Names Created by Authors
- Iracema
Origin:
TupiMeaning:
"honey lips"Description:
Popular in Brazil in the early half of the 20th century, Iracema derives from the Indigenous Tupi–Guarani language, and likely gained attention due to its use in the classic 1865 novel by José de Alencar. Iracema is the titular character of the novel that explores the relationship between an indigenous woman and a Portuguese colonist.
- Salerio
Origin:
Shakespearean invented nameMeaning:
"salary"Description:
Shakespeare invented the names Salerio, Solanio, and Salarino for his play The Merchant of Venice. The names are puns on salario, the Italian word for "salary," as each character shows great concern with money.
- Margolette
Origin:
Literary inventionDescription:
Fanciful feminissima name created by L. Frank Baum for a character in The Patchwork Girl of Oz.
- Tissaia
Origin:
Invented nameDescription:
Tissaia de Vries is a sorceress character on the Netflix series The Witcher. The origins of this created name are uncertain, but a quick search will pull up many theories, from a variation of Tess, Taisia, or Tasia, or spawned from the Latin word "titulus" (we're not sure if we buy that one).
- Shenshen
Origin:
Literary creationDescription:
Used by Gregory Maguire in his novel Wicked, Shenshen also appears in the Broadway musical adaptation of the book. Her name could be based on Sinead or Shenade, variations of John, or perhaps the phrase "chin-chin", used as a toast or an informal greeting.
- Armida
Origin:
Italian, literary nameDescription:
Torquano Tasso likely invented this name for the magical enchantress who beguiles the crusaders in his celebrated poem Jerusalem Delivered. Armida is also the eponymous heroine of a Handel opera.
- Arline
Description:
Arline is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Arlene, derived from the Gaelic name Airlín, which possibly means 'pledge' or is associated with the word for 'promise.' Others suggest it may have Germanic roots related to 'noble' or 'eagle.' Arline gained moderate popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s, but has since become less common. The name has a vintage charm with its soft sounds and flowing rhythm. While no longer in the top naming charts, Arline appeals to parents seeking a classic name that isn't overused. Its simplicity and elegance, combined with historical usage without being antiquated, give it a timeless quality.
- Jadine
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Unusual and unfashionable name found in Toni Morrison's novel Tar Baby.
- Anelma
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"asked for"Description:
Anelma derived from the Finnish word anella, meaning "to beg." It was invented in 1906 by a lawyer named Edla Kojonen.
- Jellia
Origin:
Invented literary nameDescription:
A name created for Jellia Jamb, a sweet and beautiful servant in the Royal Palace in the Emerald City of Oz, who appears in several books in the series.
- Podrick
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
Podrick Payne is something of a Zelig character in Game of Thrones -- though he's never been all that prominent, he's popped up in many scenes in many different storylines on the show, first as squire to Tyrion Lannister and later to Brienne of Tarth.
- Laudomia
Origin:
Literary creationDescription:
This name, created by Italo Calvino, has been spotted as a name in England.
- Jinjur
Origin:
Literary inventionDescription:
Ginger-homonym created by L. Frank Baum for a General character in his Oz books.
- Smilla
Description:
Smilla is a feminine name with Scandinavian origins, particularly associated with Danish naming traditions. The name gained international recognition through Peter Høeg's novel 'Smilla's Sense of Snow' (1992). While its precise etymology remains somewhat debated, it may derive from 'smile' or have connections to ancient Nordic roots. Smilla carries a distinctively Nordic sound while being relatively accessible to English speakers. Though rare globally, the name has seen modest usage in Denmark and occasionally appears in other Scandinavian countries. Smilla offers parents a name that combines softness with strength, featuring an appealing blend of the familiar 'l' sounds with an exotic quality.
- Fringilla
Origin:
Latin literary name and bird nameDescription:
Fringilla Vigo is a sorceress and villain in The Witcher series. Her name comes from a genus of singing finches.
- Musidora
Origin:
LiteratureMeaning:
"gift of the Muses"Description:
A literary name, Musidora first appeared in its masculine form, Musidorus, in a poem by 16th poet Phillip Sidney. Meaning "gift of the Muses", it could relate to the Muses of mythology who presided over the arts, to a person or other personified force that inspires an artist, or to music and songs.
- Musidora
Origin:
LiteratureMeaning:
"gift of the Muses"Description:
A literary name, Musidora first appeared in its masculine form, Musidorus, in a poem by 16th poet Phillip Sidney. Meaning "gift of the Muses", it could relate to the Muses of mythology who presided over the arts, to a person or other personified force that inspires an artist, or to music and songs.
- Benjen
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
The Westerosi equivalent of Benjamin -- meaning it's a "Game of Thrones" name, for non-fans -- is most prominently borne in George R.R. Martin's novels by Benjen Stark, younger brother of Eddard Stark and a member of the Night's Watch.
- Jolanka
Description:
Jolanka is a feminine name with Eastern European origins, particularly Hungarian. It likely developed as a diminutive or variation of Yolanda, which derives from the medieval French 'Violante,' meaning 'violet flower.' The Hungarian influence gives Jolanka its distinctive sound and structure. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has historical usage in Hungary and surrounding regions. The name carries a delicate yet exotic quality, blending floral associations with Eastern European charm. Jolanka offers a unique alternative for parents seeking a name with international roots that remains pronounceable in English. Its rarity makes it distinctive, while its connection to the more familiar Yolanda provides some contextual grounding.
- Nedjma
Origin:
Literature, Algerian, ArabicMeaning:
"sweet; star"Description:
Used as the title for a 1956 novel, by Algerian writer, Kateb Yacine, Nedjma could be a literary creation, inspired by the Egyptian name Nedjemmut, meaning "Mut is sweet", in which case, it might just mean "sweet".