Top baby names inspired by video game characters – and they’re beating classics

Parents have long sought inspiration for baby names from various sources, and now it seems the world of video games is influencing their choices.

A recent study has revealed that prospective parents are increasingly naming their children after video game characters, with names like Jade and Max from Beyond Good and Evil and Life is Strange becoming popular for girls.

For boys, the name Arthur from Red Dead Redemption 2 is leading the pack.

Given the amount of time players immerse themselves in gaming worlds, it’s not surprising that they develop a strong connection to these characters, who can become as meaningful as those in literature or cinema.

Online Free Games conducted an analysis of global Google searches for baby names linked to beloved gaming characters to understand this trend.

The research involved tracking search patterns over the past year for names from IGDB’s top 100 games list, looking at how often people searched for terms such as “[name] baby name” or “is [name] a boy or girl name.”, reports the Mirror.

Jade, the intrepid photojournalist from Ubisoft’s Beyond Good and Evil, emerged as the most popular name, embodying qualities that many parents desire for their daughters.

The name, which is quite lovely in its own right, translates to “precious stone”, a charming yet potent moniker for any newborn. The original game was released in 2003, but the long-awaited sequel has kept Jade relevant among dedicated gamers, resulting in an unsurprising interest score of 89.72.

Next on the list with 84.91 points is Max, the photography student from the narrative-driven game Life is Strange, who possesses the ability to manipulate time.

This punchy and potentially unisex name reflects current parental preferences for names that are suitable for both boys and girls.

Max, short for Maxine in this case, is known as a compassionate, intelligent character who becomes more assertive as her self-confidence grows.

Arthur, named after the cool-headed, resourceful outlaw Arthur Morgan from Red Dead Redemption 2, is the third choice on the list. Arthur, a traditional name meaning “bear” or “noble,” has been given a fresh Wild West spin by this captivating game.

Arthur’s depth and intriguing redemption arc in this complexly loved game resonate with many gamers on a deeper level.

The rest of the top 10 features a blend of classic and modern: Lee from Telltale’s The Walking Dead (81.75) and Isaac from Dead Space (80.23) are both robust masculine choices, while Faith from Mirror’s Edge (78.91) might appeal to those seeking spiritual significance.

The iconic Apollo from Ace Attorney, with a score of 78.66, boasts deep mythological roots, while Chloe from Uncharted (78.55) and Claire from Resident Evil (77.60) are chic and solid feminine names that have stood the test of time.

In an unexpected twist, Link from The Legend of Zelda, one of gaming’s most renowned heroes, sits at just barely within the top 10 at 77.38 points, indicating a favour for less overt gaming tributes in naming.

Serge Eliseeff, CEO of Online Free Games, commented: “Gaming has grown – and continues to grow – to be such a big part of modern culture, it’s part of who we are.

The characters we connect with through hundreds of gameplay hours become meaningful to us, so it makes perfect sense that their names would top the list when parents are brainstorming baby names.”

Experts have observed distinct trends in the way gaming enthusiast parents choose names for boys versus girls.

The boys’ name collection presents a blend of traditional picks like Arthur, Lee, and Isaac along with distinctive gaming-inspired choices such as Link and Cloud.

These male characters typically exude characteristics like strength and protection, often undergoing elaborate character journeys.

For girls, the chosen names mirror strong leading ladies in control of their stories. Still, Zelda takes the lowest spot on the girls’ list, implying a tilt towards more modern heroines.

Overall, parents appear more open to choosing gaming-inspired names for girls than boys, based on higher interest scores for female character names.

Eliseeff noted: “What we’re seeing here is the natural evolution of how culture shapes our most personal choices. Parents have always named children after heroes – it’s just that today’s heroes are more likely to be virtual.

“Most game characters have complex stories and personalities that resonate deeply with players after hundreds of hours of interactive storytelling.

“The popularity of names like Jade and Arthur shows that parents are looking for names with substance and meaning. They’re choosing characters known for their courage, resilience, and moral complexity – qualities any parent would want their child to embody.

“It’s fascinating to see how the lines between virtual worlds and real life continue to blur, with video games now influencing one of the most significant decisions a parent can make.”