Game of Thrones names hit differently. They feel ancient and invented at once, rooted in a world so fully imagined that names like Arya, Sansa, and Theon have crossed from Westeros onto real birth certificates. Whether you are here for baby name inspiration, a character in a story, or just deep love for the show and George R.R. Martin’s source novels, this list covers the most compelling names from across the Seven Kingdoms and beyond.
Every name here is drawn directly from the characters of Game of Thrones and the A Song of Ice and Fire series (including House of the Dragon). Each entry notes the character’s house or title so you can find the names that match the energy you are after, whether that is stark Northern honor, Valyrian fire, or the sun-baked intensity of Essos.
House Stark: The Names of the North
Stark names are grounded, strong, and often feel genuinely Old English or Norse in their bones. They carry a certain blunt dignity that makes them incredibly wearable in the real world.
Eddard
Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North. A variant of Edward, meaning “wealthy guardian,” Eddard Stark is the moral center of the entire story. Ned as a nickname gives it instant warmth and real-world usability.
Catelyn
Lady of Winterfell, of House Tully by birth. A variant of Caitlin, itself rooted in the Greek Katherine meaning “pure.” Catelyn is a name that feels both familiar and slightly elevated, which suits its bearer perfectly.
Robb
King in the North. A strong, spare form of Robert, meaning “bright fame.” Robb with the double-b is a small twist on the classic that gives it a medieval feel without being unrecognizable.
Sansa
Lady of Winterfell, Queen in the North. One of Martin’s invented names, possibly inspired by Sanskrit “sansa” meaning “praise” or “charm.” It has become one of the most genuinely popular baby names to emerge from the series.
Arya
No One, Lady of Winterfell. Arya is a real Sanskrit name meaning “noble” or “honorable,” used in India long before Westeros claimed it. The character sent this name soaring up real-world baby name charts, and it has stayed there.
Bran
Three-Eyed Raven, King of the Six Kingdoms. A genuine old Welsh and Irish name, related to the mythological Bran the Blessed. Short, strong, and slightly otherworldly.
Rickon
Lord of Winterfell (briefly). A medieval variant of Richard, meaning “powerful ruler.” Rickon is rarely used today, which makes it feel fresh despite its ancient roots.
Benjen
First Ranger of the Night’s Watch. An invented name that reads like a Northern variant of Benjamin. It has a rugged, windswept quality that feels perfectly Stark.
Lyanna
Lady, mother of Jon Snow. An invented name that sounds like a blend of Liana and Anna, giving it a lyrical, romantic quality. Lyanna Stark’s legend haunts the entire story, and the name deserves far more real-world use than it gets.
Ramsay
Lord of the Dreadfort, Warden of the North. A real Scottish surname used as a given name, meaning “wild garlic island.” The character is one of the most despised in the series, so use this one with awareness.
Roose
Lord of the Dreadfort. Unusual and cold-sounding, Roose Bolton is a name that works entirely because of how it sits in the mouth. A genuine surname-as-given-name choice.
House Lannister: Golden Names from Casterly Rock
Lannister names tend to be smooth and polished, occasionally Roman in feel, always carrying a sense of wealth and ambition. Several of them are genuinely beautiful despite their complicated bearers.
Cersei
Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. An invented name that echoes the Greek sorceress Circe. It is one of the most recognizable game of thrones names in the world, and despite the character’s reputation, it has a fierce, regal sound that is genuinely striking.
Jaime
Ser, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. The Spanish form of James, meaning “supplanter.” Jaime is already a real name used widely, and the character gave it a whole new dimension of complicated heroism.
Tyrion
Hand of the King, Lord of Casterly Rock. One of Martin’s inventions, possibly echoing Tyrian purple, the ancient luxury dye. Tyrion Lannister is arguably the series’ greatest character, and the name has his sardonic brilliance baked in.
Tywin
Lord of Casterly Rock, Hand of the King. An invented name with a strong, clipped Anglo-Saxon feel. Tywin sounds like a name that has always existed somewhere in history, which is a mark of Martin’s skill.
