How to use the gnome name generator
- Pick a lineage, or leave it on Any. Rock gnomes are tinkers, so their clan names and nicknames sound like gears and springs. Forest gnomes live among moss, mushrooms and birds.
- Choose what to show: full gnome names, what friends call them, given names, clan names, or nicknames on their own.
- Choose how many nicknames a full name carries: one, two or three.
- Keep the best ones. Star them, copy or download the list, or share it with your group.
How gnome names work
Gnomes live for centuries, and they're curious about everything, so their names grow with them. In our generator a gnome has:
- A given name, short and bouncy, built from cheerful roots such as "spark", "quill" or "nimble": Coilella, Tockadoo, Thimwyn.
- A clan name made of two words that suit the lineage, such as Boltsprocket for rock gnomes or Cloverbuckle for forest gnomes.
- Nicknames, given by family and friends after something memorable. A gnome may answer to all of them, and may introduce themself with a different one each time.
The free D&D rules (SRD 5.1) say gnomes settle into adult life around 40 and can live from 350 to almost 500 years, which is plenty of time to earn a nickname or two. The 2024 rules (SRD 5.2) name two gnome lineages, forest gnome and rock gnome, and our two lineages follow them.
Rock gnome and forest gnome names
| Lineage | Full names | Clan names |
|---|---|---|
| Rock gnome (tinkers) | Fizzy “Spanner” “Kettlebang” Boltwhistle · Bimywick “Kettlebang” “Gearbiscuit” Bellwick · Fribi “Clockwink” “Fizzwhistle” Cognozzle | Boltsprocket, Coggizmo, Tinkerwick, Puzzlespindle, Tinkernozzle |
| Forest gnome (woodland) | Fizzles “Squirrelchatter” “Leafwhistle” Fernroot · Wobywick “Mossbeard” “Bramblebun” Acornthimble · Jinkix “Birdsong” “Dewdrop” Brookthimble | Cloverbuckle, Brookbuckle, Brackenthimble, Hazelthimble, Birchbell |
All gnome nicknames
Rock gnomes earn nicknames in the workshop, so theirs sound like tools and gadgets. Forest gnomes earn them outdoors, among birds, berries and burrows. Here is every nickname our generator can give:
| Lineage | Nicknames |
|---|---|
| Rock gnome (tinkers) | Bellbright, Two-Bolts, Fizzwhistle, Spanner, Tinkertoes, Gizmo, Ticktock, Pocketwatch, Brassbuckle, Whirligig, Springheel, Glimmerglass, Clockwink, Gearbiscuit, Kettlebang, Wobblewheel, Sparkfinger, Oilcan |
| Forest gnome (woodland) | Mossbeard, Toadstool, Acorn, Fernwhisk, Owlet, Puddlejump, Berrystain, Twigsnap, Hedgehop, Leafwhistle, Burrowbright, Dewdrop, Snailshell, Thimbleberry, Squirrelchatter, Birdsong, Pinecone, Bramblebun |
A gnome rarely chooses which nickname sticks. Friends pick the funniest one, family picks the oldest, and a gnome's rivals always pick the one the gnome likes least.
Earn a nickname
The game under the list starts you with one gnome. Press Earn a nickname and your gnome gets a new nickname, with the story behind it, up to six. Watch the name grow: a gnome with six nicknames is a gnome with six stories to tell at the tavern. Some of the stories:
- After the fireworks that spelled a rude word by accident.
- After getting lost in their own workshop.
- After inventing a spoon that stirs itself.
- After the music box that played backwards.
Female and male gnome names
- Female: Coilella, Tockadoo, Thimwyn, Wobywick, Tinkadoo, Fribwyn, Iddyadoo, Fizzella.
- Male: Siftnab, Fizzer, Nacko, Zipnab, Fizznab, Gerrino, Nimer, Tockibus.
Tips for naming your gnome
- Pick one name for the table. A full gnome name is long. Choose What friends call them for the short name your party will use.
- Every nickname is a story. If your gnome is called "Kettlebang", be ready to explain what happened to the kettle.
- Funny works. Gnomes love jokes, so a silly nickname on a serious wizard is part of the fun.
- Match the lineage to the character. A rock gnome artificer, a forest gnome druid: the clan name tells the table before you do.
- Let the party add a nickname. After your first big adventure, ask the group what your gnome should be called now.
Frequently asked questions
How do gnome names work in D&D?
In our generator a gnome has a given name, a clan name and several nicknames from family and friends. The customs and every name are our own, built for this site.
Why do gnomes have so many names?
They live for centuries and love a good story. Each nickname marks something that happened, so a gnome's full name is a little like a diary.
What is the difference between rock and forest gnome names?
Rock gnomes are tinkers, so their names sound like gears, bells and springs. Forest gnomes live in the woods, with names of moss, acorns and birds.
Can I get funny gnome names?
Yes. Most nicknames are playful already, such as Kettlebang or Berrystain. Choose Nicknames to see a list of them.
How long can a gnome's name get?
As long as the gnome's life is interesting. A young gnome may have one nickname; an old adventurer may have a dozen, and recite them all at a wedding. For play, keep two or three in the full name and use the others as stories: our nickname game stops at six, which is already a mouthful.
What do I call my gnome at the table?
Pick one short name, usually the given name or the nickname your party likes best. Choose What friends call them to see which one a gnome's friends might use.
Are these names from the rulebooks?
No. Every name is made by our generator, and we block the rulebook example names and famous names from books and games.
Can I share a list?
Yes. Share list copies a link to the same names, and Copy in the nickname game copies your gnome's full name.
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