
Andres Tejeda 6 years ago
Thor's get no sympathy. He is played by Chris Hemsworth and is a Norse god, so nope Thor was not ruined. Enhanced yes.
Catlady6000 6 years ago
Soooo.... No Thor's were hurt in the the making of those movies? hehe
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Kururi.Orihara 6 years ago
I’d love something like this, but that may just be because I’m a mythology nerd. (Norse is my favorite.)
#12
Bored Fox 6 years ago
I just think Allegra Geller from the scifi movie eXistenZ. It is one of my favourite movies, similar idea than with The Matrix movies but with smaller budget and more gore.
F. H. 6 years ago
My first thought too. Not my favourite movie, but I thought it was very good.
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Calypso poet 6 years ago
We used to go to a restaurant and the cooks name was Allegro. He was rumored to have burned down the restaurant down after he was fired. We joked he got away quickly.
There are plenty of baby names, completely ruined by pop culture, as well. So think hard before you name your child Alexa, Katrina or Hermione. And who would consider naming their kid Hannibal, Paris or Donald now? Not that there’s anything wrong with these names — they’re great, but they might make your child’s life difficult because of the context surrounding them.
Do you know anyone who has had their name ruined by pop culture? Perhaps your name’s been causing you some trouble due to some old or recent meme? What name do you think has been the greatest victim of pop culture? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please share them in the comments.
#13
Hard 2 Guess 6 years ago
My guess is she didn't get Hogwarts acceptation letter but may have got one from Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
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#14
Christine Holl 6 years ago
My brother was almost named Bart, and our surname was Simpson (I changed mine when I married). The TV show was launched 3-4 years later... didn't stop all the prank calls though. Kids would freak out and hang up when they called asking for Bart and my mum would say "yes, just a moment".
#15
Skarlet Panda 6 years ago
Your comment had me cracking up at work! Good job sir!
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Pan Narrans 6 years ago
In Holland we have two brothers, football coaches, they have been active in England's premier league: D**k Jol and C**k Jol. D**k nickname was 'Magic D**k'.
misteriosa 6 years ago (edited)
For us uneducated swines who fail at google but are curious nevertheless, any explanation please?
Random Internet Person 6 years ago
There is an American comedian named Andy D**k and he's pretty much the worst.
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#16
Denise Frantz 6 years ago
do you get the denephew joke, or the song sung to you as well
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Aaryn Keltie 6 years ago
As an Aaryn, I only realized the mistake when upon introducing myself, not even missing a beat, my (now friends) immediately asked "Pardon me, are you Aaron Burr, sir?" Pretty sure I'm Aaryn Burr in all of their contacts now.
#17
Vicky Zar 6 years ago
Yeah my husband wanted to name our daughter Carrie because our sons name is Damien..... while I think the references to his name is hilariousl, I never much liked this movie/ book.
Liam Walsh 6 years ago
That would be pushing your luck somewhat - a Damien and a Carrie!
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Cassie 6 years ago
In the original movie, her principal calls her "Cassie". My name is Cassie and my daughter's ex's mom's name was Kasey. She always got my name wrong and called me "Carrie". So, her name's Carrie and she gets called Cassie and my name is Cassie, but Kasey calls me Carrie.
Samhhain Cat 6 years ago
Just watched this for the first time. What a delightful fantasy that was.
Kristof De Smet 6 years ago
Oh, you thought about Steven King, I thought about 'Sex & the city'. My bad...
#18
Alexander Brior 6 years ago
I actually know someone whose first name is Kenny, and his last name starts with G.
#19
Annett Vikstrand 6 years ago
The Bible came ... a couple of years ... before you were born. Your problems could have been avoided. Anyway, it is not pop culture.
#20
Jenny Lind 6 years ago
In Iceland, Tom&Jerry are called Tommi&Jenni. My boyfriend and I, are Tommi&Jenny.
Jazz Akins 6 years ago
When actually that is a wildly inappropriate statement seeing as it’s tou and your dad 🙄
Thisleton Woodrow Amadeus Tunt 6 years ago
I thought you'd get more about the smash hit Adam Sandler film!
