Looking for a brand-new baby name doesn’t only mean looking for something unique. It means being creative and taking risks on names that haven’t become trendy… yet. Just think, someone had to be the first Sarah, Mary, or Rachel! Laura Wattenberg, the naming expert behind Baby Name Wizard, found 20 totally, 100% brand-new baby names — and we think these names are adorable!
So how do parents find a totally-new, never-before-used baby name? According to Laura, look at language patterns and cultural trends. Says Laura, “[These names] offer a sense of the extraordinary range of modern name style, and how far parents will go in search of the dramatic and the new.”
Take, for instance, the emergence of science fiction or space-related names. Due to the popularity of certain TV shows and outer space’s influence on fashion, these two cultural trends have eventually found their way to how we name the next generation. Smart, right?
So there it is! The blueprint for completely brand-new baby names. Take a look at these baby girl names and let us know what you think!
1. Mazikeen
An original name for an original family, this Sci-Fi name is sure to make a scene!
2. Curie
Pronounced “CURE-y,” this name is taken from Polish physicist Marie Curie. Recognized as one of the most prominent female scientists, Marie Curie was amazingly talented. She won the Nobel Prize (twice), was the first female professor at the University of Paris, and basically coined the term radioactivity. Naming your daughter Curie means placing her in the legacy of greatness.
3. Furiosa
If you want to raise a strong girl, you might want to name her Furiosa. “It’s one of the most extravagant film names since Cruella deVil,” says Laura. “And if you’re wondering, no, Cruella never crossed over to baby names.” But don’t let that stop you from bringing Furiosa to the charts.
4. Million
No, it’s not Millie or Millicent — though both names have quickly been rising in popularity. Million is a much-needed update. A little taste of the future, if you will. As Laura says, it’s “futuristic robot chic.”
5. Ezria
Here’s a name that was created by the teen universe! This one is very unique!
6. Pippi
“The book Pippi Longstocking, by master name inventor Astrid Lindgren, was first published in English back in 1950 but only now makes its baby name debut,” notes Laura. The little girl with the bright red hair, Pippi Longstocking is an adventurer through and through!
7. Blessence
Here is a perfect example of how modern language can create a brand-new name if you’re creative. Blessence is actually built from the words “blessing” and “essence,” and Laura reveals it’s also the name of a maternity T-shirt line .
8. Melanin
A baby name that would make any little baby girl proud! Melanin is the pigmentation in our eyes, skin, and hair color. Lauren adds, “The name likely owes its emergence as a name to Senegalese model Khoudia Diop.”
9. Franklynn
Playing off the –ynn trend, Franklynn is an adorable derivative of Frank or the male name Franklin. Perfect for a tomboy or a girly-girl, this is an on-trend name that won’t disappoint.
10. Versailles
Versailles, the beautiful French palace, has lush gardens and beautiful buildings. “[It has] symbolized regal luxury for centuries,” says Laura. Even as a baby name, it evokes a sense of luxury, royalty, and class.
11. Zeplyn
Up, up, and away, little Zeplyn! This cute and fun name is perfect for an adventurer and free spirit, just like the legendary rock and roll band Led Zeppelin.
12. Iseult
Pronounced like Isolde, this name originates from the second-most star-crossed lovers in all of literature, as Tristan and Isolde were lovers in an old legend.
13. Laniakea
Following the outer space trend, Laniakea is actually the supercluster of galaxies where Earth is located. That’s right, Laniakea is actually our home!
14. Caliber
Just hear us out on this one. Caliber follows the growing trend of firearm-related boys names (think Trigger or Beretta) but can easily be used for girls too!
15. Thatcher
Traditionally this is a boy’s name, we think this name could follow in the trend of using boys’ names for girls. Or maybe you like Margaret Thatcher.
16. Lagertha
“This is perhaps the most unlikely of a mini-wave of Norse names inspired by the TV series Vikings,” notes Laura. Probably due to the recent discovery that a famous warrior viking was a woman.
17. Hestia
Taken from the Greek legend, this classic name is sure to wow. The only big question is how it took so long for people to take notice.
18. Anakin
It’s a Star Wars name! Anakin Skywalker is the birth name of evil villain Darth Vader, and a hugely popular choice for baby boys in the US. “Now his dark force encroaches on the girls’ side,” jokes Laura.
19. Veruca
This name might remind one of that one spoiled villain in Roald Dahl’s classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But don’t let that sour you on the name.
20. Linux
It’s no surprise that parents are turning to tech for name inspiration, but Linux? It’s pretty out there. In fact, it’s possibly a twist on the popular Lennox.