What makes an elf name sound male
In most fantasy settings, elf names don't split neatly into male and female the way English names do. What changes is mostly the ending. On this site, male names tend to finish on a firm consonant: -ion, -or, -dir, -ric, -andil. Female names usually end on a vowel or a softer sound.
Each ending has a meaning. -ion is son, -or is lord, -dir is guardian, -rian is king and -andil is friend. So Elarion is “son of the dawn” and Quelandil is “friend of silence”, which already tells you a little about who they are.
Male endings by elf type
The endings change with the type of elf, and that's the quickest way to get the right feel:
- High elf: -ion, -or, -dir, -thir, -rian, -andil. Long and courtly.
- Wood elf: -an, -ric, -dor, -ven. Shorter, with a hunter's edge.
- Dark elf: -rak, -vir, -oth, -zar, -dyl. Clipped and a little dangerous.
- Sea elf: -is, -eus, -on, -dris. Rolling, like something called out over the sound of the surf.
Titles and epithets
Plenty of famous elves are known as much by a title as by their name. Once you've found a name you like, try giving him one. It can come from a deed (“the Unbowed”), a place (“of the Silver Vale”) or from the name's own meaning. If your elf's name means “warden of the deer”, it makes sense that his home village calls him the Deerwarden, and it gives other characters something to call him besides his full name.
Twenty male 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 |
|---|---|
| Lorenion | Sea elf · “son of young shores” |
| Tavidor | Wood elf · “warden of the meadow” |
| Shelan | Sea elf · “born of sand” |
| Shelos | Sea elf · “breath of sand” |
| Seloris | Sea elf · “breath of high seals” |
| Sheledris | Sea elf · “storm of sand” |
| Neraen | Sea elf · “born of ancient water” |
| Elenanmir | High elf · “jewel of great stars” |
| Kyrxun | Dark elf · “hunger of iron” |
| Aqis | Sea elf · “breath of the blue water” |
| Elarian | High elf · “king of the dawn” |
| Ilithduil | High elf · “shadow of wise silver” |
| Naeth | Sea elf · “whisper of currents” |
| Shelion | Sea elf · “son of sand” |
| Findir | High elf · “guardian of dew” |
| Ilmelthir | High elf · “watcher of the starry heights” |
| Ulaus | Sea elf · “voyager of salt” |
| Zilryn | Dark elf · “thorn of whispers” |
| Lirildir | High elf · “guardian of pale song” |
| Loriros | Sea elf · “rain of shores” |
Questions
What is a good male elf name?
One that's easy to say, fits the elf's type and doesn't clash with your other characters. Elarion, Thalor and Faendil are classic high elf styles, while Coric or Tamdor feel more like wood elves.
Do male elves have family names?
Usually. High and sea elves have an elvish family name with its own meaning, wood elves use plain words such as Oakstrider, and dark elves belong to a noble house.
Can I use these names in Dungeons & Dragons?
Yes. They work in any tabletop game, including D&D and Pathfinder, for elf, half-elf and eladrin characters.
How many names can I make?
As many as you like. Press Generate, or tap G on your keyboard, for a fresh batch, and use the arrows to go back to earlier ones.