During the "Game of Thrones" season 7 finale, Jon Snow's real name has been revealed. His true name is Aegon Targaryen, just like Rhaegar's first born son. But why would Rhaegar name both his sons Aegon? Here you are the most popular theory about this!
The 'other' Aegon
In case you forgot, Elia Martell and Rhaegar Targaryen had a son they named Aegon and a daughter they named Rhaenys. Both the children were killed by Gregor Clegane during the Sack of King's Landing. Elia nearly died giving birth to Aegon, after which the Maesters told the Dragon Prince that his wife would be unable to bear any more children.
Keep in mind that Rhaegar thought his firstborn son to be The Prince That Was Promised. At first, he believed he was the PTWP, later he decided that his son was the prince of the prophecy. It's important to note that Rhaegar was a little obsessed with prophecies.
Daenerys' vision in the House of the Undying
During Dany's vision in the House of the Undying Rhaegar and Elia discuss their son. "Aegon, what better name for a king?" Rhaegar says. "Will you make a song for him?" asks Elia. "He has a song. He is the prince that was promised, and his is the song of Ice And Fire. There must be one more. The dragon has three heads” Rhaegar concludes.
So why Jon Snow's real name is Aegon?
The first Aegon died before Jon/Aegon was born, and neither child ever lived concurrently.
According to what we see in the Tower of Joy flashback, the Kingsguard are aware of Rhaegar's death when Eddard arrives. It looks likely that Lyanna is aware of it too. If Lyanna was the one who chose the name of the baby, it makes total sense for her to choose "Aegon." Why? Because:
- She knew the baby was the heir to the Iron Throne ("Aegon, what better name for a king?")
- She knew about the prophecy and she may have thought that Rhaegar's firstborn son could not be The Prince The Was Promised, since he was, well, already dead. She may have thought to "pass on" to her child the name Rhaegar chose for the baby he thought was going to be TPTWP: Jon Snow/Aegon, being the son of Rhaegar and Lyanna, fits the Prince's description very well. He really is the son(g) of Ice and Fire!
All things considered, it's not that weird for Jon to be named Aegon Targaryen as Rhaegar's first born son: Aegon is the perfect name for a king and Jon is the heir to the Iron Throne; moreover, it would make sense to pass on to him the name Rhaegar chose for the baby he believed to be The Prince That Was Promised, as Jon clearly is one of the best candidates for the role.
