If you like Game of Thrones names...
- Adara
Origin:
Arabic, HebrewMeaning:
"maidens; noble, exalted"Description:
A charming multicultural choice with a daring yet grounded sound, Adara is a both a Hebrew name with a noble meaning, and an Arabic name with ties to astronomy. Popular in Puerto Rico and Spain, it is also on the rise in the US.
- Aenya
Description:
Aenya is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Anya (Russian form of Anna, meaning 'grace'), with the added 'e' giving it a more ethereal quality. Alternatively, it could connect to the Greek word 'aionios' meaning 'eternal' or relate to Aeneas from classical mythology. The unusual 'Ae' beginning creates a distinctive look and sound while remaining relatively intuitive to pronounce. Aenya has a lyrical, almost fantastical quality that appeals to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible. The name has gained modest usage in recent decades, particularly among parents drawn to names with mythological or literary associations. With its soft sounds and flowing quality, Aenya strikes a balance between unique and melodious, making it memorable without being difficult.
- Aeric
Description:
Aeric is a distinctive masculine name with possible Germanic or Norse origins. It may be considered a variation of Eric or Alaric, combining elements that suggest power and leadership. Eric derives from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, meaning "eternal ruler" or "ever powerful," while Alaric means "ruler of all." The addition of the initial 'A' gives the name a unique quality while maintaining connections to its historical roots. Though relatively uncommon, Aeric has a strong, commanding presence and a modern feel that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name for their son. Its rarity makes it stand out while its pronunciation remains intuitive.
- Aeron
Origin:
WelshDescription:
Tolkien may have been inspired by this unisex name of a Celtic goddess of war. Welsh poet Dylan Thomas named his daughter the variation Aeronwy. With goddess names so hot for baby girls, this ethereal choice is one to consider.
- Aland
Description:
Aland is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Old Norse elements meaning "foreigner's land" or could be connected to the Åland Islands between Finland and Sweden. The name might also relate to Alan, which has Celtic roots meaning "harmony" or "stone." As a given name, Aland is quite rare in most English-speaking countries, never appearing on popular name charts. The name has a strong, distinctive sound with its open vowels and clear consonants. Aland carries a certain Nordic or Scandinavian character that might appeal to parents seeking a connection to Northern European heritage. The simplicity of the name, combined with its uncommon nature, gives it a distinctive quality that stands out without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
- Alaric
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"all-powerful ruler"Description:
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 Goths who sacked Rome in 410.
- Alenna
Description:
Alenna is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Elena or Alena, which derive from the Greek Helena meaning 'bright, shining light' or 'torch'. Alternatively, it could be related to the Irish name Ailíona or a modern elaboration of names like Alena or Alanna. The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its soft consonants and vowel ending. Alenna remains relatively uncommon in most countries, giving it a distinctive quality without being completely unfamiliar in sound. Its melodic nature and positive potential meanings make it appealing to parents seeking something slightly unusual yet accessible. The name has seen modest usage in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries.
- Ales
Description:
Ales is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Slavic contexts, particularly Czech and Slovak, it functions as a diminutive of Aleš, which derives from Alexius or Alexander, meaning 'defender' or 'protector of mankind.' In Scotland, it can be a variant spelling of Allis or Alice, though this usage is rare for boys. The name also appears in medieval records as a short form of various names beginning with the Germanic element 'adal' meaning 'noble.' Ales has maintained steady but modest usage in Eastern European countries, while remaining quite uncommon in English-speaking regions. Its brevity gives it a modern feel despite its historical roots, and its cross-cultural nature makes it an interesting choice for families with Slavic heritage or those seeking a simple yet distinctive name.
- Alik
Description:
Alik is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Slavic countries, it functions as a diminutive of Alexander, meaning "defender of the people." In Jewish communities, it may serve as a nickname for Elimelech, meaning "my God is king." The name also appears in various Middle Eastern and Central Asian cultures with different etymologies. Alik has a concise, strong sound that travels well across language boundaries. While not widely common in English-speaking countries, the name enjoys moderate use in Russia, Armenia, and parts of Eastern Europe. Its brevity and easy pronunciation make it accessible internationally while still maintaining a distinctive character. Parents might choose Alik for its cross-cultural appeal and meaningful connections while avoiding more common Alexander derivatives.
