So I just picked up the first book in the series, The Last Kingdom.

Theres a character named Ragnar, with a son named Rorik.... Ragnar the Red... Rorikstead.....


And now theres a character named Ivar. Ivarstead......

Quite a coincidence. Just thought I'd share.

Never read it , but it sounds interesting (just wiki'ed it). I know that the Bethesda team looked to a lot of material for inspiration (besides some of their old lore). I know that the actor who plays Ulfric was in Thirteenth Warrior and the choice for casting might've been inspired by their viewing. I could've sworn I read that somewhere.

Those are all fairly standard Norse names. Not really a big coincidence...