How Genshin Impact Builds Names From Real Cultures
One of Genshin Impact's cleverest design choices is mapping each nation to real-world cultural and linguistic traditions. Mondstadt sounds German, Liyue sounds Chinese, Inazuma sounds Japanese — and this extends deep into naming conventions. Understanding this system is the key to creating OC names that feel like they actually belong in Teyvat.
HoYoverse doesn't just slap random fantasy syllables together. Every playable character's name carries meaning rooted in their nation's real-world inspiration. Zhongli references geological concepts in Chinese. Kazuha means "harmony and leaf" in Japanese. Fischl... well, Fischl named herself after a fictional princess, which is its own kind of lore-accurate naming.
The Seven Nations, Seven Naming Systems
Each region in Teyvat follows distinct naming rules. Getting these right is the difference between an OC that feels canon and one that feels like a placeholder.
Mondstadt: Germanic Warmth
Mondstadt draws from German, Old English, and Central European naming traditions. The names tend to feel warm and accessible — fitting for a nation themed around freedom and wind. Albedo, Klee, Fischl (self-named), and Mona all carry that European flavor without being aggressively German. Surnames like Gunnhildr and Ragnvindr add Norse-Germanic gravitas for noble families.
The trick with Mondstadt names: they should sound like they could exist in a fairytale. Not ultra-modern, not completely archaic. That sweet spot where "Kaeya" and "Diluc" live.
Liyue: Chinese Meaning-Making
Liyue naming follows Chinese conventions where every character (syllable) carries specific meaning. Ningguang (凝光) means "condensed light." Xiangling (香菱) references fragrance and water chestnuts. This isn't decorative — in Chinese naming tradition, the meaning IS the name.
For OCs, two-syllable given names are standard. Meaning should reference nature, virtues, celestial bodies, or concepts fitting the character. Adepti names break convention entirely — they use poetic descriptive names like Cloud Retainer and Mountain Shaper.
Inazuma: Japanese Formality
Inazuma uses Japanese naming structure: family name first, given name second. Kamisato Ayaka, Kaedehara Kazuha, Sangonomiya Kokomi. The family names carry weight and social status — Kujou, Hiiragi, and Kamisato are the big three Inazuman clans.
Japanese names in Genshin often reference nature and seasons. Kazuha (和葉) relates to harmony and leaves. Kokomi (心海) means "heart of the sea." When creating Inazuma OCs, pick kanji meanings that reflect your character's personality or Vision.
Sumeru, Fontaine, and Beyond
Sumeru blends Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, and Egyptian influences — fitting for a nation of scholars spanning a desert and rainforest. Fontaine goes full French with theatrical flair. Natlan draws from Indigenous American and African traditions. Snezhnaya uses Russian for civilians and Italian (commedia dell'arte names) for Fatui Harbingers.
The later nations give you even more creative space because there are fewer playable characters to compare against. A Natlan OC just needs to feel rhythmic and culturally grounded; a Snezhnaya civilian needs that Slavic crispness.
Vision and Name: The Subtle Connection
Genshin never explicitly ties Vision elements to naming, but patterns emerge. Cryo users tend to have cooler, more composed-sounding names (Ganyu, Eula, Ayaka). Pyro users run warmer and more energetic (Klee, Yoimiya, Dehya). It's not a rule — it's a vibe.
When naming your OC, consider how the name's sound echoes their element:
- Anemo names breathe: Open vowels, light consonants. Think how "Kazuha" and "Sucrose" feel airy.
- Geo names ground: Solid consonants, weighty syllables. "Zhongli" and "Ningguang" have gravitas.
- Electro names spark: Sharp sounds, quick rhythm. "Keqing" and "Raiden" have snap to them.
- Hydro names flow: Smooth, elegant, slightly long. "Neuvillette" and "Nilou" glide.
Common OC Naming Mistakes
The Genshin fandom has made every naming mistake in the book. Here are the ones to dodge:
- Mixing regional linguistics: A Liyue character with a Japanese name breaks the world-building. Each region has its own language family — stick to it.
- Going too real-world: "Hans" could work in Mondstadt. "Hans-Jürgen Müller" is too literally German. Genshin names feel cultural but still fantastical.
- Ignoring syllable patterns: Genshin names tend to be 2-4 syllables. Monstrously long names don't fit the aesthetic unless they're Adepti titles.
- Meaningless names: In Teyvat, names carry meaning — especially in Liyue, Inazuma, and Sumeru. Random cool syllables miss the depth that makes Genshin naming work.
Using the Generator
Start with your character's region — that determines the entire linguistic framework. Add a Vision element and role for more specific results. Each generated name includes the cultural meaning and a character concept to help build your OC's backstory. For broader fantasy naming beyond Teyvat, our Fantasy Character Name Generator covers more general settings, and the Japanese Name Generator goes deeper on Inazuma-style naming specifically.
