Men’s names can influence first impressions in dating, often shaping how someone is perceived. A name might suggest certain traits or evoke specific feelings, impacting attraction and connection before two people even get to know each other.
Adam
Adam is often seen as one of the most uninspired names a man can have. Since Adam was the first man on Earth, it seems like his name was chosen simply out of tradition, without much thought. If he’s the youngest sibling, his parents might have run out of ideas, but if he’s the oldest, there’s really no excuse. A man named Adam might be just as dull and unremarkable as his name suggests.
Seth
Seth is often associated with negative traits, so if a guy you’re interested in has this name, it might be a red flag! In Ancient Egypt, Seth symbolized anger, chaos, and destruction. Given the Egyptians’ beliefs, this name could even carry a curse.
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Buddy
Is he your boyfriend or your dog? It’s surprising that some men are actually named Buddy—not just as a nickname, but as their official name on their birth certificate. A man named Buddy might be just as bland and unoriginal as his name implies.
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Donald
Were you expecting a different Donald? Regardless of your political views, the name Donald has faced some negative publicity recently. While not all men named Donald are terrible, it might be wise to approach with caution when it comes to relationships.
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Kyle
We all knew a kid in school named Kyle, but he wasn’t exactly friend material. He reeked of Monster energy drinks and cigarettes, and always wore the tackiest graphic tees. Unfortunately, teenage Kyles eventually grow up into adult Kyles—but that doesn’t mean you should date one!
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Chad
Chad and its variations, like Chud and Chet (yes, even Tom Hanks’ son), tend to come across as a bit one-dimensional. People named Chad often don’t have much going on that’s unique—they’re just… Chad, and they’re content with that. But if you’re looking for something deeper or more interesting, it’s probably best to steer clear.
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Tyler
If you surveyed teachers across the English-speaking world, many would agree that Tyler is a name associated with naughty, unruly kids. Sure, boys grow up, but do they ever really outgrow that chaotic nature? In the case of a Tyler, it’s doubtful.
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Adonis
The name Adonis isn’t very common in the U.S., so it’s not a major concern—yet. However, it’s growing in popularity, so future generations should beware! In Greek mythology, Adonis was the most handsome young man, and any man overly aware of his own looks is likely to be insufferably arrogant.
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Chase
Chase is another modern name that can raise a red flag. While it’s challenging to find the right balance between classic names and trendy ones, men named Chase often have a lot of energy and can be quite chaotic, as their name implies. If you’re seeking a quieter life, it might be best to steer clear of a Chase.
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Herbert
If his name is Herbert, he’s likely way too old for you! Honestly, no one born in the 1900s is actually named Herbert, right? Plus, when you introduce him to your friends and family, they’ll inevitably think of that one *Family Guy* character, and that’s not the impression you want to make.
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Brayden
Brayden, Hayden, Jayden, and Cayden—all of these names tend to blend together. If you’re okay with dating someone who might easily be confused with others in your social circle, then go for it. However, if you’re looking for something more unique, it’s best to steer clear of these names.
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Richard
People named Richard have an unfortunate nickname that’s best left unmentioned. While it’s not as popular as it once was, some people might still use it when meeting him. Do you really want to spend your life with someone who gets called that? We didn’t think so.
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Sullivan
Originally, the name Sullivan means “dark-eyed” or “hawk-eyed,” giving it a somewhat sinister tone. This is only reinforced by its association with creepy villain vibes, similar to the name Cecil. Additionally, many people named Sullivan go by the nickname Sully, which literally means “damage”!
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Josh
When it comes to men’s names, Josh might be the most boring of them all. If any name could be compared to plain sliced white bread, it’s this one. Even Joshua adds a bit more personality, but sadly, most guys opt for the shorter version.
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Zac
Zac is a classic name often associated with frat boys. One thing to keep in mind about frat boys is that they rarely grow up. If you’re looking to settle down and think about kids instead of weekly beer pong tournaments, he’s probably not the right choice for you.
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Randy
When people hear the name Randy, they certainly don’t think of well-rounded, good-natured guys. If maintaining a certain image in a relationship is important to you, it’s best to steer clear of guys with names that have double meanings.
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Calvin
Men named Calvin often face the unfortunate meaning of their name, which translates to “bald.” While this isn’t necessarily reflective of their personality, it can impact how they’re perceived. However, some women find this trait appealing—so if you’re one of them, don’t shy away from a Calvin!
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Noah
There are plenty of cool names in the Bible, but Noah, like Adam, just isn’t one of them. Men named Noah come with a literal warning sign in their name, so if you’re thinking about dating one, think again—there’s someone much more exciting out there waiting for you!
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Damien
Damian is a name that many people, whether fairly or unfairly, associate with the devil and demons. If you’re interested in a guy with that name, be cautious—there might be something darker lurking beneath the surface. Why take the risk when there are so many great guys out there?
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Gunner
When searching for the perfect man, it’s best to avoid those with violent-sounding names. This includes Gunner, as well as names like Archer, Trigger, and Hunter. You don’t want a relationship to turn sour, and these names tend to carry negative vibes.
