Khaleesi as a Given Name

Lore & Background

The name Khaleesi originates from the constructed Dothraki language created for Game of Thrones. The intended pronunciation in Dothraki is /ˈxa.le.e.si/ (KHAH-lay-ay-see), though the pronunciation used in the television series varied from that originally intended by conlanger David J. Peterson. Parents who chose the name for their daughters cited attraction to the strength and beauty of the character, who liberated slaves and overcame obstacles to assume power. The character's dark turn and ultimate fate prompted discussion about whether parents would regret using the name.

Reader's Guide

Khaleesi has remained in regular use as a given name and, as of 2024, had been among the thousand most popular names for girls in the United States since 2014. It is also used in other countries. The related name Daenerys declined in popularity after the series ended but also remains in regular use. In the United States, 108 newborn girls were named Khaleesi in 2021, 123 in 2022, 125 in 2023, and 136 in 2024. The name has also been popular for pets, including a dog named Khaleesi Sherbrooke elected mayor of Cormorant, Minnesota in 2024, and a genetically modified female wolf pup born in February 2025 named Khaleesi in reference to the fictional dire wolves. In August 2024, the United Kingdom passport office initially declined to issue a passport to a six-year-old girl named Khaleesi, citing a Warner Bros. trademark; the decision was reversed after media attention and legal argument that a name given at birth cannot be trademarked.

Did You Know?

• The intended Dothraki pronunciation is /ˈxa.le.e.si/ (KHAH-lay-ay-see), but the television series used a different pronunciation.
• A dog named Khaleesi Sherbrooke was elected mayor of Cormorant, Minnesota in 2024.
• A genetically modified female wolf pup with dire wolf characteristics, born in February 2025, was named Khaleesi.
• In August 2024, the UK passport office initially refused a passport to a six-year-old girl named Khaleesi due to a trademark claim, but later reversed the decision.