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D&D Name Generator

Character names for every Dungeons & Dragons 5e race, in the naming style each people uses, with the meaning of every part. Pick a race and roll.

Choose a race

More types

How many names

Small grey words under each name are the meaning of that part. Tap the star to keep a name.

RotonfametownHollowworthhollowenclosure
VialifesheBrandwoodburntwood
GarricspearrulerBlackwoodblackwood
SawenprincessfairHollowfieldhollowfield
AlbertnoblebrightAshholtash treegrove
RoessarosegraceBlackridgeblackridge
AdinenoblelittleStonefieldstonefield
BrinastrengthgraceHollowtonhollowtown
HelinelightlittleRedfieldredfield
RoaldfameruleHarttonstagtown

Describe them, get a name

For when the random roll isn't quite right. Tell the Name Forge who they are and it suggests eight names with reasons. Runs only when you press the button.

AI suggestions via Vercel AI Gateway. The generator above keeps working without it.

Naming customs by race

HumanGrounded, medieval-flavoured human names with surnames made from real English place-name elements.ElfFlowing, vowel-rich elven names built from glossed roots, so every result comes with a meaning you can use in a backstory.DwarfShort, hard-edged dwarven names with a clan name, because to a dwarf the clan comes before the self.HalflingWarm, homely halfling names with family names that sound like a well-kept garden.GnomeBouncy, playful gnome names. Gnomes pick up extra names from relatives, so some results carry two.Half-ElfHalf-elves often carry names from both parents. Each result shows which half came from which side.Half-OrcA half-orc's name shows where they grew up. Each result says which culture each part comes from.TieflingInfernal names and virtue names, the two ways tieflings are named in D&D.DragonbornRolling, forceful Draconic names with the clan name that dragonborn put first.DrowSibilant, sharp-edged dark elf names paired with a noble house, for Underdark intrigue.AasimarBright, celestial given names, with a human family name from the parents who raised them.OrcGuttural orc names with the deed-name the tribe gave them. Every piece is glossed.TabaxiTabaxi names are small poems plus a clan. We also give you the short nickname you'll say at the table.FirbolgSoft, rooted names for gentle forest giants, some with the epithet their clan uses.GenasiPick an element and get names built from roots for wind, stone, flame or tide.KenkuKenku cannot invent speech, so their names are sounds they can copy.GoblinSnappy, slightly ridiculous goblin names, some with the nickname the warband gave them.WarforgedChosen names from a role or trait, or the designation stamped on them in the Last War.

Getting a D&D name right

Each people in D&D has its own sound. The Player's Handbook gives sample names for every race, and they follow real patterns: dwarves have short, Norse-flavoured names and clan names; elves have long, flowing names; tieflings choose either an Infernal name or a "virtue name" like Hope or Torment. This generator follows those customs so your name sounds right to anyone who has read the books.

A name also has to work at the table. Keep it pronounceable, avoid sharing a first letter with another party member, and consider a short form your friends can shout mid-combat.

D&D name questions

How do I pick a D&D character name?

Start with your race's naming style, then check it against the rest of the party: different first letters, different lengths. Say it out loud three times. If it feels awkward, roll again.

What are the D&D 5e races?

The Player's Handbook lists dwarf, elf, halfling, human, dragonborn, gnome, half-elf, half-orc and tiefling. Later books add many more, including aasimar, firbolg, genasi, goblin, kenku, tabaxi and warforged, all covered here.

Can I use a name from this site in D&D Beyond or Roll20?

Yes. Copy the name and paste it into your character sheet on any platform.

What if my DM wants names that fit the setting?

Tell the Name Forge the setting and culture, e.g. "a Calishite merchant", and it will match the style.

Do surnames matter in D&D?

Not by the rules, but a family or clan name is a free hook for your DM: a rival house, an estranged uncle, an old debt.