Game of Thrones Baby Names No One’s Using Yet

Arya. Tyrion. Cersei. Daenerys.

Four names in and you already know that we’re talking about Game of Thrones. The show’s massive popularity has propelled the names of many of the characters from obscurity into more mainstream use, especially in the case of Arya (or Aria).  And as much as we love Arya (the character and the name), there is more untapped baby-name inspiration to be found in this world.

And so we offer you this: some Game of Thrones–inspired baby names that are outside the expected, drawing inspiration from locations, great families of Westeros, and mythology from the Seven Kingdoms.

Arryn

Homonym to the more traditional Aaron or Erin, this name comes from one of the great houses of Westeros. After Jon Arryn’s death, Ned Stark stepped into the role of Hand of the King.

Azor/Azora

According to the Red Woman, Melisandre, Azor/Azora means “the prince (or princess) that was promised.” But the name Azor actually has roots back to the Bible (where Azor means “helper”), and Azora is Persian (or Spanish, depending on your source) for “sky blue.”

Casta

If you love the Lannisters, Casta (short for “Castamere”) might be a great choice for you. This name is inspired by the song, “The Rains of Castamere,” which immortalizes the destruction of House Reyne by Tywin Lannister. (It’s a ruthless history, to be sure, but the Lannisters are a ruthless bunch.) But people who hear the name might think more of the aria famously sung by Maria Callas from the Bellini opera, Norma.

Khal

We know parents have been choosing the name Khaleesi (the title that Daenerys took on as queen of the Dothraki) for their daughters, but what about the name Khal for their boys? Meaning “powerful warlord,” Khal is less obvious as a Game of Thrones reference, which might be perfect for parents seeking out a name that pays quieter homage to their favorite series.

Lys

One of the nine Free Cities of Essos, Lys, which is surrounded by stormy seas, is also known as “Lys the Lovely” or as the “Perfumed Sister.” A pretty, feminine name, Lys is a modern take on names like “Alyssa” or “Elizabeth.” In French, the name means “lily.”

Manderly

House Manderly is one of the noble houses of the North, loyal to the Starks. Its greatest association, though, might be with Daphne du Maurier’s novel, Rebecca, where it is the name of the great English estate where the story takes place. Manderly brings to mind similar-sounding names that end in -ly, such as Everly.

Martell

The name of the ruling house of Dorne, two of the most beloved Martells include the Red Viper himself, Prince Oberyn, and his sister, Princess Elia. The root is actually of German origin, though, and means “warrior of Mars.”

Meereen

One of the cities liberated by Daenerys Targaryen, the name Meereen brings to mind associations with the sea (sounds like the word “marine”). The -een ending is unexpected, too, with few popular names ending in this sound.

Mhysa

In the language of Old Ghiscari, “Mhysa” means “mother,” and is the name given to Daenerys when she liberates the Yunkish slaves. A powerful name for parents looking for something totally unexpected and new.

Royce

The Royces are a family loyal to House Arryn and House Stark, and its members play an important role in the happenings in the North. Royce is a name that means “son of the king.”

Tully

Catelyn Stark is probably the most famous member of House Tully, the family that rules over the riverlands from its seat at Riverrun. In our world, Tully is an Irish/Gaelic name meaning either “peaceful” or “a mighty people.” A playful name, Tully works well across genders.

Tyrell

The Tyrells of Highgarden play a key role in the goings-on in King’s Landing. Among its members are the formidable Lady Olenna and her also formidable daughter, Margery. The name itself, though, trends toward the masculine and lends itself to the nickname “Ty.”

Valar

“Valar Dohaeris” and “Valar Morghulis” are Braavosi greetings (in High Valyrian) that mean “All men must serve” and “All men must die.” A little dark perhaps, but the sound of the name is a lovely one, bringing to mind the word “valor,” which has much more positive connotations.

Valyria

The mysterious ancient home of House Targaryen, Valyria was also once home to dragonlords. The city gave its name to Valyrian steel, which is the only other means (besides dragonglass) by which humans can destroy the White Walkers. Valyria is a different take on the baby name Valeria, and a fresh alternative to those that end in “-ia,” like Amelia and Olivia.