Game of Thrones is the hit TV show that has inspired numerous exhibitions, tours, cosplayers and even baby names. Popular character names from the show have taken particular prominence in Scotland.
So, what have they been naming their new wee “bairns”? Statistics from the Scottish Government show there is an increasing number of little Aryas and Sansas around since the start of the TV series in 2011.
In 2016, 48 girls born were given the name Arya. It’s now in the top 100 popular baby names for girls in Scotland.
Thirteen girls were named Khaleesi and there have been three boys names Khal since 2011 - even though technically these are the characters’ titles, not their official names.
Last year, there were five baby girls names Yara and 13 girls were given this name since the show's first season.
There was also a Sansa born in 2013, and a Brienne born in 2015.
Names such as Ellaria, Meryn and Shae have also been on the rise since the show’s initial broadcast. Some Scottish parents were way ahead of the bandwagon by naming their children Brienne, born in 1981; Samwell, born in 1991; and one Khal, born in 1996.
However, some characters' names have not gained any momentum whatsoever; these names include Joffrey, Cersei, Margaery, Rickon, Stannis, Ygritte and Gendry.
The more conventional names in the series have also gained popularity in the last seven years. These include Jon (26 Jons born since 2011), and Jaime which is a popular name for both boys and girls in Scotland.
The name Gregor was always relatively popular in Scotland, given to around 70 boys a year since 1974. However, the has been falling in popularity in recent years, from 61 in 2010 to 37 in 2016.
Ramsey, the name of a villainous character from the show, has received a fluctuation in the name since 1995. There were 11 Ramseys born between the years 2005 and 2014; 9 Ramsey’s were born last year.
What do you think, mums? Would you name your child after the beautiful and regal Daenerys? Or the witty and charming Tyrion? Or maybe the mystical and alluring Melisandre? (Mel for short, maybe?). Perhaps you have a little one named after a Game of Thrones character? Let us know in the comment section!
Season 7 of Game of Thrones starts this Monday.
