A proverb meaning that being notorious is better than being unknown — even bad fame can be preferable to obscurity because it brings attention or advantage.
俳優はスキャンダルで注目を浴び、『悪名は無名に勝る』と言われたが、仕事は増えた。
The actor attracted attention from a scandal and people said, “Bad fame is better than none,” but his work actually increased.
ある企業は話題になるためにあえて過激な広告を打ち、悪名は無名に勝ると割り切っている。
A company deliberately ran provocative ads to get attention, accepting the idea that bad fame is better than being unknown.
歴史上の人物は悪評で知られることも多いが、悪名は無名に勝るという側面もある。
Historical figures are often known for negative reputations, but there's also the sense that bad fame beats obscurity.