Names from the Arts and Pop Culture
Updated September 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
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…
English
"prickle"
Rose and Briar are popular, and Hawthorn is cool – so why not the equally prickly Thorn? Add an E to give it a surnamey spin.
Miryam is the original Hebrew form of the name Mary, meaning 'wished-for child,' 'rebellion,' or 'sea of bitterness.' This ancient name carries profound historical and biblical significance as the…
Irish
"little, fierce"
Lorcan is a name rich in Irish history as belonging to several kings, including the grandfather of the most famous high king of Ireland, Brian Boru. Lorcan O'Toole, known in English as Laurence…
Greek
"liberator"
This name is the feminization of mythological name Lysander, which is best known to English-speakers as a character in Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream .
Tamil, Akan
"mother, or born on a Saturday"
An anagram of Mama, in tune with its Tamil meaning. Amma is also a Ghanaian name. The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born…
French, diminutive of Marie
"bitter"
Manon is an endearing French pet name for Marie or Marianne; it has the international yet straightforward feel that makes it a viable import. Manon of the Spring was a gorgeous French film, Manon…
Literature
"golden; noble"
Oraya has gained attention in recent years after it was used for a character in the romantasy book series, The Crowns of Nyaxia by Carissa Broadbent. While the exact meaning is unknown, it is…
Word name
Blunt. Stick to Hunter.
Literary name
Author Sarah J. Maas created the name Amren for a High Fae in her acclaimed fantasy romance series A Court of Thorns and Roses . The author has confirmed she is an Old Testament Angel, and as such,…
Russian and Slavic feminine form of Galen, Greek
"calm, healer"
Commonly used in Russia, has an Old World Slavic feel. The original Galen can be used for girls as well as boys.
Variation of Peyton or Paden
"noble; Pæga's town"
Paedyn is a modern choice, likely inspired by Paden — a surname derived from Patrick, via nickname Pate — or a variation of Payton. In turn, it could mean "noble, patrician" or "Pæga's town, fighting…
Latin
"heavens"
The feminine form of Caelius, from caelum "skies, heavens".
"day"
A modern name likely inspired by the Latin phrase carpe diem meaning "seize the day", it appears in romantasy novel Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole.
English from Old Norse or Dutch and German surname
"masked person; stern, severe"
The Old Norse god Óthinn was also known by the epithet Grímr — translated into Middle English as Grim.
Irish, short form of Fionnuala
"white shoulders"
Officially a shortening of the traditional and tricky Gaelic Fionnghuala/Fionnuala, Nuala makes a lovely choice all on its own. Nuala is well-used in Ireland.
Appearing in the popular fantasy series, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, this name is borne by a dragon rider called Ridoc Gamlyn. Part Ryan and Ryder, part Caradoc and Roderick, it feels contemporary…
Scottish variation of Mary
Why does Mairi (rhymes with Harry) seem so much cooler than Mary? This Irish form of Mary was not used before the seventeenth century, as it was considered too sacred. The vocative case of the name,…
Invented name
A literary invention, borne by protagonist of the popular fantasy book series, The Fae & Alchemy by Callie Hart, Saeris has a mystical feel but is also reminiscent of more familiar choices like Sarah…