Game of Thrones has spawned a number of babies named after its characters among the show's fans.

Bran, Sandor and Khaleesi are all names of characters from the hit TV series that were given to babies last year, with names inspired by Twilight and Thor also making appearances.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 187 baby girls named Arya last year - the same number as called Josephine, while only 147 were called Kate, and there were 50 Khaleesis - the same that were named Peggy.

There were also seven boys called Bran - as were named Brad, while there were three Sandors - the same amount of boys that were given the name Malcolm last year.

Siobhan Freegard, founder of parenting site Netmums, said unusual fictional characters' names were often chosen by parents in the hope they will make their child stand out.

She added: "But on the other hand, fantasy names inspired by shows like Game of Thrones and the Twilight series are beginning to go mainstream, with babies being named after Bellatrix from Harry Potter, Renesmee from Twilight along with Tyrion and Theon from Game of Thrones. "

Other films and series to have had an influence include cult series Breaking Bad, which appears to have led to an increase in the number of girls named Skyler (72) while there were 58 boys called Walter.

And Harry Potter also seems to continue to inspire choices, with three girls named Bellatrix in 2013.

Celebrities such as Victoria and David Beckham remain big influences, with Harper - the name they gave their daughter in 2011 - more popular last year than ever before. More than 300 girls were given the name.