Invented Baby Names
Some parents attempt to come up with a cool name by inventing one of their own. They may alter a too-ordinary name, vary a spelling or a pronunciation, or cobble together several euphonic but previously unrelated syllables. This quest to be unique can sometimes backfire—create too cool of a made-up baby name and it might catch on (we’re talking to you, Miley, Meilani, and Maxon). The following invented baby names hold some appeal, but fair warning—some of these made-up names have already become mainstream.
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Abbeline
For those who are trying to nudge Abeleen, the Texas place-name, toward Adeline, the stylish girls' name. Unfortunately, you arrive somewhere short of a happy medium.Read More
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Alivia
While Alivia may not have achieved the megapopularity of its mother name, it's still a widely used choice. Alivia combines the trendiness of A names with the trendiness of Olivia to create a... Read More
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Alzea
Though rapper Chingy's (real name: Howard) Alzea is a boy, this name seems more appropriate for girls.Read More
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Amerie
Pop princess Amerie is half Korean, half African-American. Her name may relate to Amelia, Emily, Emery, or Amory, though there's no exact equivalent among historical names. But doubtless there... Read More
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Anakin
Anakin Skywalker, aka Darth Vader, is the antagonist in the original Star Wars trilogy. The name Anakin first entered the US Top 1000 in 2014. Its meaning is unknown but is thought to be... Read More
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Aniya
Likely created as a variation to Anya/Anja and Aaliyah.Read More
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Arissa
If you're torn between Marissa and Alyssa. Read More
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Arlowe
Though trendy Arlo is increasingly unisex -- especially since Leighton Meester and Adam Brody gave it to their daughter -- this is a more explicitly female way to spell it. It was one of the... Read More
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Aubrielle
This combination of names Aubrey and Brielle follows a ton of current name trends, so it's no surprise it has been on the rise since joining the US Top 1000 in 2012. We think this is a good option... Read More
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Balon
The name of a minor character in Game of Thrones, Balon Greyjoy, the ancient lord of the Iron Islands and father to lead character Theon Greyjoy.Read More