The Art of Witcher Naming
Andrzej Sapkowski built something unusual with The Witcher — a fantasy world where names actually follow consistent linguistic rules. The Continent isn't a generic medieval Europe clone; it's a deliberately Slavic-rooted world where Northern kingdoms sound Polish, Nilfgaard sounds Dutch-Latin, and Skellige sounds Norse. If your character's name doesn't fit these patterns, it'll feel off — like ordering a croissant at a pierogi shop.
The genius of Witcher naming is in the layers. Geralt is simple and blunt — perfect for a man who solves problems with a sword. Yennefer is elegant with an edge — perfect for a sorceress who will charm you and curse you in the same breath. Emhyr var Emreis is elaborate and imperious — perfect for an emperor. The name tells you who someone is before they say a word.
Social Station Shapes Names
The Continent's naming conventions are deeply tied to class, and The Witcher doesn't shy away from that reality:
- Witchers lose their surnames: When a boy arrives at Kaer Morhen or another witcher school, he sheds his family name. He becomes just "Geralt" or "Eskel" — defined by his profession, not his bloodline. This creates a deliberate simplicity. Witcher names are short, punchy, and slightly lonely.
- Sorceresses choose their names: Most mages in the Witcher universe come from humble origins and reinvent themselves. Yennefer was born in poverty. Triss Merigold added the geographic surname. Names become armor — projecting beauty and power to mask mundane beginnings.
- Nobles stack titles: The more powerful you are, the longer your name. "Emhyr var Emreis, Deithwen Addan yn Carn aep Morvudd" — that's not a name, it's a political statement. Particles like "var" (blood of), "aep" (child of), and "an" (of clan) carry genealogical weight.
- Peasants keep it simple: Farmers and tradespeople get practical names. Sometimes just a first name, sometimes a descriptor — the blacksmith, the herbalist. No need for grandeur when you're trying to survive the next monster attack.
The Regions of the Continent
Where a character is from determines how their name should sound. The Continent's regions each draw from different real-world linguistic traditions:
| Region | Linguistic Roots | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Kingdoms | Polish, Czech, Slavic | Practical, grounded, slightly rough |
| Nilfgaard | Dutch, Latin | Formal, imperial, elaborate |
| Skellige | Old Norse, Gaelic | Fierce, sea-salt, clan-proud |
| Toussaint | French, Italian | Romantic, lighthearted, wine-soaked |
| Elven (Elder Speech) | Welsh, Celtic | Ancient, melancholic, flowing |
Skellige Deserves Its Own Section
Skellige naming follows a Norse-Gaelic patronymic system that's more complex than the mainland. The "an" particle means "of (clan)" — Crach an Craite, Birna an Skellig. Clan identity matters more than personal names on the isles. A Skellige name should sound like it was forged in a storm and could survive one too.
First names skew Norse: Hjalmar, Cerys, Lugos, Bran. They're shorter and harder-edged than mainland names. These are people who settle arguments by punching, drink mead competitively, and consider dying in battle to be a good Tuesday. Their names should match that energy.
Non-Human Names on the Continent
The Witcher's non-human races aren't just humans with pointy ears — their naming conventions reflect genuinely different cultures:
- Elves speak the Elder Speech: Welsh and Celtic influences create flowing, musical names — Iorveth, Filavandrel, Isengrim Faoiltiarna. There's an inherent sadness to elven naming in The Witcher, fitting for a civilization watching itself slowly die out. Long names with many syllables, heavy on vowels and liquid consonants.
- Dwarves sound Scottish-Irish: Unlike Tolkien's Germanic dwarves, Witcher dwarves have a Celtic working-class feel. Zoltan Chivay, Yarpen Zigrin, Dennis Cranmer — these names belong to people who mine, fight, and drink with equal enthusiasm.
- Halflings blend in: Witcher halflings tend to have names that could pass as human, reflecting their cultural assimilation. They're the least linguistically distinct non-human group.
Tips for Authentic Witcher Names
- Use Polish pronunciation as a guide: Many Northern Kingdom names follow Polish phonetics. "Sz" sounds like "sh," "cz" sounds like "ch," "w" sounds like "v." Understanding this makes names feel right when spoken aloud.
- Match name length to social class: The more important the character, the longer the full name. A peasant gets one name. A king gets four. A witcher gets one by choice — that says something about where they stand.
- Sapkowski referenced real history: Many Witcher names are modified versions of real Slavic, Celtic, or Germanic names. Grounding your creation in real etymology adds authenticity.
- The games and show expanded the palette: CD Projekt Red added names that lean slightly more accessible than the books. If you're naming for a game campaign, you have more flexibility than if you're writing book-accurate fan fiction.
Using the Generator
Start with character type — a witcher, a sorceress, and a Skellige warrior need completely different name structures. Add a region to lock in the linguistic palette. The tone slider helps distinguish between the dark, gritty Northern Kingdoms and the sunlit vineyards of Toussaint — same continent, vastly different naming energy.
For more Slavic-influenced fantasy naming, our Fantasy Character Name Generator covers broader fantasy settings. If you're building a full tabletop party in a Witcher-inspired world, the D&D Name Generator handles classic RPG naming conventions.
