Names from the Arts and Pop Culture
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 5 pages
of 5
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…
Harlon is a masculine name with English and Germanic origins, likely derived as a variant of Harlan. The name Harlan comes from Old English elements meaning 'army land' or 'hare land.' Harlon emerged…
Tyrek appears to be a modern name that may have developed as a variant of names like Tyrone or Tariq. If derived from Tariq (طارق), it has Arabic origins meaning 'one who knocks at the door' or…
Literature
A character name in George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series, featured in the GOT prequel House of the Dragon , played by Tom Glynn-Carney.
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…
Quenton is a masculine name representing an alternative spelling of Quentin, which derives from the Latin name Quintinus, meaning 'fifth.' Originally referring to a child born fifth in birth order,…
Irish
"stranger, exile"
Strong but gentle Irish last-name-first. Could bring to mind long-running rock group Duran Duran.
Beric is a masculine name with medieval Anglo-Saxon origins, possibly derived from an Old English term meaning 'barley ruler' or 'grain farmer.' The name gained some recognition through George R.R.…
French from Greek, vernacular form of Dionysius; "god of Nysa"
"god of Nysa"
Alternative spelling of Dennis, and the usual transliteration from Ukrainian. Used (though rarely) for both sexes.
English variation of Albert
Rocking out on the porch with buddies Hubert, Norbert, and Osbert.
Scottish form of Gregory
"vigilant, a watchman"
Two prominent literary namesakes make Gregor a somewhat risky choice. On the highbrow side, there's Gregor Samsa, the Kafka character who woke up one day to find himself turned into a cockroach. And…
Welsh
"berries; battle, slaughter"
Aeron is the name of a river in modern-day Wales, that possibly takes its name from a Celtic war goddess (Agrona). Alternatively, it could come from the word aeron meaning "berries, fruits, plum,…
English, diminutive of Edward
"wealthy guardian"
Ned is a gently old-fashioned Nancy Drew-Bobbsey Twins-era short form for Edward that sounds cooler than Ed and is enjoying a small style renaissance. Usage of Ned in literature goes back to a Ben…
English
"low-lying land"
A surname occasionally used as a first, as in former attorney general Ramsey Clark. This spelling is now closely associated with the psychopathic Game of Thrones villain Ramsay Snow (later Ramsay…
Tion appears to be a modern given name that emerged in the United States in the latter part of the 20th century. It may have originated as a shortened form of names ending in '-tion' like Donation or…
Modern invented name
There aren't many characters in the notoriously amoral world of Game of Thrones with a spotless record of moral righteousness -- but Brienne of Tarth comes close. She's one of the most accomplished,…
Ellyn is a feminine name with Welsh origins, functioning as a variation of Ellen or Helen. The name derives from the Greek 'Helene' meaning 'torch' or 'bright light.' Throughout history, Ellyn has…
The version of Rob used in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire books and HBO's Game of Thrones .
Cersei Lannister is one of the most villainous -- and, in a certain light, glamorous -- characters in HBO's Game of Thrones , played by beautiful actress Lena Headey. Though we can't say for sure how…
Willam is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of William, one of the most enduring classic names in English-speaking countries. William derives from Germanic elements 'wil' meaning…
