Game of Thrones inspiring Canadian baby names

This publicity image released by HBO shows Emilia Clarke in a scene from "Game of Thrones." (AP Photo/HBO, Keith Bernstein)

It seems Game of Thrones' dragon-wielding Queen Daenerys Targaryen's reign of power knows no borders.

The popular character -- played by English actress Emilia Clarke -- has inspired a few Canadian parents to name their daughters after the power-hungry "Mother of Dragons."

Since the show debuted in April 2011, a handful of wee Canadians have been named after the revenge-seeking daughter of a slain king.

In provinces such as British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec -- where a complete official baby name database for the year 2012 is available online -- at least two baby girls were named Daenerys.

The number of real-life Daenerys, however, was outnumbered by newborns named after the character's other title: Khaleesi.

In 2012, at least four tiny Canadians were named Khaleesi, or Khaleesy, in apparent tribute to the designation bestowed on the character when she married Drogo, a "khal" or leader of the Dothraki people.

The platinum blonde queen wasn't the only character that inspired Canadian parents when it came to naming their new babe.

Arya Stark, the tomboy princess, also served as apparent inspiration.

In Alberta, Quebec, and British Columbia, at least 31 newborn girls were named Arya, or a variation of it.

The surname, however, doesn't appear to be an original Game of Thrones creation. A search on various popular baby naming websites suggests the name, and other variations of it, has been kicking around for some time. But the show seems to have boosted the name's currency.

In British Columbia, for example, the name has more than doubled its popularity. In 2011, there were only 10 newborn babies christened with that name. In comparison, in 2012, 29 babies were named after the sword-wielding character.

Of course, the phenomenon of naming newborns after fictional characters isn't just limited to the Game of Thrones universe. Beyond the kingdoms' walls, fans of other television series and movies have also decided in recent years to name their newborns after their favourite characters.

In 2012, there was at least one baby girl in Alberta named after Hermione, the muggle-born Gryffindor played by Emma Watson in the Harry Potter movie series.

Hermione's nemesis, Draco, also served as an inspiration for parents. In 2012, at least two baby boys were named Draco or Dragos.