Sci-Fi Baby Names

  1. Kerr
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "someone who lived near wet ground"
    • Description:

      When actress Deborah Kerr entered the scene, there was a great debate over her name's pronunciation. Car or Ker. Your choice.
  2. 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.
  3. Amidala
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "beautiful flower"
    • Description:

      An attractive enough name, but for die-hard Star Wars fans only.
  4. 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.
  5. Mazikeen
    • Origin:

      Invented name
    • Meaning:

      "harmful spirits"
    • Description:

      Neil Gaiman invented this name for a character in his comic book Sandman. It can now be seen on the TV show Lucifer.
  6. 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.
  7. Dutch
    • Description:

      If Holland works for a girl, why not Dutch for a boy? Gavin Newsom, Lt-Governor of California, kept up his geographical baby name theme when he called his 4th child Dutch William, (his other children are named Hunter, Montana and Brooklyn.)
  8. Tuck
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Tucker, English
    • Meaning:

      "fabric pleater"
    • Description:

      Sharp and preppy.
  9. 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.
  10. Tasha
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Natasha
    • Description:

      See NATASHA.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.

  13. Mal
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Malcolm, Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "devotee of St. Colomba"
    • Description:

      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.
  14. Tyrell
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Terrell
    • Description:

      Tyrell is kind of part Tyrone or Tyler, part Terrell, but less than the sum of those parts.
  15. Moya
    • Description:

      Moya is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, creating a rich tapestry of meanings. In Irish Gaelic, it derives from Máire (a form of Mary) and can mean "bitter" or "beloved." In African contexts, particularly Swahili and Zulu, Moya means "spirit" or "soul," giving it a profound spiritual dimension. The name also appears in Slavic languages with connections to concepts like "mine" or "my own." This multicultural background makes Moya especially appealing to families seeking names with global resonance. Its simple two-syllable structure and flowing sound give it an accessible yet distinctive quality. While never extremely common, Moya has maintained steady usage across different cultures, appreciated for its brevity and emotional depth.

  16. 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.
  17. Zed
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Zedekiah
    • Description:

      Newer than Zac, cooler than Ed, Ned, or Ted.
  18. Davin
    • Description:

      Davin as a feminine name is an uncommon variant of the more traditional masculine Davin, which originated as an Anglicized form of the Irish name Dáibhín, meaning 'little beloved one' or 'little deer.' While Davin has historical usage as a boy's name, its application for girls represents a modern trend of gender-crossing names. The name has a gentle yet strong quality, with its soft consonants balanced by clear pronunciation. For females, Davin offers a distinctive alternative to popular feminine names with similar sounds like Davina or Devon. The name carries Irish heritage while maintaining a contemporary feel. Though rare for girls, it appeals to parents seeking a unique name with established roots but without being overtly feminine.

  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. 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.