- Alister
Origin:
English variation of Alasdair, ScottishMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
This anglicized spelling of the already anglicized Alistair originates from the Scottish form of Alexander. Some might think it lacks the flair of the -air ending, while others might find it sleeker and simpler. Either way, in the US, it's the second most popular spelling after Alistair, ahead of both Alasdair and Alastair, while in the UK, it is in use, but least preferred of the four.
- Alla
Origin:
Galician diminutive of Olalla, or Russian, Ukrainian Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, or DanishMeaning:
"sweetly speaking"Description:
A short form of Alexandra and Alice used everywhere from Russia to Spain. A fresh alternative to Allie.
- Allinor
Description:
Allinor is a rare feminine name with obscure origins. It may be a variant of Eleanor, which derives from the Occitan name Aliénor, meaning 'the other' or 'foreign.' Alternatively, it could be a unique creation combining elements like 'all' and 'honor.' Allinor has never been among popular naming choices in the United States or United Kingdom, making it an uncommon and distinctive option. Those named Allinor might appreciate its melodic quality and uniqueness, as it shares sounds with more familiar names like Elinor or Alinor while maintaining its own distinct character. The name's rarity gives it an air of mystery and individuality for the few who bear it.
- Allyn
Description:
Allyn is a gender-neutral name with versatile usage as a masculine name, though it also appears as a feminine option. With Welsh and Celtic origins, it relates to names like Alan and Allen, derived from elements meaning "handsome" or "cheerful." As a surname-turned-first-name, it carries an elegant, sophisticated quality. The distinctive 'y' spelling gives Allyn a more contemporary feel compared to traditional variants. Despite never reaching high popularity rankings, Allyn has maintained consistent, modest usage throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The name appeals to parents seeking a classic-sounding option with a modern twist. Its gender flexibility makes it appealing in contemporary naming trends that favor unisex options. Allyn projects strength and refinement while maintaining an approachable quality.
- Allyson
Origin:
Spelling variation of AllisonMeaning:
"noble"Description:
The original Allison was a Top 50 name from the 1980s through 2016, and Allyson is one of the many spelling variations parents used to put a more unique spin on the original.
- Alynna
Description:
Alynna is a modern feminine name that likely emerged as an elaborated form of Alina, Lynn, or Alina. With its distinctive 'y' and double 'n,' the name represents contemporary naming trends that favor unique spellings of familiar sounds. The name potentially combines elements meaning 'light' or 'bright' (from Alina) with Lynn (from a Welsh word meaning 'lake' or an Old English term for 'waterfall'). Alynna began appearing in usage primarily in the late 20th century in North America, gaining modest popularity in the 1990s and 2000s. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables (ah-LIN-ah) and conveys both femininity and a touch of uniqueness while remaining relatively intuitive to pronounce.
- 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.
- Alyse
Description:
Alyse is a feminine name of French origin, considered a variant spelling of Alice. Alice derives from the Germanic name Adalheidis, meaning 'noble type' or 'nobility.' This elegant variation offers a more distinctive spelling while maintaining the classic pronunciation. The name has a graceful, refined quality that has appealed to parents across generations. Alyse saw increased popularity in the late 20th century as parents sought alternatives to more common spellings of traditional names. The 'y' gives the name a more contemporary feel while honoring its historical roots. With its combination of timeless appeal and unique spelling, Alyse bridges the gap between traditional and modern naming preferences.
- Alysia
Description:
Alysia is a feminine name that represents a variation of Alicia, which itself derives from the Greek name Alice meaning 'noble' or 'of noble kind.' This elegant spelling variant emerged in the mid-20th century as parents sought more distinctive versions of classic names. The 'y' spelling gives the name a more exotic and visually appealing quality. Alysia experienced its peak popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but has never been extremely common, maintaining a pleasant balance between familiarity and uniqueness. The name has a melodic, flowing quality when spoken, with its soft syllables creating a gentle rhythm. Alysia offers the nickname options of Aly, Lysi, or Sia, providing versatility for different stages of life.
- Amarys
Origin:
Spelling variation of Amaris, HebrewMeaning:
"God has said"Description:
Amaris and Amarys are pretty modernized versions of the ancient Hebrew Amariah. Almost 300 baby girls were named Amaris in the US last year, along with nearly 100 boys, but only seven baby girls were given the Amarys spelling.
- Andor
Origin:
Norwegian; Swedish; HungarianMeaning:
"eagle; manly"Description:
Unusual but accessible multi-cultural choice.