Sci-Fi Baby Names

  1. Talyn
    • Description:

      Talyn is a gender-neutral name that has gained usage primarily as a masculine name in recent decades. It has several possible origins: it may be a variant of the Welsh name Telyn meaning 'harp,' a modern variation of names like Talon or Taylor, or derived from Talin, an Armenian place name. The name has a contemporary feel with its two syllables and trendy 'yn' ending. Talyn remains relatively uncommon but has gained modest popularity among parents seeking modern-sounding names with a unique edge. The name's brevity and simple pronunciation make it accessible, while its uncommonness ensures individuality. Talyn has a melodic quality despite its shortness, and its gender-neutral nature appeals to parents looking for less traditionally gendered naming options.

  2. Zira
    • Origin:

      Berber, Tamazight
    • Meaning:

      "moonlight"
    • Description:

      Attractive but uncommon name which has been used as a character name in several movies, including The Lion King II and Planet of the Apes. Ziri and Tiziri are variants.
  3. Zed
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Zedekiah
    • Description:

      Newer than Zac, cooler than Ed, Ned, or Ted.
  4. Riddick
    • Origin:

      Variation of Reddick, Scottish
    • Description:

      Variation of Reddick, recognizable as the name of Vin Diesel's character in the Riddick film series, based on the Chronicles of Riddick books.
  5. Deliah
    • Description:

      Deliah is a feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Delilah, which has Hebrew origins meaning "delicate" or "weak." In the Bible, Delilah was the woman who betrayed Samson by cutting his hair, which was the source of his strength. Despite this somewhat negative biblical association, the name has a soft, melodious sound that has attracted parents over the years. Deliah, with this particular spelling, is much less common than the traditional Delilah spelling. The name has a lyrical quality and vintage charm that fits with the trend of reviving older names. While Delilah has experienced significant popularity in recent decades, the Deliah variant remains relatively rare, offering a slightly different take on the classic name.

  6. Keyan
    • Origin:

      Arabic, Kurdish, Persian
    • Meaning:

      "existence, being, essence; king, leader; universe, cosmos"
    • Description:

      Approachable and grounded, Keyan is a name with several powerful meanings. From its Arabic roots, it is a Quranic name, meaning "essence, entity" or "existence", while from its Kurdish and Persian origins, it is associated with royalty and leadership or with the universe as a whole.
  7. Diva
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "goddess"
    • Description:

      Once unique to the Zappa family, now you can have your own little prima donna.
  8. Serra
    • Origin:

      Italian, Portuguese and Catalan
    • Meaning:

      "ridge"
    • Description:

      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.
  9. Bail
    • Description:

      Bail is an uncommon masculine name with multiple potential origins. It could derive from the Old French 'baile' meaning 'bearer' or guardian, or from the Scottish surname Bail, which may have occupational roots. In legal contexts, 'bail' refers to security or guarantee, potentially giving the name connotations of reliability and trust. As a given name, Bail remains quite rare globally, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something truly uncommon. The name's brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal, while its familiar sound (rhyming with names like Dale or Gail) makes it accessible despite its uniqueness. Bail has not traditionally appeared on popularity charts, remaining a genuinely unusual selection.

  10. Flash
    • Origin:

      Word and comic book name
    • Description:

      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.
  11. Tali
    • Description:

      Tali is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins and meanings. In Hebrew, it means 'dew from heaven' or 'my dew,' suggesting divine blessing and refreshment. In Finnish, it relates to 'winter,' conjuring images of pristine snow and quiet strength. The name also appears in Native American traditions where it can mean 'water' in Cherokee. As a masculine name, Tali is most common in Israel and among Jewish communities, though its brevity and pleasing sound have given it cross-cultural appeal. With just two syllables and a melodic quality, Tali offers a name that's both simple to pronounce and rich in meaning, making it attractive to parents seeking a short name with spiritual undertones.
  12. Aeryn
    • Origin:

      Variation of Erin, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "from the island to the west"
    • Description:

      Spelling variation of Erin invented for a character on the science fiction TV show Farscape.
  13. Ayala
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "doe, gazelle"
    • Description:

      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.
  14. Tuck
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Tucker, English
    • Meaning:

      "fabric pleater"
    • Description:

      Sharp and preppy.
  15. Scorpius
    • Origin:

      Astrological name; Latin
    • Meaning:

      "scorpion"
    • Description:

      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.
  16. Kaidan
    • Description:

      Kaidan is a masculine name with multiple potential origins, most commonly associated with Japanese and Gaelic roots. In Japanese, it can mean "mysterious story" or "ghost story," while as an Anglicized form of the Irish name Caden, it connects to "cath" meaning "battle." The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the early 2000s, part of the trend toward names with the appealing "aid" sound. Its rise coincided with similar names like Aidan, Jayden, and Brayden. Kaidan offers versatility with its cross-cultural connections and modern feel. The spelling variant Kayden is also common. Parents are often drawn to its contemporary sound combined with meaningful origins, making it appealing for those seeking a name that feels both current and substantial.
  17. Selim
    • Origin:

      Turkish variation of Salim, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "safe"
  18. Korben
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Corbin, English and French surname
    • Meaning:

      "crow, raven"
    • Description:

      Korben is a spelling that gets some attention since Bruce Willis's character name in The Fifth Element was Korben Dallas.
  19. Elihu
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is God"
    • Description:

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

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "wisdom"
    • Description:

      This rarified Greek name -- in classical mythology Pallas Athena was the goddess of wisdom and the arts -- might appeal to literary-minded parents. Among the raft of stylish girl names that start with P, Pallas is one rare choice that is often overlooked....but shouldn't be.