A Song of Ice and Fire Names / Game of Thrones - A to F
- Duncan
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"dark warrior"Description:
Duncan is jaunty, confident, and open, a Scottish royal name that's brimming with friendly charm and makes it into our golden circle of names that are neither too popular nor too strange. Popularity aside, Duncan is one of the most classic Scottish names for boys.
- Asha
Origin:
Sanskrit; SwahiliMeaning:
"hope; life"Description:
Asha is an Indian name that comes from the Sanskrit word for hope or desire, but it is also a Swahili name derived from Aisha, meaning life. Since the ascendance of Ashley through the 1980s and 90s, all baby names Ash-related have been used in the U.S. for both girls and boys, from Ashlyn to Ashby, Ashton to Asher. Despite its separate roots, Asha is part of this group.
- Calla
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"beautiful"Description:
Calla is a botanical name that is much more distinctive than popular Lily or similar Callie. Rarely heard today, it did appear in the popularity lists in the last decades of the nineteenth century.
- Damon
Origin:
English variation of DamianDescription:
Damon is a name with a strong, pleasing aura (much like the persona of Matt D.) and extremely positive ancient associations. From the classical myth, Damon and Pythias have become symbols of true friendship, as Damon risked his life to save his friend from execution. And Damon of Athens was the fifth century philosopher who taught both Pericles and Socrates.
- Arya
Origin:
Sanskrit; Modern variation of AriaMeaning:
"noble; air/song"Description:
Arya was derived from an Indo-Iranian word meaning "Aryan" or "noble." It is a masculine given name in Iran, Indonesia, Bali, and Sanskrit-speaking regions of India. In Hindu- and English-speaking parts of the world, Arya is more often a feminine name, the latter influenced by the similar Italian name Aria, meaning "air" or "song."
- Brandon
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"broom-covered hill"Description:
Brandon, a forebear of the Braden-Caden pack, had a great run of popularity over several decades, being in the Top 10 from 1992 to 1998, one of its inspirations being hearthrob Brandon Walsh played by Jason Priestley on the original Beverly Hills 90210--and it was aso the name of several soap opera characters.
- Elia
Origin:
Italian variation of Elijah, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah is God"Description:
Though the most famous Elia, screenwriter Kazan, was male, this name sounds like a spin on many popular girls' names, from Ella to Ellie to Isla and Leah. While the Italian pronunciation has the middle syllable as LEE, making it closer to the original Elijah would give the middle syllable a long I sound -- eh-LYE-ah.
- Alyssa
Origin:
English variation of AliciaMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Alyssa was in the Top 20 from 1997-2010 and peaked as the 11th most popular girls’ name in 1998 and 1999 but has become less popular in recent years. It's related to the flower alyssum as well as to the classic Alice and variants. Alyssa Milano helped give it a bounce back when she was still a child sitcom star.
- Doran
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"stranger, exile"Description:
Strong but gentle Irish last-name-first. Could bring to mind long-running rock group Duran Duran.
- Edric
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"wealthy ruler"Description:
Formerly in style limbo, Edric has recently started to see more use by parents. It could be because it sounds medieval yet accessible - which George R. R. Martin took advantage of for several characters - or because it's an offbeat alternative to the more popular Ed-names.
- Alys
Origin:
Welsh form of Alice, GermanMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Popular in Wales, familiar across the UK, and ultimately derived from the Germanic Adalheidis, this isn't a creative respelling of a classic, but the Welsh variant of it.
- Aeron
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"berry"Description:
Aeron was possibly a minor Celtic god of war, and is definitely a river in modern-day Wales.
- Daenerys
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
Daenerys is yet another girls' name invented by "Game of Thrones" author George R. R. Martin that is beginning to gain some traction in real life. Daenerys was used for 67 baby girls in 2013 while one of the character's titles, Khaleesi, was given to 241 baby girls. And the name Arya, also from the hyper-popular series, is one of the fastest growing girls' names in the country.
- Beric
Description:
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. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series and its television adaptation 'Game of Thrones,' where Beric Dondarrion is a recurring character known for his resilience. Despite this cultural reference, Beric remains uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality while still sounding familiar enough to be easily pronounced. The name has a strong, compact sound with its two syllables and crisp ending consonant. For parents seeking a name with historical depth that remains relatively unique, Beric offers a compelling option with its blend of ancient roots and modern recognition.
- Arra
Description:
Arra is a concise feminine name with multiple potential origins, including Irish roots as a variation of Ara meaning "noble" or as a shortened form of Arabic Amara meaning "eternal." Some also connect it to Hebrew origins meaning "mountain of strength." This cross-cultural name's simplicity gives it versatility while its distinctive sound sets it apart from more common short names. Arra features a melodic quality with its repeated 'r' sound and open ending that flows easily in pronunciation. Though uncommon in most Western countries, its brevity aligns with contemporary naming trends favoring short, distinctive names. The name's rarity offers the advantage of uniqueness while remaining straightforward to spell and pronounce, making it an understated yet distinctive choice for girls.
- Donel
Description:
Donel is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Donald, the Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Domhnall, meaning 'world ruler' or 'world mighty.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Irish name Dónall or function as a diminutive of Don. The name has never been widely popular but maintains steady, limited usage particularly in Irish, Scottish, and their diaspora communities. Donel has a strong, compact sound while being less common than Donald, giving it distinction without unfamiliarity. The name carries masculine associations while avoiding overtly aggressive connotations. Its relative rarity makes it an interesting choice for parents seeking a name with Celtic connections that remains recognizable but uncommon. The simplified spelling compared to Donald gives it a more streamlined, modern feel.
- Alysanne
Description:
Alysanne is a feminine name with medieval roots that combines elements of Alice and Anne, both classical names with royal associations. With its ethereal, lyrical quality, Alysanne gained contemporary recognition through George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, where it belonged to a beloved queen. The name carries an elegant, fantasy-inspired feel while maintaining connections to traditional naming patterns. Alysanne likely derives from Germanic origins, with components meaning "noble" and "grace." Though rare in everyday use, it appeals to parents seeking a name with a romantic, literary quality that stands apart from more common alternatives. Its melodic sound and noble associations give it a timeless appeal despite its relative obscurity in mainstream naming trends.
- Dorea
Description:
Dorea is a feminine name with Greek origins, possibly derived from "Doris," which means "gift" or refers to the Dorian people of ancient Greece. The name carries a lyrical quality with its flowing vowels. While not widely common in English-speaking countries, Dorea possesses an elegant, somewhat exotic appeal that distinguishes it from more familiar names. It has occasional usage in Mediterranean cultures and may also be found as a variation of names like Dora or Dorothy. Its rarity gives it a distinctive quality for parents seeking an uncommon yet melodious name with classical roots.
- Elbert
Origin:
English variation of AlbertDescription:
Rocking out on the porch with buddies Hubert, Norbert, and Osbert.
- Daven
Description:
Daven is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be an Anglicized form of the Irish name Damhan (pronounced DAV-awn), meaning 'little stag,' or possibly a variant of Davin, a diminutive of David. In Hebrew, where David originates, the meaning is 'beloved.' The name has also gained some usage as a modern invented name, appreciated for its contemporary sound while maintaining a traditional feel. Daven has risen in popularity since the 1970s but remains relatively uncommon, giving it distinction without being completely unfamiliar. The name carries a strong yet accessible quality, with its two-syllable structure and familiar sounds making it easy to pronounce across cultures. Parents might choose Daven for its subtle connection to traditional names while still offering a fresh alternative to more common choices like David or Devin.