Names are weird. They aren't just labels; they're like little pieces of a person's soul that parents try to predict before the kid even learns to walk. Then came Game of Thrones. Suddenly, the playground wasn't just filled with Olivias and Liam's. It was filled with little "Khaleesis" and "Aryas."
George R.R. Martin didn't just pick these out of a hat. He's a history nerd—the best kind—and he built a linguistic map that tells you exactly where a person stands in his world before they even open their mouth. Honestly, though? Most people are naming their kids after things that aren't even names.
The Khaleesi Mistake and Why It Matters
Let's address the dragon in the room. Khaleesi is not a name.
In the Dothraki language (at least the version David J. Peterson polished for HBO), it’s a title. It basically translates to "Queen" or, more specifically, the wife of the Khal. It's like naming your child "Duchess" or "President."
At its peak in 2018, over 500 babies were named Khaleesi in the U.S. alone. Imagine the vibe in 2019 when that season eight finale aired. One minute you're honoring a "Breaker of Chains," and the next, your toddler is named after someone who just toasted King’s Landing like a giant marshmallow.
Even so, the name persists. As of 2026, we’re seeing a weird sort of "prestige" attachment to it. It’s decoupled from the character’s actions and become its own aesthetic—regal, fierce, and admittedly, quite fun to say.
Where These Names Actually Come From
Martin follows a pattern that mirrors the real history of the British Isles. He uses "linguistic layers."
The First Men (Simple and Earthy)
The oldest names in Westeros are short. They're blunt.
- Stark (Rigid, strong)
- Reed
- Mudd
- Bran (Which, incidentally, means "Raven" in Welsh)
These names feel like they were carved out of a tree. There's no fluff. When you hear a name like "Eddard," it’s just a "fantasy-fied" version of Edward. It feels grounded. It feels like home.
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The Andals (Elaborate and Flowery)
Then the Andals showed up with their Seven Gods and their complicated social structures. Their names followed suit.
- Lannister
- Tyrell
- Arryn
These don't mean "objects." They are family identifiers. They sound more like the Norman-English names that took over after 1066.
The Valyrians (The "AE" Obsession)
If you see an "ae" or a "y" in a weird place, you’re looking at a Targaryen.
- Daenerys
- Aegon
- Rhaenyra
- Viserys
Martin has openly admitted that these names were designed to feel "exotic." They’re meant to sound like they belong to people with silver hair and purple eyes who ride literal nukes.
Why Arya Won the Name Race
While Khaleesi got the headlines, Arya won the long game.
It’s a perfect storm of a name. It sounds like "Aria" (meaning song in Italian), which was already trending. But it has that "y" that makes it feel sharp, like the character’s needle.
By 2024, Arya was firmly inside the Top 200 girl names in the U.S. Why? Because unlike Daenerys, Arya Stark’s arc didn't involve accidental genocide. She was the hero who took out the Night King. She's the survivor.
Parents want that for their kids. They want the resilience. Plus, let's be real—it’s a lot easier for a teacher to shout "Arya!" across a cafeteria than "Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name."
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The Historical Puppetry
The names aren't just sounds. They are clues.
Take Tyrion. People debate this one constantly. Some say it's a play on the Tyrian purple of Roman emperors. Others think it’s a nod to the Welsh "Tirion," meaning gentle or kind. Given Tyrion’s complicated relationship with his own humanity, both work.
And then there's Sansa. It’s a real name, actually. It has Sanskrit roots meaning "charm" or "praise." In the books, Sansa starts as a girl obsessed with songs and stories. Her name is literally her destiny until that destiny gets punched in the face by reality.
Real-World Naming "Easter Eggs"
Martin is a fan of Roger Zelazny and other sci-fi greats.
- The Tullys: Hoster, Edmure... and then we get the "Muppet" Tullys in the House of the Dragon era: Elmo, Kermit, and Grover. Yes, those are canon.
- The Ironborn: They have names like Theon (Greek for "godly"), which is incredibly ironic for a guy who spent several seasons losing his identity entirely.
What Most People Get Wrong About Pronunciation
Honestly? Even the actors didn't always agree.
Is it "Duh-NAIR-is" or "Duh-NEER-is"?
Is it "SANS-uh" or "SAHN-suh"?
In a 2026 world where we have high-definition audiobooks and creator interviews at our fingertips, the consensus has shifted toward the show's pronunciations, but the books often imply something different. Martin has famously said you can pronounce them however you want. He doesn't care. He’s just happy you’re reading.
The 2026 Reality: Is the Trend Dead?
Not even close.
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While the "fad" of naming your kid after a TV show has cooled off, these names have entered the "standard" lexicon. You’ll meet a 12-year-old named Brienne and you won't immediately think of a 6-foot-tall knight in blue armor. You’ll just think, "Oh, that’s a strong name."
That’s the ultimate test of a fictional name. Does it survive the fiction?
Lyanna is another one. It’s basically a mashup of Leanne and Anna, but it carries the weight of a tragic history. It’s "period-drama chic." It’s currently rising in popularity alongside other "vintage-feeling" names because it doesn't scream "I LOVE HBO" as loudly as Joffrey would. (Please, for the love of the Old Gods, do not name your child Joffrey).
Actionable Takeaways for Choosing a Fantasy Name
If you're looking at names from Game of Thrones for a human, a pet, or even a brand, keep these rules in mind:
- Check the character's ending. This sounds obvious, but characters in George R.R. Martin’s world have a habit of doing terrible things in the final act. If you name your dog Theon, don't be surprised if people make jokes about… well, you know.
- Think about the "Starbucks Test." Can you say the name to a barista without having to spell it three times? Jaime passes. Xaro Xhoan Daxos fails miserably.
- Look for the "Real" root. Names like Catelyn are just variants of Caitlin. They offer a "stealth" way to be a fan without being "that" parent.
- Avoid the titles. Unless you want your kid to be constantly corrected, avoid Khaleesi, Septa, or Maester.
The names of Westeros and Essos are a rich tapestry of linguistic history and modern pop culture. They reflect our own world—from the Wars of the Roses to ancient Greek tragedy. Whether you’re a fan of the "ae" aesthetic or the "First Men" bluntness, there’s no denying that George R.R. Martin has changed the way we look at birth certificates forever.
If you're narrowing down your list, start by looking at the "Stealth" names like Elia or Mina. They have deep roots in the lore but won't make your child the target of every "Winter is Coming" joke for the next forty years.
Next Steps for Your Search:
- Compare the popularity of Arya vs. Aria in the latest Social Security Administration data.
- Look up the "Muppet Tullys" in Fire & Blood to see just how far the joke goes.
- Research the Welsh origins of the name Bran to see how it foreshadows his role as the Three-Eyed Raven.