Names With A Touch Of Geek
Fantasy characters can have some pretty out-there names. While we understand wanting to name a child after a beloved franchise, especially one you've carried with you since childhood, some names just work better in magical lands. That's why we've compiled a list of 20 names that are subtle enough to fly under the radar, but still suitably geeky.
1. Bastian
If you were traumatized by Artax succumbing in the Swamp of Sadness, you're not alone. But perhaps we can choose a more cheerful name from The Neverending Story. Bastian Balthazar Bux is the main characer. a dreamy, lonely child who becomes a storybook character himself.
2. Willow
We love a fantasy story about a hero coming from humble origins. While the titular character of this 1988 film (and short-lived Disney+ series) is a man, and while we think that any name could work for any baby, Willow is seen as a feminine name rather than a masculine one today. Additionally, if you're looking for a more witchy angle, you could cite Alyson Hannigan's character in Buffy.
3. Sam
While Frodo may be the protagonist of Lord of the Rings, some people may argue that Sam is the real hero (even if he'd probably disagree with them). The in-universe translation of his name means "simple" which, rather than referring to being simple-minded, can refer to Sam's simple courage and devotion.
4. Morgan
The first, but not last, Arthurian name on this list, Morgan le Fay is a powerful enchantress. While early interpretations of her character left much to be desired, her role has grown to encompass both antagonistic and anti-hero roles. More recent explorations of her character have explored the duality of her role.
5. Westley
The Princess Bride isn't just one of the greatest '80s movies of all time, or one of the most quotable fantasy films ever made, or even one of the best love stories ever told. It's all three and more. What better way to pay homage to this flawless film than naming your child after the Dread Pirate Roberts himself.
6. Lyra
The world of His Dark Materials is one of collegiate gothic, shapeshifting animal companions, and armored polar bear duels to the death. If that's not enough to draw readers in, then we don't know what is. Lyra Belacqua is one of the most fascinating characters in modern children's fantasy.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia
7. Jaime
If you've only seen the first season of Game of Thrones (or read the first book), you probably think that this is a deranged choice for a baby name. However, fans know that Jaime Lannister's development, both personal and with other characters, is exactly what makes his character so fascinating.
Richie S from Brooklyn, NY, United States on Wikimedia
8. Matilda
Fantasy isn't always knights and castles, sometimes it's about precocious children gifted with telekinesis. The original Matilda novel, along with subsequent film and musical adaptations, has been delighting parents and children since 1988. While Matilda's powers and genius may be a lot for children to live up to, her strong morals and kindness make her a wonderful role model.
9. Bran
Like many characters in A Song of Ice and Fire, Bran Stark's name is adapted from a real-world name to fit the harsh realities of Westeros. Despite being the youngest point of view character, Bran is one of the most compelling and, allegedly, the most difficult to right. Whether or not you liked the series finale, you can probably agree that Bran's fate was earned after all he'd gone through.
10. Helaena
The most recent introduction to this list, Helaena Targaryen from House of the Dragon quickly gained a cult following online. Helaena's prophecies, fascination with bugs, and bong with the dragon Dreamfyee While some Targaryen names are a little more out there than the rest of the series (not to mention difficult for a child to spell!), we think this one is a happy medium between fantasy and reality.
George R. R. Martin on Wikimedia
11. Arthur
Did King Arthur really exist? Possibly, in some form or another, but Arthur has always been more of an artistic concept than a historical figure. While the Morte d'Arthur may be a little heavy for young readers, T.H. White's classic One and Future King series is just right.
Charles Ernest Butler on Wikimedia
12. Gwen
We promise we're done with the Arthurian names after this one. Guinevere (or Gwenhwyfar in Welsh) is one of the most iconic characters in British literature, period. With almost a millennium of stories exploring her character, she's been portrayed as a villainous seductress to the picture of virtue.
Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale on Wikimedia
13. Link
Since he burst onto the scene in1986, Link has become one of the most beloved fantasy characters in history. A legendary hero who changed the face of video games forever, this name could work for a girl as well as a boy. You could, of course, name your child Zelda if you have no interest in subtlety.
14. Ciri
The lion cub of Cintra, Ciri is one of the main and most recognizable characters in the Witcher saga. If you're feeling more formal, you could opt for her full name of Cirilla. And, if you don't love Ciri as a name, but adore her character, she has several other names to choose from.
15. Caspian
The titular Prince Caspian in the Chonicles of Narnia fourth installment is an ideal king known for his nobility and fairness. This name strikes a balance between the—literally—down-to-earth names that the English characters have, and some of the more fanciful names of the Narnians.
16. Cassandra
If you're wondering why there are so few Dragon Age names on this list, well, let's just say to keep your eyes peeled. Cassandra is one of the main characters in Dragon Age II and Inquisition, as well as animated films. Designed to be strong and forceful, Cassandra is a favorite character for her complex personality and wry comments.
greyloch from Washington, DC, area, U.S.A. on Wikimedia
17. Alwin
Alwin isn't a name based on any specific fantasy character, but is inspired by a race of them. This Celtic name means "magical being" and is most commonly associated with elves. It's a more schoolyard-friendly choice than Legolas in our opinion.
Vitaliy Shevchenko on Unsplash
18. Elanor
Maybe not the first name you think of when you think of female LotR characters (though there aren't a ton to draw from), but this name has a cute fantasy twist on a real-world name. Elanor is a sun-star flower found in Lothlorien and is the name of Sam's daughter after the return to the shire. This name symbolizes new growth, both literally and metaphorically.
19. Taran
Before Welsh (and Celtic) mythology was the basis for every BookTok fantasy series, Lloyd Alexander wrote about a boy who rose from assistant pig-keeper to high king. Taran's physical and emotional journey across the lands of Prydain to defeat the Lord of Death has captivated audiences for half a century. If this premise sounds familiar, you're probably thinking of Disney adaptation which was a critical flop and scarred a generation of children.
Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash
20. Dorothy
The Wizard of Oz has some of the most timeless imagery and characters in all of fantasy literature from wicked (and good) witches to flying monkeys. While the books—and what we could call The Oz Industrial Complex which arose with Wicked—has no shortage of great names, we're going to keep things classic and classy by sticking with Dorothy.
