Declining since 2018, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Oberyn since 2015
Babies named Oberyn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2010s | 63 |
| 2020s | 56 |
Meaning & origin
Oberyn is a striking modern name that entered official U.S. birth records in 2015, following the immense popularity of the television series 'Game of Thrones'. At its peak in 2019, the name saw its highest usage, though overall it has remained rare: by 2025 its rank had fallen to 9,714, with an estimated 1 in 244,011 babies receiving the name. The trajectory has been declining since 2018, suggesting a passing fad rather than lasting adoption. Despite its fictional origins, Oberyn appeals to parents seeking a strong, melodic name with a noble sound, reminiscent of characters like Oberon from Shakespeare. Its absence from top states indicates scattered, infrequent use across the country.
Oberyn is a modern literary coinage, created by author George R. R. Martin for his series 'A Song of Ice and Fire', first published in 1998. The name was given to a minor character, Oberyn Martell, and gained public attention through the television adaptation 'Game of Thrones' (2011-2019). Its phonetic structure suggests influences from names like Oberon or Auberon, but no direct linguistic root has been established.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Obie, Obe
Sibling names for Oberyn
Names that share Oberyn's style, for a brother or sister.
