Invented Girl Names

The name Drasna was created for a Pokémon character. Her name was derived from the Latin botanical name dracaena, which in turn is from drakōn, the Greek word for "dragon." Fittingly, Drasna used Dragon-type Pokémon in battle.

Illusia was created in 1944 by the Finnish author Yrjö Kokko for his fairy tale Pessi and Illusia. In the story, Illusia is a rainbow-dwelling fairy who falls in love with an initially-pessimistic troll, appropriately named Pessi. The fairy tale was adapted into a movie in 1984 and is also a ballet in Finland.

A current creation used far more for boys at this point.

Lynlee — in which two popular suffixes meet to become one trendy name — has been rising up the US stats since 2000s. While it has yet to reach the popularity levels of Everly or Raelyn, and while it is still lagging behind more recently popular choices, Lakelynn and Whitley, it was given to 125 girls in 2023, twice the number born in 2010.

Kirsten Dunst played a young woman named Lidda, a synthetic name you may consider as a variation of Biblical place-name Lydda or as a short form of Phyllida.

An intriguing, plausible name--kind of a Nell-Hillary combo--created by L. Frank Baum for a character in his book The Lost Princess of Oz.

Elaboration of Sophia created for the character Sophitia Alexandra in the video game Soulcalibur.

Avalee is a feminine name with a melodic, contemporary feel. It appears to be a modern variation or elaboration of names like Ava, possibly combined with the popular '-lee' suffix that adds a musical quality. The name might also draw inspiration from 'avalon,' the mythical island from Arthurian legend, giving it subtle literary connections. Avalee has gained modest recognition in the 21st century as parents seek unique yet accessible names. Its flowing sound and intuitive spelling make it appealing while still being distinctive. The name carries a gentle, nature-inspired quality reminiscent of valleys or flowing water. Avalee offers an uncommon yet recognizable option for parents drawn to names with a soft, feminine character.

This smoosh between Samantha and Amanda might be in for some 'salamander' teasing.

Rising star Nailah Blackman is a Trinidadian singer.

Jayleen is one of those modern creations that could be seen as an attempt to be trendy yet retro at the same time. Part Jaylee, part Aileen, Jayleen could be an honor for a Jane or a James, an Eileen, or a Darlene.

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.

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). Either way, it has a willowy sweetness that deserves a comeback.

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

Jazelle is a modern feminine name with multiple possible origins. It can be viewed as a creative elaboration of names like Jazz or Jasmine, combined with the popular feminine suffix '-elle.' The name conveys a sense of musical elegance and uniqueness. While not among the most common names in the United States or other English-speaking countries, Jazelle gained some recognition in the early 2000s as parents sought distinctive yet melodious names. The name carries connotations of liveliness, rhythm, and contemporary style. Its exotic sound makes it appealing to parents looking for a name that stands out while remaining relatively easy to pronounce and spell.

A stylish smoosh of Evelyn and Juliette, also a variation of the invented name Evolet.

We think Esmarie rolls off the tongue better.

An amalgam of too many diverse elements.

First came Hadley, then Adley, and now, Adlee.

Inspired by either Raleigh -- a North Carolina place-name and the surname of the explorer Sir Walter Raleigh - or by Raylee, a modern creation, blending Ray and Lee, Rayleigh has been steadily used since the beginning of the 2010s. Never as popular as Braylee, Kayleigh, Hailey, Jaylee, or Bailey, Rayleigh was given to 152 girls - and 16 boys - in 2024.