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Home › Baby Names Directory › Notorious

Notorious

♂ Boy

Pronounced noh-TOR-ee-us /noʊˈtɔːr.i.əs/High

Meaning: The English adjective notorious, from Latin notorius ('well known'). In modern English it means famous for something bad — an important distinction families should weigh. As a name it is a bold word-name, carried into hearing by the rapper The Notorious B.I.G.Medium

In 30 seconds: A bold word-name: Notorious literally means 'famous for something bad' — worth choosing with open eyes (said 'noh-TOR-ee-us').
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Origin MediumEnglish
MeaningThe English adjective notorious, from Latin notorius ('well known'). In modern English it means famous for something bad — an important distinction families should weigh. As a name it is a bold word-name, carried into hearing by the rapper The Notorious B.I.G.
U.S. rank (2024)#13624 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 74

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202119952024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Notorious is an English word turned given name. Its Latin root notorius meant only 'well known,' but centuries of use narrowed it: today notorious means famous for something bad. Its cultural weight in the U.S. comes largely from The Notorious B.I.G. We note the literal sense honestly — it is a bold, high-visibility choice (said 'noh-TOR-ee-us').

It appears only very rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, bold, and loud.

Did you know? Notorious comes from Latin notorius, simply 'well known' — but in modern English it narrowed to mean famous for the wrong reasons. Most American ears also hear the rapper The Notorious B.I.G. Families who love the sound should choose it knowing the plain meaning.
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Notorious — English word-name; Latin notorius; The Notorious B.I.G.

Variations

Notorius

Nicknames

RioTori

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Notorious…

Legend— a like bold word-name
Messiah— a similar high-impact modern pick
Maverick— a like independent-streak name
Prince— a similar statement name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Notorious mean?

It is the English word notorious — from Latin 'well known,' but in modern English it means famous for something bad. We note that plainly.

How do you pronounce Notorious?

It's said noh-TOR-ee-us /noʊˈtɔːr.i.əs/ — four syllables, stress on the second.

Is Notorious a boy or girl name?

Notorious is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Notorious?

Notorious is a very rare name for boys in the U.S.

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