Creating a Neo-Name

Neo-Diminutives

This neo-name style, which combines a common name with a diminutive, is an easy approach to forming a neo-name and can yield some very pleasant results.

You can choose diminutives from various languages. Some of the most popular are:

• French diminutives, including -el, -en, -et, -on, and -ot
• English diminutives, including -ie and -y
• Spanish diminutives, including -ita and -ina
• Irish diminutives, including -in and -an

This neo-name style, along with adding a prefix like la- or da-, is a major force behind both African-American names and Mormon names. It also was responsible for landing the following names on the 1997 list of most popular baby names in the United States:

• Adriel Dreyvin
• Adrina Duriel
• Tamrin Aljen
• Keddy Bronzie
• Kishon Dallin

No-Rules Neo-Names

Some neo-names—and you'll see them on the list that follows—are so out of the ordinary that there's no way to tell how they were formed. These are the no-rules neo-names, the ones that just seem to happen without any rhyme or reason. Some may be based on the creation suggestions given above; if so, they're good examples of what not to do when using these naming approaches.

While I'm not endorsing any of these as names to consider for your baby or even as suggestions for spurring on your own creativity, there's no denying the sheer individuality reflected in these names. (I just hope the children that bear them are able to live up to the burden that the names will surely create in their lives.)

All of these names, by the way, come from the 1997 complete lists of most popular baby names in the U.S., compiled by Social Security Administration actuary Mike Shackleford.

Boys' Names

• Dzoan Shermanslo Mardettric
• Quntavious Sirsimons Markevius
• Rauder Steukhon Melquisede
• Sammykiel Kyrin Mikhaelant
• Satvik Lettrius Montorius
• Shavartae Liernest Bubacar

Girls' Names

• Anisia Areisy Yuriria
• Anylah Arlexsia Yasmineire
• Aqsa Betsyfelip Teresanict
• Aparna Bentavia Sumiyyea
• Aracelli Casiliya Squanna
• Arbryanna Zirisoley