The Ultimate Fantasy Name Guide
500+ names for every fantasy race with naming conventions, meanings, and pronunciation guides. Everything you need for D&D, fantasy writing, and RPGs.
🎯 Quick Answer
Looking for fantasy names? Good fantasy names match the character's race: Elves use flowing, melodic names (Aelindra, Thalion). Dwarves use strong, Germanic names (Thorin, Dagny). Tieflings often have virtue names (Torment, Hope) or infernal names (Mephistos, Zariel). Use our free fantasy name generator for instant results.
🧝 Elf Names
Elf names are melodic, flowing, and often inspired by nature or celestial bodies. They typically feature soft consonants, long vowels, and multiple syllables. Tolkien's Elvish languages (Quenya and Sindarin) heavily influence modern fantasy elf naming.
High Elf Names (Male)
High Elf Names (Female)
Wood Elf Names
Wood elf names tend to be more nature-focused with references to forests, animals, and seasons:
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Our elf name generator creates authentic names for High Elves, Wood Elves, Dark Elves, and more.
Try Elf Name Generator →⛏️ Dwarf Names
Dwarf names feature hard consonants, short syllables, and Germanic/Norse influences. They often sound gruff and powerful, reflecting dwarven culture. Clan names typically reference professions, geological features, or legendary ancestors.
Male Dwarf Names
Female Dwarf Names
Dwarf Clan Names
⛏️ Generate Dwarf Names Instantly
Create authentic dwarf names with clan names and meanings.
Try Dwarf Name Generator →👤 Human Fantasy Names
Human fantasy names blend real-world influences with fantastical elements. They can draw from medieval European, Celtic, Arabic, Asian, or completely invented sources. The key is consistency within your world's culture.
Medieval European Style
Celtic/Gaelic Style
😈 Tiefling Names
Tiefling names fall into three categories: Infernal names reflecting their heritage, virtue names representing their aspirations, or human names from their adopted culture. Many tieflings choose "virtue" names as a form of self-determination.
Infernal Names
Virtue Names
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Try Tiefling Name Generator →🐉 Dragonborn Names
Dragonborn names are chosen at birth and honor the clan. They feature harsh consonants, guttural sounds, and often have meanings related to draconic virtues. Clan names precede personal names in formal address.
Male Dragonborn Names
Female Dragonborn Names
🏠 Halfling Names
Halfling names are typically short, simple, and homey. They often sound like English nicknames and reflect the halfling's cheerful, practical nature. Family names frequently relate to nature or pleasant things.
Halfling Family Names
Baggins, Took, Brandybuck, Proudfoot, Goodbarrel, Underbough, Thorngage, Hilltopple, Brushgather, Highhill
💪 Orc & Half-Orc Names
Orc names are guttural, aggressive, and often monosyllabic. They feature hard consonants and short vowels. Half-orcs may use orc names, human names, or combinations depending on their upbringing.
🔧 Gnome Names
Gnome names are whimsical, long, and often accumulate over a lifetime. A gnome's full name might include childhood names, descriptive nicknames, and clan names. They love collecting names as much as collecting anything else.
📜 Fantasy Naming Conventions by Race
| Race | Style | Influences | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elves | Melodic, flowing | Tolkien Elvish, Welsh, Finnish | Aelindra, Legolas, Galadriel |
| Dwarves | Harsh, Germanic | Norse, Old English | Thorin, Gimli, Dáin |
| Humans | Varied by culture | Medieval European, Celtic, Arabic | Aldric, Fiona, Seraphina |
| Tieflings | Infernal or virtue | Latin, abstract concepts | Zariel, Hope, Torment |
| Dragonborn | Draconic, harsh | Invented, reptilian sounds | Balasar, Donaar, Kriv |
| Halflings | Homey, simple | English nicknames, nature | Bilbo, Rosie, Merry |
| Orcs | Guttural, short | Invented, aggressive sounds | Grok, Thokk, Shump |
| Gnomes | Whimsical, long | Playful sounds, German | Bimpnottin, Namfoodle |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are good fantasy names?
Good fantasy names depend on the race and setting. For elves, melodic names like Aelindra, Thalion, or Caelynn work well. For dwarves, strong consonant names like Thorin, Dáin, or Bofur are authentic. Human fantasy names often blend real-world inspirations: Aldric, Seraphina, or Corvyn.
How do I create a fantasy name?
To create a fantasy name: 1) Decide your character's race and background, 2) Research naming conventions for that race, 3) Combine meaningful syllables or modify real names, 4) Test pronunciation out loud. Alternatively, use a fantasy name generator for instant results.
What is the best fantasy name generator?
Smart Generator offers specialized fantasy name generators for each race including elves, dwarves, tieflings, dragonborn, halflings, and more. Each generator uses authentic naming conventions and allows filtering by gender and subrace. All generators are free with no signup required.
What makes a good D&D character name?
A good D&D character name: 1) Fits the race's naming conventions, 2) Is pronounceable at the table, 3) Reflects the character's personality or background, 4) Is memorable but not distracting. Avoid joke names unless your campaign supports it.
Can I use these names commercially?
Most fantasy names generated or listed here are free to use for any purpose including commercial projects. However, trademarked names from specific franchises (like Tolkien's Elvish names) should be avoided in commercial work without permission.
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