Daenerys is a unique and distinctive female given name that has gained popularity in recent years due to its association with the character Daenerys Targaryen from George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series and the HBO television adaptation, Game of Thrones.
The name Daenerys is of Greek origin and means "happy". It is derived from the Greek word "daenna," which translates to "to be happy." In the context of the Game of Thrones series, the character Daenerys Targaryen was given this name by her brother Viserys as a symbol of hope and happiness for their family's future restoration to power.
The history of the name Daenerys is not well-documented before its appearance in George R.R. Martin's series. However, it has since become increasingly popular as a baby girl name, particularly in English-speaking countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, the popularity of the name Daenerys began to rise significantly after the premiere of Game of Thrones in 2011.
Despite its recent surge in popularity, the name Daenerys remains relatively rare compared to more traditional names. This uniqueness can make it a compelling choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In conclusion, Daenerys is a female given name of Greek origin that means "happy." Its popularity has increased in recent years due to its association with the character Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones. Although its history prior to the series is not well-documented, it has become an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughter.
Over the past decade, the number of babies named Daenerys has seen significant growth and fluctuations. Initially starting with just 21 births in 2012, this name gained popularity, peaking at 166 births in 2018. Since then, it has fluctuated between 85 to 125 births annually. Overall, a total of 1219 babies have been named Daenerys over these eleven years.