Names That Mean Modern

Zélyana

French, modern invented name

Zélyana, which has been recorded occasionally in France, seems to be an elaboration of the popular girl name Zélie. Spelled Zelyana, it might appeal to parents worldwide seeking something energetic…

Legna

Italian or modern invented name

"wood; angel"

This light, airy name has been given to a few dozen American girls since the early 2000s. It's a legitimate Italian word, but it's more likely to be inspired by the word "angel" backwards.

Maylone

French, modern invented name

Kélyna

French, modern invented name

Lashana

English, modern invention

"god is gracious; old, ancient; beautiful; grace; lily"

A name with a number of possible meanings, Lashana could be a feminine form of John, a variation of Shannon, or a spin on the Hebrew names Shayna, Channah, and Shoshanna, all combined with the prefix…

Djilyna

French, modern invented name

Éala

Irish

"swan; oak tree, halo, moonlight"

A rising star for girls in Ireland, Éala is pronounced as EH-luh and may be inspired by the Irish word for swan, eala , said as A-luh). Alternatively, it may be considered an Irish form of Ayla,…

Tarryn

English, modern invention

"land of Eoghan; rocky hill"

A variation of Taryn, itself a variant of Tara or Tyrone.

Zalie

Short form of Azalea or modern invented name

Zalie -- which may be styled Zayley or Zaylee or Zaylie, among other spellings -- might be a short form of the flower name Azalea or may also be a cute modern nickname-name used on its own. You might…

Harleth

Surname; modern invented name

Harleth is a name which probably stems from combining the oh-so-trendy Harlow with the evergreen Elizabeth. However, literary parents may also remember the beautiful but difficult character Gwendolen…

Jaelin

Variation of Jalen or Jaylynn, modern invention

"supplanter + lion; supplanter + beautiful or lake; jaybird + beautiful or lake"

Jalen was made popular for boys by basketball player, Jalen Rose, whose name was made up of his father and uncle's names, James and Leonard. Jaylynn emerged as a feminine form, as did Jaelyn, and…

Deltha

American, modern invention

This unusual name belonging to three generations of Deltha Lee O'Neals, the third being a football cornerback for the New England Patriots, could equally--or better--be used for a girl.

Bellarie

Surname or modern invention

"beautiful air; beautiful laughter; to fight"

Bellarie entered the US stats for the first time in 2025, likely owing to its appearance as a surname in the 2024 TV show, Beauty in Black — and because of its similarity to the likes of Bellamy,…

Treena

English, modern spelling variation of Trina

See TRINA.

Velicity

English, modern form of Felicity

Like Felicity, but faster. Given to 6 girls in 2020.