Blog Post:
Video games have been a popular form of entertainment for decades, and over the years, they have produced some iconic characters with equally iconic names. In recent years, the gaming industry has seen a surge in popularity, especially with the rise of online multiplayer games and virtual reality experiences. With this increase in popularity, it’s no surprise that video game names are becoming more popular in real life as well. In this blog post, we will explore the most popular names from video games in 2021 and how they are making their way into the real world.
1. Lara/Lara Croft – Tomb Raider
One of the most iconic names in the gaming industry is Lara Croft, the fearless and adventurous protagonist of the Tomb Raider series. With the release of the latest Tomb Raider game in 2018, the name Lara has seen a surge in popularity. According to Nameberry, Lara is currently the 353rd most popular name for girls in the United States. This is a significant increase from its ranking in 2017, where it was ranked at 491.
2. Aiden – Watch Dogs
The protagonist of the popular action-adventure game Watch Dogs, Aiden Pearce, has a name that has been steadily rising in popularity. In 2021, Aiden ranked at number 365 on the Nameberry list for boys’ names. This is a significant jump from its ranking in 2017, where it was placed at 585. This name has a strong and masculine sound, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and powerful name for their son.
3. Ellie – The Last of Us
The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic game that took the gaming world by storm when it was released in 2013. The game’s protagonist, Ellie, quickly became a fan favorite for her strong and independent character. The name Ellie has been a popular choice for girls for many years, but it has seen a significant increase in popularity since the game’s release. In 2021, Ellie ranked at number 43 on the Nameberry list, a significant jump from its ranking of 114 in 2017.
4. Arthur – Red Dead Redemption
The open-world Western game, Red Dead Redemption, has gained a massive following since its release in 2018. The game’s protagonist, Arthur Morgan, has a name that has been rising in popularity in recent years. In 2021, Arthur ranked at number 230 on the Nameberry list, up from its ranking of 323 in 2017. This classic and timeless name has a strong and rugged feel to it, making it a popular choice for parents.
5. Aloy – Horizon Zero Dawn
Aloy is the protagonist of the action role-playing game, Horizon Zero Dawn, which was released in 2017. The name Aloy has a unique and futuristic feel to it, which has made it a popular choice for parents in recent years. In 2021, Aloy ranked at number 1,135 on the Nameberry list, a significant jump from its ranking of 2,923 in 2017. This name is perfect for parents looking for a modern and unconventional name for their daughter.
The Most Popular Names from Video Games: 2021's Virtual Picks
6. Joel – The Last of Us
Along with Ellie, the name Joel has also seen a surge in popularity since the release of The Last of Us in 2013. Joel is the game’s other protagonist, and his strong and protective character has made him a fan favorite. In 2021, Joel ranked at number 136 on the Nameberry list, a significant increase from its ranking of 307 in 2017. This name has a classic and timeless feel to it, making it a popular choice for parents.
7. Chloe – Life is Strange
Life is Strange is an episodic adventure game that follows the story of Maxine “Max” Caulfield and her best friend, Chloe Price. The name Chloe has been a popular choice for girls for many years, but it has seen a significant increase in popularity since the game’s release in 2015. In 2021, Chloe ranked at number 17 on the Nameberry list, up from its ranking of 24 in 2017. This name has a sweet and charming feel to it, making it a popular choice for parents.
8. Kratos – God of War
The God of War series has been a fan favorite for many years, and with the release of the latest game in 2018, the name Kratos has seen a significant increase in popularity. In 2021, Kratos ranked at number 1,680 on the Nameberry list, up from its ranking of 4,090 in 2017. This strong and powerful name is perfect for parents looking for a unique and impactful name for their son.
9. Clementine – The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead is a popular zombie apocalypse game that has gained a massive following since its release in 2012. The game’s protagonist, Clementine, has a name that has been steadily rising in popularity in recent years. In 2021, Clementine ranked at number 1,097 on the Nameberry list, up from its ranking of 1,350 in 2017. This name has a sweet and innocent feel to it, making it a popular choice for parents.
10. Leon – Resident Evil
Resident Evil is a popular survival horror game that has been around since 1996. The game’s protagonist, Leon S. Kennedy, has a name that has been a popular choice for boys for many years. In 2021, Leon ranked at number 229 on the Nameberry list, up from its ranking of 465 in 2017. This name has a strong and masculine feel to it, making it a popular choice for parents.
Summary:
Video games have been a popular form of entertainment for decades, and with the rise of online multiplayer games and virtual reality experiences, the gaming industry has seen a surge in popularity. Along with the success of these games, their characters and names have also become equally popular. In 2021, names like Lara, Aiden, Ellie, and Arthur have seen a significant increase in popularity, thanks to their appearances in popular video games. Other names like Aloy, Joel, Chloe, Kratos, Clementine, and Leon have also gained popularity, making their way into the real world as parents are inspired by these beloved characters. These names have a unique and modern feel to them, making them a popular choice for parents looking for something different for their children.