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Bill
Bill is a name with some interesting political connotations. Regardless of your views on what happened in the Oval Office in the mid to late ’90s, it’s undeniable that the name has been somewhat tainted by associations with cheating and infidelity. Is that really the kind of vibe you want in a relationship?
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Brock
Brock is a name that seems to exist mainly in the U.S., raising the question of why it’s not used in other English-speaking countries. One possible reason is that it sounds a bit like a chicken noise when you say it. Just imagine calling him for dinner—it’s a little awkward!
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Jax
Whether he goes by Jax as a chosen nickname or it’s his given name makes a big difference. If he chose to style himself as Jax, it’s best to steer clear. If it’s his actual name, you might want to avoid his whole family! Guys named Jax often think they’re cooler and edgier than everyone else, but in reality, they can come off as just a bit too intense.
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Nate
Nate finds himself in a similar situation to the name Josh. As adults, it’s wise to move past childish nicknames and embrace the more distinguished, classic forms of names. If a man is still going by Nate instead of Nathan in his 30s and beyond, it may indicate that he’s trying too hard to cling to his youth.
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Tristan
If you’re seeking a joyful and fun relationship, you might want to avoid dating any man named Tristan. The meanings of names can significantly influence personalities, and unfortunately for Tristans, their name translates to “sad” and “sorrowful.”
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Michael
Do you know what the most popular boy’s name was in 1965, 1975, or 1985? If you guessed Michael for all three, you’re right! In fact, Michael was the most common name given to boys born every year between 1965 and 1998. That’s a lot of Michaels! There are definitely more unique and individual names out there for you to consider.
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Woody
Woody the woodpecker, Woody the sheriff, Woody Boyd from Cheers – are these really the kind of vibes you’re looking for in your relationship with a guy? Actually, scratch that, Woody Boyd wouldn’t be too bad. We can’t even say that the longer forms are better in this case – would you really want to date a guy called Elwood or Woodrow?
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Cain
Cain is a name with negative connotations from the very start—specifically, from the story of Adam and Eve’s son. If you paid attention in Sunday school, you know that Cain committed the first murder by killing his brother. It’s hard to shake off the bad vibes associated with this name.
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Tiger
Tiger is a name that one famous individual has unfortunately tainted for everyone else. While Tiger Woods was once considered the greatest golfer in the world, his life has since been marred by scandal. Even if your guy is perfect, people around you will likely make that connection.
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Cecil
If you’re looking to date a guy who sounds like a classic, charmingly evil villain from a book—likely British—then a man named Cecil might be your match. But it does raise the question: why would you actually want that?
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Christian
Christian is yet another name on the list of boring ones. Boring names often indicate boring parents, who tend to raise boring children that grow into boring men. Christian feels unimaginative—more like a label than a name. And if he isn’t actually a Christian, that’s a whole other red flag!
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Wolf
Parents who name their sons Wolf, Wolfie, or similar variations often think they’re being edgy and cool, but they might be trying a bit too hard. Guys who choose the name Wolf for themselves usually share this vibe, along with a superiority complex. They might see themselves as a “lone wolf,” which means pursuing a relationship with them could be a bad idea.
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Vince
If the guy you’re dating resembles a 1930s Mafia boss from New Jersey, then having the name Vince might make sense. However, we bet he’s not really that type. Vincent is a much more sophisticated and charming name, so why not choose to date a Vincent instead?
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Draco
If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter franchise, you probably find Draco to be a particularly chilling and dark name—and there’s a reason for that! In Greek and Latin, it means “dragon” and is also the name of a constellation. While it may sound cool, it suggests he might have had a quirky upbringing that could impact your relationship.
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Adolf
Are you really surprised to see this name on the list? It wouldn’t be complete without it, and we shouldn’t need to explain why. Fortunately, you probably won’t have to worry about encountering one, as the name has sharply declined in popularity, even in its native Germany.
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OJ
OJ, PJ, TJ—these aren’t really names; they sound more like library organizing labels. If you’re dating a guy named OJ, the best he can hope for is that people think of orange juice when they hear his name, rather than the most famous (and controversial) OJ. You might end up feeling guilty by association!
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Cooper
Cooper is another name that falls into the category of “dog names that have inexplicably been given to people.” That said, kids these days seem to be searching for what they call a “golden retriever boyfriend,” so perhaps guys named Cooper do make good boyfriends after all!
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Buford
Yes, Buford really is a name! It’s actually a variation of the even less appealing name Bluford. While there aren’t many Bufords out there, those who do exist are probably best avoided in the dating scene. Just imagine having to say that name several times a day for the rest of your life!
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Vladimir
When people hear the name Vladimir, three things often come to mind: a terrifying bloodsucking vampire, a horrifying historical ruler known for impaling his enemies, and a brutal modern-day dictator and warmonger. Take your pick! It’s probably a name best left alone.
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Millard
The Simpsons labeled Millard Fillmore as one of the mediocre and often forgotten Presidents of the United States, and it’s hard to disagree. Guys named Millard tend to be just as boring and nondescript as their name suggests. If you date one, you probably won’t find much spice or excitement in your relationship.
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