Community Contributor

Community

Can you identify the uncomfortable history behind these hypothetical names?

Cool Names With Uncomfortable Namesakes Quiz

Jocasta accidentally married her own son in Greek legend!

Oedipus' mother/wife

Jocasta is a pretty name, but who is the negative namesake?

Icarus flew too close to the sun and fell to his death according to Greek mythology.

It is a tragic name

Icarus seems like a whimsical name, but why is it an odd choice?

He is the murderous antagonist in the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf.

Grendel was a monster

Grendel sounds like it could be traditional, but who shares it?

He murdered his father-in-law for stealing his horses, pushing him into a bed of burning hot coals. Ouch!

Ixion was a murderer

Ixion sounds trendy, but in Greek mythology he was...

Her father, King Agamemnon, sacrificed her so that his fleet could continue to the Trojan War. She had been led to the altar under the guise of marriage.

Iphigenia was sacrificed by her father!

Iphigenia has a Victorian vibe, but what tragedy did she suffer?

As Roman Emperor, Nero murdered political rivals, his brother, his mother, and two of his wives. He also brutally murdered many Christians.

Nero was a murderer

Nero has a modern feel, but what was the emperor known for?

As revenge for her husband Jason leaving her, Medea murdered his wife and her own children.

Medea murdered her children

Medea has a vintage feel, but what did she do for revenge?

Pompeii is an amazing archaeological site but the fate of its residents in a volcanic eruption would make it a gruesome name choice.

A natural disaster

Pompeii would be a classic twist on a place name, but what fate did the town meet?

Oh well, these names are much nicer at face value anyway!

Ancient history novice

You know the more popular stories but aren't so good at guessing...

Not too bad!

You either know your ancient history or are good at guessing!

Pretty good!

Wow, you really know your ancient history and stories, even the really obscure ones!

Ancient names genius

<p>Would you feel comfortable using any of these names yourself? Share your thoughts in the comments!</p>

About BuzzFeed Community

Community Brand Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community

Sorry, this content is <i>no longer</i> supported.

BuzzFeed Community Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community Leaderboard

BuzzFeed News has breaking stories and original reporting on politics, world news, social media, viral trends, health, science, technology, entertainment, and LGBTQ issues.

All the best animals on the internet. The snuggle is real.

BuzzFeed has breaking news, vital journalism, quizzes, videos, celeb news, Tasty food videos, recipes, DIY hacks, and all the trending buzz you’ll want to share with your friends. Copyright BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved.

BuzzFeed News | Breaking News | Original Reporting | News Analysis

Animal Pictures and Videos - Adorably from BuzzFeed

Name

Thanks for subscribing!

Stay up to date with our latest BuzzFeed video. Enter your email to subscribe!

Oops! Upload an image or add text to submit.

BuzzFeed has the hottest, most social content on the web. We feature breaking buzz and the kinds of things you'd want to pass along to your friends.

Cool Names With Uncomfortable Namesakes Quiz

Share This Article