From Arya to Daenarys, Game of Thrones is still inspiring parents-to-be with baby names

It might not be returning to our screens until next April, but ‘Game of Thrones‘ is still offering baby name inspo to parents-to-be.

Just last week the ONS revealed that Oliver and Olivia are still the most popular monikers for new babies.

But the same research also revealed that mums and dads are giving their little ones the ultimate fan tribute by naming their little ones after characters from the hit show.

According to the report, 343 babies in England and Wales were named Arya last year after Maisie Williams’ rookie assassin character.

The youngest Stark sister’s moniker rose 14 percent in popularity from the previous year, up from 302.

Another Stark also proving popular in the baby naming stakes is Sansa, with more girls than ever before given the moniker, after the eldest daughter of Ned Stark.

Meanwhile, a record 76 baby girls were called Khaleesi in 2017, which is the title given to Emilia Clarke’s character Daenerys Targaryen by the Dothraki.

Three more children were called Daenarys.

Boys are getting a sprinkling of GoT-inspo too with 11 baby boys, the same number as in 2016, called Tyrion, most likely after the character Tyrion Lannister, played by actor Peter Dinklage.

And ‘Game of Thrones’ isn’t the only TV programme or film providing inspiration to parents. Disney’s animated film ‘Moana’ saw seven babies named after the character last year.

‘Star Wars’ also appears to have had an impact on baby monikers, with 149 girls called Leia, and 21 named Rey.

A whopping 70 boys were also called Kylo last year, which is an unusual choice for a gurgling baby considering the character is a murdering psychopath who ends up killing his own dad. Erm.

Comic book character Harley Quinn, who was brought to life by Marvel’s Suicide Squad, also featured on the baby naming list with three girls being given the moniker last year.

Popular culture isn’t the only topic providing inspiration for baby names right now.

Truly modern parents are now choosing their child’s moniker based on the availability of their domain name. (yep that’s totally a thing millennial mums and dads are doing apparently)

Politics could also have an influence. Last year baby naming experts predicted Corbyn to be one of the hottest names for newborns.

According to a survey by parenting site ChannelMum.com more than half of parents would consider Corbyn as a moniker for their baby.

And while the name has already surged 50% in the must-have name stakes between 2014-15, it is expected to rocket even further.

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