Naming characters is one of the most fun -- and most frustrating -- parts of building an RPG. A good name makes a character stick in the player's memory for years. A bad name breaks immersion the second it appears in a dialogue box. The difference between a forgettable NPC and a legendary villain often comes down to what you call them. Here are 100 names organized by archetype to get you started, plus tips for creating your own when you need something specific.
Warriors & Knights
Strong, grounded names that sound like they belong on a battlefield.
- Kael Ironfist
- Brynn Stoneshield
- Theron Ashblade
- Valdris the Unyielding
- Rowan Halvard
- Draven Warcrest
- Sigra Hammerfall
- Torvun Blackhelm
- Elric Dawnguard
- Maeven Shieldborn
- Garrik the Steadfast
- Cyndra Steelvane
- Jorath Grimwall
- Brennik Oathsworn
- Haldra Thornmont
Mages & Sorcerers
Flowing, arcane-sounding names with a hint of mystery.
- Sylara Nightwhisper
- Aldric Emberveil
- Thessia Starweave
- Oriven the Unbound
- Lyssara Moonfire
- Caelith Frostscribe
- Fennara Gloomtide
- Zephyric Ashenwell
- Mirael Duskhollow
- Thandros Runekeeper
- Velith Spellgrave
- Isolara Wyrmtongue
- Nolwen the Grey
- Vashira Silkwind
- Elyndor Cindermist
Rogues & Assassins
Sharp, quick names that sound like they move in silence.
- Vex Shadowmere
- Lira Quickblade
- Dax Hollowstep
- Nyx Ashveil
- Corvin Blackthorn
- Sable Duskwalker
- Ren Slipknife
- Tavryn the Unseen
- Mira Foxglove
- Shade Morren
- Killian Smoke
- Zynara Nightfall
- Rask Hollowbone
- Ersa Palefinger
- Dren Whisperlock
Healers & Clerics
Gentle, radiant names that feel warm and protective.
- Sera Dawnlight
- Lysiel the Merciful
- Caelen Brightheart
- Aelora Sunveil
- Tiriel Goldleaf
- Maren Softsong
- Illara Gracewind
- Pelan the Mender
- Dorvina Stillwater
- Rosamund Lightbringer
- Solivane the Gentle
- Wynn Ashbloom
- Elowen Pearlmist
- Caleth Warmhaven
- Jessa Morningvale
Villains & Dark Lords
Names that make players dread the encounter.
- Malachar the Undying
- Vyrenth Doomcaller
- Nekros Ashborn
- Xareth the Hollow King
- Selvoth Blackflame
- Mordaine Gravesorrow
- Thraxis the Flayed
- Krynn Bloodthorn
- Ulvira the Pale
- Zarethos Blightcrown
- Vulgrath Soulrender
- Skariel Nightbane
- Morrun the Eyeless
- Drathul Corpsewake
- Ashevra Dreadmourne
NPCs & Townsfolk
Everyday names that feel lived-in. Your innkeepers, shopkeepers, and quest givers.
- Bram the Smith
- Elda Copperkettle
- Jorin Millbrook
- Tilda Barleycroft
- Orvil the Candlemaker
- Hester Widdow
- Calum Greenhollow
- Magrit Ashford
- Pip Tannerwick
- Gretcha Ironpot
- Aldous Mossbank
- Nollie Fairweather
- Dunric the Brewer
- Senna Hearthstone
- Bartol Redfield
Creatures & Beasts
Short, guttural names for monsters and wild creatures.
- Grothak
- Skarn
- Vexilith
- Ashenmaw
- Blight
- Thrusk
- Vorrag
- Cinderjaw
- Kraelith
- Murghast
Tips for Creating Your Own Names
Lists are great for getting unstuck, but eventually you'll need names tailored to your world. Here's how to make them.
- Combine real-world name fragments. Take the first syllable of one name and the last syllable of another. "Alexander" + "Isolde" could become "Alsolde" or "Isander." This gives you names that sound natural because they're built from real phonetic patterns, but they won't match anything in a search engine.
- Match the sound to the character. Harsh consonants like K, X, Z, and TH make names feel aggressive and threatening -- perfect for villains and warlords. Soft sounds like L, S, M, and W feel calm and gentle -- ideal for healers, sages, and peaceful NPCs. Say the name out loud and listen to how it feels before you commit to it.
- Keep them pronounceable. If you can't say it out loud without stumbling, your players can't either. And if they can't say it, they won't remember it. "Xyl'tharionvex" might look cool written down, but nobody at the table is going to say that more than once before they start calling the character "the lich guy."
- Use titles and epithets for important characters. "The Unyielding," "Doomcaller," "the Pale" -- these turn an ordinary name into something that sounds legendary. Titles also give players a hint about the character's reputation or abilities before they even interact with them. Save the big epithets for bosses and key NPCs.
- Stay consistent within cultures. Characters from the same region should have similar naming patterns. If your northern faction uses hard consonants and short syllables (Kael, Brynn, Theron), don't give one of them a name like Isolara Moonfire. Consistency makes your world feel cohesive and real.
- When in doubt, generate a bunch and pick favorites. Quantity beats quality in the brainstorming phase. Write down thirty names, circle the three you like, and throw the rest away. You'll find your best names faster by generating many candidates than by agonizing over a single one.
Our Name Generator has 8 categories and multiple language flavors -- great for sparking ideas when you're stuck.