Invented Baby Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

This Russian name was created by Communist parents looking to reject traditional names (it is believed to derive from the French surname Jaures). One notable bearer is Nobel prize winner and physicist, Zhores Alferov.

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.

It may have been made up for a futuristic television show, but this name would not be out of place among such present-day trendies as Kayla and Taylor.

Kirsten Dunst played a young woman named Lidda, a synthetic name you may consider as a variation of Biblical place-name Lydda or as a short form of Phyllida.

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.

Combines the prefix of Brayden and the trendy -lee suffix, and has the marks of the popular Bailey.

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.

A pretty but none-too-classy amalgamation of Nicole and Keesha.

Actress Gabrielle Union and basketball great Dwyane Wade brought this one into the lexicon when they chose in for their daughter, Kaavia James.

Princess Ozma was the leading character of L. Frank Baum's book Ozma of Oz.

Nouveau syllable compound that could appeal to parents looking to honor a Brenda or Brendan in their life.

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.

Larry Hernandez is at it again — the reality TV star known for his show Larrymania has successfully popularized each of his three daughters' names. He and Kenia Ontiveros created totally new names for their girls — Daleyza, Dalary, and Dalett, who was born in May 2020.

America's Next Top Model contestant Toccara Jones introduced this rhythmic choice into the lexicon. Her own name likely came from that of an Avon perfume, released in 1981, the year Jones was born.

A modern sounding choice, blending unisex Blake with trendy suffix -lynn. It could give you the meanings "black lake" or "dark and beautiful".

Yalitza burst onto the scene in 2019, the year following the film Roma, starring the indigenous Mexican actress Yalitza Aparicio. Her name is a modern Mexican invented name, styled after the similar name Yaritza. -itza is a common diminutive suffix found in names such as Maritza, a nickname for Maria.

Girl names ending in lani are one of the hottest trends of recent years, thanks to the lilting and lyrical Hawaiian name Leilani. Leilani has inspired a number of offshoots, including Kehlani and Meilani.

Part Rylee, part Raelynn — Raelee is a trendy compound name on the rise.

Jaxx (and Jax, Jaxson, Jaxsen, Jaxton et all) is now on the Top 1000 for boys, and while we don't foresee this becoming anywhere near as popular for girls, it was also found on the female side of the ledger. Jaxxie, anyone?

Phonetic spelling of Ariane worn by the Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus, who goes by the nickname Arnie.