Invented Girl Names

We've lost count of how many Kaylani variations rank on the national charts. But here's another one.

Afro-Asian model, designer, and entrepreneur Kimora Lee Simmons brought this name into the public eye and it enjoyed more than a decade in the Top 1000 during the 2000s and early 2010s. It peaked in 2008 when it reached the Top 300, but it has since been in decline, becoming an on-off visitor to the US charts.

The exact meaning of Kimora is unknown, though one possibility is that it's a nod the Japanese surname, Kimura, meaning "woods + village". Back in the US Top 1000 for 2023, Kimora could also feel like an updated form of Kim or Maura, and a spin on more popular Kora.

Rayla might be many things: a modern successor to Kayla; an elaboration of Rae; a blend of Riley and Taylor or Rae and Ayla; a possible substitute for for Raelynn; an alternative to Layla; a two-for-one honor, for a Ray and a Laura, a Rachel and a Kayla. What is definitely is though, is a name on the rise — given to nearly 130 babies in 2023, it is five times more popular than it was a decade earlier.

Ultimately, many parents attracted to Tinley's appealing -inley rhythm may decide they can do better with the first syllable than "tin" and move on to Finley, Brinley, or Kinley.

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.

Cute but slight mix of stylish sounds Cam and Bree, chosen by Rick Schroder for his daughter.

Kaylin and all of its forms have made many appearances in the Top 1000 in recent years. Kailyn is also the Turkish goddess of crossroads, kings and queens.

The Estonian writer Mats Tõnisson created Milvi as a nickname for Miranda. It's also connected to the Estonian word miilama, meaning "glow" or "burn slowly".

Up-and-coming actress Beanie Feldstein is attracting attention toward her unusual — but rather cute — nickname. She was born Elizabeth Greer Feldstein but nicknamed "Elizabeanie" by her childhood nanny. It was later simplified to Beanie by her older brothers.

Phonetic spelling of Ariane worn by the Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus, who goes by the nickname Arnie.

A playful and whimsical choice for a child that works as a given name or a nickname (perhaps for Beatrix).

A combination-type name invented by L. Frank Baum for a Princess character who first appears in his book Ozma of Oz.

Emry is a shortened form of the popular Emery, which now ranks in the Top 100 girl names in the US. Emry has not yet hit the Top 1000 but was given to about 200 babies in the US last year, about 80 percent of those girls.

Game of Thrones fans may recognize this as the name of the wily Wildling who helped protect Bran Stark for several seasons of the HBO show. George R.R. Martin has cited Harry Potter vet Natalia Tena's performance in the part as the one that most changed his understanding of a character he created.

Zayla debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2021. The name might be thought of as the popular Ayla or Layla with the trendy letter Z at the beginning. Variations include Zaylah, Zaylani, and the male Zaylan.

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.

The kind of countrified-combo name that you would think went out with ruffled gingham pinafores. Still, it's managed to hold its ground in recent years.

Glinda is famous as the name of the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz, invented by author L. Frank Baum. but has there ever been a real life, non-fictional Glinda? Not in the US last year. The name may be related to the Welsh Glenda, itself a 20th century invention.

Cinderella stepsister type Victorian-valentine name.

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.