Names by race
Tap a race to fill the generator with its names. Each race uses its own sound style, so an elf never sounds like an orc.
How to use the D&D name generator
- Choose a race, or Any race for a mixed list, handy for a tavern full of strangers.
- Pick a style. Common for everyday folk, Noble for lords and ladies with titles, Villain for names with a menacing epithet, and Funny for the bard's comic relief.
- Choose what to show: full names, first names only, or just family and clan names.
- Keep your favourites. Star names, copy the list, download it, or share a link. Your favourites stay in your browser.
How each name is built
Every race has its own sound style: a set of word roots, each with a meaning and a way to say it, plus endings for female, male and neutral names. The generator joins one or two roots to an ending. Thesswen, for example, is the elvish root thess ("shimmer") with a soft ending. That is where the meaning under each name comes from, and why a list of dwarf names sounds like one family. Some races mix in a second style about a third of the time: half-elves borrow elvish sounds, half-orcs borrow human ones, and tieflings mix grand, ancient sounds with hissing ones.
Family names follow each race's own custom:
- Clan names for elves, dragonborn, orcs, goliaths, merfolk, centaurs, giants and minotaurs: either a word in the race's own tongue with a meaning, such as an elf clan whose name means "line of starlight", or two joined words, such as an orc's Ironjaw or a merfolk family called Pearlsong.
- Two-word family names for dwarves, halflings and gnomes, made from hand-picked words, such as Granitehelm, Honeybarrow or Gearwhistle.
- Place and trade names for humans, half-elves, half-orcs, vampires and werewolves, such as Ashford, Thornwick, Fletcher or Mason.
- One name only for tieflings, goblins, fairies, lizardfolk, catfolk, demons, ogres and trolls (unless you choose Funny). Tieflings sometimes take a word name instead, such as Hope or Ember.
Dragonborn names put the clan first, to show that family comes before self. Orcs, half-orcs, goliaths and minotaurs often carry a deed name after the given name, such as Stonecaller or Farwalker.
What the settings change
- Common: a plain given name and a family name, as the race's custom allows.
- Noble: mostly longer first names. More than half get a title (Lady, Lord, Duke, Warden, Heir…) and some an epithet such as "the Wise" or "Oathkeeper".
- Villain: about three names in four get a menacing epithet, such as "the Hollow" or "Ashmaker".
- Funny: silly family names such as Puddlekettle or Turnipboots, and about half get a comic epithet such as "the Mostly Brave".
- Gender: changes the name endings. Any mixes female, male and neutral names.
- Length: Short keeps first names to five letters or fewer; Long gives first names of 8 to 12 letters.
- Family & clan names: for races who use only one name, you get first names instead.
The page remembers your last settings, so next time it opens on the race and style you used.
Name your party, then test your ear
Name the party makes 4 to 6 heroes plus a group name, such as "The Lantern Foxes". Choose A mix to give each hero a different core race, or pick one race for a family or clan. Tick Same first letter for names that sound like they belong together. The party uses the style you chose above, so set Style to Villain first for a gang of rivals.
The Which race is this name from? quiz plays ten names. Each round offers four races with clearly different sounds, so a good ear can get them all. Your best score is kept in this browser.
Example names for the core races
| Race | Example names |
|---|---|
| Human | Osey Brewer · Bergaren Carter · Halwyn Marshfield · Helra Wrenbrook · Marys Moorton |
| Elf | Vynan Cellorin · Ivenara Haenavel · Vynor Sylavel · Levys Iriryn · Haenae Orinolyn |
| Dwarf | Ormur Stonedelver · Krageth Irondelver · Gledrik Fireheart · Dagruna Frostborn · Dunskardis Greymattock |
| Halfling | Belkin Warmtree · Jola Sweetpocket · Soptumly Littlepocket · Dotbelle Warmgather · Nellie Brackengather |
| Gnome | Tocko Bellgauge · Siftwyn Pocketnozzle · Thimles Boltgizmo · Sprockadoo Gadgetwick · Quilock Gearsprocket |
| Dragonborn | Daganekhet Ashuratumu · Khemankar Ashuris · Khemekhet Renek · Hrokung Dolgeth · Marankar Raem |
| Tiefling | Ember · Maken · Ishken · Zythez · Patience |
| Half-Elf | Litheth Longmore · Garwyn Highmore · Norra Archer · Elan Longgate · Emwin Hartworth |
| Half-Orc | Bashush Silverbourne · Muzog Stonewick · Fenedus Greenworth · Grukukha Northcott Wolfbiter · Kragra Brightworth |
| Orc | Shargek Grimmaw · Drubash Mudeye · Ghulek Gutscar Firestarter · Droga Grakuk · Dromurkog Blackcrusher Peakclimber |
| Goliath | Bergund Firevein · Thrunar Greymantle · Ullabraney Swiftglade Bearhugger · Tarain Branwyn Stonecaller · Daracuiled Swiftleaf Wolfbiter |
Tips for a great D&D character name
- Easy to say beats clever. Your table will say this name a hundred times. Use the respelling and the 🔊 button.
- Leave room for a nickname. A long name like Thaliendra gives your party a short one: "Thal".
- Let the name hint at the story. A noble name with no title says "disowned"; a funny name on a grim fighter says "there's a story there".
- Check the meaning. Our names are built from roots with meanings, which can inspire a backstory.
- Match your party. Name your party can give everyone the same first letter for a group that sounds like it belongs together.
Frequently asked questions
Is this D&D name generator free?
Yes, with no login, no AI and no limits. Names are made in your browser from word roots written for this site (a few sound styles borrow the feel of real languages), and famous names from books and games are blocked, so you can use them anywhere.
Which races are included?
All the core races (human, elf, dwarf, halfling, gnome, dragonborn, tiefling, half-elf, half-orc, orc, goliath) plus goblins, fairies, centaurs, giants, lizardfolk, merfolk, minotaurs, catfolk, demons, vampires, werewolves, ogres and trolls.
How do I say these names?
Each name has a respelling with the stressed syllable in capitals, such as "IH-ven-win". The 🔊 button reads it with your device's voice.
Can I get names for my own homebrew race?
Yes. Make the race's name in the Fantasy Race Name Generator, then pick the race here with the closest sound, or build the whole race in the Homebrew Race Builder.
How do I come up with a good D&D character name?
Start with your character's race and one word that sums them up. Pick the race here, choose the style that fits (Noble for a proud paladin, Funny for a clumsy bard) and press 10 new names until one feels right when you say it out loud. Star three or four, then pick the one you still like the next day.
Can I get only female or only male names?
Yes. Set Gender to Female, Male or Neutral. The race and style stay the same; only the name endings change.
Will I get a famous character's name?
We block a list of well-known names from books and games, and the example names printed in the official rulebooks, so the generator won't hand you a famous hero. Names are put together at random, though, so search any name before you publish it, just in case.
Can I share a list with my group?
Yes. Share list copies a link that opens the same names, with their respellings and meanings, so your table can vote. Favourites (up to 200) stay in this browser and can be shared from the ★ Favourites panel.
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