Invented Girl Names

The Social Security Lists show Willodean and all its variant spellings to have been used throughout the 1920s and 30s especially in Southern states. There are a few theories on its origins (an invented name created to honor William/Willard and a a female name ending in "-dine", or it may be an Anglicization of a Native American name). Either way, it has a willowy sweetness that deserves a comeback.

Part Hadley, part Madeline, Madley is an invented smoosh name for our times. Of course, it sounds like madly so that may put some parents off, though for others the intense meaning may be a good thing. Madley also sounds a little like Melody and a bit like medley, appealing musical associations.

Looks very much like it lost its first initial.

Kiari is the middle name of the celebrity child of rappers Cardi B and Offset...and also the first name on her dad's birth certificate. If you like unique modern names, this is an attractive option that's a fresh spin on more established options for both genders, such as Kiara and Kyrie.

Caliyah is a feminine name that appears to be a modern creation, possibly influenced by the popularity of names ending in '-iyah' or '-yah,' a sound pattern that has roots in Hebrew where 'Yah' refers to God. The first part of the name may be inspired by 'Cali' (sometimes used as a nickname for California) or could be a variant of names like Kaliyah or Aaliyah. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its three syllables and typically places emphasis on the second syllable. Caliyah began appearing in usage records primarily in the early 21st century, making it a relatively new addition to the naming landscape. The name exemplifies contemporary trends toward creating distinctive names with pleasing sounds and rhythmic qualities. While still uncommon, Caliyah represents creative modern naming patterns that often combine familiar elements in new ways.

Dailyn is a contemporary feminine name that emerged in popularity during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. With its melodic two-syllable structure, Dailyn represents the modern trend of created names with appealing sounds and optional spelling variations (including Daylin, Daelyn). The name likely draws inspiration from the prefix 'Day-' combined with the popular feminine suffix '-lyn,' suggesting brightness and light. Dailyn has a fresh, modern feel while remaining relatively uncommon, appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. The name has gradually gained modest usage in the United States, particularly in the 2000s, and carries an upbeat, positive connotation associated with daily renewal and optimism.

Novaleigh is a contemporary feminine name that represents a modern creation combining elements of 'Nova' (meaning 'new' in Latin) and the popular suffix 'leigh.' This melodic name conveys a sense of newness, brightness, and uniqueness. As a relatively recent addition to the naming landscape, Novaleigh reflects the 21st-century trend toward crafting distinctive names with meaningful elements. The astronomical connection to 'nova' (a star that suddenly increases in brightness) adds a celestial quality to the name. While still uncommon, Novaleigh appeals to parents seeking something fresh and distinctive with a feminine sound but without centuries of historical usage or predictable popularity patterns.

Is Evalynn an alternative spelling for the popular Evelyn or is it a smoosh name blending Eva and Lynn? It could be either, so the choice is yours.

Girl names ending in -lani are invented every year — Ehlani is among the latest pseudo-Hawaiian inventions.

Westlyn is a hot new girls' names, rising 350 percent in 2017 over the year before in official US statistics. It was given to just over 100 baby girls in 2017. Actor Josh Brolin named his daughter Westlyn Reign. Near-identical twin Westlynn is also growing in popularity, given to about half as many baby girls. Westlyn is a combination of word name West, also becoming more popular in various forms including Weston and Wesley for boys, and the long-used suffix lyn. West is a stylist and attractive unisex short form.

There aren't many characters in the notoriously amoral world of Game of Thrones with a spotless record of moral righteousness -- but Brienne of Tarth comes close. She's one of the most accomplished, ferocious fighters in the entire series -- she was one of the few people ever to best The Hound in one and one combat. And yet she always tries to use her power for good.

Timberly emerged on the charts in 1960 as an alternative to Kimberly. It never caught on and has been given to no more than 25 baby girls each year since. These days it may also be seen as an elaboration of Timber, an up-and-coming gender-neutral nature name.

An invented name inspired by the Irish/Scottish May Day festival of Beltane. And perhaps a modern way to honor a Tania?

Raylynn is a contemporary feminine name that combines the popular 'Ray' prefix with the fashionable 'lynn' suffix. 'Ray' typically derives from Raymond, meaning 'wise protector,' or may reference 'ray of light,' suggesting brightness and hope. The 'lynn' element comes from the Welsh word for 'lake' or 'waterfall.' This compound name emerged primarily in the United States in the latter half of the 20th century as part of the trend toward created names with melodious sounds. Raylynn gained modest popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, particularly in southern states. The name has a modern, feminine quality while maintaining a connection to nature imagery through its component parts.

This Dana-Donna variation has started to carve out its own place on popularity lists; an interesting alternative to Daniella as a namesake for a relative named Daniel.

Laniya is a feminine given name that appears to be a modern coinage combining popular phonetic elements. The prefix 'La-' has been common in American naming practices (as in names like Latoya or Layla), while the '-niya' ending evokes names like Aniya or Saniya, which may have connections to Arabic origins meaning 'caring' or 'concerned.' Alternatively, it could be viewed as a variant of names like Alania or Lania. Laniya gained noticeable popularity in the United States primarily in the early 2000s and has continued to be used in the following decades. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds and three-syllable structure. Laniya exemplifies contemporary naming trends that favor distinctive, euphonic names with rhythmic sound patterns and a modern aesthetic appeal.

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

Combines the prefix of Brayden and the trendy -lee suffix, and has the marks of the popular Bailey.

Cinderella stepsister type Victorian-valentine name.

A pretty name with echoes of Ana, Ava and Olivia — and the option of Navy as a middle name — brought to public attention by Olympic sprinter Anavia Battle. Her siblings have equally cool names: Mintoria, Antoine and Montel.