If you’re not caught up on the latest gossip from Game of Thrones, then what are you doing on the internet? Spoilers are lurking everywhere! You should be glued to what many consider one of the most thrilling episodes to date, especially during the dramatic Battle of Winterfell. Without revealing too much, let’s just agree that the women of Westeros really stole the show—yes, we’re talking about the fearless Ser Brienne, the courageous Lyanna, and, of course, the legendary Arya Stark.
It’s amusing that a character who once claimed, “A girl has no name,” has now become a name everyone wants to use for their babies. Twitter is buzzing with excitement over this trend. The popularity of Game of Thrones names is on the rise, with Khaleesi inching closer to the top 500 baby names—ranking #549 in 2018. However, Arya has seen the most dramatic increase, climbing from being absent from the top 1,000 until 2010 to reaching #119 by 2018. After her unforgettable performance in the Battle of Winterfell, it’s safe to say we can expect an influx of little Aryas soon.
Strong Alternatives to Arya
If you adore the name but prefer not to join the GoT fan club’s Arya Stark naming spree, consider these equally strong alternatives, each as solid as Valyrian steel:
- Yara: A rearrangement of Arya’s letters, Yara Greyjoy is another beloved character and currently ranks at #672.
- Ari: Meaning “lion of God,” this name is a simplified version of Arya, ranking at #719 for girls.
- Raya: Another letter scramble that means “friend,” not even in the top 1,000 names.
- Bria: Meaning “vivacity,” this name combines elements from both Brienne and Arya, making it a lively choice.
- Darya: The Russian variant of Daria, meaning “kingly,” it rhymes with Arya but offers a unique twist.
- Adara: While it doesn’t resemble Arya as closely, it shares the same meaning of nobility. Ada is also a shorter version with the same significance.
Names for Boys
If you’re expecting a boy or want to explore names from the series beyond Arya, here are some wearable options (Cersei is not included):
- Jorah: A Hebrew name from the Bible, it starts with a trendy J and ends like Noah, making it relatable.
- Gendry: A name created for pop culture, it’s cool and could work for either gender.
- Brandon: While Bran Stark may be a bit aloof, Brandon is a classic name with Old English roots, ranking #124.
- Theon: A name derived from Greek, meaning “of the gods,” it aligns well with the popular Theo.
- Sam: A unisex name that’s short, sweet, and recognizable, thanks to Samwell Tarly’s memorable moments.
- Winter: A subtle nod to the series’ tagline, “Winter is Coming,” it’s a fitting choice for a GoT fan.
- Brienne: A feminine form of Brian, meaning “strong” and “noble,” perfectly embodies Ser Brienne’s character.
- Lyanna: The name doesn’t have a specific meaning but represents pure badassery through Lady Lyanna Mormont’s character.
- Sansa: A name of Sanskrit origin that means “charm,” reflecting Sansa Stark’s ability to navigate the complexities of life.
For those looking for unique names that pay tribute to their favorite show, or perhaps naming a new appliance or pet, there are countless options. What’s the answer to baby naming challenges? NOT TODAY! For more ideas, check out our extensive baby name database.
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In summary, Game of Thrones has sparked a remarkable trend in baby names, with Arya leading the pack. Whether you choose a name directly from the series or a creative alternative, there are plenty of bold options that capture the essence of this iconic show.