Find out how popular the first name Rhaenyra has been for the last 2 years (from 2022 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rhaenyra by gender

Based on the last 2 years of data, Rhaenyra is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 127 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Rhaenyra.

The history of the first name Rhaenyra

The name Rhaenyra is a relatively modern invention, most likely created by author George R.R. Martin for his fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire. It does not have a definitive origin or etymology from any particular language or culture.

However, the name appears to be derived from the word "Rhaenys," which was also a name created by Martin for his fictional world of Westeros. Rhaenys was a Targaryen princess who lived centuries before the events of the books. The name Rhaenyra follows a similar naming convention for female Targaryen characters.

While the name itself is a modern creation, it does have a fantastical and mythological quality to it, perhaps drawing inspiration from ancient cultures and languages. The prefix "Rhae-" could be a nod to classical names like Rhea, the ancient Greek goddess of fertility and motherhood.

Since the name is a relatively new invention for a fictional character, there are no historical references or ancient texts that mention it. However, the character of Rhaenyra Targaryen has become quite famous within the context of Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and the Game of Thrones television adaptation.

Rhaenyra was a controversial and pivotal figure in the fictional history of Westeros, as she sparked a civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons when her claim to the Iron Throne was disputed. Her story and legacy have become a significant part of the broader narrative and lore of Martin's fictional world.

While there are no real-world historical figures named Rhaenyra, the name has gained popularity among fans of the book and television series. Some notable examples of people who have adopted the name in recent years include:

1. Rhaenyra Hill, an American actress and model.
2. Rhaenyra Belmont, a YouTube personality and content creator.
3. Rhaenyra Targaryen, a character portrayed by Emma D'Arcy in the upcoming Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon.

It is worth noting that the name's popularity is largely confined to the fandom of Martin's works and is unlikely to be found in historical records or census data from before the 21st century.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Rhaenyra was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Rhaenyra, please contact us.

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