Names from the Arts and Pop Culture
Romantasy Names
Across 8 pages
of 8
Althea
Greek
"with healing power"
Althea is a poetic, almost ethereal name found in Greek myth and pastoral poetry, associated in modern times with the great tennis player Althea Gibson, the first African-American to win at…
Alizeh
Persian
"wind"
This old Persian name was chosen by actress Geena Davis for her daughter. It's an attractive variation on a name that exists in dozens of forms, from Alissa and Eliza to the French Alizee, but you'll…
Alaric
German
"all-powerful ruler"
Alaric is an ancient regal name that sounds modern enough to be considered. Alaric was a traditional name for the kings of the Ostrogoths, the most famous of whom was Alaric I, the King of the West…
Xaden
Variation of Zaden or Zayden, modern invention.
An alternative spelling to Zaiden, Zayden, and Zaden, with an unexpected X initial, in tune with Xander. Given to a small handful of American boys every year since 2002, this spelling shot up in…
Zenobia
Greek
"force of Zeus"
With historical roots as a beautiful and intelligent ancient queen and literary ties to Hawthorne and Edith Wharton novels, this rarity could appeal to adventurous parents seeking the romantically…
Zidan
Arabic
"growth and progress"
A Quranic name — sometimes spelled Zidane — that's also familiar as a surname, especially of French soccer star Zinedine Zidane.
Zoya
Russian and Greek variation of Zoe, Greek
"life"
Now that Zoe is getting wildly popular in the U.S. and the U.K. -- one poll puts it at number one in Wales -- parents may start hunting down fresh twists like this.
Livira
Literature
"hardy weed, wild plant"
A literary creation with an established sound, Livira appears in the 2023 high fantasy novel, The Book That Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence. In the novel, Livira is known for her stubborn resilience…
Evar
Literature
"ever; well-pleasing; yew wood, archer"
Appearing in Mark Lawrence's high fantasy novel, The Book That Wouldn't Burn , Evar is a contemporary, literary creation. Borne by a character raised outside of time, in a mysterious library, Evar…
Yrene
Latin American Spanish variation of Irene, Greek
"peace"
A variation of the classic Irene, predominantly used in Peru, Venezuela, and Mexico, Yrene also appears in Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series. Typically pronounced as ee-REH-neh, the book…
Saeris
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…
Aelin
Literary name, possibly inspired by Turkish or Irish
"moon, light or desired"
This character name from the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas has an ancient appeal, even though it seems to be a modern coinage. It may have been inspired by similar sounding names, like the…
Madra
Trissa
Ferris
Irish, English
"strong man or ironworker"
It's been four decades decades since Ferris Bueller took his famous day off in the cult classic 1986 teen comedy movie, but we think the time for this name could and should be now! Especially with…
Rhiannon
Welsh
"divine queen"
Strong and outdoorsy, yet pretty and queenly, Rhiannon was a once obscure Welsh name, brought into the mainstream in 1976, following Fleetwood Mac's flash hit song of the same title. It stormed into…
Ridoc
Literature
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…
Elide
Elide is a feminine name with Italian and Greek roots. It likely derives from ancient Greek elements meaning "sun" or "radiant," or may be related to the Greek mythological figure Elidis. In Italian…
Paedyn
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…
Draco
Greek from Latin
"dragon"
For as long as we all shall live, Harry Potter's sneering nemesis.