Invented Girl Names

You could either see this as a smoosh of Cara + Lena (or any name ending in -lena), or a variation on Carolina. Either way, it's a pretty, melodious name that first appeared on the US charts in 2008, and has been used sparingly ever since.

Roselynn is one of the smoosh baby names most popular a generation or two ago.

Larry Hernandez is at it again — the reality TV star known for his show Larrymania has successfully popularized each of his three daughters' names. He and Kenia Ontiveros created totally new names for their girls — Daleyza, Dalary, and Dalett, who was born in May 2020.

A newly created compound name, blending popular name element Lynn with the Italian name Ginevra. It was chosen by a Nameberry user in 2024.

Is it related to Angela? Or Tangelo? One invention that doesn't improve on any original.

Jamiyah likely derives from Arabic linguistic origins, possibly related to the word "jami'a" meaning "gathering" or "assembly." The name may be a feminine variation or creative spelling of names based on this root. In some contexts, it could be connected to the Arabic word for university or educational institution (jāmiʿah). The name has gained modest usage in the United States since the 1990s, reflecting broader trends of parents seeking names with meaningful origins and distinctive sounds. Jamiyah follows phonetic patterns common in contemporary naming practices, featuring the popular -iyah ending seen in many modern feminine names. Its usage has been documented across diverse communities in the United States, representing the cultural blending and creative naming practices characteristic of late 20th and early 21st century naming trends.

Variation of Tamara, popularized by Canadian singer Tamia.

Naylani is a modern feminine name with multicultural influences. It may be a creative variation of names like Leilani (Hawaiian for 'heavenly flower') or Nayeli (of Zapotec origin meaning 'I love you'). The prefix 'Nay-' appears in several contemporary names, while the '-lani' suffix has Hawaiian roots often associated with meanings like 'heaven' or 'sky.' Naylani has gained modest popularity in the 21st century as parents increasingly seek unique names with melodic qualities. Its four-syllable pattern and flowing sound make it appealing to those looking for a distinctive yet feminine-sounding name for their daughters.

Swinging London songbird Petula Clark claims that this name was her father's invention; in any case it hasn't seen much copycat usage.

Kynlee had its moment in the spotlight during the 2010s, when it entered the US Top 1000 alongside its more popular counterpart Kinley. An All-American style name, it peaked in 2017 when it rose to #552, but it has been in decline ever since.

A playful and whimsical choice for a child that works as a given name or a nickname (perhaps for Beatrix).

It may have been made up for a futuristic television show, but this name would not be out of place among such present-day trendies as Kayla and Taylor.

A possible, and not too successful, attempt to individualize Jocelyn or formalize Jacey.

Scarla is one of a raft of modern names that have been spun from established names -- in this case, it's part Scarlett, part Carla -- to make something new and "different." Uniqueness is the value that drives parents to invent names like Scarla, Skyla, and Saylah, but we think you'd do better to seek out a genuine name that's more unusual and has less connection to current trends.

America's Next Top Model contestant Toccara Jones introduced this rhythmic choice into the lexicon. Her own name likely came from that of an Avon perfume, released in 1981, the year Jones was born.

The advent of Zemi is likely due to the ultra-stylish name Remi, which has been picking up steam for girls and boys. Zemi debuted in 2020, when it was given to six baby girls.

A modern sounding choice, blending unisex Blake with trendy suffix -lynn. It could give you the meanings "dark lake" or "dark and beautiful", depending on which root of Lynn you choose to follow. Given to around 150 girls in a recent year, this spelling is currently preferred to Blakelyn (chosen for around 100 babies).

Charming comedic actress Niecy Nash -- who's drawn widespread acclaim in the last few years as the star of Getting On and Claws -- was originally born Carol Denise. Her stage name likely originated as a nickname for Denise, but it feels distinctive enough to stand on its own. Indeed, it already has, at least on BET's Being Mary Jane, in which it's the name of a recurring character.

Delwen appears to be a modern invented name in Welsh, deriving from two common name components: del - meaning pretty and wen - meaning fair/white. Similar names include Delyth, also Welsh, and Elowen, which is Cornish.