Invented Boy Names

Parents wanting to move beyond Jason and Mason, not to mention Taylor, have created Tayson. But like many smoosh baby names, this choice is less than the sum of its parts.

The American appetite for new names ending in the letters "yn" knows no bounds. This one, a close relative of popular Jaxson, was among the fastest-rising boys' names of 2017.

Kaylor is a faux surname name. It doesn't have an occupational meaning, unlike soundalike names Taylor ("tailor") and Baylor ("one who delivers goods"). It may be considered an Anglicization of surnames such as Keillor or Kohler, but its use typically arises from a combination of the names Kay and Taylor.

Tayden is a modern masculine name that follows the popular contemporary pattern of blending familiar name elements. It likely combines the 'Tay-' prefix (as in Taylor or Tayler) with the trendy '-den' suffix seen in names like Aiden, Jayden, and Brayden. Created in the early 2000s during the height of the '-den'/'-dan' name trend, Tayden exemplifies the modern approach to creating new names with familiar sounds. While not among the most popular modern coinages, it has seen steady usage in the United States since its emergence. Tayden has a contemporary, energetic quality that appeals to parents seeking something modern yet accessible.

Xavian is a masculine name representing a modern variation of Xavier, which itself derives from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning 'new house.' The name gained prominence through St. Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish missionary. Xavian combines the distinctive 'X' beginning of Xavier with the flowing ending of names like Adrian or Julian, creating a contemporary feel while maintaining historical connections. The initial 'X' gives the name an edge of uniqueness, while the overall sound remains approachable. Growing in popularity since the early 2000s, Xavian appeals to parents seeking modern-sounding names with subtle historical roots. The name projects qualities of strength and distinctiveness while offering the friendly nickname option 'Xavi.' Its relative rarity ensures individuality without being difficult to pronounce or understand.

A modern invention, put on the map by tattoo artist and entrepreneur, Kat Von D, who chose the name for her son in 2018. He is named for his father, musician and writer Rafael Reyes (also known as Leafar Seyers). As such, Leafar is literally Rafael backwards, placing it in the same category as Nevaeh and Revilo, though Leafar has a bonus nature-y feel.

Braxley is an invented name — a combination of two hot syllables — and therefore has no official meaning. It could, however, be interpreted to mean "Brock's field" from each of its elements.

Elaboration of Dion publicized by the football and baseball star Deion Sanders -- aka Neon Deion.

Darren with a P.

Rylen is the more-unusual spelling variation of Rylan and the even more popular Ryland. It also takes a cue from the long-trendy surname-name Riley and adds the newly-trendy n ending.

Fanciful name created by L. Frank Baum for a character in his book Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz.

The kind of hybrid name -- it sounds like a blend of the popular Caleb and Colton -- that could catch on despite its lack of pedigree.

This rising name, possibly a variation of the Irish Kian, has been associated with several accomplished athletes.

Sideræl was created by Grimes and Elon Musk, who used it as a middle name for their daughter Y, whose full name is Exa Dark Sideræl. They were inspired by the word sidereal, which Grimes explains as, "the true time of the universe, star time, deep space time, not our relative earth time."

A newly coined unisex name that, for boys, feels like a cross between Talon and Taylor. One of the many unique unisex names invented from elements popular in other names.

One of the newer and fresher-sounding members of the Braeden, Jaden, Caden clan.

Though it sounds like it should be an old Hebrew name -- like Adriel and Jorah -- it seems to have been invented in recent times. It was one of the fastest-rising boys' names of 2017.

A creative spelling variation of Drew. Draya Michelle And Orlando Scandrick used it for their son in 2016.

Unisex Swahili name rising in popularity. Musician Jelani Aryeh may be an influence.

This attractive name was created by JRR Tolkien for his The Lord Of The Rings trilogy. It was given to Aragorn by Galadriel and later adopted by him as King of Gondor.