Oaklyn is one of the oak-related names moving up the popularity charts, along with more popular sister Oakley and near-identical twin Oaklynn. The Oaklynn spelling used for three times as many baby girls as Oaklyn -- 1800 vs. 600.

A nouveau creation inspired by Paisley.

Somehow a "y" got stuck in a glass of apple juice.

Cardi B is the stage name of the rapper born Belcalis Almanzar. The name Cardi originated as a short form of Bacardi, a nickname the musician got because her sister is named Hennessy, after the cognac. The B, she says, stands for a range of things, depending on the day, including Belcalis and Bacardi. Cardi is one invented name that's found instant fame and could go much further. For now, it's definitely one of the most talked-about girl names starting with C.

Kamiya is a feminine name with Japanese origins, though it's used cross-culturally. In Japanese, its meaning varies depending on the kanji characters used to write it, but it commonly translates to 'divine valley' (神谷) or can incorporate elements meaning 'god/divine' (神) and various second elements. The name has gained modest international recognition while remaining relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it an exotic appeal. Kamiya has a melodic three-syllable flow (ka-mi-ya) that fits well with contemporary naming trends. The name carries cultural richness while being relatively easy for English speakers to pronounce. Its distinctiveness makes it appealing to parents looking for a name that sounds modern and multicultural while having authentic roots.

Julissa is a Spanish version of Julia used mostly in Latin America. It peaked in the 1990s and early 2000s and now hovers near the bottom of the Top 1000.

Also appearing as Jaliyah and Jaleah, Jalayah is mostly likely to be another variation of the popular Aliyah, which has both Hebrew and Arabic origins. In this case, the sounds of Amaya and Alaya might also have been thrown into the mix.

A really inventive invented name, with a little of this and a little of that. Has a somewhat rhythmic African feel.

Adding an extra 'R' to Kiera makes it rhyme with the fashionable Sierra. Kierra is a more distinctive choice than Kiera, Keira, or Kyra, all similarly pronounced, but there may be some pronunciation confusion.

Perhaps the best known of the La names that peaked in the 1980s, it stems from the biblical Keziah, plus the gallic La prefix that rose to prominence centuries ago among the Creole people and Free Blacks of New Orleans.

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

Elphaba was invented by Gregory Maguire for the protagonist of his novel Wicked, which became the long-running Broadway play and then a movie. Elphaba is the name of the Wicked Witch of the West, unnamed in the Oz books, and is drawn from the initials of Oz creator L. Frank Baum.

Caitlin, but with the popular -lynn suffix.

Invented by Swedish author August Strindberg for a 1909 poem of the same name, this quirky choice is rare even in its native land but would make for an extremely eye-catching choice outside it. It may be based on Vellamo, a Finnish sea goddess.

Irelynn is a modern feminine variation of the name Ireland, drawing inspiration from the beautiful island nation. This elegant name combines elements of 'Ireland' with the popular '-lynn' suffix that appears in many contemporary girls' names. Irelynn began gaining modest attention in the United States during the early 2000s as parents sought unique names with cultural connections. The name evokes images of rolling green hills, rich heritage, and Celtic traditions. While not among the top-ranked names, Irelynn appeals to parents looking for something distinctive yet melodic, with clear cultural roots but a modern twist. The name's soft sound and meaningful geographical connection make it an increasingly appealing choice for parents of Irish descent or those who simply appreciate Irish culture.

One of the many -lani names to be created in recent years, this one a variation of JWOWW's invention Meilani.

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.

Spelling variation of Erin invented for a character on the science fiction TV show Farscape.

The newest addition to the Kylie, Rylie family, really catching on with some parents.