Invented Baby Names

Raylen is a modern masculine name that has gained popularity in recent decades, particularly in the United States. It appears to be a contemporary blend of the popular Ray prefix (meaning 'beam of light' or 'counsel') with the trending -len/-lyn suffix seen in names like Kaylen and Jaylen. The name has a contemporary sound that fits with current naming trends while maintaining a distinctly masculine quality. Raylen may also be viewed as a variation of Raylan, which gained visibility through the character Raylan Givens in the television series 'Justified.' The name carries connotations of brightness and illumination through its 'ray' element. While still relatively uncommon, Raylen has been steadily increasing in usage, appealing to parents seeking a modern-sounding name that balances uniqueness with accessibility.

Raylen

Jhett is a masculine name representing a modern spelling variation of Jett, which itself emerged as a given name from the deep black gemstone and the English word describing something fast-moving. The addition of the 'h' gives the name a distinctive appearance while maintaining the same strong, concise pronunciation. Gaining momentum in the early 21st century alongside the trend for short, bold boys' names, Jhett appeals to parents seeking something contemporary with an edge. The name conveys images of speed, action, and a certain rugged elegance. While less common than the standard spelling, Jhett has found modest usage particularly in North America. Its punchy single syllable and unique spelling combination offer a name that's simultaneously straightforward and distinctive.

Jhett

Kentrell appears to be a modern given name whose origins are not clearly documented in traditional naming resources. The name may have emerged as a creative combination of the prefix 'Ken-' (found in names like Kenneth, meaning 'handsome' or 'born of fire' in Scottish/Gaelic) and the suffix '-trell' which appears in surnames like Cantrell. Since the 1970s, Kentrell has gained modest popularity in the United States, with usage increasing in the 1990s and 2000s. The name received additional attention in popular culture through rapper Kentrell DeSean Gaulden (known professionally as YoungBoy Never Broke Again). While specific etymology remains unclear, Kentrell represents the modern trend of creating distinctive names through creative prefixes and suffixes or sound combinations.

Kentrell

Revan is a name from the Star Wars universe that first appeared in the video game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. He starts out on the light side of the Force, then became a Sith Lord on the dark side before reversing trend and working for the light side once more. Revan first appeared on the baby name charts in 2004, the year following the video game release.

Revan

Has lots of energy, perhaps due to its association with top tap dancer Savion Glover. 

Savion

Laikyn is a contemporary feminine name that exemplifies the modern trend of creating unique spellings for familiar sounds. It appears to be a variant of Laken, which itself may derive from place names or surnames referring to a lake or water feature. The distinctive 'y' spelling gives the name a personalized touch while maintaining its phonetic clarity. Laikyn emerged in popularity during the early 2000s, part of the trend toward names with the popular '-yn' ending. Though not among the most common names, it appeals to parents seeking something recognizably modern yet distinctive. The name carries connotations of tranquility and natural beauty through its possible connection to lakes and waterways.

Laikyn

What do you call it when you're acting like a Kyle? Kylin'.

Kylin

This newly invented name is most likely a combination of Jane and Vanessa. Though it may not have as long of a history as more traditional names, Janessa has been a staple on the bottom half of the US Top 1000 since the mid-1980s. Perhaps surprisingly, it peaked at Number 524 in 2004.

Janessa

Jalen variations are all over the Top 1000 of 2015 for both genders, and this oddly-spelling version earned spot Number 933. This trend is clearly on the decline, however.
 A male bearer of this spelling is Jaylin Lindsey, an American professional soccer player.

Jaylin

Elaboration of Dion publicized by the football and baseball star Deion Sanders -- aka Neon Deion. 

Deion

Lucinda, an elaboration of Lucia created by Cervantes for his 1605 novel Don Quixote, is a pleasingly pretty alternative to Lucy. It was subsequently used by Moliere in his play The Doctor in Spite of Himself' (1666). More in tune with the times than Linda, Belinda and Melinda, it could be used to honor someone with one of those dated names. 
 Lucinda was a Top 200 name in the late nineteenth century, but hasn't been on the charts for more than 25 years--which could make her ripe for revival.
 One appealing namesake is country-rock-blues singer Lucinda Williams. Similar in feel: Lucilla and Lucetta.

