Invented Girl Names

Torquano Tasso likely invented this name for the magical enchantress who beguiles the crusaders in his celebrated poem Jerusalem Delivered. Armida is also the eponymous heroines of operas by Handel and Rossini and the name of an American actress, Armida Vendrell.

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.

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

"May" is a hot sound in girl names — just look at the rise of Maeve — which makes it ripe for creative new inventions. This cheerful, breezy number has been low-key on the US charts since 2011.

The name Magnethia was created for Winx Club, a children's TV series about villain-fighting fairies. Magnethia is the mother of Tecna, the fairy of technology.

Mother of rising star actress Quvenzhané Wallis.

Jalen variations are all over the Top 1000 of 2015 for both genders, and this oddly-spelling version earned spot Number 933. This trend is clearly on the decline, however.

A fanciful concoction whipped up by L. Frank Baum for a beautiful and powerful princess in one of his Oz books.

A mix-and-match unisex name inspired by Taylor.

The stylish L leads the way on this unusual girls' name.

Borne by Mickalene Thomas, an American artist primarily known for her photographs and paintings embellished with rhinestones and enamel.

Synthetic name on the Top 1,000 list.

Part Rylee, part Raelynn — Raelee is a trendy compound name on the rise.

This name can be seen as a newly invented name, a sort of elaboration on Jane. It is also a rare Hebrew name—also spelled Jania—that means "from Jana." It has been declining steadily in the US since its peak between 2004 and 2008.

Raeleigh is a modern feminine name that blends the popular 'Rae' prefix with the trending '-leigh' suffix. It's a creative variation of more traditional names like Rachel or Raelyn. The name has gained modest popularity in the United States since the early 2000s, particularly among parents seeking unique yet melodic names for their daughters. While 'Rae' typically derives from Rachel (meaning 'ewe' in Hebrew) or can be a diminutive of Raymond (meaning 'wise protector'), the '-leigh' element adds a contemporary flair while maintaining the same sound as 'lee' or 'ly' endings. Raeleigh embodies a sweet, graceful quality with its flowing syllables while still having distinctive character.

Chevelle is a feminine name with French influences, deriving popularity primarily from the iconic American muscle car produced by Chevrolet in the 1960s and 70s. The name carries connotations of speed, power, and sleek design. While originally emerging as a brand name, Chevelle has gained traction as a given name in recent decades, particularly appealing to parents seeking modern, distinctive options with an edge of coolness. The name has a contemporary feel with its -elle ending that connects it to traditional feminine names while maintaining its unique automotive association. Though still relatively uncommon, Chevelle has seen increased usage in the United States, reflecting broader trends toward brand-inspired names and distinctive sounds with French-influenced endings.

Haisley, but with more pizzazz.

A sweet modern combination of Kim and Marie, never given to more than 10 baby girls per year in the US.

She looked like a model but she was really an evil many-tentacled monster in Men in Black: your child will never forgive you if you choose this name. And neither will we.

Like cousin Shakira, captivating and evocative.