Game of Thrones characters inspiring new baby names including Khaleesi and Theon

Theon, Tyrion, Bran, Khaleesi, Daenerys and Sansa were among the names to boys and girls born in 2014

Parents appear to be naming their children after Theon Greyjoy and other Game of Thrones characters

Baby Danerys, Sansa, Theon and Tyrion have been welcomed into the world in England and Wales as parents draw influence from Game of Thrones.

The series, famed for its graphic violence and sex scenes, may not seem the most obvious choice for couples looking for inspiration but there has been a sharp spike in the use of characters’ names since it first aired in 2011.

In 2014, 18 babies were named Theon, 17 Tyrion, 14 Bran and four Sandor, which is a new entry according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Daenerys Targaryen, also known as Khaleesi, appears to have inspired dozens of parents (HBO)

For the girls, 53 babies were named Khaleesi, nine Daenerys, six Sansa and four Brienne.

“Like the TV series, the Starks, Lannisters and Greyjoys are battling it out for popularity among the male Game of Thrones names,” a spokesperson for the ONS observed.

“We can see the largest peak after the series first aired in 2011, but Theon and Bran track each other in popularity after each book release throughout the noughties.”

The new statistics also revealed “Frozen fever" continues to have an impact on baby girls’ names, with Elsa and Anna remaining popular.

Kristoff, the main male character in the Disney animation, appeared on the list of names in England and Wales for the first time, being given to three children.

Olaf, the snowman, proved more popular and was used 52 times. The Norse name originates in Scandinavia.

The continuing influence of pop music can also be seen, with Rita growing in popularity partly due to singer Rita Ora, and Harry and Louis remaining among the top names, although it is unlikely that this is down to One Direction alone.

But Zayn Malik, who has since left the band, appeared to have an effect. Almost eight times as many baby boys were given the name in 2014 compared to 2010.

Football also appears to be having an influence on boys’ names, with Cristiano (Ronaldo), (Lionel) Messi, Neymar and Luis (Suarez) still being chosen as children's monikers.

Almost eight times as many Zayns were born last year than in 2010 (AP)

The ONS documented the impact of two television shows in particular – Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Downton Abbey.

Reality stars Kourtney, Khloe and Kendall have all increased in number since 2010, although Kim is being used less.

Meanwhile, Downton Abbey is believed to be behind a resurgence in popularity for Edwardian names.

Edith, Violet and Rose, which were in the top 30 names in 1904, are on the rise once again.