Over a month after Time Magazine released its own list of the most popular baby names of 2015 in the United States, now it's time for the UK to go through the same ritual, and it seems like there's some major influence from pop culture in the resurgence of some names - including some from "Game of Thrones"!
As "Game of Thrones" becomes a worldwide sensation, it's not surprising to see that some of the more popular baby names of 2015 are based on the show, including Khaleesi (based on Emilia Clarke's character Daenerys Targaryen) and Arya (Maisie Williams).
According to The Irish Independent, the UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently released their list of most popular baby names of 2015, and the results show one thing for certain: the easiest way for a name to become popular is through the Royal Family or television and movies.
The ONS' website reveals influences coming not only from "Thrones" but also films from Marvel, Disney favorite "Frozen" and many others, listing 10 different pop culture sources for the most popular baby names of 2015.
Indeed, the biggest pop culture influence comes from the show based on George R. R. Martin's books, with five different girl names from the show becoming popular: first, Arya with named 244 babies named that way; then, Khaleesi, with 53 babies; on the third spot, Daenerys with 9 babies; Sansa with 6 and Brienne with 4.
As for boys' names, the most popular ones based on the HBO show are Theon, Tyrion, Bran and Sandor.
As it happened with the U.S. version of popular names, Elsa from "Frozen" rose on the list, as well as her sister Anna; Logan becoming popular as well due to Hugh Jackman's Wolverine and Edith, Cora, Violet and Rose going up in the ranks due to "Downton Abbey."
Of course, famous people were also a big reason behind why some babies are named one way or another, with One Direction members Zayn Malik and Harry Styles having a lot of babies named after them; others named their children after soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi; Kardashians got their day in the sun with Khloe, Kendall, Kourtney and Kim - and film stars Scarlett Johansson, Mila Kunis, Benedict Cumberbatch, Reese Witherspoon, Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum also turning into a big influence.
The Independent reports that George has also risen in baby names 2015 popularity since the birth of Prince William and Kate Middleton's first child.
