Naming Conventions Across Fantasy Races
In fantasy worldbuilding, names are one of the strongest tools for making different races and cultures feel distinct. An elf name should sound different from a dwarf name, which should sound different from an orc name — even if the reader can't explain why. Here's how to achieve that through phonetic patterns and naming conventions.
Quick Reference by Race
| Race | Key Sounds | Feel | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elves | l, th, r, n + vowel clusters | Lyrical, flowing | Galadriel, Elowen, Caelith |
| Dwarves | K, G, D, B, R + short vowels | Hard, guttural | Gimli, Thorin, Bruenor |
| Orcs | G, K, R, Z + explosive stops | Aggressive, primal | Grommash, Azog, Thrall |
| Humans | Varies by culture | Broadest range | Edmund, Ragnar, Khalid |
| Halflings | Soft, homey English sounds | Warm, domestic | Bilbo, Samwise, Rosie |
| Gnomes | Whimsical syllable combos | Playful, long | Fizzwidget, Tinkerbolt |
| Dragonborn | S, Sh, Th + hard K, X, R | Ancient, powerful | Salaazar, Kriv, Balasar |
| Tieflings | Infernal or abstract virtue | Dark or aspirational | Zariel, Hope, Torment |
Elven Names
Elven names across most fantasy traditions share a lyrical, flowing quality that reflects the race's association with beauty, nature, and longevity.
| Subtype | Style | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| High Elves | Longer, formal | Galadriel, Celebrimbor, Arannis, Thalindra |
| Wood Elves | Shorter, nature-adjacent | Fern, Thistledown, Elowen, Caelith |
| Dark Elves / Drow | Harsher, apostrophes | Drizzt, Malice, Viconia, Jarlaxle |
Phonetics: Heavy use of "l," "th," "r," "n," and vowel clusters. Soft consonants, open syllables. Elven names should feel like they could be sung — if it flows when spoken aloud, it works.
Dwarven Names
Dwarven names are typically short, hard, and guttural — reflecting the race's connection to stone, metal, and practical craftsmanship.
- Given names: Gimli, Thorin, Bruenor, Durin, Khelgar, Brokk, Dagna
- Clan / craft names: Ironforge, Stonehammer, Oakenshield, Battlehammer
- Norse influence: Tolkien famously pulled his dwarf names directly from the Prose Edda
Tip: Dwarven names should sound like they're carved in stone. If it sounds good shouted across a forge, it fits.
Orcish and Goblin Names
Orc names emphasize aggression, power, and primal energy.
| Type | Examples | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Orc given names | Grommash, Thrall, Azog, Bolg, Urguk, Grishnak | Harsh gutturals, grunted syllables |
| Earned titles | Hellscream, Doomhammer, Skullcrusher | Combat-based, aspirational |
| Goblin names | Nott, Skizz, Grubble, Snaggle | Shorter, quicker-sounding |
Tip: Orc names should feel like a war cry. Say it with force — if it sounds menacing, you're on track.
Human Names in Fantasy
Human names in fantasy have the most range, often reflecting the real-world culture that inspired the fictional one.
| Inspiration | Examples | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Medieval European | Edmund, Aldric, Isolde, Gwendolyn | Classic kingdoms, feudal settings |
| Viking / Norse | Ragnar, Bjorn, Freya, Astrid | Northern, warrior cultures |
| Arabian / Persian | Khalid, Zahir, Yasmin, Nasir | Desert kingdoms, trade empires |
| East Asian | Kenji, Li Wei, Sakura, Hana | Martial arts, imperial settings |
Tip: Match your human naming to the culture you're drawing from. Mixing naming traditions randomly within a single culture breaks immersion.
Halfling and Gnome Names
Small folk get names that are warm, domestic, and often slightly comical.
| Race | Given Names | Surnames | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halflings | Bilbo, Frodo, Samwise, Pippin, Rosie, Marigold | Proudfoot, Gamgee, Took | Simple, rural English feel |
| Gnomes | Fizzwidget, Tinkerbolt, Gimble Wobblecog | Sparkwhistle, Cogspin | Long, whimsical, multi-syllabic |
Dragonborn and Reptilian Names
Draconic names draw from a specific phonetic palette that evokes ancient power.
- Phonetics: Sibilant sounds (S, Sh, Th), hard stops (K, X), and rolling R's. Often multisyllabic with weight.
- Given names: Salaazar, Kriv, Balasar, Rhogar, Farideh, Mehen
- Clan names: Translate to draconic concepts — Delmirev (bronze), Kerrhylon (night)
Tiefling and Infernal Names
Tieflings — beings with fiendish heritage — typically choose names from one of three traditions.
| Tradition | Examples | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Infernal | Mephistopheles, Zariel, Asmodeus | Leaning into fiendish heritage |
| Virtue | Hope, Carrion, Creed, Torment, Poetry, Art | Defining their own identity |
| Cultural | Varies by upbringing | Rejecting the infernal connection |
Building Your Own Naming Conventions
When creating names for a custom race or species:
- Define 3-5 allowed consonant clusters and 2-3 common vowel sounds. This creates a phonetic identity.
- Set syllable length rules: One-syllable names feel blunt and martial. Three-syllable names feel elegant or scholarly.
- Create naming traditions: Patronymics? Clan names? Earned names? Childhood vs. adult names?
- Write 20 names using your rules before picking your favorites. The first few are always generic — the good ones come after you internalize the patterns.