Invented Baby Names

Arayah is a modern feminine name that combines elements of several naming traditions. It may be a variation of Araya, which has Thai origins meaning 'noble' or could be related to the Hebrew name Ariyah, meaning 'lioness.' The name also bears resemblance to Isaiah with a feminine twist. With its flowing vowels and soft consonants, Arayah has a melodic, exotic quality. The name has gained some popularity in recent years as parents seek unique names with multicultural appeal and beautiful sounds. The 'yah' ending connects it to many contemporary feminine names ending with similar sounds. Arayah projects a gentle strength and grace while remaining distinctive enough to stand out without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

Arayah

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.

Caliyah

Emrie is a modern feminine name that has gained traction in the 21st century, particularly in the United States. This contemporary creation appears to be a variation of names like Emery or Amery, possibly influenced by popular Em- names such as Emma and Emily. The name likely shares etymological roots with Germanic names meaning 'industrious' or 'powerful,' though its exact origins are less defined than more traditional names. Emrie exemplifies the trend toward soft-sounding, feminine names with an uncommon quality. It has been steadily rising in usage since the 2010s, appealing to parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive, with a gentle sound pattern and modern sensibility.

Emrie

A rarely used play on Amber, making it more feminine and both more modern and old-fashioned at the same time.

Amberly

Everlyn is one of the countless new spin on Evelyn and sisters, this generation's answer to Caitlin and Michaela. Evelyn, recently in the US Top 10, has been around as a name for a long time, once used for boys too. Ever and Everly are newer inventions, and Everlyn borrows something from them all. Nearly 70 baby girls were named Everlyn in the most recent year counted.

Everlyn

The popular -ley suffix can be credited for this name's use in recent years. We're not loving that it sounds as trendy and of-the-moment as it is.

Brentley

Invented for Bellini's opera, Norma had some star quality in the silent-screen and Marilyn Monroe days, but at this point it's a graying grandma in baby name limbo. 

Norma

Fenix is a spelling variation of the place name and mythological name Phoenix, possibly inspired by the Romani form, Fennix, or the Spanish Fénix. Derived from Greek and meaning "dark red", the phoenix is an immortal bird that, having lived for a number of centuries, would be consumed by fire and rise from its own ashes.
 
Associated with rejuvenation and fresh starts, the traditional Phoenix has proved popular throughout the 2000s, while Fenix has been more quietly used, given to around 75 boys and 20 girls each year.

Fenix

While Oakley is remarkable even in terms of girl-boy distribution, the Oaklee spelling variation is used much more often on girls.

Oaklee

Aerith Gainsborough is a lead character in the video game Final Fantasy. The name was invented by the developers as a translation for the character's original Japanese name Earisu.

Aerith

Kyan is a quintessential twenty-first-century name, a twist on the twentieth-century standard Ryan. Kyan is used by the grooming guru on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Kyan Douglas (born Eddie), and increasing numbers of parents. 

Kyan

This spelling of the name entered the US Top 1000 in 2001, rising until it found its apex at Number 487 in 2009. It has since been trending in the opposite direction. As with all her sister spellings—Jaelyn, Jaelynn, Jaylin, Jalyn—we urge you to consider a name that has more substance and doesn't sound like the word "jail."

Jaylynn

An attractive twist on an Arabic classic, with further twists being Zamari, Jamari, and Jamarion. It was a popular choice from the 70s onwards in the US but has fallen out of favor in recent years, replaced by Jamir. 

Jamar

With Henley and Kinsley two of the most popular new ley-ending <a href="https://nameberry.com/girls-names">baby names for girls</a>, why not Hensley? We can think of several reasons, but if you like this style of name, Hensley is as attractive as any.

Hensley

A mix-and-match unisex name inspired by Taylor.

Taylin

This is a long-recognized smoosh name merging Anna with the short form of Elizabeth, and is one of the prettiest combo names, a possible alternative to Annabel. 
 Annabeth Chase is one of the main protagonists of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series; Annabeth Gish is the actress first noticed in "Mystic Pizza."

Annabeth

Less popular than the more succinct spelling Blakely, but used more often than Blakeley and Blakelee, this variation may appeal to those honoring a Leigh or like letter-heavy names. Given to 131 girls in a recent year, Blakely was chosen for 1882 in comparison. 

Blakeleigh

Everlynn combines two of the hottest baby names of the moment — Evelyn and Everly — but can't claim either of their histories. Although if you can't decide between the two, Everlynn is the logical compromise.

Everlynn

It's a little bit Jay, and a little bit J.V., and a little bit any name ending with -ion. A few hundred parents choose this name each year for their baby boys, placing it in the Top 1000, but we think there are better choices out there.

Jayvion

One of the new K boys' names that emerged in the nineties, it's now slipping off the radar. 

Kalen

 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 18)

Invented Baby Names (with Meanings & Popularity)