Kim Kardashian & Kanye West -- North West's Name Is Non-Directional

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were not inspired by a compass when they named their kid North ... fact is, the name's more inspirational than directional.

Sources close to K & K tell TMZ ... they chose the name North because they see it as a metaphor for "up", telling friends, "What's North of North? Nothing." Translation ... nothing better.

We're told the duo believes baby North is their highest point together as a couple ... the pinnacle of the relationship ... and they consider her their "North Star."

Kinda sweet. Almost makes ya feel bad for mocking it, right?

Almost.