House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones Baby Names

Confession: I’ve never seen a full episode of Game of Thrones. But you don’t have to be up on the many plot twists in the quest for the Iron Throne to know this: George RR Martin has created a sensational batch of Game of Thrones baby names.

It’s not just Martin’s original novels, either. Some characters took new names on the series; a few are complete inventions for the HBO show. And the actors that brought the characters to life have boosted their own names, too: Emilia, Maisie, Kit.

Does it go without saying that no name inspired by the series is all good? It’s a tale of political intrigue and broken alliances, deceit and manipulation. But some characters do emerge as more virtuous – or at least admirable. And we all know that plenty of bad guy names stay perfectly wearable, no matter how much we love to hate their characters.

Let’s look at some of the best potential baby names straight out of Westeros.

AEGON (unranked)

A powerful name, Aegon comes from a Greek element meaning “edge of a sword.” It repeats throughout the series, meaning it’s sort of like Henry in Martin’s expansive universe.

AEMMA (unranked)

Emma with an A.

AEMOND (unranked)

BAELA (unranked)

Somewhere between Bella and Bailey, Baela in House of the Dragon is Rhaena’s twin.

BENJEN (unranked)

It looks like a shortened form of Benjamin, but Benjen isn’t used until Martin’s books are published. The -jen ending is heard in other names, too.

BRAN (unranked)

Martin invented some names, but he borrowed others. Bran Stark’s full name is the familiar Brandon. But Bran strikes a different note. In the series, an accident leaves Bran Stark unable to walk, but also pushes him to discover his supernatural gifts. They prove essential in the battle for the Iron Throne. Bran remains an unusual given name, but Bran- names have enjoyed some popularity.

BRIENNE (unranked)

Brianna was a smash hit in the late 1990s, but Brienne is just a little different. Still, with names like Vivienne in use, Brienne would fit right in. She’s a skilled warrior in Game of Thrones.

BRONN (unranked)

Some speculate this is a play on the color brown, though his character is a skilled swordsman, so it also might be meant to resemble the word brawn.

CATELYN (unranked)

It looks like Kaitlyn, but pronounce it like cat-lynn.

CERSEI (unranked)

One of many ruthless characters, Cersei’s name resembles ancient goddess Circe – though Martin has denied any overlap.

CORLYS (unranked)

Corliss has some history, particularly as a feminine name in the US, but Corlys is a male character from prequel series House of the Dragon.

CRISTON (unranked)

A knight in House of the Dragon.

DAEMON (unranked)

Damon ranks #424, but Martin loves to add an extra E.

DAENERYS (unranked)

The given name of the character we tend to refer to as Khaleesi in popular culture – though that’s her title.

DROGO (unranked)

Jason Momoa’s career was turbo boosted by playing a Dothraki king in Game of Thrones‘ very first season.

EDDARD (unranked)

This is the given name of Ned Stark, the patriarch of the Stark family, a man known for his honestly and valor, and reluctance to engage in politics. It’s ultimately his goodness that leads to his downfall – this is Westeros, after all. While Ned and Eddard aren’t catching on with parents, Ned/Eddard has potential – and Ned might encourage parents to see Edward with fresh eyes.

ELLARIA (unranked)

A name that fits right in with trending names like Elora and Eliana.

ELIA (#866)

It could be borrowed from Aelia – ultimately from the Greek helios, meaning sun.

GENDRY (unranked)

Pronounce with a hard G. He’s a noble character.

GREGOR (unranked)

More commonly known as The Mountain, Gregor is a form of traditional Gregory, which currently ranks #530 in the US.

HARWIN (unranked)

A surname name, likely with Norman roots, Harwin means “brave friend.”

HELAENA (unranked)

A Westeros-inspired spin on Helena, which ranks #456. In House of the Dragon, Heleana can see the future – though only in vague terms.

JACE (#110)

A friendly, accessible name, in the show, Jace is short for Jacaerys.

JAMIE (#597)

A form of enduring James, Jamie Lannister is a significant character in the books, as well as the television version of Game of Thrones.

JOFFREY (unranked)

An older take on Jeffrey – or Geoffrey – this name is used more than once.

JOJEN (unranked)

Another invention in the key of Benjen.

JON (#910)

In a world dominated by truly unusual names, one of the main characters answers to plain Jon Snow.

JORAH (unranked)

This name claims history from the ancient world, including the Old Testament. Ser Jorah Mormont is cunning and brave, and loyal to Daenerys. Given our affection for boy names ending with -a, Jorah fits right in, somewhere between Jeremiah and Noah.

JORY (unranked)

A Cornish form of George.

KHALEESI (#709)

Strictly speaking, Khaleesi isn’t a name. It’s a title, the rough equivalent of queen, worn by Daenerys Targaryen, following her arranged marriage to Khal Drogo, a warlord and ruler of the Dothraki. She’s timid in the beginning of the series, a human bargaining chip. But she grows into a commander of armies, the fierce Mother of (yes, actual) Dragons. And now there’s an entire generation of Khaleesis named for the character.

LAENA (unranked)

It’s pronounced like Lay-nuh, a name that makes sense given our love of Lainey.

LAENOR (unranked)

The medieval Alienor is the precursor of Eleanor; Laenor seems like it comes from the same raw material.

