Sci-Fi Baby Names

Flash Gordon makes this a superhero name, but Flash might just appeal to modern parents looking for one of the new active boys' names, ala Ace and Breaker and Ranger. We'd recommend something more pulled-together as a proper name with Flash as a nickname or middle name.

This unusual name might be a possibility for musical families: Jubal was credited in Genesis with the invention of the lyre, flute, harp, and organ. It also has a jubilant feel through its sound and meaning, and has had some southern popularity via Confederate general Jubal Anderson Early. George Eliot wrote a poem called The Legend of Jubal.

Though still being used, Deanna peaked many decades ago.

An attractive enough name, but for die-hard Star Wars fans only.

Spelling variation of Erin invented for a character on the science fiction TV show Farscape.

Once unique to the Zappa family, now you can have your own little prima donna.

See NATASHA.

Rarely used in the last two centuries, but might be worth dusting off and holding up to the light.

When actress Deborah Kerr entered the scene, there was a great debate over her name's pronunciation. Car or Ker. Your choice.

Obscure Japanese pick, recognizable to fans of the 1989 Japanese science fiction horror film Tetsuo: The Iron Man.

This topographical name, more suited to a girl than a boy--though it would inevitably be confused with SARAH--has some distinguished bearers: famous Spanish missionary to Mexico Father Junipero Serra, and sculptor Richard Serra, known for his challenging large-scale metal works.

A nickname for Malcolm that at one point ranked independently on the US Top 1000. It still exists as an affectionate pet form, but you’re unlikely to hear a Malcolm introduce himself as Mal.

This animal-themed name is among the most popular for girls in contemporary Israel. Parents who want to move beyond the mega-popular Aliyah and sisters might want to consider Ayala. The male form is Ayal.

Scorpius is the constellation that the Scorpio zodiac sign originates from. It was given its venomous name due to the constellation's resemblance to a scorpion's tail.

Sharp and preppy.

Tyrell is kind of part Tyrone or Tyler, part Terrell, but less than the sum of those parts.