Arya

The name Arya is a girl's name of Indian origin meaning "noble; air/song". Arya was derived from an Indo-Iranian word meaning “Aryan” or “noble.” It is a masculine given name in Iran, Indonesia, Bali, and Indian-speaking regions of India. In Hindu- and English-speaking parts of the world, Arya is more often a feminine name, the latter influenced by the similar Italian name Aria, meaning “air” or “song.” Arya is an unusual and exotic name on the rise thanks to a popular book and television series. Arya entered the popularity charts in 2010. The prime impetus is the fiercely independent young character Arya Stark in the TV series Game of Thrones, based on the George R. R. Martin books A Song of Fire and Ice. Another influence is the Elven princess in Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle trilogy, basis of the movie Eragon. The name resembles the musical Aria and the male Aryan, both also growing in popularity in the US.