Names from the Arts and Pop Culture
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 13 pages
of 13
Variation of Renesmee, literature
"reborn + esteemed, loved"
A variation of the (slightly infamous) Renesmee, created by author Stephanie Meyer for a character in her Twilight series. Renesmee has proved unexpectedly popular in the UK, while this alternative…
Asra is a feminine name with roots in multiple cultures. In Arabic, it means 'travel by night' or 'night journey', referring to the Prophet Muhammad's miraculous night journey in Islamic tradition.…
English, Literary, meaning unknown
Though modern parents seeking to honor an ancestor named Thelma might opt for the airier Thea instead, Thelma is starting to make its way back onto adventurous vintage name lovers' radars. It is…
Popular culture
"Dracula backwards"
While Alucard has the sound of names like Alaric, Arnoud, and Ealdwine, it is in fact literally Dracula spelled backwards. Used in various bits of media over the years, it is perhaps best associated…
Literature, English
"fair, beautiful"
Created by Sarah J. Maas for the heroine of her Court of Thorns and Roses series of YA novels. The name was based on the Old English word for "fair" or "beautiful" and has an ethereal charm.
Sanskrit
"praise, charm"
Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin is a master namer, and this unusual choice from India is beginning to be heard in nurseries as well as on television. Sansa was perhaps slower to catch on…
Latinate variation of Cleo, Greek
"glory"
An attractive and unusual name that may be a variation of Cleo, Clea was possibly invented by Lawrence Durrell for a character in his Alexandria Quartet . Actress Clea DuVall is one noted bearer of…
Literature, Old French, Louisianan
"status, state; people's stone; beloved stone"
This literary creation was used by Anne Rice in her popular book series the Vampire Chronicles . It is borne by the anti-hero and central character, Lestat de Lioncourt, an immortal vampire from the…
French
"gold town"
Only if you're an aviation buff or seriously addicted to popcorn.
Literary name
The name of a main character in Leigh Bardugo's successful Six of Crows novels, Wylan fits right in with on-trend names like Wayland, Waylon and Ryland.
Modern invented name
Anduin is the Sindarin name for the Great River of Wilderland in Tolkien’s fictional Middle-earth. The word means "long river" or "great river". Anduin is also a character name in the popular World…
Literature, compound of Arabella and Aminta, Greek
"loveable; unyielding + defender; unfading"
Araminta is a poetic and enchanting eighteenth-century invention with plenty of elegance and a touch of old-fashioned clunkiness. It first appeared in William Congreve's 17th century comedy The Old…
Literature, Sindarin
"noble, kingly"
In JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings , Aragorn is the heir of the Dúnedain kings of the north.
"maiden crowned with a radiant garland"
The name of the wise and beautiful elfin princess in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings novels, best known through Cate Blanchett's immortal representation in the film series. This ethereal name…
Literature
The name of a character in George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, played by Olivia Cooke in the TV series House of the Dragon . Likely based on the medieval French and English name…
Created by Sarah J. Maas for the handsome High Lord of her Court of Thorns and Roses series of fantasy romance novels. Rhysand is based on the Welsh name Rhys, meaning "ardor".
Fictional invented name
"mortician"
Charles Addams invented the name Morticia for the mother in his cartoon series "The Addams Family." The name comes from the word mortician—very appropriate for this macabre mom.
Variation of Celaeno, Greek, Literature
"dark one"
Celaena notably appears in the Throne of Glass book series by popular fantasy writer, Sarah J. Maas. It is borne by one Celaena Sardothien, also known as Aelin Galathynius, a teenaged assassin and…
Basque invented name
A common Basque name first used in French Basque writer Agosti Xaho's 1845 work "The Legend of Aitor."