LUCERYS (unranked)

Lucerys answers to Luke. Name your son Luke and no one will ever ask if he’s named for the House of the Dragon character; but opt for Lucerys and it’s clearly a name straight out of Westeros.

LYANNA (unranked)

This name has ranked in the US Top 1000 in recent years, boosted by the series. It fits with 1960s favorite Leanne and related names. Lyanna Mormont was a warrior and (very) young leader of her house; she’s named after Lyanna Stark. The latter doesn’t appear in Game of Thrones, but is a key part of the storyline nonetheless.

MARGAERY (unranked)

We tend to spell this name Marjorie. Margery is the original, medieval English spelling – it’s a form of Margaret. Margaery is yet another Game of Thrones name with an extra E.

MELISANDRE (unranked)

The sorceress also known as the Red Woman, her name comes from the French Melisande, ultimately a form of Millicent.

MISSANDEI (unranked)

Another name specific to the Game of Thrones universe.

MYRCELLA (unranked)

It sounds like Marcella, from an ancient Roman family name.

NED (unranked)

The go-to nickname for Eddard Stark.

OBERYN (unranked)

A fairy king from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and – in Game of Thrones – a major breakthrough role for Pedro Pascal.

OLENNA (unranked)

Likely a form of Helen – or Alana or several other similar choices.

OSHA (unranked)

While this name may have legit Sanskrit roots, Osha doesn’t quite seem like a given name in English. Blame OSHA – the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, whose posters appear in nearly every workplace.

OTTO (#281)

Alicent’s father, and a name that fits right in with names – in Westeros, and elsewhere.

RAMSAY (unranked)

A dark and twisted character, Ramsay isn’t anyone’s idea of a role model. But the name has potential.

RHAENA (unranked)

Rhaena is rare, but spellings Raina (#925); Rayna (#717); and Reina (#643) make this name feel more familiar.

RHAENYS (unranked)

A female character overlooked in the line of succession during House of the Dragon.

RHAENYRA (unranked)

A central figure in House of the Dragon, Rhaenyra was named heir to the throne – an unusual choice for the times.

RHEA (#526)

While Rhea is a very minor character from House of the Dragon, this name has significant potential – ancient roots and a Mia/Leah sound.

RICKON (unranked)

This name looks quite a bit like many medieval nicknames, and could be related to Richard. The actual character is one of many to die a tragic death. Rickon was named for his grandfather, Rickard.

ROBERT (#89)

Name your son Luke because you’re a Star Wars fan, and no one will ever suspect. The same holds true here. Choose Robert and it’s very much an under the radar option.

ROBB (unranked)

If Robert is among the most subtle options, Robb is more clearly borrowed from the show.

SAMWELL (unranked)

Samuel meets Maxwell.

SANDOR (unranked)

A name related to Alexander, Sandor is known as the Hound in Game of Thrones.

SANSA (unranked)

A member of the Stark family.

SHAE (unranked)

A female name in Game of Thrones, Shae looks like something between Mae and Shea.

SHIREEN (unranked)

Among many a heart-wrenching moment, the season five death of Shireen Baratheon has to be near the top of the list.

STANNIS (unranked)

Possibly a cousin to Stanley, Stannis is a contender for the throne.

TALISA (unranked)

The wife of Robb Stark, their marriage is the reason for the Red Wedding massacre.

THEON (unranked)

A member of the Greyjoy family, Theon spends several seasons imprisoned and tortured, but ultimately escapes and proves himself loyal and heroic. It’s an ancient Greek name, from the root theos – god.

TOMMEN (unranked)

A Thomas name, Tommen looks like many a similar name.

TYRION (unranked)

Tyrion Lannister comes from one of the wealthiest, most powerful families in the series. But he’s a dwarf, unable to do battle in a culture that prizes military skill above all else. Instead, he’s known for his wit, but what’s often missed is Tyrion’s downright brilliance. His counsel shapes many of the key decisions as Game of Thrones continues. Peter Dinklage plays the role, and has won multiple Emmys. As for the name, it could refer to Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city known for producing dye known as Tyrian purple – the color favored by kings. It brings to mind other three-syllable favorites for boys, like Julian and Adrian.

TYWIN (unranked)

It looks like antiques like Edwin, but Tywin is a Game of Thrones name associated with conflit.

YARA (#613)

In the original books, Yara was called Asha – but that was too close to another character’s name for the television series, so Yara she became. She’s a member of the Greyjoy family. Yara captains her own ship and leads an army. No surprise parents took notice. But the name also belongs to young actor Yara Shahidi of Black-ish and Grown-ish fame. It claims multiple roots, from an Arabic word meaning butterfly to a mermaid-like creature in the folklore of the Tupi people of Brazil.

YGRITTE (unranked)

Pretty and gruff, Ygritte is from the North. Her name brings to mind Scandi favorites like Ingrid. She’s a warrior, known as a capable archer, and becomes an important part of Jon Snow’s life. The name feels off-trend for today’s parents, and yet I find it intriguing, and the character as worthy a namesake as any in the series.

VISERYS (unranked)

A key character in both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, Viserys is yet another character of debatable morals.

What are your favorite Game of Thrones baby names?

First published on April 8, 2018, this post was revised and re-published on June 8, 2024.