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Sci-Fi Baby Names

  1. Winter

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      The girls have dibs on Spring, Summer, and Autumn, leaving this name evocative of snowy landscapes as the one possible seasonal choice for boys. And naturally, it's one of the most obvious names for winter babies.
  2. Katniss

    • Origin:

      Literary and botanical name

    • Description:

      Katniss Everdeen is the heroine of the popular Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, whose name comes from the (very real) edible aquatic plant of the genus Sagittaria. Katniss's father tells her that if she "finds herself," she'll never go hungry. Other unusual botanical names in the series include Primrose, Posy, Rue, and Clove, all for girls. Several of the boys' names come from ancient Rome: Cato, Seneca, Flavius, Caesar. Katniss the name has less appeal than Katniss the heroine, though it's definitely more attractive than Renesmee.
  3. Pallas

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "wisdom"

    • Description:

      This rarified Greek name -- in classical mythology Pallas Athena was the goddess of wisdom and the arts -- might appeal to literary-minded parents. Among the raft of stylish girl names that start with P, Pallas is one rare choice that is often overlooked....but shouldn't be.
  4. Aelita

    • Origin:

      Literature

    • Meaning:

      "starlight seen for the last time"

    • Description:

      A whimsical choice from the 1923 sci-fi novel Aelita by Aleksey Tolstoy, the name belongs to a Martian princess who lives on Mars in an advanced yet divided society. In the book (and its subsequent film), her name is said to mean "starlight seen for the last time".
  5. Talyn

    • Description:

      Talyn is a gender-neutral name that has gained usage primarily as a masculine name in recent decades. It has several possible origins: it may be a variant of the Welsh name Telyn meaning 'harp,' a modern variation of names like Talon or Taylor, or derived from Talin, an Armenian place name. The name has a contemporary feel with its two syllables and trendy 'yn' ending. Talyn remains relatively uncommon but has gained modest popularity among parents seeking modern-sounding names with a unique edge. The name's brevity and simple pronunciation make it accessible, while its uncommonness ensures individuality. Talyn has a melodic quality despite its shortness, and its gender-neutral nature appeals to parents looking for less traditionally gendered naming options.

  6. Mazikeen

    • Origin:

      Invented name

    • Meaning:

      "harmful spirits"

    • Description:

      Neil Gaiman invented this name for a character in his comic book Sandman. It can now be seen on the TV show Lucifer.
  7. Deanna

    • Origin:

      English variation of Diana, Latin, feminization of Dean

    • Meaning:

      "divine; church official"

    • Description:

      Though still being used, Deanna peaked many decades ago.
  8. Serra

    • Origin:

      Italian, Portuguese and Catalan

    • Meaning:

      "ridge"

    • Description:

      This topographical name, more suited to a girl than a boy--though it would inevitably be confused with SARAH--has some distinguished bearers: famous Spanish missionary to Mexico Father Junipero Serra, and sculptor Richard Serra, known for his challenging large-scale metal works.
  9. Flash

    • Origin:

      Word and comic book name

    • Description:

      Flash Gordon makes this a superhero name, but Flash might just appeal to modern parents looking for one of the new active boys' names, ala Ace and Breaker and Ranger. We'd recommend something more pulled-together as a proper name with Flash as a nickname or middle name.
  10. Kerr

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "someone who lived near wet ground"

    • Description:

      When actress Deborah Kerr entered the scene, there was a great debate over her name's pronunciation. Car or Ker. Your choice.
  11. Mal

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Malcolm, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "devotee of St. Colomba"

    • Description:

      A nickname for Malcolm that at one point ranked independently on the US Top 1000. It still exists as an affectionate pet form, but you’re unlikely to hear a Malcolm introduce himself as Mal.
  12. Elihu

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is God"

    • Description:

      Rarely used in the last two centuries, but might be worth dusting off and holding up to the light.
  13. Thane

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "clan chieftain"

    • Description:

      This early Scottish title -- known to us via Shakespeare's Macbeth -- has recently surfaced as a baby name possibility, familiar sounding through its similarity to names like Zane and Wayne.
  14. Londo

    • Origin:

      Invented name

    • Description:

      Could be an interesting alternative to London, now that that one is firmly on the girl's side.

      Londo Mollari is a character from the TV show Babylon 5.

  15. Zed

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Zedekiah

    • Description:

      Newer than Zac, cooler than Ed, Ned, or Ted.
  16. Diva

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "goddess"

    • Description:

      Once unique to the Zappa family, now you can have your own little prima donna.
  17. Selim

    • Origin:

      Turkish variation of Salim, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "safe"
  18. Korben

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Corbin, English and French surname

    • Meaning:

      "crow, raven"

    • Description:

      Korben is a spelling that gets some attention since Bruce Willis's character name in The Fifth Element was Korben Dallas.
  19. Aeryn

    • Origin:

      Variation of Erin, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "from the island to the west"

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      Kaidan is a masculine name with multiple potential origins, most commonly associated with Japanese and Gaelic roots. In Japanese, it can mean "mysterious story" or "ghost story," while as an Anglicized form of the Irish name Caden, it connects to "cath" meaning "battle." The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the early 2000s, part of the trend toward names with the appealing "aid" sound. Its rise coincided with similar names like Aidan, Jayden, and Brayden. Kaidan offers versatility with its cross-cultural connections and modern feel. The spelling variant Kayden is also common. Parents are often drawn to its contemporary sound combined with meaningful origins, making it appealing for those seeking a name that feels both current and substantial.

The Nameberry App Is Live

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Find your perfect baby name together in our iPhone app, now available on the App Store.
  • Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
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  • Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
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