Dwarven names carry weight. Unlike the flowing elegance of elven names or the variety of human names, dwarf names are forged like steel—hard, enduring, and full of meaning. Understanding dwarven naming conventions can add tremendous depth to your characters and worldbuilding.
The Structure of Dwarven Names
Most dwarven names follow a consistent pattern across fantasy settings:
- Given Name — The personal name, usually 1-2 syllables with hard consonants
- Clan Name — The family or clan lineage, often a compound word
- Craft-Name (optional) — An epithet earned through deeds or profession
"Thorin Oakenshield" demonstrates all three elements: Thorin (given), implicitly of Durin's line (clan), Oakenshield (craft-name earned in battle).
Given Names: Sounds of Stone
Dwarven given names favor hard consonants that echo through mountain halls: K, G, T, D, R, and B sounds dominate. Names are typically short and punchy—easy to shout across a forge or battlefield.
Common Male Name Endings
Common Female Name Endings
Clan Names: Legacy in Stone
Dwarven clan names typically describe either a notable ancestor's deed or the clan's traditional craft. These compound names paint a picture of family history.
Deed-Based Clan Names
- Dragonbane — Ancestors who slew dragons
- Giantslayer — Famous for defeating giants
- Darkdelver — Explored the deepest caverns
- Oathkeeper — Known for unwavering honor
Craft-Based Clan Names
- Ironforge — Master smiths
- Stonehammer — Renowned miners or masons
- Goldbeard — Wealthy merchants or goldsmiths
- Alebrewer — Famous for their beverages
Craft-Names: Earned Honors
Unlike clan names inherited at birth, craft-names are earned through personal achievement. A dwarf might go their whole life without one, or earn multiple throughout their centuries-long lifespan.
Craft-names often replace or supplement clan names in casual use. A dwarf known as "Balin Trollslayer" might rarely mention his clan name because his personal reputation speaks louder.
Naming Across Settings
Tolkien's Dwarves
Tolkien drew from Old Norse for his dwarven names. Many names from the Poetic Edda appear in his works: Thorin, Dwalin, Balin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Ori, Nori, Dori, Oin, Gloin, and Fili/Kili all derive from Norse dwarf names.
D&D Dwarves
Dungeons & Dragons expands on Tolkien's foundation while adding unique elements. Shield Dwarves favor Germanic sounds, while Gold Dwarves incorporate harder, more guttural elements.
Warhammer Dwarfs
Warhammer leans heavily into Scottish and Germanic influences, with names like Thorgrim Grudgebearer and Gotrek Gurnisson emphasizing the martial culture.
Creating Authentic Dwarf Names
- Use hard consonants — K, G, T, D, R dominate
- Keep it short — 1-3 syllables maximum
- Consider heritage — What has the clan accomplished?
- Earn the epithet — Don't start with a craft-name; earn it
- Say it aloud — It should sound like stone striking stone