D&D Name Generator

A name generator that knows each race’s customs

In fifth edition D&D, a character’s name says a lot about where they come from. A dwarf introduces herself with her clan, a goliath is known by the nickname their tribe gave them, and a drow’s house name can open doors or start a knife fight. This generator treats each race separately. Every race has its own syllables, its own surname rules and, where it fits, an extra detail you can use at the table. All names are randomly generated, so you can drop them straight into a campaign.

How to use the generator

1. Choose a race, or leave it on Any race to fill a tavern or a city street with a mixed crowd.
2. Choose male or female. Many D&D races use names that work for anyone, so Any is a good default.
3. Pick Full name or First name only, set how many names you need and press Generate.
4. Read the note under each name: it adds a clan, house, translation or nickname you can build a backstory on.
5. Copy the list, or export it as CSV, JSON or TXT to keep in your campaign notes. Copy link saves your settings.

Naming conventions by race

Elf and half-elf names

Elves are traditionally called by a childhood name until they reach adulthood, around a century old, when they choose an adult name. Their family names have meanings, which is why every elf here comes with a translation. Half-elves grow up in one culture or the other and often take a name from whichever parent raised them, so the generator mixes a human given name with an elven surname, or the reverse. For deeper elf options, including high elf, wood elf and drow naming, try the dedicated elf name generator.

Dwarf and halfling names

For dwarves, the clan matters more than the person. A dwarf will name their clan almost immediately, and an insult to the clan is an insult to every member. Clan names here join a metal, stone or fire word with a craft or body word. Halflings keep things friendly: short given names and cheerful family names drawn from food, gardens and home.

Dragonborn names

Dragonborn put their clan first as a mark of honor, so a formal introduction is “clan, then given name”. Young dragonborn are also known by a childhood nickname that describes a habit or a memorable incident, and some keep it into adulthood. Each dragonborn result shows the formal order and a childhood name.

Tiefling and aasimar names

Tieflings either carry an infernal-sounding name inherited from their fiendish bloodline or pick a virtue name, a concept such as Hope, Vigil or Sorrow, to describe who they want to be. The tiefling name generator goes much further, with legacy options and surnames. Aasimar usually take the names of the culture that raised them, but some favor lighter, celestial sounds; each aasimar result includes the name of a celestial guide who speaks to them in dreams.

Goliath, orc and half-orc names

A goliath has three names: a birth name, a nickname earned from their tribe, and a clan name. Nicknames can change over a lifetime as a goliath earns new ones. Orc names are short and hard, full of g, k and r sounds; the generator adds the tribe the orc belongs to. Half-orcs raised among humans often use a human name, so about half of the half-orc results pair an orc given name with a human surname.

Drow names

Drow society is ruled by noble houses led by matron mothers, so a drow’s house is the first thing other drow want to know. Female names tend to be longer and more ornate than male names. Every drow result names the house it belongs to.

A note on the 2024 rules

The 2024 Player’s Handbook renames races to species, adds orcs and goliaths to the core list, and drops half-elves and half-orcs as separate options, suggesting instead that a character of mixed heritage picks the game traits of one parent. None of that changes how names work, and older books remain popular, so all 13 options stay available here.

Tips for Dungeon Masters

• Keep a name bank. Before a session, generate 20 names for each race likely to appear and export them. When players ask the innkeeper’s name, you won’t freeze.
• Make names easy to say at the table. Players will shorten anything longer than three syllables. Give a drow matron a long name, but give the blacksmith a short one.
• Use surnames to show family ties. Two NPCs from the same dwarf clan or drow house instantly suggest a connection, or a rivalry.
• Vary first letters. If your party already includes a Kael and a Kira, reroll the next K name.

This is an independent, unofficial tool. Names are generated from original syllable lists and are not taken from official books; Dungeons & Dragons is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast, which is not affiliated with this page.

Frequently asked questions