Lancel
Ser, cousin of Cersei. A variant of Lancelot, the Arthurian knight whose name may derive from an Old French word for “servant.” Lancel carries that same chivalric energy in a more compact form.
Kevan
Lord, Hand of the King. The Welsh form of Kevin, meaning “handsome birth.” Kevan Lannister is one of the series’ most underrated characters, and the name has a quiet, steady dignity.
Genna
Lady, wife of Emmon Frey. A short form of Genevieve or Gemma, used here as a full name. Warm, strong, and underused.
Myrcella
Princess of the Seven Kingdoms. An invented name that sounds like a feminine elaboration of Mercia or Mircea. It has a flowing, romantic quality and the kind of rarity that makes it genuinely appealing for a baby name.
Tommen
King of the Seven Kingdoms. A Northern-medieval variant feel on Thomas, meaning “twin.” Sweet and gentle like the character himself.
Joffrey
King of the Seven Kingdoms. A medieval form of Geoffrey, meaning “territory peace.” Joffrey is a historically real name, though the character has made it almost unusable in practice. Still worth knowing.
House Targaryen: Valyrian Fire Names
Targaryen names are the most distinctive in the series. They lean heavily on Valyrian sounds: soft consonants, repeated vowels, and an otherworldly music. Many of them are Martin’s own inventions built on a consistent internal logic.
Daenerys
Khaleesi, Mother of Dragons, Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. An invented Valyrian name with no confirmed etymology, but it has the feel of something ancient and powerful. One of the most iconic game of thrones names ever put on screen.
Viserys
King of the Andals and the First Men (self-styled). An invented Valyrian name. Viserys has a hissing quality that perfectly suits the character’s petulance and cruelty.
Rhaenyra
Queen of the Seven Kingdoms (from House of the Dragon). A Valyrian invention that sounds like a blend of Rhea and Nyra. Rhaenyra has become a genuine baby name contender since the show’s premiere.
Aegon
King of the Andals and the First Men. The name borne by multiple Targaryen kings, possibly built on the Greek aegis, the divine shield. Strong, mythic, and genuinely unusual.
Rhaegar
Prince, heir to the Iron Throne. A Valyrian invention with a bold, heroic sound. Rhaegar Targaryen’s legend shapes the entire plot of the series, and the name has real charisma.
Aemon
Maester of the Night’s Watch. A Valyrian variant of the Irish Éamon, meaning “wealthy protector.” Aemon is one of the series’ most beloved characters and the name is genuinely wearable.
Vaemond
Ser, of House Velaryon (from House of the Dragon). A Valyrian invention combining Valyrian sounds with a “-mond” suffix. Distinctive and sharp.
Alicent
Queen Consort, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms (from House of the Dragon). A medieval form of Alice, meaning “noble.” Alicent is a historically attested medieval name that feels both old and newly fresh.
Rhaena
Princess (from House of the Dragon). A Valyrian name with a clean, feminine sound. Rhaena has been used as a baby name by fans of the series.
Baela
Princess (from House of the Dragon). A Valyrian invention with a bright, open sound. Short and distinctive.
Laena
Lady, dragonrider (from House of the Dragon). A Valyrian name that overlaps with the real name Laena or Lena. Beautiful and accessible.
Laenor
Ser, of House Velaryon (from House of the Dragon). A Valyrian invention with a soft, flowing sound. Laenor has a gentle quality that contrasts with most Valyrian names.
Daemon
Prince, dragonrider (from House of the Dragon). A variant of Damian, rooted in the Greek daimon meaning “spirit” or “divine power.” Daemon is a genuinely usable name with serious edge.
Helaena
Queen Consort (from House of the Dragon). A Valyrian elaboration of Helena, meaning “torch” or “shining light.” Helaena has a dreamy, ethereal quality.
Aemond
Prince (from House of the Dragon). A Valyrian variant of Aemon, itself related to Éamon. Cool and slightly sinister in the best possible way.
Jacaerys
Prince (from House of the Dragon). A Valyrian invention, often called Jace. The nickname alone is highly wearable.
