Invented Girl Names
- Briley
Origin:
Modern invented name or surname, EnglishMeaning:
"briar meadow, briar clearing"Description:
Similar to Brielle and Riley, this name lags quite far behind these more common variations. It peaked at Number 622 in 2009 in the US, but it is now descending the ranks. It coincides with the surname Briley, a contracted form of Brierley, which might be an interesting alternative.
- Kensley
Origin:
Variation of KinsleyDescription:
Similar to Kinsley, this modern choice has become much more popular in recent years; it first entered the Top 1000 in 2011. Part of its appeal might be that it sounds reminiscent of the overly-popular McKenzie.
- Oaklee
Origin:
Variation of Oakley, EnglishMeaning:
"oak clearing"Description:
Oakley is one of the truest unisex names for babies, achieving a 56-44 gender distribution, favoring girls. Oaklee is 80% female and may serve as a clearer identification of sex, if that’s what you’re interested in.
- Adalee
Origin:
English compound name, Ada + LeeMeaning:
"noble + meadow"Description:
Adalee's rise into the Top 1000 is thanks to the current fashion for all names ada-related, including the similar Adeline and Adelaide. It does have a sweet melodic charm, but given the thousands of baby girls getting similar names in the US each year, it may not feel as original as you might like.
- Sariah
Origin:
Variation of SarahDescription:
Sariah is the perfect compromise name for when you say Sarah, and your spouse says Mariah. Spelled Saria, it's a character in the video game The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
- Cersei
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Cersei Lannister is one of the most villainous -- and, in a certain light, glamorous -- characters in HBO's Game of Thrones, played by beautiful actress Lena Headey.Though we can't say for sure how author George R.R. Martin came up with the character's name, it is a near-homophone with Circe, a seductive witch in Greek mythology.
- Celimene
Origin:
Literary nameMeaning:
"heavenly strength"Description:
Célimène is a literary name invented by the 17th century French playwright Molière for a character in his 1666 play Le Misanthrope. It may be derived from Latin and Greek elements meaning "heavenly" and "moon" or "strength". Notable real-life bearers include French singer Célimène Gaudieux and pianist Célimène Daudet.
- Niecy
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Charming comedic actress Niecy Nash -- who's drawn widespread acclaim in the last few years as the star of Getting On and Claws -- was originally born Carol Denise. Her stage name likely originated as a nickname for Denise, but it feels distinctive enough to stand on its own. Indeed, it already has, at least on BET's Being Mary Jane, in which it's the name of a recurring character.
- Wrenlee
Origin:
Modern Invented NameDescription:
Wren has been red-hot for several years now, so it is no surprise that parents are branching out to longer forms. Wrenlee was the fastest-rising girl name of 2022, jumping 708 spots and following in sister Wrenley's hasty journey up the charts.
- Zoella
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"life + girl"Description:
A modern combo name created from Zoe + Ella – or, in the case of influential British Youtuber Zoella, from Zoë + Elizabeth.
- Kaliyah
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
This name's trendy trademarks - the "K" start and the "-yah" suffix - explain how it made its way up the Top 1000. Just beware the similarities between this name and creamy liqueur "Kahlua".
- Minea
Origin:
Finnish feminization of Minos, GreekMeaning:
"king"Description:
The Finnish writer Mika Waltari invented the name Minea from the Greek Minos for a character in his 1945 novel The Egyptian. It's become a popular Finnish name in the 21st century.
- Loredana
Origin:
Italian, RomanianMeaning:
"laurel grove"Description:
A widespread name in Italy and Romania, the lovely Loredana is often claimed to have been invented by French author George Sand for a character in her 1833 novel Mattea. However, it also belonged to a 16th century Italian botanist, Loredana Marcello, known for developing treatments for various ailments. It probably derives from the Venetian surname Loredan, from the place name Loreo "laurel grove".
- Normani
Origin:
American invented name, combination of Norma and ArmaniDescription:
Normani is a name made famous by the person it was invented for, singer Normani, whose birth name is Normani Kordei Hamilton. An unlikely combination of the operatic grandma name Norma and the designer surname Armani, Normani was given to more than 50 baby girls in the US last year.
- Willodean
Origin:
American, meaning unknownDescription:
The Social Security Lists show this name to have been used throughout the 1920s and 30s especially in Southern states. There are a few theories on its origins (an invented name created to honor William/Willard and a a female name ending in "-dine", or it may be an Anglicization of a Native American name). Either way, it has a willowy sweetness that deserves a comeback.
- Oaklyn
Origin:
American invented nameMeaning:
"oak lake"Description:
Oaklyn is one of the oak-related names moving up the popularity charts, along with more popular sister Oakley and near-identical twin Oaklynn. The Oaklynn spelling used for three times as many baby girls as Oaklyn -- 1800 vs. 600.
- Aeryn
Origin:
Variation of Erin, IrishMeaning:
"from the island to the west"Description:
Spelling variation of Erin invented for a character on the science fiction TV show Farscape.
- Arayah
Description:
Arayah is a modern feminine name that combines elements of several naming traditions. It may be a variation of Araya, which has Thai origins meaning 'noble' or could be related to the Hebrew name Ariyah, meaning 'lioness.' The name also bears resemblance to Isaiah with a feminine twist. With its flowing vowels and soft consonants, Arayah has a melodic, exotic quality. The name has gained some popularity in recent years as parents seek unique names with multicultural appeal and beautiful sounds. The 'yah' ending connects it to many contemporary feminine names ending with similar sounds. Arayah projects a gentle strength and grace while remaining distinctive enough to stand out without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
- Cienna
Origin:
Spelling variation of Sienna, Italian color nameMeaning:
"orange red"Description:
Cienna is Sienna's much rare sister, though it's popular enough to have been given to over 100 baby girls in the US last year. Since Princess Beatrice's use of Sienna, this name and variations are sure to gain popularity.
- Clarinda
Origin:
Literary elaboration of ClaraMeaning:
"bright, clear"Description:
A poetic name first used in Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" in 1596, it had a literary vogue in the 18th century, especially favored by Robert Burns. "inda" names--Melinda, Belinda, Linda" are not particularly in right now.