D&D February 28, 2026 • 12 min read

250+ Best D&D Names by Race: Elf, Dwarf, Tiefling & More

Naming your D&D character shouldn't take longer than building their stats. Here's every name you need, organized by race with actual naming conventions from the sourcebooks.

Elf Names

Elven names are melodic and flowing, often inspired by Tolkien's Elvish languages. High elves use more formal, Quenya-inspired names, while wood elves prefer nature references. Dark elves (Drow) have harsher sounds.

High Elf Names (Male)

Aelindor Caelum Thalion Finrod Galdor Erevan Ivellios Quarion Soveliss Therion

High Elf Names (Female)

Aelindra Celebriel Elowen Galadwen Isilwen Luthien Mithrellas Silmarien Tinuviel Vanya

Wood Elf Names

Tauriel Willowshade Fernheart Oakenleaf Briarwood Mossbranch Dewdrop Riverwind Thornvale Starbloom

Drow (Dark Elf) Names

Drizzt Zaknafein Jarlaxle Malice Viconia Qilue Liriel Xullrae Pharaun Valas
💡 Tip: Elf family names often describe a natural feature or ancestral deed: Silverfrond, Nightbreeze, Moonwhisper, Starseeker.

Dwarf Names

Dwarf names are Germanic-inspired with hard consonants and clan names that often reference mining, smithing, or mountains. A dwarf's clan name carries great honor.

Male Dwarf Names

Thorin Balin Dain Bruenor Gimli Durin Thrain Dolgrin Harbek Kildrak

Female Dwarf Names

Dagnal Gurdis Helga Mardred Riswynn Sannl Torbera Vistra Kathra Audhild

Dwarf Clan Names

Ironforge Stonehammer Battlehammer Fireforge Goldanvil Deepdelver Brightaxe Rumnaheim

Tiefling Names

Tieflings can choose from three naming conventions: Infernal names from their fiendish heritage, Virtue names representing their aspirations, or human names from the culture they were raised in.

Infernal Names (Male)

Akmenos Amnon Barakas Damakos Ekemon Kairon Leucis Melech Mordai Therai

Infernal Names (Female)

Akta Bryseis Damaia Ea Kallista Lerissa Makaria Nemeia Phelaia Rieta

Virtue Names (Any Gender)

Many tieflings choose virtue names—concepts they aspire to or want to embody:

Hope Glory Fear Torment Creed Nowhere Poetry Quest Random Sorrow Weary Carrion
💡 Tip: Virtue names work great for tieflings who've rejected their infernal heritage or are trying to define their own identity.

Dragonborn Names

Dragonborn names are clan-first, with the personal name coming second. Names have draconic sounds and often include 'th', 'x', and hard consonants.

Male Dragonborn Names

Arjhan Balasar Bharash Donaar Ghesh Heskan Kriv Medrash Nadarr Torinn

Female Dragonborn Names

Akra Biri Daar Harann Kava Korinn Mishann Nala Perra Sora

Dragonborn Clan Names

Clethtinthiallor Daardendrian Delmirev Drachedandion Fenkenkabradon Kepeshkmolik Kerrhylon Kimbatuul

Human Names

Human names in D&D vary by cultural background. Here are names by Forgotten Realms ethnicity:

Chondathan (Most Common)

Darvin Dorn Gorstag Randal Arveene Esvele Jhessail Tessele

Calishite

Aseir Bardeid Haseid Zasheir Atala Ceidil Hama Zashida

Illuskan (Northern)

Ander Blath Geth Stor Amafrey Betha Kethra Westra

Halfling Names

Halfling names are warm and homey, often with two syllables. Family names often describe an ancestor's deed or profession.

Male Halfling Names

Alton Cade Corrin Eldon Garret Lyle Milo Osborn Roscoe Wellby

Female Halfling Names

Andry Bree Cora Euphemia Jillian Kithri Lavinia Lidda Nedda Vani

Halfling Family Names

Brushgather Goodbarrel Greenbottle Highhill Hilltopple Leagallow Tealeaf Underbough

Gnome Names

Gnomes love names and often have a dozen! They have a given name, clan name, and multiple nicknames. Names are often long and whimsical.

Male Gnome Names

Alston Boddynock Dimble Fonkin Gimble Jebeddo Namfoodle Orryn Sindri Zook

Female Gnome Names

Bimpnottin Caramip Duvamil Ellywick Loopmottin Nissa Oda Roywyn Shamil Zanna

Half-Orc Names

Half-orcs often have orcish names with hard sounds, though some adopt human names to fit in.

Male Half-Orc Names

Dench Feng Gell Henk Holg Krusk Mhurren Ront Shump Thokk

Female Half-Orc Names

Baggi Emen Engong Kansif Myev Neega Ovak Ownka Shautha Vola

Goliath Names

Goliaths have three names: a birth name given by parents, a nickname earned from deeds, and a clan name. The nickname is used most often.

Birth Names

Aukan Eglath Gauthak Ilikan Keothi Kuori Lo-Kag Manneo Thalai Vaunea

Deed Nicknames

Bearkiller Dawncaller Fearless Horncarver Lonehunter Rootsmasher Skywatcher Steadyhand Threadtwister Wordpainter

⚔️ Need More Names?

Generate unlimited D&D names instantly with our free tool.

Try the D&D Name Generator →

Quick Naming Tips

  1. Say it out loud — If you can't pronounce it, neither can your party
  2. Match the race — Use the naming conventions above for authenticity
  3. Consider the character — A serious paladin vs. a chaotic rogue should sound different
  4. Keep it memorable — 2-3 syllables works best for most names
  5. Check for accidental meanings — Google your name to avoid unintended associations
💡 Final Tip: Don't overthink it! A name that feels right is the right name. You can always tweak it later if needed.

Related Resources