Lucerys
Prince (from House of the Dragon). A Valyrian form that echoes Lucius, meaning “light.” Often called Luke, making it surprisingly practical.
Jaehaerys
King of the Seven Kingdoms. One of the most celebrated Targaryen kings, with a name that is pure Valyrian invention. Jaehaerys is a mouthful, but it carries enormous weight.
Viserra
Princess, daughter of Jaehaerys I. A Valyrian feminine name related to Viserys. Rare and striking.
Saera
Princess, daughter of Jaehaerys I. A Valyrian name with a soft, flowing sound. Saera reads like a more exotic form of Sara.
House Baratheon: Storm’s End and the Iron Throne
Baratheon names tend to be bold and straightforward, reflecting a house that won its throne by force and kept it through sheer will.
Robert
King of the Seven Kingdoms. A classic Germanic name meaning “bright fame,” Robert Baratheon is the catalyst for the entire series. The name needs no introduction.
Stannis
Lord of Dragonstone, King of the Seven Kingdoms (self-styled). An invented name that sounds like it could be a variant of the Slavic Stanislav, meaning “become famous.” Stannis has a rigid, uncompromising sound that matches the character exactly.
Renly
Lord of Storm’s End, King of the Seven Kingdoms (self-styled). An invented name that reads like a variant of Renley or a compressed form of Reginald. Light, charming, and entirely suited to its bearer.
Jendry
Not used; the character is called Gendry. See below.
Gendry
Lord of Storm’s End, legitimized son of Robert Baratheon. An invented name that sounds like a Northern variant of Gentry or a medieval English name. Gendry has real appeal as a usable, unusual name.
Shireen
Princess of Dragonstone. A real Persian and Arabic name meaning “sweet” or “pleasant.” Shireen Baratheon is one of the series’ most affecting characters, and the name is genuinely lovely.
Selyse
Queen Consort. A variant form of Selise or Celise, related to Cecelia or possibly a medieval French form. Selyse has a cool, slightly austere sound.
House Tyrell: The Reach and the Rose
Tyrell names have an elegance and warmth that reflects the fertile, courtly culture of Highgarden. Several of them are genuinely beautiful for real-world use.
Margaery
Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. A medieval spelling of Margery, itself a form of Margaret, from the Greek for “pearl.” Margaery feels both antique and fresh, and the character’s political brilliance makes it a compelling choice.
Olenna
Lady of Highgarden, the Queen of Thorns. A variant of Helena or possibly a feminine form of Olen. Olenna is sharp, witty, and one of the series’ most beloved names. It is criminally underused as a real baby name.
Loras
Ser, Knight of Flowers. An invented name that sounds like a masculine form of Laura, rooted in the Latin laurus meaning “laurel.” Loras has a gentle, romantic quality.
Mace
Lord of Highgarden, Hand of the King. A real English name meaning “heavy staff” or derived from a spice name. Short and blunt in the best way.
Willas
Lord of Highgarden (in the novels). A variant of William, meaning “resolute protector.” Willas has an old-fashioned warmth that feels ripe for revival.
House Martell: Dorne and the Unbowed
Dornish names carry a Spanish and Mediterranean heat. They are some of the most usable and beautiful names in the entire series.
Oberyn
Prince of Dorne, the Red Viper. An invented name with a Welsh or Celtic feel. Oberyn is bold, unusual, and carries the charisma of its unforgettable bearer.
Doran
Prince of Dorne. A real Irish name meaning “stranger” or “exile,” from the Old Irish deorad. Doran is steady, dignified, and deeply underused.
Ellaria
Paramour of Oberyn Martell. An invented name that sounds like a Mediterranean form of Eleanor or Elara. Ellaria has a warm, sun-soaked sound.
Arianne
Princess of Dorne (in the novels). A form of Ariane, the French variant of Ariadne, meaning “most holy.” Arianne is elegant and romantic.
Trystane
Prince of Dorne. A variant of Tristan, the Arthurian name of uncertain origin, possibly meaning “noise” or “tumult” in Celtic. Trystane has a Dornish heat that plain Tristan lacks.
