If you like Game of Thrones names...
- Melisande
Origin:
French form of Millicent, GermanMeaning:
"strong in work"Description:
This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized tribute to an Aunt Melissa or Melanie.
- Meara
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"pool, lake"Description:
A name that has many close, more familiar relatives, like Mira and Myra.
- Drystan
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"sad, tumult"Description:
The Welsh form of Tristan, and the name of a counselor to King Arthur.
- Olwyn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white footprint"Description:
Olwyn is a popular Welsh name that might be an alternative to the more familiar Bronwen or Rhonwen -- though in Wales the female form is usually spelled -wen and the male one -wyn.
- Darya
Origin:
Russian or Persian, variation of Daria or feminine form of DariusMeaning:
"kingly; possessing goodness; the sea"Description:
The beguiling Darya is the name of a character in Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. As a Russian name, it's a spelling variation of Daria, while in Iran, it's a girl's name that means "the sea".
- Nerys
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"chief, lady"Description:
A sweet yet substantial name of Welsh origin, Nerys has the fresh feel of Carys, but the vintage charm of Mavis, Morag, and Lois. Likely borrowing from the Welsh element nêr meaning "lord, chief", Nerys is a feminization and could then mean "lady".
- Asya
Origin:
Turkish; Russian and Bulgarian diminutive of AnastasiaMeaning:
"Asia; resurrection"Description:
Asya has dual origins: it is both the Turkish word for Asia (the continent), and a short form of Anastasia in Russian and Bulgarian. Beyond that, it is a beautiful example of a "travelling light" name, in the style of Aria: short, elegant, and usable across different cultures.
- Meera
Origin:
Hindi, SanskritMeaning:
"light, saintly woman; prosperous"Description:
Meera Bai, also spelled Mirabai, was a great female Hindu mystical poet whose works are popular throughout India. She was a fifteenth-sixteenth century Indian princess who devoted her life to writing paeans of devotion to the god Krishna.The story of Meera was the basis of an eponymous Indian historical drama television series in 2009. It's also gotten a boost from HBO's Game of Thrones, in which Meera Reed is a tough, wise character who cares for the disabled seer Bran Stark once he flees Winterfell.
- Doran
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"stranger, exile"Description:
Strong but gentle Irish last-name-first. Could bring to mind long-running rock group Duran Duran.
- Arianne
Origin:
French, from Latin AriadneMeaning:
"very holy one"Description:
Soft and delicate French name rarely heard here.
- Bran
Origin:
Diminutive of BrandonMeaning:
"broom-covered hill"Description:
A little heavy on the fiber content; we prefer Bram. But Bran is also the Celtic god of the underworld, whose symbol is the raven.
- Taliesin
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"shining brow"Description:
Taliesin is a name an architecture-minded parent could love, because of its close association with Frank Lloyd Wright.
- Alyse
Description:
Alyse is a feminine name of French origin, considered a variant spelling of Alice. Alice derives from the Germanic name Adalheidis, meaning 'noble type' or 'nobility.' This elegant variation offers a more distinctive spelling while maintaining the classic pronunciation. The name has a graceful, refined quality that has appealed to parents across generations. Alyse saw increased popularity in the late 20th century as parents sought alternatives to more common spellings of traditional names. The 'y' gives the name a more contemporary feel while honoring its historical roots. With its combination of timeless appeal and unique spelling, Alyse bridges the gap between traditional and modern naming preferences.
- Amarys
Origin:
Spelling variation of Amaris, HebrewMeaning:
"God has said"Description:
Amaris and Amarys are pretty modernized versions of the ancient Hebrew Amariah. Almost 300 baby girls were named Amaris in the US last year, along with nearly 100 boys, but only seven baby girls were given the Amarys spelling.
- Ales
Description:
Ales is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Slavic contexts, particularly Czech and Slovak, it functions as a diminutive of Aleš, which derives from Alexius or Alexander, meaning 'defender' or 'protector of mankind.' In Scotland, it can be a variant spelling of Allis or Alice, though this usage is rare for boys. The name also appears in medieval records as a short form of various names beginning with the Germanic element 'adal' meaning 'noble.' Ales has maintained steady but modest usage in Eastern European countries, while remaining quite uncommon in English-speaking regions. Its brevity gives it a modern feel despite its historical roots, and its cross-cultural nature makes it an interesting choice for families with Slavic heritage or those seeking a simple yet distinctive name.
- Andor
Origin:
Norwegian; Swedish; HungarianMeaning:
"eagle; manly"Description:
Unusual but accessible multi-cultural choice.
- Aeron
Origin:
WelshDescription:
Tolkien may have been inspired by this unisex name of a Celtic goddess of war. Welsh poet Dylan Thomas named his daughter the variation Aeronwy. With goddess names so hot for baby girls, this ethereal choice is one to consider.
- Branwell
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"well where the gorse grows; bramble well; raven's well"Description:
Best associated with painter and writer Branwell Brontë, the only brother among his more famous, literary sisters, Branwell has the vibes of rugged, lonely, windy moors and brooding heroes.
- Jorah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"early rain"Description:
Jorah, a Biblical name with a lovely nature-related meaning, might make a fresher alternative to the overused Jordan. It's similar to the feminine Nora, Cora, and Laura, but depending on your viewpoint, that may be an advantage.
- Geoff
Description:
Geoff is a shortened form of Geoffrey, a masculine name of Germanic origin meaning 'peace pledge' or 'divine peace.' This shorter variant gained popularity particularly in British-influenced regions during the mid-20th century. While maintaining the same pronunciation as 'Jeff,' the distinctive spelling gives it a more traditional English appearance, reflecting its medieval origins. Geoffrey was introduced to England by the Normans and was borne by several medieval nobles. The shortened form Geoff offers a classic yet approachable quality, balancing formality with familiarity. Though less common now than in previous decades, Geoff continues to be used, appreciated for its straightforward sound and rich historical associations.