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Names Created by Authors

  1. Jadine

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      American invented name

    • Description:

      Looks very much like it lost its first initial.
  3. Kal-el

    • Origin:

      Invented name

    • Description:

      Kal-El is Superman's Kryptonian name, invented by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938 as the birth name of the superhero. Some theorize that it relates to Hebrew characters with the meaning "voice of God", while others give the meaning as "son" or "Earth one".
  4. Walder

    • Description:

      Walder is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from elements meaning 'rule' and 'army' or 'power.' It shares roots with names like Walter and Waldemar, but remains far less common. Historically, variations of this name were used throughout medieval Europe, particularly in Germanic regions. In contemporary times, the name gained some recognition through George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series and its television adaptation 'Game of Thrones,' where it appeared as a character name. Despite this cultural reference, Walder remains rare, appealing to parents seeking uncommon names with historical depth. The name carries connotations of authority and strength through its etymology, while its unusual status gives it a distinctive character that stands out in modern naming landscapes.

  5. Rasselas

    • Origin:

      Literary name

    • Meaning:

      "prince portrait"

    • Description:

      Samuel Johnson invented the name Rasselas for the title character of his novel, Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia. Rasselas is actually the son of the prince.
  6. Benjen

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      The Westerosi equivalent of Benjamin -- meaning it's a "Game of Thrones" name, for non-fans -- is most prominently borne in George R.R. Martin's novels by Benjen Stark, younger brother of Eddard Stark and a member of the Night's Watch.
  7. Salerio

    • Origin:

      Shakespearean invented name

    • Meaning:

      "salary"

    • Description:

      Shakespeare invented the names Salerio, Solanio, and Salarino for his play The Merchant of Venice. The names are puns on salario, the Italian word for "salary," as each character shows great concern with money.
  8. Nellary

    • Origin:

      Literary invention

    • Description:

      An intriguing, plausible name--kind of a Nell-Hillary combo--created by L. Frank Baum for a character in his book The Lost Princess of Oz.
  9. Pecola

    • Origin:

      Literary name

    • Description:

      Name of the winning young heroine of Toni Morrison's first novel, The Bluest Eye.
  10. Rhaenyra

    • Origin:

      Literature

    • Description:

      A character name in George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series, a dragonrider played by Emma D'Arcy in the GOT prequel House of the Dragon.
  11. Aloma

    • Origin:

      Invented name

    • Description:

      Aloma is a name invented for a Hawaiian dancer, the title character in a 1925 play later adapted twice as a film. But long before that, it was also used by the medieval scholar Ramón Llull, possibly as a feminine form of Alomar (from the Germanic name Aldemar, "old + famous"). The Catalan author Mercè Rodoreda used it for the heroine of her novel Aloma/, making it a classic Catalan literary choice.
      It has not been used enough to make the US charts since the 1980s, but would fit with the trend for liquid-sounding, multicultural names like Alaia and Alina.
  12. Alerie

    • Origin:

      Literary creation from Game of Thrones

    • Description:

      Alerie Hightower is the mother of Margaery Tyrell in the hit book and television series Game of Thrones. Though a minor character, we think this name has potential, fitting in with the modern trends of names starting with A and ending in "ie".
  13. Aemma

    • Origin:

      Literature

    • Description:

      A queen in George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series, featured in the GOT prequel House of the Dragon, where she is played by Sian Brooke.
  14. Nedjma

    • Origin:

      Literature, Algerian, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "sweet; star"

    • Description:

      Used as the title for a 1956 novel, by Algerian writer, Kateb Yacine, Nedjma could be a literary creation, inspired by the Egyptian name Nedjemmut, meaning "Mut is sweet", in which case, it might just mean "sweet".
  15. Arline

    • Description:

      Arline is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Arlene, derived from the Gaelic name Airlín, which possibly means 'pledge' or is associated with the word for 'promise.' Others suggest it may have Germanic roots related to 'noble' or 'eagle.' Arline gained moderate popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s, but has since become less common. The name has a vintage charm with its soft sounds and flowing rhythm. While no longer in the top naming charts, Arline appeals to parents seeking a classic name that isn't overused. Its simplicity and elegance, combined with historical usage without being antiquated, give it a timeless quality.

  16. Trillian

    • Origin:

      Literary name

    • Description:

      Douglas Adams invented this name for a character (aka Tricia) in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It has a nice, trilly sound, and is accessible via its kinship with Gillian/Jillian.
  17. Anelma

    • Origin:

      Finnish

    • Meaning:

      "asked for"

    • Description:

      Anelma derived from the Finnish word anella, meaning "to beg." It was invented in 1906 by a lawyer named Edla Kojonen.
  18. Jolanka

    • Description:

      Jolanka is a feminine name with Eastern European origins, particularly Hungarian. It likely developed as a diminutive or variation of Yolanda, which derives from the medieval French 'Violante,' meaning 'violet flower.' The Hungarian influence gives Jolanka its distinctive sound and structure. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has historical usage in Hungary and surrounding regions. The name carries a delicate yet exotic quality, blending floral associations with Eastern European charm. Jolanka offers a unique alternative for parents seeking a name with international roots that remains pronounceable in English. Its rarity makes it distinctive, while its connection to the more familiar Yolanda provides some contextual grounding.
  19. Mahulena

    • Origin:

      Literary creation

    • Meaning:

      "from the high tower"

    • Description:

      A literary name, likely invented by Czech author Julius Zeyer for his 1898 play, Radúz and Mahulena, Mahulena is an intriguing yet familiar sounding choice, probably inspired by Magdalena. The play uses elements of classic fairy tales, Slovak mythology, and Indian dramas to tell the story of Radúz and Mahulena, lovers from feuding kingdoms.
  20. Clia

    • Origin:

      Invented literary name

    • Description:

      Clia could be seen as a variation of Clea (probably another invented literary name), or the creation of L. Frank Baum for a mermaid Princess character in one of his Oz books. Offers a similar choice to Cleo vs Clio.