Dick is a short form of Richard (English) and Richart (German), names that mean “rich and powerful ruler.”
But dick is a slang term for penis. It also carries a dishonest implication because of the phrase “tricky dick” which refers to a dishonest individual (for example, a used-car salesman who changes the odometer before selling a car). Dick is also used in unflattering terms like “dickhead” to refer to stupid, hurtful, disrespectful people.
Hector is a Greek name that means “steadfast.” In Homer’s Illiad, Hector was the prince of Troy; a leading figure in the Trojan War.
But hector is also a term the refers to bullying, teasing, harassing or annoying behavior.
John is a Hebrew name that means “God is gracious.” The name honors John the Baptist in the New Testament.
But john is a common term used for the bathroom or a toilet. John is also the term used by police to describe the customer of a prostitute. Finally, john is also used as a generic term for a man, hence the term John Doe–perhaps because John was the most popular name fur boys during the 20th century.
Johnson is an English name that means “son of John.”
But johnson is yet another slang term for penis.
Josh is a Hebrew name that means “God is my salvation.” In the Old Testament, Joshua led the Israelites into the promised land.
But josh is also a word that means a joke or witticism that should not be taken seriously.
Peter is a Greek and Latin name that means “rock.” In the Bible, Simon (renamed Peter) was the leader of the 12 apostles and is often referred the “rock on whom the church was built.”
But Peter, like dick, is also a slang term for penis.
Randy is a short form of Randolph, an English and German name that means “shield wolf.”
But randy is also a word that means lascivious or lecherous. (The kind of man who can’t keep his peter in his pants.)
Romeo is an Italian name that means “pilgrim to Rome.” Romeo is the title character in Shakespeare’s famous play, Romeo and Juliet.
But a romeo has come to mean a “lady’s man” or “womanizer” who has trouble keeping his peter in his pants.
Stew and Stu are short forms of Stewart and Stuart, English names that mean “caretaker” or “steward.”
But stew refers to a dish prepared by boiling meat or fish and vegetables in broth. And stewing refers both to the boiling process and to a person who is brooding or worrying, for example, “What are you stewing about?”
Reading this brief list of names with secondary meanings or associations is meant prompt you to brainstorm alternative meanings or associations for any name you like and think is worth serious consideration. After “falling in like” with an name, the next step might be to look up the literal meaning as well as any secondary meaning or common impression that the name makes when you read it, hear it or think about it. Most baby name books don’t discuss this issue, which is why you might want to consult my book, 5 Star Baby Name Advisor, which discusses the literal meaning names as well as the impressions that names make.
Bruce Lansky Baby Names in the News 