If you’re an expectant parent looking to your favorite TV show for baby name inspiration, you’re not alone. Research from a UK-based childcare directory revealed a 112% jump in the number of babies named after TV characters in the past 10 years, which makes sense as most parents spend a good portion of the weeks leading up to delivery trying to figure out the perfect name for their new arrival.
Two names — Khaleesi and Arya — inspired from one of the top 10 most popular TV shows of all time, Game of Thrones, have increased in popularity in recent years, according to the Social Security Administration. And it doesn’t look like the TV baby name trend will go away anytime soon.
More from Mom.com: Baby Names Based on Your Favorite ’90s Sitcoms
Taking baby name inspiration from popular TV shows|Taking baby name inspiration from popular TV shows
Addison|Addison
Popularity rank in the US: #54
Meaning: son of Adam
Grey’s Anatomy ranks at number 8 among the top 10 most popular TV shows of all time, and one name in particular influenced an entire generation of parents. Addison, played by Kate Walsh, was so popular that she got her own popular TV show spin-off, Private Practice.
Lily
Popularity rank in the US: #27
Meaning: Grace and beauty
A name that evokes grace and beauty akin to the fragrant flower, Lily owes its origins to the Greek language and can be a shortened version of the names Lillian or Elizabeth. Since 2000, the name Lily has soared in popularity, possibly due to characters who have appeared in popular TV shows like Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother, and The Munsters.|Popularity rank in the US: #27
Meaning: Grace and beauty
A name that evokes grace and beauty akin to the fragrant flower, Lily owes its origins to the Greek language and can be a shortened version of the names Lillian or Elizabeth. Since 2000, the name Lily has soared in popularity, possibly due to characters who have appeared in popular TV shows like Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother, and The Munsters.
Violet|Violet
Popularity rank in the US: #67
Meaning: Violet flower
She may be soft and sweet, or strong and bold. Violet is the name of a beautiful color and flower. It has soared from the 734th most popular girl’s name in 2000 to a remarkable 69th in 2013, possibly because of the popularity of Downton Abbey or Private Practice. This classic girl’s name has its roots in Latin.|Popularity rank in the US: #67
Meaning: Violet flower
She may be soft and sweet, or strong and bold. Violet is the name of a beautiful color and flower. It has soared from the 734th most popular girl’s name in 2000 to a remarkable 69th in 2013, possibly because of the popularity of Downton Abbey or Private Practice. This classic girl’s name has its roots in Latin.
Luke|Luke
Popularity rank in the US: #28
Meaning: Light-giving
Derived from Latin, the name Luke (from Lucas) is well-known for doctors and a Skywalker. In the TV world, it has remained a popular choice with characters named Luke on Modern Family, General Hospital, and As the World Turns. Gilmore Girls fans will remember Luke Danes, the supplier of the ever-important, life-giving coffee.|Popularity rank in the US: #28
Meaning: Light-giving
Derived from Latin, the name Luke (from Lucas) is well-known for doctors and a Skywalker. In the TV world, it has remained a popular choice with characters named Luke on Modern Family, General Hospital, and As the World Turns. Gilmore Girls fans will remember Luke Danes, the supplier of the ever-important, life-giving coffee.
Cameron|Cameron
Popularity rank in the US: #53
Meaning: Crooked nose
Though considered suitable for either gender, the name Cameron, derived from the Scots language, is more popular for baby boys. Your son will be in good company: The Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet, who plays Cameron Tucker, received an Emmy award for his work on the show.
HBO’s White Lotus, since its debut, has won 42 industry awards and has received 93 nominations, making it one of the most popular TV shows this past year. On the show, Theo James portrays the charming yet awful antagonist Cameron, a character we all love to hate.
Olivia|Olivia
Popularity rank in the US: #2
Meaning: Olive
Some names never grow stale, and Olivia is one that continues to gain in popularity. The name Olivia was first used by Shakespeare in the play Twelfth Night, and it may have been adapted from the Latin “Oliver.” On television, you can find characters named Olivia on popular TV shows like Fringe, Gossip Girl, Guiding Light, Law & Order, and Scandal.|Popularity rank in the US: #2
Meaning: Olive
Some names never grow stale, and Olivia is one that continues to gain in popularity. The name Olivia was first used by Shakespeare in the play Twelfth Night, and it may have been adapted from the Latin “Oliver.” On television, you can find characters named Olivia on popular TV shows like Fringe, Gossip Girl, Guiding Light, Law & Order, and Scandal.