Liam Walsh 6 years ago
Smash hit at the Razzies! Holds the record for most Razzie Award "wins" by one film in a single year, with ten awards, including Worst Picture of 2011.
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Beth Hayter 6 years ago
Right there with you!!! A child told me that they couldn't say my name because it is a bad word. I'm a teacher.
#22
WillemPenn 6 years ago
I'm not going to touch that with a 3.048 meter pole.
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Lucas 6 years ago
You can walk 5000... but I will walk 500 miles and I will walk 500 more - just to be the man who walks a thousand miles to fall down at your door.
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#23
Bored Fox 6 years ago
I also don't recommend coming to Finland because a person named Kiki would hear plenty of bad d**k jokes. 'Kikki' is one synonym for 'penis' in Finnish.
Daria B 6 years ago
Apparently, for similar reasons, Ghibli's Kiki was renamed "Nicky" in Spain. Same goes for Laputa.
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José Arboleda Jr. 6 years ago
In the Filipino language, your name means the female organ... sorry for you making you feel worse.
Mireia Dos 6 years ago
For your own good... Don't visit Spain. "kiki" is one of several colloquial ways to refer to sexual intercourse. Sorry.
#25
CeramicPear 6 years ago
I like the name, but it is also the name of the demon that personifies craving and death in Buddhism :/
chicken of darkness 6 years ago
A mara is also a creature from swedish folklore who would come through a keyhole or under the door into your bedroom during the night and sit on your chest and give you nightmares. The victim would be paralyzed and have a feeling of being suffocated. However she could only get into the bed if she stepped through a pair of shoes next to the bed. Therefore it was recommended to keep your shoes under your bed with the toes pointing outward.
Magpie 6 years ago
Wow! harsh of parents to tell this to kids, just to get them to move their shoes.
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Carolina Fernández González 6 years ago
I'm Colombian, and I had to look in google the word "Mara", since I've never heard that word in spanish. And she's right but it only applies to 4 countries and is slang... so I guess you learn something new everyday XD
Mireia Dos 6 years ago
Not really. It's a slang term specific to two Latin American countries.
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Natalie Johnson 6 years ago
Wait, what? I love the name Mara, I didn’t know that’s what is meant!
Pirun Chitrudi amphai 6 years ago
Mara(read with shortened -a sound) mean bitter gourd in Thai. At least you sound delicious when cooked.
Alex Newell 6 years ago (edited)
Oh yeah, from Persona! https://megamitensei.fandom.com/wiki/Mara
#26
#27
Rinpai 6 years ago
Its actually nick nick nick na nick nick nick nick-a-lod-eon!
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Bob Beltcher 6 years ago
God yes. I feel you buddy. And then Christmas comes around and everyone ask me where their presents are.
#28
#29
#30
#31
Lotus Flower 6 years ago
I think that was ruined by the vast right wing conspiracy of the 90s lolol
Full Name 6 years ago
I think Hillary ruined Hillary for many reasons that didn't involved right wing treachery. She dug her own grave so deep she lost an election to Donald Trump. That's saying something.
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Hilliary Smith 6 years ago
Me, too! Also, working closely with two Bills, we got called Billary a lot!
#32
#33
Rachal Pecoraro 6 years ago
Im a Rachal, and worked with close friend in the same market named Ross. We got "Ross and Rachal. Omg" all the time.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 6 years ago
There was a lady who worked the front desk at my dentist's office named Rachel and she looked EXACTLY like Jennifer Aniston.
#34
ispeak catanese 6 years ago
Someone please create a name using Activia! The laxative yogurt marketed to older constipated ladies!
#35
Koalamonster 6 years ago
I married a Jesse. The look people get the first time they hear the song around me as they go "OH MY GOD YOU'RE JESSE'S GIRL" was funny the first time. We've been married almost ten years now though, and I hate that song.
Kiss Army 6 years ago
My name is Eli. (I am female.) I hear "Eli's coming..." which is a song about a guy (Eli) coming back to town.
