The number of made-up baby names has soared in popularity as parents try to impart unique social media identities on their children.
According to a survey of 1,772 parents, seven per cent have already chosen a unique name for their child, while a further two thirds (65 per cent) would consider it.
Nine in 10 (94 per cent) think made-up baby names are becoming more popular, with monikers including Faelina, Evabeth, Brigham and Tovin also set to climb the baby name charts.
Official figures from the Office of National Statistics show around 60,000 different names registered each year, but the number of choices is growing rapidly as more parents select one-off monikers.
MORE: Most popular baby names: for boys and girls through the years
The poll also found 72 per cent believe a unique name will help their child stand out in life, with one in 50 even choosing made-up names so their child can be easily found on social media.
And a third think one-off names will make their child feel special although 16 per cent say using made-up names can be seen as parents ‘showing off’.
ChannelMum.com baby name expert SJ Strum said: “Shakespeare invented many names that have stood the test of time like Imogen and Jessica.
“Now the social media boom means we are all writers and publishers, so parents are making up baby names that gives their child a unique start in life.”
The study found that a desire for a gender neutral name is leading the phenomenon, with a third of parents making up something which isn’t traditionally male or female.
Also popular is taking a name each parent likes and blending it to create a new name, with 10 per cent of couples trying this to prevent arguments over the final name choice.
MORE: Is your name dying out? The most unpopular baby names revealed!
A further nine per cent mix names of relatives to honour family members.
Fantasy names inspired by shows like Game of Thrones are also popular, with three in 10 parents drawing inspiration from books and TV shows.
While non-conventional names are becoming more popular, only eight per cent believe there are no down sides to using them.
MORE: Millionaire baby names - Could these baby names make your little one rich and successful?
Instead, two thirds of parents worry they can be both difficult to spell and to pronounce.
A further 62 per cent claim the names may be seen as ‘tacky or silly’ while a third fear their child may be judged negatively at school by teachers
Meanwhile 13 per cent worry their name is so good that it could become popular and picked by other parents.
Looking for some baby name inspiration? Here are the top ‘made up names’ according to the experts.
Top unique baby names
Top ‘made up names’ for girls:
- Maevery
- Faelina
- Idalia
- Evabeth
- Tessadora
- Anaveah
- Jessalie
- Sylvalie
- Sophiel
- Elisobelle
Top ‘made up names’ for boys:
- Jaspin
- Charleston
- Brigham
- Ranger
- Wrenlow
- Eastley
- Graylen
- Albion
- Tovin
- Cedar
