If you haven’t caught up with the latest happenings in the world of Game of Thrones, then what are you doing scrolling through the Internet? It’s a spoiler alert zone out there! You really should be watching what many consider to be one of the most thrilling episodes, especially during the intense Battle of Winterfell.
Without giving away too much, let’s just say the women of the show truly shined. We saw the fearless Ser Brienne, the courageous Lyanna, and of course, Arya Stark, who has achieved legendary status. Her character’s evolution has become so iconic that many parents are now naming their children after her.
Just take a look at social media for evidence: it’s amusing how someone who once stated, “A girl has no name” has become a name that people want to give their children. Interest in Game of Thrones names is on the rise, with Khaleesi inching closer to the top 500 baby names (it was at #549 in 2018 according to the Social Security Administration). However, Arya has seen the most significant increase in popularity, skyrocketing to #119 from being virtually unseen in top rankings until 2010.
With Arya’s character making waves during the Battle of Winterfell, we can expect an influx of babies named Arya in the near future. But if you appreciate the name but want something a little different, here are some alternatives that pack a punch:
- Yara: A clever rearrangement of the letters in Arya, this name belongs to another GoT gem, Yara Greyjoy, and currently sits at #672.
- Ari: Meaning “lion of God,” it’s essentially Arya without the “ya” and is a nice choice at #719.
- Raya: A playful twist on the letters—this name means “friend” and isn’t even in the top 1,000.
- Bria: Meaning “vivacious,” it combines elements of both Brienne and Arya.
- Darya: This Russian variant of Daria means “kingly” and rhymes with Arya, making it a suitable homage without being too on-the-nose.
- Adara: While it doesn’t visually resemble Arya, it shares the meaning of “noble.” Shorter options like Ada also work if you prefer brevity.
If you’re expecting a boy or simply want to explore other GoT-inspired names, here are some that could seamlessly fit into everyday life (spoiler alert: Cersei isn’t one of them):
- Jorah: A biblical name, it has a contemporary ring and starts with a fashionable J.
- Gendry: Although a creation of pop culture, it’s a cool name that could work for any gender.
- Brandon: Bran Stark may have taken a backseat, but this name has historical roots and is currently #124 in popularity.
- Theon: Meaning “of the gods,” it’s a stylish name that ties back to the more popular Theo.
- Sam: A versatile, unisex name that’s short and sweet, perfect for the character who made a significant impact in GoT.
- Winter: A subtle nod to the show, this name captures the essence of its famous tagline: WINTER IS COMING.
- Brienne: A variant of Brianne, this name means “strong” and “noble,” just like Ser Brienne of Tarth.
- Lyanna: Though it has no specific meaning, Lady Lyanna Mormont’s fierce character gives it a profound significance.
- Sansa: Of Sanskrit origin meaning “charm,” Sansa Stark embodies a captivating charm and resilience.
Yara is another name we’ve already mentioned, but don’t overlook the fabulous names of the actors themselves: Emilia, Maisie, Sophie, Kit, Alfie, and Gemma are all great options. Whether you’re naming your child, favorite pen, or even your lawn mower, you have plenty of names to draw inspiration from.
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In summary, whether you’re leaning toward a Game of Thrones name or seeking something unique, there’s an abundance of choices that resonate with strength and character.