Game of Thrones has created a massive fandom enterprise since its release in 2011. It’s only logical that the obsession would extend into naming our children. And there certainly are plenty of names to choose from, with a cast of 553 characters, 88 of which are named characters with repeat appearances.
Some of the characters’ names are far too out-there to ever become popular (we’re looking at you Targaryen family) and others will forever be hated because their characters were far too evil (Joffrey). But a handful of names fall right into that sweet spot of unique but not too weird, AND represent characters that we’ve grown to love.
Here are 11 great choices for Game of Thrones baby names!
WARNING: This post contains Game of Thrones spoilers. Read with caution if you are not up to date!
BENJEN
A minor but notable character, Uncle Benjen conveniently appears whenever the Stark kids need saving (remember Jon Snow on the iceberg about to get decimated by a million white walkers?) His role is small but brave and heroic nonetheless.
Benjen has the potential to become the latest “Ben” name, following the likes of Benjamin, Benji, Bennett, and Benson.
SANSA
I will be shocked if I don’t meet a little baby Sansa sometime in the next year.
Sansa starts out the show as young adolescent girl with romantic dreams. She is forced to grow up quickly after she witnesses her father get beheaded, which sadly is only the first of many horrific tragedies in her life.
Through it all, we see Sansa grow as a character and become a poised, strong woman. She may not be engaging in combat like sister Arya, but she has a good head on her shoulders and displays outstanding emotional strength and leadership. After all she’s been through, it’s impossible not to root for her good fortune in the end.
As a name, Sansa shows potential in its feminine flow and uniqueness, while still being easy to say and spell. Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin did not in fact invent the name Sansa. It comes from Sanskrit origins meaning “praise”.
YARA
Game of Thrones is full of strong female characters, and Yara Greyjoy is one such example. Fierce commander from the Iron Islands, Yara challenges gender roles left and right on the show and seems to have you cheering for her with every move she makes.
The name Yara has Brazilian origins and could follow in the footsteps of the more well-known Zara and Mara.
THEON
Yara’s brother, Theon Greyjoy, is an extremely complex character that throws our emotions all over the place throughout the course of the show. In the end, he bravely displays his loyalty to the North. If the Starks forgive his past indiscretions, we can too.
Theon is a name of Greek origin meaning “Godly”. It has a familiar feel due to the -on ending and closeness to common names like Theo and Leon.
TYWIN
Not exactly a likable character, Tywin Lannister is the head of the Lannister family and father of the infamous Cersei Lannister. Despite his moral shortcomings, he has many strengths including being an intelligent, strategic, and powerful leader.
Serious potential exists in this name as evidenced by the plethora of “Ty” names out there including Tyler, Tyson, Tyrone, Tylan, Tyrus, Tyrese, Tyvon, Tyrell, Tyrick, and just about any other combination of letters following “Ty” you can think of.
KHALEESI
Here’s one Game of Thrones baby name that is already catching on! At least 3600 babies have already been given this invented name meaning “queen” in the fictional Dothraki language.
It’s not hard to see why. Khaleesi is the title of our beloved Danaerys Targaryen who is as ambitious and determined as she is beautiful. You won’t be able to hide your Game of Thrones fandom with this name selection, but it does have a positively lovely sound- almost like the tinkling of bells.
EDDARD
Despite not surviving past the first season, Eddard (Ned) Stark plays a critical role in the show as the patriarch of the Stark family. He is also one of the only fathers on the show with any redeeming qualities as a parent.
The name was created by the author of the show, but could easily be mistaken for a variation of the classic Edward.
SAMWELL
Who could forget sweet, loyal Samwell Tarly of the Night’s Watch?
Similar to the Eddard/Edward phenomenon, Samwell is a made up name that feels well-known because of it’s similarity to Samuel. A hybrid of Samuel + Maxwell perhaps?
Sam makes for an easy nickname if you don’t want to make your Game of Thrones passion too well-known.
ARYA
Arya starts out as a spunky little sister, and embarks on an unimaginable transformation throughout the course of the show. The culmination of her journey is when she emerges as the savior of mankind by killing the Night King in season 8. This fierce fighter has all the strength and grit you can fit in a young woman while still being feminine and virtuous.
The name Arya was already trending in 2019 before she stole the show in season 8. I can only imagine how high this name will climb on the charts now.
BRIENNE
A loyal and brave warrior, Lady Brienne of Tarth (or should I say Ser Brienne of Tarth) is stronger than most men and definitely someone you’d want on your side in battle. Not only is she ferocius- remember when she beat the Hound in hand to hand combat?- she is also righteous, noble, and true to her word.
I can see the writing on the wall with this name. It’s like a modernized version of Brianne with the French -enne ending that Angelina Jolie popularized with daughter Vivienne. Add on top of that the cute nickname Brie and you have the makings of a mega-huge baby name.
JORAH
Ser Jorah Mormont is an exiled knight who faithfully protects and guides Daenerys Targeryan through her quest for the iron throne. He is also secretly in love with her, and dies in her arms in the heart-wrenching scene of “The Long Night”.
Jorah is a Hebrew name meaning “early rain”. In the same vain as Jonah and Judah, Jorah has a modern hipster appeal.
What are your favorite Game of Thrones baby names?
Let me know in the comments!
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