Elia
Princess of Dorne, wife of Rhaegar Targaryen. A real name used across Spanish, Italian, and other cultures, a form of Elias or a feminine diminutive of Elena. Elia is beautiful and wearable.
Sarella
One of the Sand Snakes (in the novels). An invented name with a warm, flowing sound. Sarella reads like a more exotic cousin of Sara or Stella.
Tyene
One of the Sand Snakes. An invented name with a soft, melodic quality. Unusual and intriguing.
Nymeria
One of the Sand Snakes; also the name of Arya’s direwolf. Named after a legendary Rhoynar warrior queen. Nymeria is bold, mythic, and genuinely striking as a name.
House Greyjoy: Iron Islands Names
Greyjoy names are sea-salt rough, spare, and frequently unusual. They have a distinctive Old English or Norse quality that sets them apart from every other house.
Theon
Prince of the Iron Islands. A real Greek name meaning “godly” or “of the gods.” Theon is one of the most genuinely usable game of thrones names, strong and slightly unusual without being inaccessible.
Yara
Lady of the Iron Islands. A real name used in Arabic and Hebrew contexts, meaning “honeycomb” or “small butterfly” depending on origin. In the show, Yara Greyjoy is fierce and direct, and the name matches her perfectly.
Balon
King of the Iron Islands. An invented name with a blunt, heavy sound. Balon has a stubborn, unmovable quality, which suits the Lord Reaper of Pyke.
Euron
King of the Iron Islands. An invented name that may echo the Greek Euron or the Norse Auron. Euron has a dangerous, unpredictable energy, which is either a selling point or a warning depending on your taste.
Aeron
Damphair, priest of the Drowned God. A real Welsh name meaning “berry” or related to the Celtic god Agrona. Aeron is genuinely lovely and almost entirely unused, which makes it a strong choice.
Asha
The name used in the novels for the character called Yara in the show. Asha is a real Sanskrit name meaning “hope” and a Swahili name meaning “life.” Widely used across multiple cultures and genuinely beautiful.
The Night’s Watch and Beyond the Wall
The men of the Night’s Watch and the Free Folk beyond it carry some of the series’ most rugged, memorable names.
Jon
Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, King in the North. The English form of John, from the Hebrew Yohanan meaning “God is gracious.” Jon Snow is the series’ central hero, and the spare spelling gives the classic name a quiet strength.
Samwell
Maester of the Night’s Watch. A variant of Samuel, meaning “God has heard.” Samwell is warmer and more medieval-feeling than plain Samuel, and Sam is an endearing nickname.
Jeor
Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. A variant that echoes Georg or Jor, related to George, meaning “farmer.” Jeor Mormont is one of the series’ most honorable figures.
Jorah
Ser, of House Mormont. A real Hebrew name meaning “early rain.” Jorah Mormont’s devotion made this name synonymous with loyal, aching love, and it is genuinely beautiful.
Tormund
Giantsbane, leader of the Free Folk. An invented name with a strong Norse feel, possibly echoing Thor or Tormod. Tormund is big, warm, and entirely memorable.
Mance
King-Beyond-the-Wall. A short form possibly related to Manfred or a medieval English nickname. Mance has a cool, spare quality.
Ygritte
Free Folk warrior. An invented name with a Norse flavor. Ygritte is distinctive, wearable, and carries the fierce independence of its bearer.
Craster
Wildling elder beyond the Wall. An invented name with an old, rough sound. Best left to fiction.
Dolorous Edd
Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Edd is the name here, a short form of Edward or Edmund. Edd is short, gruff, and quietly charming.
Alliser
Ser, Master-at-Arms of Castle Black. An invented name that echoes Alistair or Alister, itself from the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander. Alliser has an old, cold-stone sound.
Essos: Names from Across the Narrow Sea
The Free Cities, Slaver’s Bay, and the Dothraki Sea produce some of the series’ most exotic and beautiful names. Many are Martin’s inventions. a few have real-world roots.