NCC~1701 6 years ago
Wait are you the one with the cousin that calls you E.I.?
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#36
#37
Reallymortimer 6 years ago
Kalla blickar kalla kårar och du vara bara 14 vårar, ta min hand och visa mig vägen jag är din i alla lägen
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#38
Aria Whitaker 6 years ago
It is one of my favorite Jodie Foster movies...very good if you have not seen it.
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WillemPenn 6 years ago
Chicka, chicka, chickabee. / T'ee an me an t'ee an me. / Ressa, ressa, ressa me, / Chicka, chicka, chickabee.
Katinka Min 6 years ago
oh my God - I can just imagine the reactioins after that movie came out...
#39
#40
CrunChewy McSandybutt 6 years ago
Fun Fact: Shakespeare invented the name Jessica in "Merchant of Venice."
Erik Sawyer 6 years ago
As in Baby Jessica who fell down the well in '86. "Essentially no bottom..."
James Naron 6 years ago
First thing that came to my mind was baby Jessica who was trapped in a well.
Discussing the challenges older generations face in today's world doesn't stop at the workplace battles or job interviews. The names we are given at birth, too, contend with modern societal changes and popular culture shifts. While some grapple with finding jobs later in life, others find their names overshadowed by unfortunate references.
It’s fascinating how societal elements, whether it's job markets or pop culture, continuously impact individuals across generations.
#41
MARIAH C MUSQUIZ 6 years ago
imagine the torture of your parents thinking it would be funny to name their daughters first and middle name Mariah Carey. im still bitter.
#42
#43
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Tam-Tam 6 years ago
My last name is Stark. Lots of iron man and game of thrones references. I really don’t mind either though :-) It’s nice to see ppl get a laugh/smile
Jenica Thomas 6 years ago
It wasn't pop culture that ruined my name, but just about everyone who has attempted to say it, like ever. Jerrica? No. Jessica? No. Jennifer? No. Janice? No. Ja-nee-ka? No. Ja-niece-e-a? No. There are more, but I'll stop. However there is now a new Ninja Turtle named Jennika which is totally awesome!
Daria B 6 years ago (edited)
People who grew up with 1990s MTV may sing "La-la-laaaaa-la-la la-la-laaaaaaah-la-la" ♬♪ (I wish... But sometimes it happens)
Tracy Potter 6 years ago
My father lived with Mean Old Mr. Potter from It's a Wonderful Life. I grew up with Col. Sherman Potter from MASH. And my son and I get it now with, "Are you related to Harry?" The best part is that I almost named my son Harrison (fan of Harrison Ford) but as he had his legs crossed for the ultrasound, I went with a name that works for both boys and girls.
Alex Bailey 6 years ago (edited)
Went to college with a girl who had the last name Ing. Her father was Phil. Not ruined by popular culture - just a c**p name.
Tam-Tam 6 years ago
My last name is Stark. Lots of iron man and game of thrones references. I really don’t mind either though :-) It’s nice to see ppl get a laugh/smile
Jenica Thomas 6 years ago
It wasn't pop culture that ruined my name, but just about everyone who has attempted to say it, like ever. Jerrica? No. Jessica? No. Jennifer? No. Janice? No. Ja-nee-ka? No. Ja-niece-e-a? No. There are more, but I'll stop. However there is now a new Ninja Turtle named Jennika which is totally awesome!
Daria B 6 years ago (edited)
People who grew up with 1990s MTV may sing "La-la-laaaaa-la-la la-la-laaaaaaah-la-la" ♬♪ (I wish... But sometimes it happens)
Tracy Potter 6 years ago
My father lived with Mean Old Mr. Potter from It's a Wonderful Life. I grew up with Col. Sherman Potter from MASH. And my son and I get it now with, "Are you related to Harry?" The best part is that I almost named my son Harrison (fan of Harrison Ford) but as he had his legs crossed for the ultrasound, I went with a name that works for both boys and girls.
Alex Bailey 6 years ago (edited)
Went to college with a girl who had the last name Ing. Her father was Phil. Not ruined by popular culture - just a c**p name.
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