Invented Girl Names

She looked like a model but she was really an evil many-tentacled monster in Men in Black: your child will never forgive you if you choose this name. And neither will we.

A feminine spin on the surname name Copeland.

Jaleah is a less popular spelling of Jaliyah, which is likely a variation of the popular Aliyah. From Hebrew, the name Aliyah means "ascent" while the Ja- beginning often connotes God, so the meaning might be "God's ascent." As an Arabic name, Aliyah means "lofty" or "exalted" while Ja- is a popular prefix used in the African American community, so Jaliyah - or Jaleah might be a twist on a more popular choice, or a way to honor an Aliyah.

A new name bestowed on a few girls each year thanks to Brazilian gospel singer Kemilly Santos. Kemilly makes for an unconventional way to get to Milly.

The name of a regular (if not central) character on Amazon's Catastrophe vaguely recalls Melanie, Melissa and Sandra.

Harleth is a name which probably stems from combining the oh-so-trendy Harlow with the evergreen Elizabeth. However, literary parents may also remember the beautiful but difficult character Gwendolen Harleth from George Eliot's Daniel Deronda. Harleth has a fashionable edge to it, being associated with rising supermodel Harleth Kuusik.

Variation of Lake.

Lyja was created as a name for the Marvel Comics superhero in 1984. Her name has not caught on, but its similarity to names like Lila and Leah makes it a plausible choice, although pronunciation could be an issue (we would say LYE-uh).

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

Mistelle is a modern invention combining Misty with the evergreen feminine suffix 'elle'. This name is occasionally seen in Australia.

This invented name is borne by a Jamaican supermodel.

Sanelma is an invented Finnish name derived from the verb sanella, meaning "to dictate."

Variation of Julia.

A mysterious name found in fantasy fiction and climbing in popularity as a kind of combo of Jamie and Tanya.

Mix a bit of old-fashioned Jane with the male-inflected Zane, et voila.

Icylinn Goodman is a Gen-Z social media starlet whose previously one-of-a-kind name appeared on the charts in 2021. Ice-themed names have never been cooler (literally) — that year saw the rise of names such as Icelynn, Icy, and Ice itself.

Kincső was invented in the 19th century by the Hungarian author Mór Jókai for his book A jövő század regénye, "The Novel of the Next Century." It's still a Top 100 choice in Hungary, where it peaked in 2007.