Lucinda

Lynlee — in which two popular suffixes meet to become one trendy name — has been rising up the US stats since 2000s. While it has yet to reach the popularity levels of Everly or Raelyn, and while it is still lagging behind more recently popular choices, Lakelynn and Whitley, it was given to 125 girls in 2023, twice the number born in 2010. 
 
As a compound name, blending Lynn and Lee, the name could mean "lake by the meadow", however, there is the possibility that Lynlee is a variation of the surnames and place names Linley and Lindley. I that case, it could mean "flax meadow" or "lime tree woodland", though it is likely that more parents have the compound name in mind when using it.
 
Health influencer Lynlee Jacobson, digital creator and party planner Lynlee Beckett, and fashion and motherhood Instagrammer Lynlee Poston Meyer are some notable Lynlees. 
 
On an upward trajectory and a potential honor for a Grandma Lynn and a Grandpa Bradley, time will tell if Lynlee is set to make the Top 1000.

Lynlee

Daenerys is yet another girls' name invented by "Game of Thrones" author George R. R. Martin that is beginning to gain some traction in real life. Daenerys was used for 67 baby girls in 2013 while one of the character's titles, Khaleesi, was given to 241 baby girls. And the name Arya, also from the hyper-popular series, is one of the fastest growing <a href="https://nameberry.com/girls-names">girls' names</a> in the country.

Daenerys

A spin on the Basque name Xavier, Xavian was likely created with names like Damian, Adrian, and Julian in mind. Also spelled as Xavion, Zavion, and so on. A recent year saw 92 boys receive the name, while Xavion was given to 90. 

Xavian

Like its cousin Braden, Braydon has been falling in popularity in recent years, perhaps signaling a weakening of the 'aden'-name epidemic.  There are thousands of young Bradens and Braydons out there, including the son of Melissa Joan Hart.

Braydon

Arizbeth is a compound name particularly popular in Mexico and among Hispanic parents in the US. Created by blending Ariel or Ariana with classic Elizabeth, it is one of the hottest unique names currently around. 
 
While the alternative spelling Arisbeth is more popular with its friendly but poetic feel, the fresh and zippy Arizbeth isn't far behind. Given to around 160 girls in a recent year, it has grown significantly in the early 2020s.
 
When you combine the number of Arisbeths and Arizbeths together, the name is received by more than 320 babies each year, making it feel like a Top 1000 choice, similar in popularity to Kallie, Tiffany, and Elia.

Arizbeth

Cosette is best known as the heroine of Les Miserables. In the Victor Hugo novel, Cosette was the nickname given to the girl named Euphrasie by her mother. Although Hugo invented the name, some etymologists believe it's a spin on Colette, originally a female short form of Nicolas.


 Despite the popularity of Les Mis the musical, the name was given to only 138 girls in 2015 -- though it's worth noting that this is almost double the number from just a few years ago. Cosette would make for a sweet and quirky French choice.

Cosette

Jamarion is found primarily in the African American community. It may be related to the name Jamar, in use since the 1970s.

Jamarion

This name, which entered the US popularity list in 2000, is a creative mix of Jay plus Savion, as in the dancer, Savion Glover.

Javion

Also appearing as Jaliyah and Jaleah, Jalayah is mostly likely to be another variation of the popular Aliyah, which has both Hebrew and Arabic origins. In this case, the sounds of Amaya and Alaya might also have been thrown into the mix. 
 
From it's Hebrew origin, the name Aliyah means "ascent" while the Ja- beginning often connotes God, so the meaning might be "God's ascent." As an Arabic name, Aliyah means "lofty" or "exalted" while Ja- is a popular prefix used in the African American community, so Jaliyah might be a twist on a more popular choice, or a way to honor an Aliyah.
 
Rarely used before the 2000s, Jalayah was given to 145 girls in 2023. While the Jaliyah form is in the Top 1000 and used around three times more often, Jalayah outranks Jaleah and Jaliya.

Jalayah

 are the most creative around. 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 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).

 include Aubrielle, Brylee, Cason, Dalary, Jaxon, Kyler, Nevaeh, and Oaklynn. Names you may not realize were invented include Elianna, Melba, Tevin, and Yalitza.

 feature on-trend prefixes and suffixes, such as Bray- and Ren-, -ley and -son. The following invented baby names hold some appeal, but fair warning — some of these made-up names have already become mainstream.

Invented and made up modern baby names for girls and boys, including history, origin, and popularity. (Page 15)

Invented Baby Names (with Meanings & Popularity)