How to use the fantasy name generator
- Choose what you are naming: elf, dwarf, human, halfling, orc, wizard, dragon, kingdom or tavern.
- Pick a masculine, feminine or any name style.
- Press Generate names for a fresh batch. Copy all saves the whole list.
- Use the top pick, or tap any name in the list to copy it.
Choose a name type: elf, dwarf, medieval human, halfling, orc, wizard or dragon for characters, or kingdom and tavern for places. For characters with masculine and feminine naming styles, pick one or leave it on Any. Tick the box to add a family name, clan name, nickname or title, then press Generate. Click a name to copy it.
The generator is built for tabletop role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons, for novels and short stories, for video game characters and for world-building. Generate a batch, read the names aloud, and keep the ones that suit the character.
How each fantasy race sounds
| Type | Sound | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Elf | Long vowels, soft l, r, th and n sounds | Calthal Moonwhisper, Liawen Silverbloom |
| Dwarf | Short, hard consonants such as b, d, g and k | Thorgrim Ironbeard, Helhild Copperbraid |
| Human (medieval) | Real historical names | Aldric Ashford, Cecily Hawthorne |
| Halfling | Friendly, homely names | Barnaby Copperkettle, Poppy Tealeaf |
| Orc | Guttural sounds such as gr, k, z and sh | Grogash the Loud, Zugthak Ironjaw |
| Wizard | Grand, Latin-flavored endings | Malazar the Starweaver, Solessa of the Azure Flame |
| Dragon | Rolling syllables with x, th and y | Vorax the Ancient, Zyrion the Golden |
| Kingdom | Place syllables plus a realm type | Kingdom of Eldmere, Duchy of Ravholm |
| Tavern | Classic inn sign names | The Laughing Griffin, The Kettle and Crown |
How the names are generated
Invented names are built from a starting syllable and an ending syllable chosen to sound right together for that race. Human and halfling names use real given names and family names. Family names, nicknames and titles come from a separate list, and every part is chosen with your browser's secure random source.
Elves have 20 starts and 20 endings for each style, so there are 20 × 20 = 400 masculine and 400 feminine given names. With the 15 × 15 = 225 two-part family names, that makes 800 × 225 = 180,000 full elf names. Dwarves have the same structure. Kingdoms combine 400 place names with five realm types for 2,000 options, and taverns offer 780.
Tips for naming fantasy characters
- Say it aloud. Players will repeat the name for months. If it trips the tongue, pick another.
- Vary first letters. A party of Thorin, Theron and Thalia is hard to follow. Give main characters different first letters and lengths.
- Keep cultures consistent. Characters from the same place should share sounds. Use one race setting for a whole family or town.
- Let titles tell stories. A nickname such as "the Patient" or "Two-Tusk" hints at a history your players can ask about.
- Check for famous matches. Some combinations may resemble well-known characters. Search the name if you plan to publish.
Kingdom and tavern names
Place names set the tone of a world before anyone reads a word of history. Kingdom names here combine a short root with endings common in fantasy maps, such as -mere, -gard, -vale and -holm, and add a realm type. Tavern names follow the old tradition of inn signs, which used pictures of animals and everyday objects so travelers who could not read could still find them.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a good fantasy name?
Pick sounds that match the culture, such as soft vowels for elves or hard consonants for dwarves, keep it easy to say, and add a family name or title that hints at the character's history.
Can I use these names in my D&D campaign or novel?
Yes. The names are random combinations of syllables and words, free to use in games, stories and other projects. Search the name first if you plan to publish commercially.
How many fantasy names can the generator make?
It depends on the type. Elves have 180,000 full name combinations with family names, kingdoms have 2,000 and taverns have 780.
What are good dwarf names?
Dwarf names are usually short and strong, built from hard consonants, with clan names that join a metal or stone with a craft, such as Thorgrim Ironbeard or Helhild Copperbraid.
Does the generator make kingdom names?
Yes. Choose Kingdom under Places to get realm names such as Kingdom of Eldmere or Duchy of Ravholm, or Tavern for inn names.