Invented Girl Names

The Social Security Lists show Willodean and all its variant spellings to have been used throughout the 1920s and 30s especially in Southern states. There are a few theories on its origins (an invented name created to honor William/Willard and a a female name ending in "-dine", or it may be an Anglicization of a Native American name).

Laikyn is a contemporary feminine name that exemplifies the modern trend of creating unique spellings for familiar sounds. It appears to be a variant of Laken, which itself may derive from place names or surnames referring to a lake or water feature. The distinctive 'y' spelling gives the name a personalized touch while maintaining its phonetic clarity. Laikyn emerged in popularity during the early 2000s, part of the trend toward names with the popular '-yn' ending. Though not among the most common names, it appeals to parents seeking something recognizably modern yet distinctive. The name carries connotations of tranquility and natural beauty through its possible connection to lakes and waterways.

Credit, of course, to the artist for inventing this secretive pseudonym, but we actually have Hilary Duff to thank for Banksy as a baby name. Banksy is Duff's nickname for her daughter Banks, born in 2018. Banksy debuted on the charts in 2020, when it was used for seven baby girls.

Cienna is Sienna's much rare sister, though it's popular enough to have been given to over 100 baby girls in the US last year. Since Princess Beatrice's use of Sienna, this name and variations are sure to gain popularity.

Jaxx (and Jax, Jaxson, Jaxsen, Jaxton et all) is now on the Top 1000 for boys, and while we don't foresee this becoming anywhere near as popular for girls, it was also found on the female side of the ledger. Jaxxie, anyone?

Arisbeth is a name that feels poetic and fantastical like Arwen or Amoret, but equally familiar and sunny, like Marisol. It is in fact a name used primarily in Mexico and by Hispanic parents in the US, who've made it one of the hottest unique names.

Tribeca was the term created for New York City's TRIangle BElow CAnal Street. Stangely enough--that aside--it almost does sound like a plausible girls' name, nicknamed Becca.

Though it doesn't have historic roots--it was created by L. Frank Baum for a Princess character in his book Ozma of Oz--Evella could fit well into the Eve-Eva-Evelyn group now coming back into favor.

A newly hatched cousin of Bree and Brea, with a touch of Bailey and Brynn there too, Brae feels like a name that could catch on. However, a 'bray' is also the sound a donkey makes.

A contemporary creation, blending the Tay sound of Taylor (or perhaps Teagan, Dante, Anastasia, and Octavia) with the popular suffix -lynn. Given to more than 90 babies in 2024, it began to rise in usage back in the mid-2000s, then more notably during the 2010s. Alternative forms Taelyn, Taylynn, Taylin/n and Taylyn are also in use and when you combine all the spelling variations, the name is given to nearly 350 girls each year, which could make it feel surprisingly like a Top 1000 name, ranking along side Azaria, Pearl, Robin, Maisy, and Zayla.

Rylen, an invented name related to Rylan, Ryland, and more distantly to Riley, is now in the girls' column thanks to its choice for their first daughter by football great Drew Brees and wife.

Janiyah’s star is definitely fading, but it will likely remain in the Top 1000 for years to come.

Less popular than spelling variation Jazlyn. The extra n does not make this name any better. Nonetheless, this spelling entered the US Top 1000 in 2007 and peaked at Number 573 in 2011.

Novaleigh is a contemporary feminine name that represents a modern creation combining elements of 'Nova' (meaning 'new' in Latin) and the popular suffix 'leigh.' This melodic name conveys a sense of newness, brightness, and uniqueness. As a relatively recent addition to the naming landscape, Novaleigh reflects the 21st-century trend toward crafting distinctive names with meaningful elements. The astronomical connection to 'nova' (a star that suddenly increases in brightness) adds a celestial quality to the name. While still uncommon, Novaleigh appeals to parents seeking something fresh and distinctive with a feminine sound but without centuries of historical usage or predictable popularity patterns.

When British beauty Laura Hollin morphed into supermodel Agyness Deyn, she created a name few others would want to adopt.

A variation of Riley with an added -lynn suffix, this girl name is bubbling right underneath the Top 1000.

A modern invention that combines Taylor's ending with the kool initial K.

The name Kyubey was created for the primary villain of the anime series Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica. It was derived from the word "incubator," which relates to the character's lack of a personal soul and desire to gain energy from girls. Kyubey is sonically resonant to kyuubi, mythical nine-tailed Japanese foxes.

This spelling of the name entered the US Top 1000 in 2001, rising until it found its apex at Number 487 in 2009. It has since been trending in the opposite direction. As with all her sister spellings—Jaelyn, Jaelynn, Jaylin, Jalyn—we urge you to consider a name that has more substance and doesn't sound like the word "jail."

Less popular than the more succinct spelling Blakely, but used more often than Blakeley and Blakelee, this variation may appeal to those honoring a Leigh or like letter-heavy names. Given to 131 girls in a recent year, Blakely was chosen for 1882 in comparison.