Drogo
Khal of the Dothraki. An invented name that may echo the medieval Germanic Drogo, borne by real historical figures. Khal Drogo is one of the most iconic characters in the series.
Missandei
Advisor to Daenerys Targaryen. An invented name with a soft, musical quality. Missandei is unusual and beautiful.
Grey Worm
Commander of the Unsullied. Grey Worm is a chosen name, not a birth name. The character’s Valyrian name is never given. Not recommended as a given name.
Varys
Master of Whisperers, Lord of Lys. An invented name that may echo the Greek Varius or Latin Varius. Varys is smooth and slightly mysterious.
Illyrio
Magister of Pentos. An invented name that echoes Illyria, the ancient Adriatic region. Illyrio has a grand, merchant-prince quality.
Xaro
Merchant prince of Qarth. An invented name with a sharp, exotic sound. Unusual to the point of being challenging in real life.
Quaithe
Shadowbinder of Asshai. A title-name rather than a given name. Not recommended for real use.
Pyat
Pree, warlock of Qarth. Not a strong choice for real use. Included for completeness.
Irri
Handmaiden to Daenerys. An invented name with a short, bright sound. Irri is unusual and wearable.
Doreah
Handmaiden to Daenerys. An invented name with a soft, flowing quality. Doreah sounds like a distant cousin of Dora or Dorea.
Jhiqui
Handmaiden to Daenerys. A Dothraki invention. Not practical for real-world use.
Kovarro
Dothraki rider. An invented Dothraki name with a strong, rolling sound.
Rakharo
Dothraki bloodrider. Another Dothraki invention with a fierce, rhythmic quality.
Aggo
Dothraki bloodrider. Short, sharp, and entirely Dothraki in feel.
Maesters, Septons, and the Faith
The scholarly and religious figures of Westeros carry some of the most unusual and underappreciated names in the series.
Pycelle
Grand Maester. An invented name that sounds vaguely French or Provencal. Not a strong candidate for real use.
Qyburn
Master of Whisperers, Hand of the Queen. An invented name with a dark, alchemical quality. Qyburn is memorable but challenging.
Luwin
Maester of Winterfell. An invented name that echoes Lewin or the Old English Leofwine, meaning “dear friend.” Luwin is warm and gentle, perfectly suited to its character.
Chayle
Maester in the Eyrie (in the novels). An invented name. Rare and unusual.
Septon Meribald
The given name here is Meribald, an old Germanic name meaning “famous boldness.” Meribald is one of Martin’s most poetic creations and an extraordinary choice for a name.
Memorable Individuals: No House Required
Some of the series’ most powerful names belong to characters who define themselves outside of any house.
Petyr
Lord of Harrenhal, Lord Protector of the Vale, Littlefinger. The Westerosi form of Peter, from the Greek petros meaning “rock.” Petyr is a small spelling shift that gives a classic name a medieval edge.
Bronn
Ser, Lord of Highgarden. A real name of Welsh and Old English origin, possibly related to the Welsh bron meaning “breast” or a short form of Brendan. Bronn is sharp and one-syllable cool.
Davos
Ser, Hand of the King. An invented name that echoes the real Swiss place name Davos or the Greek Davos, a comic slave name. Davos Seaworth is one of the series’ most beloved characters, and the name has a quiet, honest dignity.
Melisandre
Red Priestess of R’hllor. A real name, a compound of the Old French Melisende, itself from the Germanic Amalaswintha or Millicent roots, meaning “strong worker.” Melisandre is beautiful, mysterious, and genuinely wearable.
Sandor
Ser, the Hound. The Hungarian form of Alexander, meaning “defender of men.” Sandor is unusual in English-speaking countries and carries real strength.
Gregor
Ser, the Mountain. The Eastern European form of Gregory, from the Greek gregorios meaning “watchful.” Gregor is strong and slightly forbidding, which may or may not be the point.
Podrick
Squire, later Ser. A variant of Patrick, meaning “noble.” Podrick, usually called Pod, is one of the series’ most endearing characters.
Brienne
Ser, Lady of Tarth. A feminine form of Brian, from the Celtic element meaning “high” or “noble.” Brienne is a genuinely lovely name that carries enormous strength.
