Rising Popularity of ‘Game of Thrones’ Inspired Baby Names

If you haven’t caught up on the latest buzz surrounding Game of Thrones, now is not the time to be browsing the Internet! Spoilers are everywhere. But seriously, you should be watching what many consider the most thrilling episode yet, especially during the Battle of Winterfell, where we were all on the edge of our seats.

Without revealing too much, one thing is clear: the women truly shined. Think of the fearless Ser Brienne and the courageous Lyanna, not to mention the legendary Arya Stark.

It was always known that Arya was a force to be reckoned with, but her status has now reached legendary heights, inspiring parents to name their children after her. Just take a look at Twitter for the evidence. It’s amusing how a character who once declared, “A girl has no name” has now become a name that many want to use.

As Game of Thrones continues to influence baby naming trends, names like Khaleesi are climbing the charts (it reached #549 in 2018), but Arya has seen the most significant rise, jumping to #119 by 2018 after not even making the top 1,000 until 2010. Following her epic actions in the Battle of Winterfell, expect to see even more babies named Arya.

Alternative Names Inspired by Arya Stark

For those who adore the name but want to avoid the obvious connection to Arya Stark, there are some fantastic alternatives:

Yara: A rearrangement of Arya’s letters, Yara Greyjoy is another beloved character, and this name is currently less popular at #672.
Ari: Meaning “lion of God,” this name is essentially Arya minus the “ya,” and is at #719 for girls.
Raya: A simple swap of letters, meaning “friend,” and not even in the top 1,000.
Bria: Meaning “vivacity,” this name combines elements of both Arya and Brienne, two strong characters.
Darya: The Russian variant of Daria, meaning “kingly,” and it rhymes with Arya.
Adara: While it might not look like Arya, it means “noble,” similar to Arya’s essence.

Boy Names Inspired by Game of Thrones

For a boy, or if you want to explore beyond Arya, here are some solid Game of Thrones inspired names that are more wearable:

Jorah: A biblical name that’s been given a modern twist thanks to the show, it starts with a trendy “J” and ends like the popular Noah.
Gendry: A unique name that fits both genders, despite its male association on the show.
Brandon: Bran Stark may have taken a backseat, but Brandon has historical roots dating back to Old English and is at #124.
Theon: With Greek origins meaning “of the gods,” it fits well alongside the increasingly popular Theo.
Sam: A unisex name that is short and sweet, representing the lovable Samwell Tarly.
Winter: A subtle nod to the show’s tagline, “Winter is Coming,” perfect for a Game of Thrones fan.
Brienne: A feminine form of Brian, meaning “strong” and “noble,” which perfectly embodies Ser Brienne of Tarth.
Lyanna: While lacking a traditional meaning, Lady Lyanna Mormont’s character brings significant weight to the name.
Sansa: Originating from Sanskrit meaning “charm,” Sansa Stark has certainly mastered the art of charm.

And don’t forget about Yara and the names of the talented actors behind these roles, like Emilia, Maisie, Sophie, Kit, Alfie, and Gemma.

Whether you’re naming your child, your favorite pen, or even your WiFi, there are plenty of options to pay homage to your Game of Thrones fandom. Remember, when it comes to baby naming challenges, we say: NOT TODAY!

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In summary, Game of Thrones has significantly influenced baby naming trends, with Arya leading the charge. Alternatives like Yara and Jorah offer great options for fans who want to steer clear of the obvious choices.