The sound of a female elf name
Female elf names here usually end on a vowel or a soft cluster: -wen, -iel, -ara, -essa, -thea. That open ending is what gives them their trailing, almost sung quality. Say Maewen and then Maedor and you'll hear the difference straight away.
The endings carry meanings of their own. -wen is maiden, -essa is lady, -riel is crown, -thea is seer and -ielle is songbird. Put one after a start like Elar (dawn) or Ili (silver) and you get names such as Elariel, “crown of the dawn”, and Ilithea, “seer of silver”.
How long should the name be?
Elves are often given long names, and three or four syllables is normal for a high elf. Long names look lovely on the page but can be a chore to say every session. If you're torn, keep the long one as her formal name and let her friends shorten it. Taelynith becomes Lyn; Faelira becomes Fae. A short form also gives you a nice moment in a story when a stranger, or an enemy, uses her full name.
Female names by elf type
- High elf: flowing and formal. Expect names like Elariel, Quelanna and Caelessa.
- Wood elf: short and bright, built on plants and birds, such as Myrwen, Hazelyn and Wrenia.
- Dark elf: sharp and silky at the same time, often ending in -ra, -vrae or -ylth. Zilvrae, “queen of whispers”, is a good example.
- Sea elf: watery and light, with endings like -ine, -ora and -ena. Try Corine, Marwen or Neressa.
Twenty female elf names and their meanings
A sample from the generator, built when this page was last updated. Press Generate above for a fresh list.
| Name | Type and meaning |
|---|---|
| Larkanwyn | Wood elf · “joy of the great lark” |
| Fenath | Wood elf · “whisper of the fen” |
| Vorithra | Dark elf · “secret of the depths” |
| Thaloel | Sea elf · “child of tides” |
| Selys | Sea elf · “wave of seals” |
| Vexithra | Dark elf · “secret of spite” |
| Nyxryn | Dark elf · “thorn of night” |
| Larkia | Wood elf · “rose of the lark” |
| Nerewen | Sea elf · “maiden of water” |
| Ilmira | High elf · “keeper of the heights” |
| Birwen | Wood elf · “maiden of the birch” |
| Pelorys | Sea elf · “wave of high shells” |
| Eoliel | Sea elf · “child of the wind” |
| Lorithe | Sea elf · “foam of shores” |
| Nevith | Wood elf · “whisper of snow” |
| Olalia | High elf · “bloom of the dream” |
| Caelawen | Sea elf · “maiden of the sky” |
| Hazys | Wood elf · “wave of the hazel” |
| Cylolyn | Wood elf · “pool of the moss” |
| Xarylth | Dark elf · “silk of ash” |
Questions
What are some pretty female elf names?
Try Elariel, “crown of the dawn”, Ilithea, “seer of silver”, or Marwen, “maiden of the sea”. Press Generate for plenty more, each with its own meaning.
Are these names only for female characters?
They lean female because of their endings, but nothing stops you using them for anyone. Choose Neutral for endings that suit any character.
Can I use a name for a baby or a pet?
Of course. Say it out loud a few times first, and keep in mind that some of the dark elf names were made to sound a little menacing.
Do the meanings change each time?
No. Each word part always means the same thing, so a name always keeps its meaning.