Shae
Handmaiden, companion to Tyrion. A variant spelling of Shay or Shea, the Irish surname used as a given name, meaning “hawk-like” or “stately.” Shae is short, warm, and wearable.
Ros
Prominent character in the early seasons. A short form of Rosalind or Rose. Simple and direct.
Gilly
Wildling woman, companion to Samwell. A short form of Gillian, itself from Julian, meaning “youthful.” Gilly is sweet and old-fashioned in the best way.
Hot Pie
Baker and companion to Arya. Not a name for real-world use. Included with affection.
Beric
Lord Beric Dondarrion, the Lightning Lord. An invented name with a Norse or Germanic feel. Beric is unusual and striking.
Thoros
Red Priest of Myr. An invented name that echoes Thor or Theron, the Greek “hunter.” Thoros has a mythic, combustible sound.
Syrio
First Sword of Braavos. An invented name with a Mediterranean, possibly Syrian-echoing quality. Syrio is elegant and unusual.
Jaqen
Faceless Man of the House of Black and White. An invented name that looks like a variant of Jacques or Jack. Jaqen is cool, mysterious, and entirely unlike anything else on this list.
Edmure
Lord of Riverrun, Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. An invented name that echoes Edmund, meaning “wealthy protector.” Edmure has a warm, slightly bumbling charm.
Lysa
Lady of the Eyrie. A short form of Elisa or Alyssa, itself rooted in Elizabeth, meaning “my God is an oath.” Lysa is simple and direct.
Robin
Lord of the Eyrie, called Robert in the novels. Robin is a genuine English name, a medieval diminutive of Robert. Cheerful, classic, and real-world ready.
Littlefinger
This is Petyr Baelish’s nickname, not a given name. See Petyr above.
Hodor
Stable boy of Winterfell, whose real name is Wylis. Wylis is an invented variant of Willis or the medieval Wylis. The name Hodor itself is not recommended for use.
Osha
Wildling, companion to Bran and Rickon. An invented name with a soft, open sound. Osha is short, unusual, and entirely distinctive.
Meera
Companion to Bran. A real Sanskrit name meaning “sea” or “ocean,” also associated with the poet-saint Mirabai. Meera is beautiful, widely used in South Asian cultures, and wearable everywhere.
Jojen
Companion to Bran. An invented name that sounds vaguely Celtic. Jojen is unusual and memorable.
Howland
Lord of Greywater Watch. An Old English name meaning “land at the hill” or a variant of Holland. Howland Reed is one of the most mysterious figures in the series.
Wex
Mute squire in the novels. Extremely unusual as a name. Best left to fiction.
Locke
Soldier of House Bolton. A real English surname used as a given name, meaning “lock” or “enclosure.” Cool and sharp.
How to Choose a Game of Thrones Name for a Baby
The first question to ask is whether the name works outside the fandom. Arya, Sansa, Jorah, Meera, Shireen, and Davos all pass this test easily: they sound like real names because they either are real names or are built on real naming traditions. Names like Joffrey or Ramsay carry heavy character associations that are very hard to shake, so weigh those carefully.
Think about the sound and the nickname situation. Daenerys is beautiful but comes with a pronunciation question every single day. Dany is the natural nickname, which helps enormously. Jacaerys becomes Jace. Lucerys becomes Luke. If a name has a strong, simple nickname, it gives the child a choice as they grow up.
Consider the house or character association honestly. Names from beloved, heroic characters carry a warmth that names from villains simply do not. Lyanna, Aemon, Brienne, and Davos are names with story behind them that is entirely positive. That kind of association is a gift, not a burden.
Finally, look at the etymology. Many game of thrones names are rooted in real languages: Sanskrit, Welsh, Greek, Irish, Germanic. Knowing what a name actually means gives it roots that go deeper than the show, and it gives you a genuine answer when someone asks why you chose it.
The best game of thrones names are the ones that feel like they existed before Martin wrote them and will exist long after the last episode. Those are the names worth carrying into the real world.
