A Song of Ice and Fire / Game of Thrones - Part 2- G to M

Second part!
  1. Jasper
    • Origin:

      Persian
    • Meaning:

      "bringer of treasure"
    • Description:

      Jasper originated as a variation of the Latin Gaspar, which ultimately derived from the Persian word ganzabara, meaning "bringer of treasure." As a given name, Jasper’s etymology is unrelated to that of the gemstone, which comes from a Semitic word meaning "speckled stone." Jasper is the usual English form for one of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the infant Christ according to medieval tradition and appears in the Bible as a reference to the stone itself in Revelations 4:3.
  2. Jonah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "dove"
    • Description:

      Jonah, the name of the Old Testament prophet who was swallowed by the whale, only to emerge unharmed three days later, is increasingly appreciated by parents looking for a biblical name less common than Jacob or Joshua, yet not too obscure. Plus, Jonah comes with a ready-made nursery-decorating motif.
  3. Jason
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "to heal"
    • Description:

      Jason, the Number 3 name for the entire decade of the 1970s -- thus the title of our original baby-naming book, Beyond Jennifer & Jason -- is more likely to be dad's name now than baby's, but it's still a widely used name.
  4. Jocelyn
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "member of the Gauts tribe"
    • Description:

      Jocelyn has gotten new life and popularity as a result of the current passion for lyn endings. Though it was a male name in medieval times, now Jocelyn couldn't sound more softly feminine.
  5. Joanna
    • Origin:

      Variation of Johanna
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Joanna derives from the Greek name Ioanna, which in turn came from the Hebrew name Yohannah. It is featured in the New Testament as a woman who accompanied Jesus on his travels and eventually reached saint status. Other names related to Joanna include Joan, Joanne, Johanna, and Jana.
  6. Joy
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "joy"
    • Description:

      Joy is from an older generation of word names, which also included Merry, Bliss, and Glory -- all of which exert a certain amount of personality pressure on a child. However, Joy, like Grace, Hope, and Rose, has crossed more into name-territory than other word choices, which lightens some of that pressure.
  7. Mya
    • Origin:

      Variation of Maia, Maya, or Mia, Greek, Scandinavian, Hebrew, Burmese
    • Meaning:

      "mother; larger, greater; bitter, beloved; emerald"
    • Description:

      This distinctive spelling was popularized by the R&B singer Mya (Harrison) and entered the US Top 100 in 2009 after the singer appeared on Dancing with the Stars. While it has since declined in the US, it remains in the Top 100 in France, the Top 200 in Belgium, and the Top 300 in England and Wales.
  8. Marla
    • Origin:

      Variation of Marlene
    • Meaning:

      "Mary Magdalene; beloved, bitter, drop of the sea + high tower"
    • Description:

      Marla might have dropped out of style in the US back in the 90s, but it has seen a resurgence in the UK in recent years. With a little dated charm about it, this variation of Marlene, itself a variant of Magdalene and Mary, blends in with the likes of Marley, Marlowe, Mila, Myla, Martha, and Maya. It was a fast rising choice in 2023 in both England and Wales, and Croatia.
  9. Jon
    • Origin:

      Variation of John or Jonathan
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious; or gift of Jehovah"
    • Description:

      Streamlined version of the classic boys' names, sometimes a short form of Jonathan, which is in fact an entirely different name from John attached to a different Biblical personage. Jon feels more modern than the traditional John, but some may find it an overly slight variation on an already slim name. Jon Snow is a popular character on HBO's Game of Thrones.
  10. Jaime
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of James
    • Description:

      A Hispanic classic that has lost some momentum in recent years. It could be misunderstood by some as Jamie -- which is how it's pronounced on Game of Thrones.
  11. Meera
    • Origin:

      Hindi, Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "light, saintly woman; prosperous"
    • Description:

      Meera Bai, also spelled Mirabai, was a great female Hindu mystical poet whose works are popular throughout India. She was a fifteenth-sixteenth century Indian princess who devoted her life to writing paeans of devotion to the god Krishna.

