Invented Girl Names

A newcomer to the US popularity charts, likely influenced by the popularity of similar names Camila and Camilla.

First came Hadley, then Adley, and now, Adlee.

One of many distinctive names in the show and book series Midnight, Texas by Charlaine Harris -- and one of very few girl's names that start with the letter X.

Braxley itself may not be all that common — it was only given to 5 girls and 13 boys in 2021 — but as a combination of two on-trend syllables, you may run into a lot of children with similar names.

More popular than the original form in Puerto Rico.

This melodious portmanteau name is borne by Tatewin Means (full name: Tatuye Topa Najin Win), who became the first indigenous woman to run for Attorney General in the 2018 South Dakota election. She had previously served as Deputy State's Attorney of Oglala Lakota County. She is Sisitonwan Dakota, Oglala Lakota, and Ihanktonwan Nakota by heritage.

One of the Six Snub-nosed Princesses created by L. Frank Baum for his Oz books. Could also be seen as a female version of the color name Cerulean.

Unusual and unfashionable name found in Toni Morrison's novel Tar Baby.

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.

Quvenzhane Wallis, star of Beasts of the Southern Wild and Annie, is the youngest actress ever nominated for an Academy Award. Her name -- which actually takes an accent over the final e -- is a combination of her parents' names.

This name, created by Italo Calvino, has been spotted as a name in England.

Miami-based social media sensation Imaray Ulloa catapulted her previously unique name into the charts in 2021. It was one of the biggest debuts of the year, given to 17 baby girls, though it fell to nine girls the following year.

A rising respelling of Aviana.

Up-and-coming combo of trendy syllables that could work as a modern way to honor a Brenda or Brendan.

Roselynn is one of the smoosh baby names most popular a generation or two ago.

Zippier Deborah.

One of many variations of the name Brinley, with its on-trend -lee ending and inclusion of the "Brynn" sound. This form has never been in the US Top 1000, though Brynlee, Brinley, and Brynleigh are.

Like cousin Shakira, captivating and evocative.

For girls, Taylin reads like a mashup of Taylor and Kaitlin.