Invented Girl Names

Blends Samantha and Amanda, yet feels fresher than either.

A versatile name with multiple origins, Anyla has quietly risen up the US charts since the 2000s. As a Hindi and Sanskrit name, it is a feminine form of Anil, the Hindu god of the wind. Alternatively, it might come from Anila or Anilla, variations of Anna and Agnes used in Albania, Hungary, Poland, Sweden, and Finland. There is also the possibility that this is a created name, inspired by the rise of Nyla.

Feminization of Namor, a name created for a Marvel Comics character by spelling Roman in reverse. Namora is also a comic book superhero, and cousins with her namesake Namor.

Ungainly hybrid of Randi and Danielle.

Created by novelist Clive Barker for an entire universe in his book Imajica: strange but magical.

A famous bearer is Valaida Snow (1904-1956), an American jazz musician who achieved international renown.

The Estonian equivalent of Annelise, combining Ene (an Estonian form of Anna or Hendrika) with Eliisabet.

This aqueous name has been seen on TV as Laverne Fox's character on Weird City.

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.

This interesting name has unfortunately risen to attention through the tragic murder case of little Khandalyce Stevenson. Probably needs some time before it can be used without these sad connections.

The stylish L leads the way on this unusual girls' name.

Party Velma, part Daisy, part Elsie with a little bit of Wesley thrown in too, Velzy is a surprisingly popular choice among TikTok parents. Possibly inspired by the surfer Dale Velzy and by the Hawaiian beach, known colloquially as Velzyland in his honor, the name might have its origins as a Dutch surname.