      The story of Meera was the basis of an eponymous Indian historical drama television series in 2009. It's also gotten a boost from HBO's Game of Thrones, in which Meera Reed is a tough, wise character who cares for the disabled seer Bran Stark once he flees Winterfell.

  12. Gregor
    • Origin:

      Scottish form of Gregory
    • Meaning:

      "vigilant, a watchman"
    • Description:

      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 then there's Gregor Clegane, one of the most feared and purely evil characters in the world of Game of Thrones.
  13. Melisandre
    • Origin:

      French variation of Millicent, German
    • Meaning:

      "strong in work"
    • Description:

      The romantic fairy tale-like name has come to modern attention via the beautiful but terrifying sorceress in Game of Thrones. The character may look as lovely as her name sounds, but it's hard to imagine a parent familiar with the book wanting to use the name for their child. Two alternate directions: Millicent or Melisande.
  14. Kevan
    • Description:

      Kevan is a masculine name of Irish and Scottish Gaelic origin, a variant of Kevin, derived from 'Caoimhín,' meaning 'handsome birth' or 'gentle birth.' This spelling variation emerged as an alternative to the more common Kevin, offering a slightly distinctive touch while maintaining the same pronunciation. While Kevin peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, Kevan has remained a less common alternative, appealing to parents seeking a familiar name with a unique spelling. The name carries Celtic heritage and has maintained steady though limited usage throughout English-speaking countries, offering a subtle twist on a classic name.
  15. Lysa
    • Description:

      Lysa is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may function as a diminutive of Elisabeth or Melissa, a variant spelling of Lisa, or derive from names in various European languages. In some Slavic contexts, it can relate to words meaning 'fox' or 'forest.' This short, crisp name has a light, modern feel despite having historical precedents. Lysa gained some limited use in the late 20th century but remains relatively uncommon. The distinctive 'y' spelling gives it a contemporary edge compared to the more traditional Lisa. The name has cross-cultural versatility, working well in many language contexts. Its brevity makes it practical while the less common spelling helps it stand out. Lysa offers a blend of familiarity and uniqueness that many parents seek.

  16. Melantha
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "dark flower"
    • Description:

      The th sound both softens and complicates this Melanie relative.
  17. Harlon
    • Description:

      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 as a spelling variation in the United States, particularly in southern regions during the mid-20th century. While less common than Harlan, Harlon gained some recognition through notable bearers like American football player Harlon Hill. The name has a strong, rugged quality that conveys masculinity and resilience. Though relatively uncommon in contemporary usage, it appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with traditional roots. Harlon combines the strength associated with Germanic names while offering a uniquely American character.
  18. Joffrey
    • Origin:

      Variant of Geoffrey
    • Description:

      King Joffrey Baratheon, the petulant biological son of siblings Cersei and Jaime Lannisters, is perhaps the most notorious villain in the entire Game of Thrones canon. His name is practically a byword for sadism among fans of the show and George R.R. Martin's books. As such, we think it's probably a name best avoided IRL.
  19. Myrcella
    • Origin:

      Variant of Marcella
    • Description:

      One of the many faux-Medieval names invented by George R.R. Martin for his A Song of Ice and Fire series of books, the source of HBO's Game of Thrones. Princess Myrcella Baratheon is the daughter of Cersei Lannister and (secretly) her brother Jaime. Their younger brother Tyrion sends her to Dorne to be married to the Dornish prince Trystane Martell to seal an alliance between the two houses.
  20. Harrold
    • Description:

      Harrold is a masculine name of Germanic origin, variant of Harold, derived from the Old English elements 'here' meaning 'army' and 'weald' meaning 'power' or 'ruler', thus translating to 'army ruler' or 'leader of the army'. This traditional name carries historical significance, as it was borne by several medieval English kings, including Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. The Harrold spelling variation adds a slight distinction to the more common Harold. While its popularity peaked in the early 20th century, it has since declined, now considered a vintage name that occasionally appears as a family surname passed down as a first name. Harrold offers a distinguished, strong character with its connection to leadership and historical significance.