The baby name Khaleesi comes from blockbuster series Game of Thrones, a name that isn’t even a name – except now it has become one.
Thanks to Clio for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.
GAME OF THRONES
Years after George R. R. Martin first started writing science fiction and fantasy, he began a wildly successful series. Game of Thrones was published in 1996, the first book of a proposed seven titles in total. We’ve been expecting book six, The Winds of Winter, for ages. Martin’s series is called A Song of Ice and Fire.
The books were bestsellers. The HBO adaptation debuted in 2011, with the final season ending in 2019. It was nothing short of a cultural sensation.
WARNING: MILD SPOILERS FOLLOW.
The character Daenerys Targaryen belongs to a powerful dynasty in Martin’s world, except they’ve lost their throne when the story starts.
Daenerys is forced into marriage with Khal Drogo, a warlord of the Dothraki people.
Despite the inauspicious start, Daenerys comes to love her husband, and transforms from timid girl to capable – eventually ruthless – leader.
She’s also got a way with dragons.
WHAT DOES THE NAME KHALEESI MEAN?
When Daenerys married the warlord Drogo, she became the Khaleesi, the title given to the wife of a Khal. Pronounce it pretty much as it’s written: ka-lee-see.
A Khal rules a clan, or a khalasar. The royal title almost means queen – but there’s a cultural distinction that matters, especially to Daenerys.
The fictional Dothraki language was developed by a team of linguists, based off Martin’s blue print in the books.
After Drogo’s death, everyone expected Daenerys to retreat to the holy city, where former Khaleesi formed a council of respected women.
Instead, she rebelled, claimed the Khaleesi title as her own, and formed her own khalasar. This involves more than a little bit of violence. But hey, we’re talking Game of Thrones here.
Fans embraced the character, also known as the Mother of Dragons.
Emilia Clarke played Daenerys. She’s won plenty of accolades for her work, including Emmy and Screen Actors Guild nominations.
But perhaps her greatest legacy is the unique name she helped launch.
HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME KHALEESI?
The title became one of the top girls’ name debuts of 2011. It took another year for Daenerys to follow.
As of 2024, Khaleesi ranks #665. That’s down from a peak of #550 in 2018, but still relatively common.
The character’s given name, Daenerys, has yet to crack the US Top 1000.
So what explains the popularity of the name Khaleesi?
- Of course, the series gets credit. Stories set in the fictional world are ongoing, including prequel series House of the Dragon and another series set to debut in 2026, as well as more in various stages of development.
- In our age of big, bold baby names, the regal meaning of Khaleesi will appeal to some parents.
- While some invented names feel less sophisticated – like the Twilight smoosh name Renesmee – Martin’s inventions seem more like Tolkien. They may come from popular culture, but there’s a logic and a substance behind them.
- Three-syllable, ends-in-y names for girls boast history galore. We’ve traded Dorothy for Kimberly for Emily for Avery, but we’ve always embraced this rhythm and sound.
- Names like Kaylee, Kaitlyn, and Kelsey were a whole trend for girls in the 90s and earlier in the 2000s. Khaleesi sounds like a fresher alterantive. It also fits with our current love of names like Lorelai, as well as Hawaiian-inspired Leilani and Kehlani.
MAINSTREAM FAVORITE
While the television series Game of Thronesended years ago, the Dothraki title is still being given to baby girls.
It’s easy to predict that Khaleesi will fade and sound dated. Maybe that’s partially true. But this reason it became a mainstream favorite in the first place? Khaleesi fits with popular names now.
Names do routinely outlive the series that launches them. And while that’s easier to understand with something like Piper (Charmed, followed by Orange is the New Black), it can happen with less likely choices, too.
After all, Madison was the perfect name for a generation of girls – all inspired by a New York City street and a fictional mermaid in 1980s movie Splash.
Factor in our ongoing interest in the Game of Thrones extended universe and the prospect of more novels (maybe, eventually) to finish Khaleesi’s story?
It’s too soon to assume the baby name Khaleesi will fade any time soon.
What do you think of the baby name Khaleesi?
First published on July 12, 2017, this post was revised on September 22, 2025.
I love the series, but can’t stand Khaleesi as a given name. There are much better names to choose from on that show: Sansa, Arya, Bronn, Theon, Karsi, Ygritte, Missandei, Yara, Jorah, Sandor, Davos, Gilly, Talisa, Loras, Olenna, Nymeria and Salladhor are but a few that I find infinitely more appealing than than Khaleesi.
I really wish more people were aware that Khaleesi is pronounced the same as calici, as in calicivirus, a nasty respiratory virus in cats that causes ulcers in the mouth and often leads to death.
I love GoT and this character but I don’t think Khalessi as a baby name will persists after the show ends, like an equivalent to any Leias or Xenas born in the 80s (as opposed to Luke or Gabriela, and from GoT probably Arya which I think has more traction)
I don’t care for the name Khaleesi beyond its place onscreen, but I love her middle name – Stormborn! What a fun middle name this would make for a baby born during rain or lightning or snow!